Spring GatheRing -
Saturday 25th March 2023
Spring GatheRing – Knowle Green
On 25th March 2023 eight teams of handbell ringers descended on the small Ribble Valley hamlet of Knowle Green for a joyful get together.
The day was dry and bright as bells, tables and foam were unloaded from cars and coaches
and tables were set up in the Village Hall.
Space was tight as the floor space began to fill up but eventually everyone got in as we were preparing for a day’s ringing and entertainment.
The first Massed ringing was a piece commissioned from Malcolm C. Wilson in memory of Derek Jackson MBE, an arrangement of Derek’s favourite classical music, Finlandia by Jean Sebelius.
Beth conducted this piece which had been circulated to the teams in advance. John Collins a former member of Bishops Handbell Ringers joined us to hear this played for the first time and share his memories of Derek.
The day was punctuated by the statutory AGM where officers were elected or reelected.
Kate kindly conducted The Royalty Waltz, a piece which was quite appropriate with the forthcoming Coronation of King Charles III in May.
There were two train themed tunes played by the teams even though no-one came by train and despite “Singing in the Rain” the weather stayed fine for packing away.
The teams played:
Sale - Dutch Tulip Dance
Norbury - Pomp & Circumstance March
Marple - Early one morning
Gresford – Plink plank plonk
Beth & Josi - Stop
Dean - The Runaway train
Kinder - Gods Train
Marron Valley - In the bleak midwinter
Maghull - The Parade of the tin soldiers
———-///———
Maghull - Birthday rag (Robin Benton) for Maghull’s 40th Birthday
Marron Valley - Maria from The Sound of Music
Kinder - Policemen’s holiday
Dean - La Mourisque with tambour & Indian bell (arr Sandra Winter)
Beth & Josi - I have a dream - ABBA
Gresford - You raise me up
Marple - Trumpet symphonia
Norbury - Prelude to Te Deum
Sale - Singing in the rain
