Carillon Tour 2008

Grace Notes in Spalding

2008-08-31T05:05:00.000-07:00

Here is Caroline playing the Spalding Keyboard. By a flick of a switch it can be played as a practice keyboard i.e. it sounds like a keyboard / small organ. It was very loud with the door to the bells open - it was probably the closest Caroline has been to the bells as she played.

Here's some footage showing the bell-tree arrangement.

And here's how the bells sound from the town square ... surprisingly clear and loud.

Top Note

2008-08-31T04:24:00.000-07:00

St Helens on film ...

Wow! Now here's a carillonneur ...

Dropping a clanger ...

2008-08-31T04:06:00.000-07:00

Here Caroline attempts to play the carillon at Mostyn House School, Parkgate.

It was a sorry sight and an even more sorry sound ...

Next on the blog ...

Video clips of St Helens

Wedding Belles of Bournville

2008-08-29T23:51:00.000-07:00

... or Cazzie and the Chocolate Factory

It's with apologies that I commence the Bournville blog entry. It's been a long time coming for one reason or another - not least because I had to go back to work but also because I had to spend time with my daughters whom I totally neglected while we all went bell-hopping around the country ...

Saturday 16th August

Bournville Carillon,

School Tower, Linden Road, Bournville

www.carillons.org/bournville

Bournville carillon, rising above the Village Schools, overlooks the Village Green. Under its distinctive copper cupola you can see its 48 bells. This carillon is considered by many to be one of the finest in the world.

Most people know that Bounville Village was founded by the Cadbury family, named as such because a stream, the Bourn, ran through the area where George and Richard Cadbury were building their new factory in the 1880's - it was thought quite fashionable to add 'ville' to give it a French air and also to make a tenuous connection with French chocolate which was highly regarded at the time.

We were met at the Carillon Visitor Centre by Arthur Casey who is the Carillon maintenance engineer and historian. The Visitors' Centre is situated in 'The Rest House, which is in the Village Green and which is a beautiful octagonal building built in 1914.

The Rest House was erected to commemorate the Silver Wedding of Mr and Mrs George Cadbury and was a gift from Cadbury employees. Sadly, over the years, the Rest House was vandalised and eventually closed to the public. That was until 1997 when Bournville Village Trust worked to bring the two legacies of George Cadbury together - the Rest House and Carillon - and formally re-opened the Rest House as the Visitor Centre. Incidentally, there has always been an association with the Carillon all stemming from the Belgian City of Bruges. Not only was George Cadbury inspired to construct the Carillon after hearing the bells of Bruges Town Hall, but hand-made bricks from the ancient buildings of Bruges were taken to construct the Rest House.

Arthur escorted us across the road and into the School - a beautiful school, a personal gift to the Village of Bournville from George Cadbury and his wife in 1906. We walked up two floors of the school before taking a short spiral staircase up onto the roof which houses the bells and clavier room.

Caroline had been booked to play both afternoon recitals so it wasn't an impromptu visit. Trevor Workman, the Bournville Carillonneur (of earlier video fame) at this time was on a carillon tour of the USA!

George Cadbury ordered 22 bells from John Taylor & Co, Loughborough and in 1906 they were installed in a small stone belfry on the NW corner of the new village schools. Only one of the original bells, the largest, still remains. Following George Cadbury's death in 1922, a further 15 bells were added in 1923 and 5 in 1925 in his memory - all cast by Talylors.

A major reconstruction of the Carillon took place in 1934 when Gillett & Johnston Bellfoundry, Croyden, re-cast all but four of the bells. They also added 6 more bells, including a new bass weighing 3.25 tons, bringing the total to 48. The belfry was no longer big enough so the bells were hung on a frame in the centre of the tower roof, protected by the cupola. A new clavier was also installed in a cabin on the roof.

Restoration work was carried out again in 1988 by John Taylor's when new clappers and springs were fitted along with a new clavier (above).

Before the 1934 restoration the carillon was played from the room below the stone belfry which now houses the clock and chime mechanism, the remains of the automatic mechanism and the practice clavier (made from the old 1923 clavier).

As part of the original installation the carillon was played automatically four times a day by means of interchangeable drums. Gillet and Johnston installed an electro-pneumatic mechanism in 1935 but this had to be silenced during the war and fell into disrepair.

The clock chimes which are activated by the machinery below are struck by hammers on the outside of the bells as opposed to the Carillon tongues or clappers which strike inside the bells.

There are excellent views from the clavier cabin and roof - this one below looks towards the current Cadbury's chocolate factory.

It's a common belief that Bournville was founded solely to house workers from the Cadbury factory and, whilst George Cadbury wanted to ensure that his workers were housed and given a healthy standard of living with time and places for education and recreation, he did not intend to be 'ruler over an empire' and anyone could buy one of the Bournville houses - not just his employees.

