Handbells Report October 6th 2023.

We played our first full team concert of the Autumn season at St Johns Church hall in Ashbourne, for the Dovedale Women’s institute on Thursday October 5th.

The hall was warm and welcoming, and there was a large and appreciative audience. We were a little depleted in numbers – 5 members down, so we played a selection of pieces chosen for 3 octaves… some of which we had not played for some time. However, we settled quickly, and acquitted ourselves well.

We began with Ode to Joy, and varied the programme by playing the chimes (Chime Lullaby) and demonstrating various techniques in God’s Train and Shepherd’s Hay. We ended with one of our favourites – a rousing rendition of Resound and rejoice.

We also demonstrated some of the 12 bell pieces using the Haythorne Bells which we have borrowed.

The evening ended with a quiz – 20 questions based on a bells theme, cleverly compiled by a WI member, along with tea and cakes.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, with many of the audience expressing interest and wanting to have a go themselves. Many thanks to all involved.

Lynne