Out & About December 2017

OA feature

RINGING TECHNIQUES Each ringing technique produces different tonal qualities. The most common are:  The Tower swing produces difference in volume and is carried out by ringing the bell followed by an up and down arm motion.  Shaking the wrist to give a tinkling effect.  It is possible to mute of damp the bell using the thumb, table, shoulder or even a brush.  Four-in-hand technique is holding two bells in one hand and yet ringing one at a time.  Plucking the clapper to get a sharper tone.  Waving the bell from side to side creates a vibrato effect.  A hammer padded with cotton or leather is used to make a sharp ring.  An echo can be created by ringing the bell and touching the ring on the padded table.

two separate two-and-a-half-hour change ringing peals in one day. In 1902, she set off for America and, using this set of bells, introduced their music to the North American people, who took to them, and it remains a popular art form across the pond to this day. The regular performances that the Barfield Handbell Ringers take part in are a far cry from cold church belfries and Dianne says concerts they have performed in at both Guildford and Portsmouth cathedrals have been particularly special. One of the more memorable performances for Graham was at Milestones Museum, in Basingstoke. “We were set up outside the fire station in Milestones, with the full team. That was the nicest place as we were right next to the pub.” The Barfield team will be returning toplay at Milestones in December. Dianne explains: “We will take the smaller team for this, rather than the full team when you need the tables, as it is easier to move around. “The small team just needs some music stands and some handbells.” A concert with the full team require a series of tables with foam padding on which to rest the larger bells. The bells range in weight from a few ounces to 18 pounds, meaning the full team is not easily transported from place to place. Weddings are a prime example, where a team of four ringers are sent to create a peel of bells in lieu of the more traditional church bells. Now that wedding venues are so diverse, Graham notes, the group are in great demand. Some of their work can be challenging and Graham recounts how they were recently asked to make a recording for the Greenham: One Hundred Years of War & Peace celebrations – although it did not make the final cut. They were asked to record a version of The Embrace , which was used as the introductory piece and finale in the performance. Graham said: “We aren’t used to recording at an exact speed and keeping the speed the same all the way through was a bit tricky. “I was conducting away and trying to keep pace with the metronome. “We enjoyed the experience and I got to arrange a piece of music, which sounded good. We’ve even played it a couple of times since then.” The handbell group seems to be about more than simply playing music, with lots of banter between the team and outings to various

events and rallies, where as many as 800 people will ring together. There is little doubt that Dianne and Graham love what they do, as Dianne explains: “It kind of grows on you and you can’t escape.” Graham agrees: “You just keep doing it. It’s a continual challenge. What can I say? It is totally addictive.” The Barfield Handbell Ringers are always looking for new members, in particular the 30 to 40-year-old age group. Graham explains: “We’re trying to address the reputation that handbell ringing is just for older people by encouraging youngsters. We are playing a wider range of music to suit all tastes.” In their beginners/improver level team, there are four young people aged between 10 and 14, and the youngest member of the main team is 19, while the oldest is in their 80s. The group prides itself on being inclusive and has adapted bells known as bell plates, which are lighter and are used by children and those with dexterity or mobility issues. “As I said before, all you need to be able to do is count to four and tell your left from your right. Reading music can be an advantage, but it’s not essential,” says Graham. Dianne adds: “We can teach you the rest. It’s fun and enjoyable making music together. It’s a really good social activity, a lot of banter.” They both want everyone to “come along and have a go before you make your mind up”. The main group of the Barfield Handbell Ringers meet every Monday, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, the beginners every Wednesday, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, and the small ensemble meet, the first and third Thursday, from 7.30pm until 9pm. It costs £42 per year – which includes membership to the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain, and it is free for under 18s and those in full-time education. If taking part is not for you, it is possible to watch the Barfield Handbell Ringers play throughout December:  Saturday 2 – Yuletide Bonanza (3pm), St Mary’s Church, Thatcham  Sunday 3 – Beenham Christmas Lights  Saturday 9 – Christmas Market at Milestones Museum, Basingstoke  Sunday 10 – Civic Carol Service (4pm) St Mary’s Church, Thatcham For more details contact the secretary of the Barfield Handbell Ringers on 01635 867421 or barfieldbells@btinternet.com To find out more about handbell ringing visit www.hrgb.org.uk

OTHER GROUPS IN THE AREA:  Woolton Hill Handbell Ringers was set up in the mid-80s and currently has eight members. They meet on Thursday afternoons in St Thomas’ Church, Woolton Hill. nicole.bentham@yahoo.co.uk  The Lambourne Chimers who started in 2002 have a small team of eight ringers. lambournchimers@btinternet.com  Newtown and Burghclere Handbell Ringers are a team of nine ringers and have been going since the 1980s and meet on Monday afternoons. rachel.santer@outlook.com  Hampstead Norreys who started in 2001 have eleven ringers and 36 bells. They meet on Wednesday Bucklebury Church on Friday, December 1 and the Methodist Chapel, Hungerford on Firday, December 8 handbells@hampsteadnorreys.org.uk  Yattendon Ringers have been going since 2003 and have eight members. They play with bells which are over a century old and meet up every Wednesday evening between 6.30pm and 8pm in the homes of one of their members. rozwatts1@gmail.com or call 07704 702766. evenings in Hampstead Norreys Village Hall. They are playing the Spanish Carol Service at

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