Carillon recitals at Bournville are usually played every Saturday at 12 noon and 3:00 pm and visitors can be given a guided tour of the carillon as well as see the carillon being played by live video link from the clavier room to the visitor centre.

Sometimes recital times have to be amended due to weddings taking place which was what happened on the day we visited. Caroline's first recital started at 1:45 to coincide with the Bride, Groom and their guests leaving the church - the wedding party had all their photographs taken with the atmospheric sound of the carillon bells being played in the background.

Before Caroline played her second recital at around 3:45, again to coincide with a wedding, we explored the village of Bournville and can highly recommend a visit. We were also, unexpectedly and very kindly, treated to lunch by Arthur.

We'd like to thank Arthur Casey for his very warm welcome and his very informative guided tour of Bournville Carillon. Arthur showed us material from the archives not only about Bournville but about most of the Carillons in the UK and Ireland and we'll definitely be back to pick up more interesting snippets about the carillons for the blog / book (?)!

We were particularly interested to see these pictures of the Carillon in Bond Street, London which we have not been able to visit so far - for reasons we are not clear about as yet but will update the blog as soon as we learn the situation.

The Carillon at Bournville is lovingly looked after and respected by both the community and the Village Trust - this is reflected not only in the sheer volume of current and historical information available about it but also in the inauguration of the Carillon School in 2006 by Sir Adrian Cadbury.

Check out the website for lots more news and info:

http://www.carillon.atspace.org/

Coming next on the blog -

Video footage of Parkgate, Cheshire

A trilling time ... York

2008-08-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

Caroline plays at York Minster

The bells at York Minster

Great Peter ... or Caz in a tiz part 1

Striking Great Peter ... or Caz in a tiz part 2

Caroline Playing for Evensong at York Minster

(the blustery day interfered with the sound recording but you can still get a very good idea of how beautiful it sounds)

Next stop Bournville ....

With a dong in my heart ...

2008-08-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Caroline playing the Edith Adamson Carillon in Newcastle

And for those of you who just 'lurve' to see those bells in action here are the Edith Adamson bells being played (at this point, I think Ian Brunt is playing the clavier).

And in the words of the late lamented Fred Dibner ... 'did yer like that?!'

There's more so keep your eyes peeled! Eyes peeled! Geddit?! Worra larf!

These are a few of my favourite Dings ...

2008-08-14T03:23:00.000-07:00

Saturday 9th August

Our Lady's Carillon

Our Lady of the Rosary and St Therese of Lisieux RC Church, Saltley

www.carillons.org/saltley

We arrived in Saltely at about 4:30pm in time for Caroline to play Evensong before the 5:30pm mass. We met up with Clive who is one of the Carillonneurs and he led us up a very tight iron spiral stairway to the clavier room - only a mere 58 steps or so this time!

'Oh joy! Another tower to climb!'

The installation of a carillon here was inspired by a similar 1928 installation at St Patrick's RC Church, Dumbarton; you may recall that we were unable to see the Dumbarton carillon earlier in the tour. The carillon of 23 bells was given to the church by Monsignor John Power (connections with Power Brewery, Dublin) and the bells were consecrated on 2nd January 1933 a year before the new church was completed and consecrated.

Although the climb was very narrow, the tower housing the clavier and the bells is very spacious. The clavier is housed in an inner room and then there are just 18 more steps leading up to the bells which are hung on a frame which you can walk all around - thus enabling us to get some of the best video footage of bells while they are being played so far (to follow).

There's still some research I have to do on this but, apparently, someone (I will find out the name of the author hopefully) wrote a book about the perfect way to install and house a carillon and clavier - including positioning of the clavier in terms of distance from walls etc, distance from bells and the positioning of the bells in relation to the louvres - all designed to get the best sound. This installation was built to those specifications.

Caroline got started pretty much straightaway while the rest of us went up to see the bells.

During World War II the bells were sent away down to Charnwood Forest for safe-keeping where they were looked after at Mount St Bernard's Abbey. It was just as well as the church took a several direct and indirect hits between 1940 - 1941.

You can read more about the history here:
http://www.know-britain.com/parishes/rosary/history_1.html

The bells did not ring from the church again until they were re-installed in 1944.

After Caroline had been playing for around 20 minutes, Clive took over to finish the recital so that Caroline could get a chance to hear how the carillon sounded from outside.

Caroline says that this carillon has been her favourite as the positioning for playing is ideal for her; she also likes the two octave arrangement. She said that the foot pedals were at a slightly different alignment to the batons than she was used to but it wasn't a problem. She also said that the sound of the bells while she was playing was much clearer and more accurate so that she felt that she could be more expressive with them. She certainly played with more confidence on this clavier. Perhaps the 'perfect installation theory' is spot on.

