Autumn Hand Bell Rally at Disley
8th October 2016

On a bright Autumn Saturday morning we set off early for Disley, allowing just over an hour for travel. This proved a little optimistic since there were lots of cyclists en route and then minor ROADWORKS creating a huge queue!!!  Eventually we arrived at our venue, and then had to juggle cars in the car park.

At last, all six groups present were ready for the first massed ringing piece ("Toreador's Song" from Carmen).  It sounded good, even the first time through - much better than in our practices! The other two massed ringing pieces were "Le Lierre" and "Land of Hope and Glory".  Our thanks go to all three conductors.  It was wonderful to hear lots of bells playing in unison. caption

Three rounds of Team ringing produced a wide variety, from classical to popular music, hymns, jazz, tunes from musicals and film themes.  There was Solo ringing (a real challenge) and lots of bells, belleplates, hand chimes, whistles, etc. and several new techniques we had not encountered.

The pieces which will be remembered were "Highland Cathedral" played by Maghull, "God's Train" by Kinder Ringers and a very moving "Let There Be Peace on Earth", also by Maghull. The overall standard was high.

Thanks must go to our hosts, the Kinder Ringers, for their amazing organisation and hospitality - the cakes were delicious! It is 50 years since several teams met at Hazel Grove, the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain being founded the following year. So next year's dates are in our diaries.