October 27, 1967 THE RINGING WORLD 773
HANDBELL TUNE RINGERS FORM OWN GUILD
Second Annual Rally
MR. JOHN P. PARTINGTON and his
young assistants are to be congratulated on the excellent arrangements on the occasion of the second annual Handbell Tune Ringers' Rally, which was held on October 7th at the Grammar School, Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire. Nineteen bands with 914 handbells were present and, together with ringers and friends, there were close on 350 people present.
The proceedings were opened by a short address from the Head of the school, who welcomed everyone and expressed his pleasure at seeing so many enthusiastic music makers, many of whom had made an early start to the day and had travelled long distances to be present. Although not a ringer himself, some of his staff and scholars were, and he admired the enthusiasm and fellowship which they had between them. He also pointed out to those from far afield that, although the school was situated only six miles from Manchester, yet it was not raining !
57 PERFORMANCES
Ashton-under-Lyne Grammar School girls commenced the ringing session with a most appropriate piece, seeing that they were on their home ground, "Home, Sweet Home," after which each band played in alphabetical order of name throughout, until, after an interval for tea, every band had played three tunes each, a total of 57 performances in all. Space will not allow me to comment on every one, but among others I thought that " Rosamunde," Ashton and District Ringers; " Cradle Song " (Brahms), Ashover ; " My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean," Hunshelf ; Silver Moonbeams," Ealing; and " Norwegian Dance " (Grieg), Ecclesfleld Grammar School Ringers, were quite outstanding, and I particularly enjoyed the
" Euturpe Mazurka," delightfully rendered by Norbury Ringers on their tuneful bells, which are just back from renovation at the Whitechapel Foundry. " Nymphs and Shepherds " by the Kingsbury, Warwickshire band was very nicely played and in contrast, a modern setting to the hymn " At the Name of Jesus " was rendered with feeling and delicacy by the Higher Walton Ringers, under the leadership of Mr, Walter Mansley.
FROM FURNESS
There were more than a few gentlemen present, who at one time or another had a
" Rendezvous " with " She's a Lassie from Lancashire," both these two items being well played by the Charnwood Ringers from Leicestershire, and very appropriately, too ! Although they have only a small set of twelve bells, Mr. N. Newby and the Kirkby-in-Furness Ringers distinguished themselves by a pleasing rendering of My Grandfather's Clock," while St. Thomas's, Moorside, Ringers, who were handicapped by not being able to field a full team owing to business commitments, managed a most creditable performance of the ever popular " Bluebells of Scotland," with suitable variations.
The young men from Sileby, Leicestershire. gave us a very vigorous rendering of the
Gallop from "Orpheus in the Underworld," followed by contrast with " Bells of St. Mary's " rung by the Stokesay Ringers from Salop, and which was most effective.
These doughty strikers from Thurlestone Yorkshire, played next a very spirited march tune—" Under Freedom's Flag," with effortless timing and precision, and I shall long remember the look of determined concentration on the face of their youngest member, Master Briggs, who struck his bells with accuracy and good timing throughout this none too easy piece. Well done, young man !
The Ordsall Ringers from Retford, Notts, chose William Gordon's lovely arrangement of Home, Sweet Home," which they played in most effective style, and later on the Warburton W.I. Ringers from Cheshire caused some amusement with their arrangement of " Pilgrims of the Night " (never mind, ladies, we know just how it is, we have all been in the same predicament at some time or another !), and a band of three young men who chose not to give any name as a team, but who I can best describe as the Three Wise Men from the East, gave an exceptionally fine rendering of " Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," which amazed everyone, especially so as it was played " four in hand," in harmony and strict tempo, and entirely without any music at all !
SET OF 162 BELLS
By a show of hands, Ecclesfield Ringers were requested to let us have their arrangement of the tango " Tonight," which was much appreciated, but the most outstanding by far of all the excellent and complicated arrangements played on this day was the same band's rendering of the overture " Caliph of Bagdad " (Boieldieu). Played with superb timing and rhythm on their wonderful set of 162 bells, the ten ringers excelled themselves, and the long and thunderous applause which followed showed how much their efforts were appreciated by the large audience present.
Silverdale, Lancashire, Ringers had intended to be present, but owing to illness it was
impossible for them all to come over. However, four members of their band attended and they took back with them the good wishes of their many friends, who hope that all the invalids will soon be restored to good health again.
Following the tea interval a short discussion was held, at which it was decided to form a Handbell Ringers' Guild. Details of this can be obtained in due course from the secretary,
Mr. J. P. Partington, 56, Clay Lane, Rochdale, Lancs. Please enclose a stamped addressed envelope for reply, or telephone Rochdale 43534. It was stressed at this meeting that the objects of the Guild are not to promote any competitive spirit among members and others, but rather to foster the exchange of ideas and experience between the various bands and individuals, in an atmosphere of helpfulness and friendship. The yearly subscription for a band of any number of ringers is 10s., but individuals who are interested can join also for a fee of 2s. 6d.
Ecclesfield and Thurlestone Ringers jointly offered to hold the next rally at Ecclesfield, Sheffield, Yorkshire, in October, 1968; the exact date has yet to be fixed, but notification of this will be published in "The Ringing World" nearer the time.
It was a happy thought to make arrangements for Mr. James Taylor, of Rochdale, to attend. Jim, who at one time had his own band of schoolchildren tune ringers, is now only able to get about with great difficulty and has been incapacitated in hospital for almost two years past. He had to leave before the close but he did not go without the handshakes and good wishes of all who knew him there. We sincerely hope that he will be fit enough to attend the 1968 rally.
At the close, as we made our way in the darkness towards our parked vehicles a broad North Country voice was heard to exclaim, " By gum ! It's been a reight good do. Ah wouldn't ha' missed it for twenty pahnd Ah wouldn't !" and, I thought, you're not the only one either, my lad !
THOMAS OGDEN.