We really enjoyed our visit and would like to thank Clive for inviting us and showing us around. Caroline hopes to be able to go back and play again soon - it's certainly her personal favourite to play so far (except Loughborough, of course!)

Our next visit is to Bournville - Caroline has a booking to play the bells after two weddings. In the meantime you can brace yourself for some brilliant video clips of Newcastle and then York - you'll just love the one of Caroline having a panic over Great Peter!

Now that's what I call a ring tone ...

2008-08-12T02:44:00.000-07:00

Friday 8th August 2008

Spalding Town Carillon, South Holland Centre

www.carillons.org/spalding

We met up with our 'guide' for the visit, Mr Ted Crampton, at around 11am and he walked us to the town centre where we were met with the first views of the carillon.

Our visit was on a very dull, wet day so the photograph from the outside has not turned out very well and doesn't show the full attractiveness of the carillon.

This carillon has a fascinating history and started life in the 1920s as one of three memorials commemorating local dead killed in World War 1. Owing to various disputes, it wasn't until the early 1930s that the bells were ever played, however, and then it was only via an amateur built device that proved unsatisfactory in the end. When The Corn Exchange was demolished and and the South Holland Centre opened (1974) the carillon was restored to a playing condition and was operated via a keyboard or music roll. Eventually, however, the music rolls wore out and were difficult to replace so the carillon fell silent yet again.

In 1989 the South Holland Centre was opened (again) after complete reconstruction which incorporated the current bell tower. The carillon can now be seen and heard across the town. Hoorah!

It was a very civilised climb up two floors to get to the bells. The 23 carillon bells are hung on a a bell-tree arrangement, different from any of the other bells we've seen AND they are fully visible through a handsome glass casing on the outside of the South Holland Centre.

What was noticeable was that the larger bells hang at the top of the 'tree' and the smaller ones at the bottom which, again, differs from other arrangements we've seen.

This carillon is played electro-mechanically via a keyboard, which activates solenoid-operated bell hammers, and, for that reason, it is not considered by the British Carillon Society to be a 'true carillon'. A 'true carillon' is played by means of a clavier which gives the carillonneur control over volume, speed and expression which the keyboard mechanism doesn't.

At some point in its history, around 1980, there was some correspondence with the British Carillon Society who offered to install a 'true' clavier at no cost to the council but the offer was declined 'due to technical problems that would be encountered in its installation'.

Caroline tried out her first piece with the door to the bells open - we have stood in many bell towers with the bells being played but this one was exceptionally deafening - I presume the glass casing causes a different kind of reverberation so we were relieved to close the door for the next few pieces!

It was quite a useful mechanism in as much as Caroline was able to practice on it like an organ before switching the bells on to play. Playing such a small keyboard is quite tricky and the music has to be carefully picked.

We were pleased to meet the current carillonneur, Jayne Wilds (pictured with Caroline above), she mainly plays on a Saturday and her recitals are advertised well by both the local press and the South Holland Centre.

We'd like to thank Ted Crampton for arranging to meet with us and for showing us around the carillon. Ted has done a lot of research on the history of the carillon so any of the information above is all thanks to the paper he wrote detailing its varied history; he is also instrumental in arranging all the carillon recitals on behalf of the South Holland Centre.

Ted took us to a fabulous pub - The Mermaid Inn, Surfleet - where we enjoyed a lovely lunch together in the restaurant. Caroline can highly recommend the Lincolnshire sausage and herby mash dish!

Just as a point of interest - opposite the pub in Surfleet is St Lawrence's Church - I don't know if you can tell from the photograph but the whole tower leans forward considerably. It's quite a sight! Apparently there are quite a few leaning towers in the area due to the silty ground.

And finally ...we'd also like to thank Margaret Crampton for laying on coffee at their home afterwards - it was much appreciated and was SUPERB coffee. We all feel a little guilty that any conversation got side-tracked by the opening ceremony of the Olympics which was on the TV - we were all mesmerised by it, Ted and Margaret included - we were also beginning to feel the post-lunch-doze upon us so we thought we'd better get on the road and wake ourselves up pronto!

Thanks both for a lovely time in Spalding.

Next Saltley ...

Changing Tempo ...

2008-08-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

... getting some Zzzzzzz

Wednesday 6th & Thursday 7th August 2008

After a manic week of tearing across the country in search of the ultimate carillon the pace began to slow down after St Helens, thankfully.

Al and I were reunited with the kids who had been ably entertained by grandparents & aunties and uncles and the like ... however, looking at some of their photos I think they were suffering from some kind of madness, too.

After a family day out at Snibston Discovery Park, Team Carillon were back in force and on the trail of bells on Thursday but not travelling beyond Loughborough for a change.

