A dozen of our handbell ringers from Bells of Note and Harmony in Hand are off to “Ringing Link”  in Winnipeg to attend “A Dickens of a Ring”.

Because 2014 is the bicentennial of the birth of Charles Dickens, the theme for Ringing Link is based on his well known novel A Christmas Carol.  We will be ringing music of Christmas Past (pre-19th century), Christmas Present (19th century Victorian era) and Christmas Yet to Come (20th and 21st centuries).

This national four day handbell festival, hosted by the Manitoba Guild of English Handbell Ringers will include 85 participants arriving from coast to coast to coast (otherwise known as “from C to shining C”), with all levels of ringing knowledge.  Attendees look forward to learning through workshops, through working with new directors and by being exposed to new music as well as the delight of ringing in a massed choir.  The 15 workshops offered, (we only have room in our individual schedule to choose 4) cover everything from ringing technique to conducting to maintenance of bells.

“Bells of Note” will be ringing Danza Festivo, and our “Ensemble” quartet will be ringing Silent Night in a mini concert.  Yes folks, we’ll be ringing Christmas music for these 4 days in July.  Could it get any better?  If you plan to be in Winnipeg, or know someone who will be there, the public is invited to the final concert Saturday July 5 at 2:00 at the Victoria Inn.  Perhaps we’ll see you there!