Ring in the new year with handbell taster

This weekend in Dunblane there is a chance to learn one of the world’s oldest musical instruments!

Dunblane Cathedral Handbell Ringers is holding a free taster session on Sunday, January 13 from 5.30-6.30pm for children from anywhere in the Stirling area aged eight-12 who would like to make music using handbells.

Teenagers who would like to join the existing group whether they already read music or not - are also welcome; making music with handbells can count towards Duke of Edinburgh Award or badges in uniformed youth organisations.

Adults who would like to give it a go can come along from 6.30-7.30pm; handbell ringing group can contribute to your mental health and well-being and provides upper-body cardiovascular exercise.

Handbells are one of the world’s oldest instruments yet the handbells used today are sophisticated precision instruments.

“They are fun to play and the instruments are provided for you so there’s nothing you need to bring with you.

Handbell ringer Malcolm Wilson said:“We’re often asked how long it takes to learn to play handbells - and the truth is it just takes a few minutes to learn how to make a sound, there’s no complicated fingering to learn, no scales to tackle, and no worries about trying to tune up before playing each time!

“This makes it a great way to learn to read music - which you do alongside others in the group.

He added:“Of course as you progress, or if you already read music, then the choice of music you play, the techniques you learn and the fun you have all increase.”

Interested parties can just turn up on Sunday, January 13 to Dunblane Cathedral Halls or if you have any questions just send an e-mail to handbells@ dunblanecathedral.org.uk or contact the handbell ringers on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube or Facebook.