We thought a visit to Taylors Eayre and Smith Ltd was in order. It is, after all, on our doorstep AND the largest bell foundry in the world. It boasts an unbroken history from the 14th century, although it's not been in Loughborough all that time. Find out more from the website:

http://www.taylorbells.co.uk/

For fear of beginning to sound like a bit of a geek when it comes to bells I'd like to say that there is more to bells than meets the ear! It was a really interesting tour.

At 1pm Caroline was giving her usual weekly recital at Loughborough's War Memorial Carillon in Queens Park. It was a beautiful day and the 90 steps to the clavier seemed nothing now compared to what we'd been doing over the last 10 days and, what had always previously seemed like a treacherous climb to the top, was a doddle (although Cazzie declined this one)!

Only two more carillon visits to go this week - Spalding and Saltley. Then there's a week's break before Caroline is playing at Bournville - that completes most of the tour bar London, which we can't get to at the moment, and Cobh and Armagh which we are visiting in the Autumn. Still lots to add to the blog, though, and lots of video clips to download so don't go'way mind!

The Finer Dings in Life ...

2008-08-11T05:29:00.000-07:00

... or Cazimodo and the Belltastics!

Tuesday 5th August 2008

St Mary’s Lowe House RC Church, St Helens

www.carillons.org/sthelens

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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

It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that ding!

2008-08-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

…or Dings ain’t what they used to be!

5th August 2008
Mostyn House School, Parkgate

We set off around midday feeling refreshed and as ready as we ever could be to see more carillons!

None of us had ever heard of Parkgate let alone visited it before but it turned out to be a most intriguing place and well worth a visit. The village first grew in the 1680s when ships began to call there. Until around 1815 it was a well-used terminal for passengers going to Dublin. Parkgate was also a well-known resort where people came for sea-bathing cures until the 1830s. Parkgate died as a port when the course of the river was changed (by man) to run along the welsh side. The coming of the railway on 1866 helped to inject new life into what had become a struggling fishing village but by 1940 the tide had all but ceased coming in twice a day and marshlands grew out in front of the village instead.

It’s a most unusual sight as you walk along what looks like a sea-front but isn’t. The marsh in front of the village is now a bird reserve and attracts many visitors for that purpose – Parkgate has been a conservation area since the 1970s.

A visit to Nicholl’s Ice Cream parlour is a must, though, it’s been there since 1935 and still serves the most exquisite flavours of ice cream – obviously the ice-cream is a bit more recent than 1835, or at least we presumed so!

The carillon in Parkgate resides at Mostyn House School. The Mostyn Arms Hotel was popular with sea-bathers but, as the trend declined due in part to competition from New Brighton, the property changed hands a few times until it was leased by Edward Price in 1855 as Mostyn House School. The name Mostyn comes from Sit Thomas Mostyn who owned the entire village of Parkgate until it was sold by auction in 1849.

We arrived at the school at 2pm – it stands in lovely grounds and was very quiet due to the summer holidays – we were first greeted by a young fox enjoying a frolic on the lawns in the sunshine. The carillon bells hang on a frame outdoors and are clearly visible on the roof next to the chapel. A 31 bell carillon was installed as a war memorial to former pupils who were killed in the First World War. Other publicity we have obtained says there are 37 bells so there may have been more added later.

We were met by Beverley Tudor and taken through the school to where the clavier is situated. It’s a beautiful school and felt like something straight out of Hogwarts. We had a peek in the chapel first where the pupils have morning assemblies and where weddings are also held.

I wonder if the students appreciate what a wonderful building they are being educated in – if they don’t now, they certainly will in the future.

And now … about the carillon …

We have talked a lot about what we can write here so as not to cause offence after we were kindly given permission to see the clavier and the bells and to take photographs of them and we have decided that honesty is the best policy so as not to affect the reliability of our comments about the other carillons we have visited.

The clavier is in a very sorry state and made for quite a sad sight. Caroline did try to play a tune but many of the batons are hanging loose and the transmissions are in urgent need of attention; in fact the whole thing needs some intensive TLC. We were all a little bit stunned by it to be honest. Apparently the carillon is used by the pupils on a regular basis and it certainly looks like it’s taken a battering along the way.

On a positive note, we are told that there is ongoing fundraising for maintenance of the carillon, so perhaps there is a refurbishment on the horizon. We hope so. The school has such a rare and unique instrument in their possession and we hope that, if anyone from Mostyn House happens upon this blog, they can see, by looking at the other carillons in the UK, the potential of the instrument they have.

We’d like to thank Beverely Tudor and Mostyn House School for agreeing to our visit and to our taking pictures and footage of the clavier and the bells. We wish them every success with the fundraising for the carillon.

Next stop St Helens ...

Bell Power in the Tower ...

2008-08-08T10:14:00.000-07:00

or ... The Spinster in the Minster!

