Chalice Handbell Team

A set of 17 bells, tuned to the "International Concert Pitch", was bought from the St. Peter's, Henleaze Handbell Ringers in October 1997 by Geoff and Eleanor Marchant. These were gradually augmented by a further 3 bells, restored and re-tuned by Terry Jefferies of Mangotsfield, Bristol. One of these had been found, without a handle, behind the organ in a redundant church in Bolton, Lancs, so may very well have an interesting history if only it could talk as well as ring!

The idea of "Chalice" for our team name was given by the Yatton Moor "Logo" of parish initial letters, viz:- K=Kenn, K=Kingston (Seymour), Y=Yatton, C=Claverham, & C=Cleeve, which form a chalice, Y being the stem & cup with forward and backward Ks at the top (handles) and the forward & backward Cs at the bottom providing a scrolled foot.

Our team was very busy from Christmas 1998 to mid 2004, but then, with depleted numbers due to members leaving the area and no new help forthcoming, it was decided to disband for a while.

The Handbell Team performed at Christmas services in most of our five parishes during those years. Other entertainments had included playing at a "cream teas afternoon" a coffee morning, several weddings, an 80th birthday celebration, an afternoon at Yatton Hall Nursing Home, an instruction evening for a Yatton Guides' company, and at a senior citizens' tea party.

The team was re-formed in the autumn of 2006 and rang for the opening of the new Yatton library, and also at the Claverham Christmas Country Market, Winscombe Hall Nursing Home and Kenn Carol Service. We have completed several bookings this year (2009) and have more coming up as Christmas approaches - an old folks party at Cleeve village hall on 5th Dec.; another before the Brockley St. Nicholas church service on 6th December at 5.30pm (all welcome); and for the WSM Ladies Probus2 at Victoria Methodist Church Hall at 10.30am on Wed.16th Dec. Any new members are always welcome and full instruction will be given free, all you need is a sense of rhythm, and some enthusiasm!

If you, and perhaps a friend, (or two!) would like to try your hand, please give us a ring on 01934 834550, or make contact via the team office.