Celebrating 25 years of ringing
St James has a long history of hand bell ringing of a very high standard. This music is much appreciated all over the county and beyond, where the players perform in concerts. The music is also used in our worship.
The team was formed in Biddenham in 1991 using a set of handbells (dated 1896) belonging to the tower bell ringers at St James Church. Over the years we have given more than 250 performances and replaced the old bells with a modern 3 octave set of Malmark Handbells, tuned to concert pitch. We were able to do this by obtaining local grants, fundraising concerts and the personal commitment of members of the team. We also own a 3 octave set of hand chimes.
We belong to the Handbell Ringers Association of Great Britain (HRGB) and attend local and national rallies, giving us the opportunity to enjoy ringing with teams from all over the country. Four members of the team have joined the East Anglia Regional Team, which rehearses once a month and gives concerts in the area.
Biddenham Handbell Ringers perform for groups, functions, and in churches. We are always in demand around Christmas time!
At present, we have 12 people in the team plus a training team. New recruits must be able to read music. Anyone is welcome to attend a rehearsal (every Wednesday evening in the Church Barn from 7pm) and hear what we do.
Please come and join us!
If you would like any further details about ringing or would like the team to perform for your event, just get in contact.
Anthea Slark
01234 350644