Sunday 3rd August 2008

York Minster Cathedral

www.carillons.org/york

Our arrival in York was rather less eventful than our introduction to Newcastle. We stayed in a fabulous B&B in Escrick just outside York - http://www.yorkblackbullinn.com/ -a place to be highly recommended, with a top notch menu; we just had to have three courses - it would've been rude not to!

The following day, after yet another hearty breakfast, we met up with David Potter, the Ringing Master at York, at around 12:30 and he took us back to his home to meet his wife Christine who laid on a fantastic lunch for us at their home which was just a stone's throw from the Minster with awesome views of it through nearly every window!

(One could be forgiven for wondering if this tour is more about food than bells at times but, with so many steps to be climbed, nourishment has obviously had to be a priority consideration!)

Once replete, David walked us over to the Minster dodging all the queues of toursits waiting to get in. Here's David pointing out the Bell Founder's window in the north nave aisle to Caroline.

This window was given to the Minster by Richard Tunnoc, a York bell founder, in the 14th century.

The carillon is housed in the South West tower - here's Caz bracing herself for the climb!

David showed us the bells first, starting with Big Peter which weighs over 10 tonnes and is the deepest-toned bell in Europe. Big Peter had quite an effect on poor Caroline - he made her go weak at the knees as she panicked at his sheer magnitude. (And just when I was saying how well it was all going in that respect!) A few choice words escaped when David said he'd sound the bell for us - poor Caz didn't know what to do with herself as she clung precariously to the tower walls feeling trapped by height, narrow winding stairs and BIG BELLS!!!! No photos, sadly, but the video footage is eagerly awaited on that one ...

After that trauma we then had to cross back over to the tower housing the carillon bells and clavier -or in Caroline's case, shuffle precariously. To be fair, I think walking on the roof of the Minster between the two bell towers was a bit 'hairy' for all of us!

Next David showed us the Carillon bells which are hung above the swinging bells which were resting in their upturned position. Because of their distance away, David has installed wooden trap doors so that the sound of the carillon can be heard in the clavier room.

It's difficult to get really good pictures of the bells but there should be some good video footage coming soon ...

Caroline played a recital for half an hour before Evensong. What a fantastic brand new clavier and what an honour to be invited to play it! The clavier room is bright and airy and is also the ringing room for the swinging bells complete with playpen and pretend bell rope to keep the little ones happy while parents are ringing.

Not surprisingly, Caroline found this the easiest and quietest clavier to play - as long as she didn't take a peek out of the window to her right!

The carillon sounded beautiful from outside, stopping many people in their tracks as they stood listening to the gentle melodies chiming over the City of York.

We'd like to thank David and Christine very much for their hospitality and for making our visit to York Minster extra special. Thanks to David for showing us around and inviting Caroline to play and thanks to Christine for such an excellent lunch in such a beautiful setting.

An amble through the Shambles took us back to the car and to a trip to the NW for a day off and some much needed R & R.

Coming up on the blog front (I'm desperately trying to catch up but the lap top just won't play ball) we have Parkgate and St Helens ... betcha just can't wait!

Ding Dong - Caroline calling! At Newcastle ...

2008-08-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday 2nd August 2008

The Edith Adamson Carillon, Newcastle

http://www.carillons.org/newcastle/

Our three hour journey to Newcastle took four hours so we arrived somewhat bedraggled on Friday evening. Our introduction to Newcastle was unfortunate to say the least as we encountered a large number of inebriated individuals one of whom insisted on showing us his wares on his way out for a night on the town ... we managed to recover after a couple of bevvies in the bar which didn’t have any glasses due to the fact that they’d all been nicked and, despite the ominous signs that we were in for a disturbed night, the hotel was remarkably quiet enabling us to get a good rest. After a hearty breakfast we explored the shopping areas of Newcastle between torrential down-pours before meeting up with Newcastle’s carillonneur Dr Ian Brunt.

The carillon here is housed in a tower which rises above the civic centre. The carillon was given as a memorial to Edith Adamson by her husband and was installed in 1966.

It made a pleasant change NOT to have to climb up hundreds of steps; instead we took the lift to the 10th floor and walked up a further 20 steps or so to reach the clavier which is situated in one of the most 'civilised' clavier rooms - the only downside being that there are no windows.

It’s a well maintained instrument which is checked annually by Taylors. Caroline tried out a few pieces and she said it was deceptively quite hard work to play probably because, although small, there are a good number of heavier bells.

Ian took us up to see the bells. We are all beginning to be able to recognize the sound of Taylor’s bells – we’re not sure whether becoming attuned is a good thing or if it’s a sign that we’ve seen too many bells of late! We’re ALL having bell dreams – last night I dreamt I lived in a bell tower and that my bed was covered in pigeon deposits! We all think we keep hearing bells and may well be suffering from the first signs of bell-madness…

So back to Newcastle - we took in some fantastic views from the roof. Caroline really does seem to be taking to the heights and bells saturation therapy and not only made it to the top but also stayed up there while Ian was playing the bells!

