Linda Parkington

My first awareness of handbell ringing  was   in 1983,  when  I   was baby-sitting for the then young Michael Lazonby,  son of Roger and Christine.   In  the  hallway  was a  pile  of  what  I  now  know  to  be Reverberations. "Journal of the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain"

I read.  "What a strange hobby to have! "  I  remember  reflecting - although  coming  from a  family of  full-time  train enthusiasts I was hardly in a position to comment!   Some  months  later  the  handbell team  from   St. Stephen's, Bury  came  to  the  Friends  of Bury  Art Gallery  Christmas social  and  there  was  a chance to 'have a go' at

some simple carols - I was hooked!  After  Christmas  I joined the team and  was  made  very  welcome despite the havoc I caused  by  a) having a sight-reading ability which can only c haritably be described

as 'basic' and  b) only having one arm. It didn't seem too promising....    however I eventually improved and couldn't wait for the next occasion. I had a running commentary of   who-was-who  at  the  AGM at Higher Walton, thoroughly enjoyed the Spring Rally in Dunblane and was stunned  at  the   variety and presentation at the National Rally at Wolverhampton. I was persuaded to join  the  NW committee and have been on it ever since, including several years as Regional Treasurer.

In 1986 I was invited by John Partington to join Phoenix Handbell Ringers - little did I think I would still be ringing with them fifteen years later! Unfortunately St. Stephen's folded in the eaarly  1990's and the bells were put into boxes and sadly, as far as I know, they are still there.I was fortunate to be a member of Phoenix - at least I could continue to ring. However,at the moment we are 'resting' due to shortage of ringers - but hopefully things will pick up in the Autumn.

I once heard someone reflecting that trouble spots in the world dreaded  Kate Adie arriving to report on problems. I don't want the same reputation in handbell circles -I join the team and it disbands! I suppose

I could always form a sub-society of HRGB for one handed members with the opportunity for temporary membership if required!

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     Wendy Swain

I first heard handbells at  Crosthwaite,  Keswick in 1940 - but it wasn't until 1967, when we found some handbells  at  the  church  in  the  Wiltshire   village where we lived, that I got my hands on them.  I was hooked and the  Seend  Handbell Ringers filled our lives for the next 25 years! During this time we had formed many friendships in the North West and had been to several rallies there - so when  we retired to

..

West Yorkshire in 1994 we opted to join the    North West  Region  rather  than  the  North  East  Region where we are living. Now, again on Friday nights the sound of our bells rings out - with the Blackshaw Head Ringers.

                                                                                                              Tel.01442 842943