There has been a long tradition of ringing tunes on sets of handbells, particularly around Christmastime. Ropley has a magnificent set of 32 handbells, which were replaced with new after the 2014 fire.
We would like to establish an adult team to ring these handbells this Christmas, and raise some money towards putting the six large bells back in the tower.
We are also interested in establishing a junior ‘after-school’ handbell club, and are looking for people who would be willing to help with that too.
The local region of the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain have agreed to deliver a workshop between 10.30am and 4.00pm on Saturday 30th September at St Peter’s Church to help get everyone started. To find out more visit our webpage: http://bellringing.co.uk/handbells.htm
Previous experience is not necessary as we can teach you the basics, sufficient to ring some simple tunes by Christmas. We’re also encouraging groups of new tune-ringers from other parishes across the area to come and bring their handbells too, so we’re expecting quite a large group and it should be a lot of fun!
One of these other groups comes from Easton. They have been loaned a set of handbells from Bishops Sutton which were in regular use up till about five years ago. They recently held a taster afternoon for ten ringers and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Roger Booth
07411 181 583