A record turnout of both new and seasoned handbell ringers gathered on-line for the second ‘virtual’ SCACR handbell morning on 28th November. The event was so well subscribed some had to be turned away. As everyone responded to the prompt early ‘log-in’ there was debate as to whether this might be one of the highest attended SCACR meetings for the year.

The joy of Zoom meant that ex-Young Ringers of Sussex could join from their respective university locations across the country, breaking down the barriers of national lockdown and no Covid tests required!

The experience of and since the first virtual handbell morning back in September meant that the technology ran very smoothly with easy transfers into breakout rooms on Zoom. We occupied seven different RingingRoom towers across the county and rang methods from Plain Hunt to Surprise Major.

There were two ‘ringing’ sessions the first lasting an hour and the second 50 minutes, generally thought to be sufficient lengths of time for concentration on the screen. Progress was good with several goals for the morning being met.

Despite the numbers we were still able to have a good old natter in the coffee break, where as well as the weather and general well-being of attendees we debated the history of the terms ‘minor and major’.

The event was so popular that the next one is already in the diary for 30th January 2021. You might want to book a space early while you can by contacting Hamish at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Alison Lucas