Hand Bell Ringers

All Saints’ Hand Bell Ringers have been ‘ding -­‐ donging’ for charity for nearly 15 years, and in that time have raised over £24,000 for good causes not directly associated with the church including the Great North Air Ambulance, various cancer charities, Darlington Age UK, Darlington Town Mission and Darlington Samaritans. However, weurgently need more people to join us and swell our numbers, to enable us to continue in the future. The reality is that unless we can attract new members, we may not be able to continue to ring and support local charities at Christmas.

You do not need to be particularly musical, or have previous experience – just come on a Thursday evening after the summer (details to be announced nearer the time) and learn/practice this art, and a few hours to spare during December to ring at supermarkets.

"Great are the mysteries of bell ringing, and this may be said in its praise: that of all the devices that man has sought out for obtaining distinction by making a noise in this world, bell ringing is the most harmless". So said English poet Robert Southey (1774 -1843).

But it's also great fun! So why not come along and have a try. We love to welcome new members. No previous experience or musical background is necessary. All we ask is that you are prepared to give a little of your time in the run up to Christmas, to join us when we ring for charity, mainly at supermarkets around Darlington, and also to ring occasionally before church services. In the past we have raised funds to support The Great North Air Ambulance, a variety of cancer charities, The Cystic Fibrosis Trust,Darlington and District Samaritans, Parkinsons UK, Age UK Darlington, Make-a-Wish, and Darlington Town Mission. In 2015, we chose Alzheimer's Society as our charity, and raised £2000. A cheque was presented to the society representative Rebecca Scott on Sunday 10 January at All Saints Church.

Our weekly practices for Christmas usually begin after the summer holidays, on Thursday evenings, at 7:30 prompt in church, and last for approximately an hour.