Rings those ‘hand’bells

Retired music teacher Diane Brown is keeping interest in English handbells alive and well. On Thursday, Sept. 24, at 2 p.m., she will resume an adult handbell choir that meets at the United Church on the corner of South Birch and Pinecrest.

Brown is actively recruiting elementary schools to include handbells as a music option. In fact, a fun-loving yet well disciplined handbell group at Oyster River School entertained their classmates in June, proving their accomplishment. Diane calls it “serious fun” with the “Laughing Oyster Handbell Choir.”

“English handbells were purchased years ago for the City of Campbell River Parks, Recreation & Culture Department, and they’ve rung many years of music through our hallways,” says Ross Milnthorp, the City’s General Manager of Parks, Recreation & Culture. “We later put the bells to use in the community, and thanks to Diane, a member of the BC Guild of English Handbell Ringers, the bells have travelled to Whistler for concerts and taught children the rewards of focusing on a specific task.”

Brown is continuing to volunteer her services for the new school year. Call Diane at 250-923-1051 if you know a child ready to enjoy a musical experience, even without knowing how to read music!