December and January Meetings

December and January Meetings BUNTINGFORD W.I. Bell Ringers from Aston came to our December meeting. They usually ring the Church bells every Sunday but get the hand bells out in November and take them round to entertain various groups in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The Aston hand bells were cast in 1829 and have been played annually ever since, except one which suddenly cracked in the middle of a concert last year. Within a couple of days a new bell had been cast and properly tuned so that you can only tell the difference because it is a bit shinier.

Their repertoire is varied but one of their favourites is “Ring the Bell Sexton” which was written by Jack Pallett who lived in Aston a century ago and published it in the Hertfordshire dialect. If you ever go to Australia you may hear different words and you may be told it is a traditional Australian sheep shearing song but it is not!! They simply changed the words. It was interesting that one of the young Bell Ringers who entertained us is Jack’s great grandson, Adam.

In January we held our traditional New Year Party, with the usual delicious selection of sweet and savoury dishes prepared by the members. Danielle Young came along to entertain us with a wide variety of songs, ranging from musical theatre, light Jazz and light and well known classical pieces. Danielle was born in Buntingford and said her love of music started in the dance classes she attended in the same hall where our meetings are held and some of the pieces she chose to sing were those which she did for her music examinations.

Our February meeting will be held on 14th February at the United Reformed Church in Baldock Road, Buntingford, and our speaker will be Julia Peacock talking about her trip to CHINA

We meet at the United Reformed Church Hall at 7.45 p.m. and visitors are welcome.

If you are new to Buntingford and would like further information, please contact our Secretary Pat Webb on 01763 271305

Below are some photographs of members enjoying being with the W.I.