Looking towards the Tyne bridge.

Interestingly, the carillon can also be played electronically by using a small electronic keyboard.

Caroline tried it out. It was surprisingly hard work – the delay before the bell is struck is more prominent and it’s impossible to get any expression into the bells this way.

We’d really like to thank Dr Ian Brunt for coming to meet us to show us around the carillon. We were treated to a fantastic rendition on the bells by Ian himself which was very impressive.

And finally ... no trip to the North East is copmplete without paying homage to the Angel of the North.

Next stop York Minster ... 'citing eh?!

Going like the clappers ...

2008-08-05T02:42:00.000-07:00

Long overdue footage of the UK's most accomplished carillonneur, Trevor Workman, playing Loughborough on Sunday 27th July 08...

No commentary needed!

Name that tune in Aberdeen, Perth & St Andrews ...

2008-08-05T02:10:00.000-07:00

Playing Aberdeen

Playing Perth

Perth from outside

Playing St Andrews

St Andrews Bells

Bell Free ...

2008-08-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

Don’t panic - we’re back on blog again! We realize how much you must have been missing the daily updates …

We’ve had a few long drives which has delayed things somewhat and we couldn't get internet access while we were in York but we'll gradually catch up. So far we have travelled over 1100 miles and climbed up and down hundreds of steps; today we’ve just been enjoying a much needed bell free day – geddit? Bell free!!!

So picking up now where we left off …

Friday 1st August 2008

St Marnock's Parish Church, Kilmarnock

www.carillons.org/kilmarnock

After our Dumbarton disappointment things started to look up again as we met Rev James McNaughtan at St Marnock’s church, Kilmarnock during the afternoon which houses the only Whitechapel carillon in the UK.

St Marnock’s was opened in 1836 and was built as a ‘chapel of ease’ i.e. to take the overflow congregation from the main Parish Church. At the end of this month the church is going to be renamed St Andrew’s and St Marnock’s as it forms a union with Howard St Andrew's in the town.

It was quite a strenuous climb up the 111 steps to the clavier with just a short ladder from the clavier room leading up to the 30 bells making them, therefore, the closest to the clavier that we have seen so far. This 30 bell carillon was installed in 1955 in memory of Peter Wills and daughters, Maggie and Mary.

Caroline again described the clavier as ‘quirky’ – some batons require a particular knack to make the bells sound but this gives the clavier an interesting individuality and character.

The sound in the clavier room was very distinctly different from the other places we have visited. The bells sounded dampened somehow and less resonant although that is not how they sounded from the outside – it’s an intriguing instrument in that respect.

We’d like to thank Rev McNaughtan for kindly meeting us and showing us around the carillon and the bells and for his patience as we attempted to find a suitable vantage point for recording the bells outside … and then it started to tip it down!

No baton bell games in Dumbarton but Caz rings a bell in Kilmarnock

2008-08-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

Friday 1st August

St Patricks Church, Dumbarton

Sadly, today's carillon visits got off to a disappointing start. We had arranged a meeting for 12:30 at St Partick's in Dumbarton but, although we waited until just after 1pm, when guests started to arrive for a wedding we decided to take that as our cue to leave. We were able to get into the church for a look around but there was no one else there to ask about the carillon.

Here are some photographs from inside the church.

This is the base of the tower with a door in the corner which probably leads up to the carillon and the bells

The people in the steeple ...

2008-07-31T11:06:00.000-07:00

Thursday 31st July

The Parish Church of The Holy Trinity, St Andrews

www.carillons.org/standrews

The original building of Holy Trinity Church was completed in 1412 and its huge wooden galleries were installed to hold some 3000 people. By the end of the 19th century the buildings were thought to be old fashioned and the church was almost entirely rebuilt except for the Tower, the west wall and a number of pillars on the north side of the church, all which survive from the 15th century.

This Tower which houses the carillon dates back to 1412 and is certainly the oldest tower we will be visiting on our tour. The first 15 bells of the carillon here were dedicated on St Andrew's Day, 1926; a further two bells were added in 1938 and then six more in 1962 which meant that the chime officially became a carillon. The newest bells were added in 1998 which brought the total to 27 bells and enabled a greater variety of music to be played. This carillon belongs to the church and ALL the bells were cast by John Taylor & Company of Loughborough.

Access to the tower is through a small door in one corner of the church and the stone staircase is very narrow and winds round somewhat precariously due to uneven steps and no handrail except for an old bell rope running down the centre!

There are approx 63 steps up to the clavier (it's hard to be exact when personal safety takes precedence over counting steps!) The clavier is very compact but takes some energy to play. Caroline particulalry apreciated the dummy Db & Eb pedals which act as good guides - this is what Caroline found she missed at Perth.

