The Finer Dings in Life ...

... or Cazimodo and the Belltastics!

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Tuesday 5th August 2008

St Mary’s Lowe House RC Church, St Helens

www.carillons.org/sthelens

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On leaving Parkgate we went on a little drive to explore The Wirral and had a late lunch in New Brighton before heading back down to St Helens to meet up with Anthony Brookes for 6pm.

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The photographs are a little dark due to the fading light but you can probably get the idea that the tower looked pretty imposing and VERY high. Cazzie pepped herself up with Ribena in preparation for the climb - personally, I'd have gone for something stronger!

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You might just be able to make out that there are letters around the clock not numbers and they spell out 'Salve Regina' which is the name of the chime played by the clock - it's an unusual and long chime and one I've certainly never heard before ... but then I don't know anything about chimes.

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Caroline was lulled into a false sense of security as the first few steps of the 140 or so (I think) to the clavier room were pretty safe and spacious but that was until we started the proper climb into the tower.

The carillon at St Mary's, Low House is known as the 'Thanksgiving Carillon' as it was installed in 1929, the centenary year of Catholic Emancipation and, therefore, it represents a celebration of religious freedom. It's an impressive 47 bell carillon which has only recently undergone complete restoration making it the smartest looking clavier apart from York Minster. You can read more about the history of the carillon and see news about upcoming recitals by clicking on the church website:

http://stmaryslowehouse.co.uk/pages/the-carillon

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The clavier is the same size as Loughborough but, according to Caroline, is much easier to play due to its refurb. The clavier was certainly alot quieter than Loughborough's.

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I believe that the refurbishment was only completed last year so everything looked in pristine condition including the beautifully polished batons, restored by Anthony's own fair hands!

We persuaded Anthony to play some pieces for us himself and we were 'right impressed'! Whereas Caroline tends to take the more sedate approach, caressing the batons in a ladylike fashion (or something like that!), Anthony really plays with gusto! He said his secret was that he learns the pieces on the piano first and then plays them on the clavier without the music so that he can concentrate on the batons! Good plan!

Next we inspected the bells - the largest is 4 tonnes - Cazzie coped very well!

And finally, another 100 steps or so up from the clavier (either that or it felt like it), we went up onto the roof.

Here's Caroline clinging on for dear life as Anthony points out some landmarks!

It was HIGH! There's our little red car parked down below.

On the way back down we passed the organ loft and Caroline was invited to have a go but, unlike many Carillonneurs, Caz is not an organist so, instead, we persuaded Anthony again who gave us a couple of bursts including 'Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside'!

We really enjoyed our visit to St Helens and would like to thank Anthony for arranging especially to meet us and to open up the church etc. He made our time there very relaxed and entertaining. We may even be back there on Christmas Eve when Anthony plays carols for an hour before midnight mass - very atmospheric for Christmas Night.

A good time was had by all!


And now, coming soon to a blog near you ...
Spalding and Saltley