Last Friday evening, the Arts Club was delighted to welcome St. Mary's Tenby Handbell Ringers, with their conductor, Dr. John Harrison, who would play a selection of music specially arranged for handbells.

Before starting, John Harrison told a little of the origins of the skilled art of handbell ringing and how it has become very popular internationally, particularly in the USA, the Far East and in Europe. There is to be an international rally of handbell ringers in New Hedges in March.

The St. Mary's band consists of 10 ringers, 41 bells, with their leader Don Bedford. The band is arranged in sections, like that of an orchestra.

John Harrison explained that there are two categories of handbell ringing, in hand and off table. There are two types of notation, staff and numbers. St. Mary's band uses the former. Handbells have a distinctive sound produced by vibrations and are capable of many special effects. One of these is thumb damping, which was heard in 'My Grandfather's Clock'.

The selection of pieces played by the ringers covered several centuries and had an international flavour, beginning with 15th century Jeremiah Clark's 'Trumpet Voluntary' and followed by Edward Greig's 'Morning Song', a 20th century Norwegian piece.

From the USA, the well-known 'Home on the Range' had the audience humming/ whistling along as accompaniment to the handbells. There was another opportunity to join in when the band played two other favourites, 'Moon River' and 'Over the Rainbow'.

Having got into their stride, the audience were happy to join the band for Elgar's 'Land of Hope and Glory'.

The handbell ringers showed their versatility with the music of many other composers, amongst which were pieces by Haydn and Beethoven.

During their programme, the band clearly demonstrated the richness of the bell sounds and a wide range of dynamics.

John Harrison's informative commentary and fun approach made this a most enjoyable evening. The audience was very appreciative of the hard work and professionalism of the players and this was reflected in their warm applause at the conclusion of the concert. They are wished every success.

Today (Friday), Douglas Fraser will tell about 'The Opium Traders of Tenby'. All are welcome at 8 pm in Church House.