The
Parish and Borough Church of St Mary,
Harrow on the Hill
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There
are 10 bells in the tower which are rung for the main Sunday morning and evening
services, for weddings, and other special occasions, such as New Year's eve when
we ring out the old year and ring in the new. Practice night is Monday 8.00 pm
to 9.30 pm except May and June when we finish at 9.00 pm. The
tower section of the guild usually consists of about 15-20 members, most of whom
still regard themselves as learners, because ringing is an art you can develop
as much you like, but it is enjoyable at any level. Very much a team activity,
ringing is a very satisfying combination of physical and mental activity. Once
the basic skills have been acquired you can make it as challenging as you wish.
The tower is open to the public at the annual Summer Fete in mid June and on the
national open day in mid September. Potential
learners are always welcome to turn up at practices. For further information contact Bridget Campbell on 020 8423 0625
Ever thought of making music with Handbells?
The handbell ringers are looking for recruits to augment the band so we can play some more ambitious pieces of music written specially for them. To do this we need another 3 or 4 players so the whole range of 49 bells can be used. Appreciation of music and a sense of rhythm are required, but no prerequisite musical skills are necessary as handbells are easy to play and the music easy to follow. The emphasis is on fun and making music together. We have a very wide range of short pieces we can perform, nearly all specially arranged by John Small. These range from simple folk tunes to arrangements of the classics such as Handel’s Water Music, or Walton’s music for Henry V, syncopated rhythms of Gershwin and Cole Porter, as well as the familiar carols at Christmas. We hold an annual light-hearted music and poetry concert for charity as well as numerous performances requested during the year which ends with carol ringing around the pubs for the Children’s Society. Young and old can have fun together playing handbells, so come along and join us on Tuesday evenings in the Church Room at 7.45 pm and bring a friend or two. No need to telephone first—you will be made most welcome and your efforts rewarded with tea and home-made cake afterwards!
The
large set of 49 handbells originated from an octave originally used for
practising the 'methods' or change ringing used for tower bells. The set was
customarily used to ring carols around the local pubs, and still is, but as more
interest was shown more bells were acquired. Over the last 20 years the Handbell
ringers have built up an extensive repertoire of folk tunes and much loved
classics, many rearranged for handbells by our first music director John Small. Practice
evenings are great fun and people of all ages can join in, playing music of
several kinds, chosen only for strong and interesting melodies. An ability to
count, a sense of rhythm and some appreciation of music is all that is really
required. We entertain various groups during the year, as well as taking part in
events around Christmas when handbells are often in demand. We also normally
give an annual concert with poetry readings in the church room.
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