Hand Bell Harmonies - The Sound Of Summertime At Sanford House
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Christmas had arrived early if you’d heard the melodic tinkling coming from Sanford House recently – but bells can be rung anytime.
Entertained by the St. Withburga Hand Bell Ringers
Residents and the team at Sanford House welcomed a new local performance group to the home last month - The St. Withburga Hand Bell Ringers. The group arrived with an impressive set of bells and performed a wide range of musical pieces for residents.
Ringing tunes with hand bells became popular back in the 1700’s when church tower bell ringers discovered that there were far more options to be creative with hand bells. Everything from carols and hymns to chamber music and well-known classics found its way into hand bell group repertoires, and despite peaks and troughs in popularity, the artform has been kept alive by groups like the St Withburga Hand Bell Ringers.
Musical Memories Brought to Life
Their music rang out throughout the home and garden and the group played a wide variety of music which residents found absolutely magical. Everyone in the room was moving, whether swaying from side to side, tapping feet or ringing their own imaginary bell. Although the musicians didn’t sing themselves, as soon as staff and residents recognised the piece, they started to sing along or chat about a memory it brought back - particularly the lullabies, remembering their childhoods and raising their own children. It was a wonderful experience – powerful and emotional.
Fascinating Facts and an Early Christmas Booking
Between each piece, their spokeswoman, Sylvia, talked about the bells and the music and answered questions. Residents learned so many interesting facts, for example, that you don’t need to be able to read music to play as ringers follow numbered music sheets relating to the number of the bell they hold. Each bell varies in size and has a leather handle with its note embossed on it. Residents were able to hold them and have a go at the end and found that the large bells produced lower notes and the smaller the higher notes.
The St Withburga Hand Bell Ringers perform to raise money to maintain their bells and buy new ones. They already have a large set but they are hoping to buy more notes so they can expand to play a wider range of pieces, including those which need more notes. The team discovered the group through their monthly ‘Knit and Natter’ gathering at Sanford. One of its attendees is a member and offered to come and perform for residents and it was such an enjoyable experience, it’s no surprise that an invitation to perform at Christmas has already been offered!
Care That Feels Like Home at Sanford House
When it’s time to find care for a loved one, peace of mind comes from knowing they’ll be treated as an individual, not just a resident. At Sanford House Nursing Home, we go beyond the basics of nursing, residential, dementia, and palliative care. We take the time to understand the little things that make each person feel at home, from how they like their tea, to when they prefer to start their day.
We believe dignity means choice. Whether your loved one enjoys dinner in front of the television or prefers to dust their own room, we support their independence. Every bedroom can be personalised with meaningful belongings, creating a comforting space that truly feels like theirs.
At Sanford House, it’s not just expert care, it’s thoughtful, tailored support that helps your loved one live life their way.
