On the 18th 6 of our ringers performed a short lunch-time ring for the Friends of Trawden Community Center. We were very pleased to welcome two visiting handbell ringers, Christine and Roger, who swelled our numbers so that we could ring two-octave music. Despite the murky wet weather, there was a good audience of about 80 retired folk who gave us a warm welcome. After a few fluffs at the start (somebody had the wrong bells) our performance improved and was much appreciated as judged by the clapping at the end of each piece. At the end, after a bit of coaxing, we managed to persuade 5 members of the audience to participate by taking a bell and helping us to ring one of our easier pieces Ave Verum. As usual, the audience reacted with good humour as they saw some of their number taking part.
Our decision to accept the booking and travel a fair distance to Trawden was not, of course, influenced by the invitation from the Friends to join them for lunch but I have to say the meal of sausage casserole followed by delectable, gooey and creamy cakes, was much appreciated.
Solna Burnham
Secretary