Caroline was invited by Christine Gascoigne, the Holy Trinity Carillonneur, to play for around 15 minutes (between clock chimes). Caroline really enjoyed playing this carillon which she described as 'quirky'. The mechanism is very noisy and some of the wires may need tightening; Caroline said it was fun and that she wasn't always sure if a bell was going to play or not - there was a particular knack to some of them.

This blue box in the clavier room houses the automatic action for the curfew bell which has been rung for centuries at 8pm every evening except Sundays. It used to be the job of the Beadle to ring the curfew bell by hand which meant that he was ringing for a full 15 minutes. Since 1961 the ringing has been mechanised and it now rings precisely 100 times each evening.

After a short recital, Christine showed us up to the bells - another 18 steps up.

Next Christine guided us up another 25 steps for fansatic views of St Andrews from the top of the tower

And here's Caz who can't stand heights (?!) looking out over St Andrews with Christine who pointed out all the important landmarks.

We'd like to thank Christine very much for her welcome and for showing us around the carillon tower.

On this visit we were once again accompanied by Ian Cassells (Perth Carillonneur) and Joyce who took us on a fabulous mini tour of St Andrews AND treated us to a lovely lunch again.

Ian took us to the cooling shade of the Quadrangle of St Andrews University. We had a peek into St Salvator's Chapel which houses a magificent organ.

John Knox (Reformation) preached here as, indeed, he did at Perth but below is the actual pulpit he stood in whereas in Perth the pulpit he used has long gone.

After lunch we took a stroll down towards the beach past the ruins of St Andrews Castle ...

...and ruins of the cathedral opposite which was pulled down during the reformation. Much of the stone from the cathedral was sold in oder to build houses, so many of the houses in St Andrews are built out of the cathedral walls.

We walked down onto the beach and enjoyed a lovely cooliong breeze - as you can see it's been a bright, warm, sunny day.

No visit to St Andrews would be complete without a piper!

After saying our farewells to Ian and Joyce and thanking them once again for thier hospitality and very informative tour, we embarked on a three hour drive (it should have been two but Glasgow rush hour slowed us down) to Dumbarton where we will be visiting the carillon at 12:30 before driving to Kilmarnock for 3pm. Tomorrow evening sees us making the long drive down to Newcastle so any further blog entries are unlikely to be posted now until Saturday morning!

Crossing the Forth Bridge earlier and hitting some welcome rain to cool us down - get the idea we've been a bit warm lately?!

A-peeling in Perth ...

2008-07-30T12:07:00.001-07:00

Wednesday 30th July 2008

St John's Kirk, Perth

www.carillons.org/perth

The Kirk was consecrated in 1242 but there has been a building on the site from well before that time. It stands in the centre of Perth and is a 'working church'. The Kirk is steeped in history not least because it is the church where the reformation started. It also boasts the only example of a medieval wooden spire in Scotland - possibly in the Uk? Most wooden spires were either replaced or burnt down. There are also 5 different levels of bell ringing history to be seen here dating from 1340.

The bell tower was designed to house just four swinging bells not a carillon hence the loovered windows are smaller than you would normally find on a carillon tower.

Team Carillon arrived at St John's Kirk at around 11am and met up with Perth's carilloneur, Ian Cassells. Everyone at St John's was excited to have a guest carilloneur to play a recital and before ascending a very narrow, winding staircase to the clavier room, we were all treated to coffee and cakes by the Beadle, Tom Adam.

St John's Kirk houses more bells than any other building in Britain, 63 in total and Ian showed us a collection of histotic bells (centuries old) which hang on a frame inside the church. It's possible to play a tune on these bells which Ian demonstrated.

Here's Ian leading the way up to the tower through a small door in what looks like one of the Kirk's four main pillars.

This is the porthole through which the bells are lifted into the tower - it's a long way down!

This is the bourdon bell - the largest - which can be played in several different ways including being part of the carillon, the clock chime and can be swung.

The bells with double clappers indicate that they are dual purpose i.e are part of the carillon AND the clock chime. Just as at the previous carillon, the bell tower is owned by the town not the church.

There are 70 steps up to the clavier room, the bells are just above. The clavier is situated next to the clock mechanism just as in the Kirk of St Nicholas.

The clavier is compact and light to play but, according to Caroline, is extra hard work due to the position of the seat to the pedals.

Caroline played a full hour's recital of pieces ranging from hymns to opera.

Down in the church it is difficult to hear the bells when they are being played. Outside, however, the bells have a beautiful bright tone. Ian was particularly pleased to have the opportunity to hear the bells from the outside himself. The Kirk saw a good number of visitors while we were there and the carillon bells were clearly apreciated by those sitting having 'al fresco' refreshements nearby.

