It all started several years ago, when Jonathan Frye and Angela Deakin asked if we were interested in forming a handbell band, including teaching Angela to ring handbells. We had been trying and failing to do just this for many years (for reasons far too boring to go into), so we said ‘YES’.
(Really, it all started when Mike Clay began some regular handbell practices with some of the students in Edinburgh and various other handbell ringers in the area, including Jonathan. One day our schedules will mesh enough to all ring together – but in handbell ringing, patience is everything.)
Our journey from those first beginnings to where we are now has been both fun and interesting. Also, we learned a lot about teaching handbells to people at various levels of ability. Through it all we have discussed theories of how people learn, best methods of learning (we don’t always agree), and how to transfer some of this expertise into the bell tower.
The blogs below are about that journey, our progress and the progress of other bands by guest authors. They describe the ups and downs as they happen, as honestly as we can.
Where are you based?
Birmingham
When and where did you learn to ring handbells?
As a student when ringing with BUSCR and then with the Stedman Triples handbell band based at St Chad's, Birmingham
Who has influenced your handbell ringing?
The St Chad's handbell band - Alan Burbidge, Charles Webb...
Pip Dillistone's first handbell peal was Bristol Maximus, which rapidly shot to the top position on BellBoard.
Where are you based?
Bournemouth, Dorset
When and where did you learn to ring handbells?
In Southampton, around 2016. Philip Moyes, Oliver Chaloner and myself taught ourselves essentially from scratch.
Who has influenced...
Where are you based?
Northallerton, North Yorkshire
When and where did you learn to ring handbells?
I started in North Yorkshire with Plain Bob Minor/ Major and progressed beyond that when I went to London University.
Who has influenced your handbell ringing?
Probably too many to mention. Chris Rowson first...
A significant advance in my (Simon's) handbell ringing came about through ringing peals of spliced surprise major, conducted by David, with Roger Bailey's band in the 1990s.
Where are you based?
Norwich but I travel all over the place!
When and where did you learn to ring handbells?
I learned...
Where are you based?
Norwich, Norfolk
When and where did you learn to ring handbells?
As a teenager, then I had another spell in the early 1990s, but really managed to make progress during lockdown.
Who has influenced your handbell ringing?
Not really sure, Billy Barrett, then Neil my husband...
Where are you based?
Birmingham
When and where did you learn to ring handbells?
I had done a bit 40 years ago but really took it up during lockdown
Who has influenced your handbell ringing?
I have been lucky to be able to drop into the established peal bands at...
Simon Rudd has just rung his 1000th handbell quarter in Ringing Room.
Where are you based?
Norfolk
When and where did you learn to ring handbells?
My first real handbell ringing was during David Sparling’s time at Imperial College, when we rang a couple of times with Roger Bailey in...
Where are you based?
Yatton, North Somerset
When and where did you learn to ring handbells?
Bristol. Initially in 2017, but didn't really get going until late 2020.
Who has influenced your handbell ringing?
Philip Earis was a big early influence. Done most of my subsequent handbell ringing with Lucy...
I've decided to start a series of short interviews with handbell ringers, using a format that I've seen in a couple of magazines. Everyone is asked the same questions, with fairly short answers. Yesterday evening I sent invitations to about 70 people whose addresses I happen to have, with a...
Earlier this year, Simon Aves alerted me to the fact that the number of handbell peals rung in Scotland was approaching 200. We have a complete record of handbell peals by the Scottish Association, but finding all the peals rung for other associations takes a lot of work - which...