After the recital Caroline was able to climb to the very top of the Kirk and walk around outside just below the spire and I thought she couldn't stand heights! Photos of that to follow.

Team Carillon would like to take this opportunity to thank St John's Kirk for such a warm welcome and would particularly like to thank Ian and Joyce for their generosity in providing several hours of excellent hospitality in Perth, fantastic food, drink, conversation and entertainment. A good time was had by all!

The team are now relaxing in Kinross ready for a drive to St Andrews in the morning.

It rings a bell ...

2008-07-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 29th July

The Kirk of St Nicholas, Aberdeen

http://www.carillons.org/aberdeen/ (updated)

What a fabulous visit we had today! We arrived at The Kirk of St Nicholas around midday and met up with Dr Authur Winfield who was able to take Team Carillon up to the tower to see the clavier AND the bells; both areas not normally open to visitors. We didn't actually count the number of steps up to the clavier room but there were a fair few - a lot less than Loughborough, though. The higher we climbed, the more narrow the steps became. The Clavier is situated next to the clock mechanism and, although the clock chimes are not activated at the moment we could see and hear the clock mechanism at work.

This tower houses the largest carillon in Britain; the carillon belongs to the city not the church.

Caroline makes her way up to the clavier room and the bell tower. Once through the door at the top of this staircase we had to cross a narrow balcony overlooking the north transept (see pics below) and then stairs become much narrower open wooden flights.

Caroline inspects the clavier.
The clavier is more compact than Loughborough in as much as the batons are slightly closer together and slightly shorter in length. Caroline says it is a much lighter clavier to play than Loughborough which allowed for greater expression when playing.

Caroline is invited to play a piece. She chooses 'Prelude No. 5' Van Den Gehyn, the music for which she just happened to be carrying with her!

Caroline made it up the even narrower steps to the bell tower but only just and only for a few seconds. There is another flight of steps going up another level but the whole of Team Carillon declined the offer much to Dr Winfield's relief!

Team Carillon make their way back across a narrow gantry type walkway

View looking down from the narrow gantry to the showpiece of the North Transept

This beautiful stained glass window, designed by Shona McInness, was installed in the North Transept in 1990 when it was refurbished by the Oil Industry; amongst the things depicted are the famous oil rigs.

Once back down again we were treated to a fantastic tour of the place which included a viewing of one of the Kirk's greatest treasures - four large needlework panels, sewn in the 17th century by Mary Jamesone, daughter of George Jamesone the earliest known Scottish portrait painter. The panels depict various scenes from the old testament but set in 17th century Aberdeen!

Although The Kirk is steeped in over 800 years of fascinating history, it not only looks back, it looks to the future, too, with its major conservation, restoration and development project which is now in progress. The project seeks to 're-establish the Kirk as the very heart of Aberdeen and the community at large.' The Kirk is a 'symbol of Scottish heritage' and the project aims to provide the community not only with a place of worship but a space for entertainment, leisure and education, too. You can read more about the project at: http://www.themitherkirkproject.org.uk. The East Kirk has recently been home to archaeologists and there is evidence of the area having had a place of worship (though not necessarily Christian) on this site since as early as the 9th century - perhaps even before - there are links to the archaeologists regular reports on the website.

We'd like to thank Dr Winfield and the staff at The Kirk for giving us such a warm welcome and informative tour. We wish the project every success and look forward to returning in the future.

And now ...

We are settling down for a 'good night's kip' and looking forward to a two hour jouney first thing in the morning so that we arrive at Perth in plenty of time for Caroline's full recital which will be around midday.

Trevor hits the right note ...

2008-07-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

Sunday 27th July

View from the top of Loughborough's Carillon overlooking the Band Stand

After a legendary lunch at Lynroys http://www.lynroys.com/ Team Carillon donned their tour T-shirts and made their way to the Carillon. It was a baking hot afternoon in Queens Park, Loughborough when the Mayor of Charnwood arrived at Loughborough's War Memorial Carillon to mark the end of Carillon Week. We were all treated to a phenomenal performance by Bournville's Trevor Workman who gave us an hour's recital of carillon music ranging from Chopin to Abba. As soon as we can load up some video clips we will show you just what an outstanding carillonneur Trevor is - amazing! Meanwhile here are some still photographs from the day.

Mayor and Mayoress of Charnwood, Councillor Stephen Campbell and Councillor Mrs Brenda Seaton pose with Team Carillon in Loughborough's Queens Park.

Trevor inspecting his Carillonneurs' blisters!

90 winding steps up to the clavier room

View of Loughborough Parish Church from the top of Loughborough's Carillon tower

Monday 28th July

Team Carillon arrived in Aberdeen at about 4pm after a leisurely but hot journey. It rained as we left Greater Manchester but soon dried up into glorious sunshine the further north we drove. That was until we reached the outskirts of Aberdeen where we encountered quite dense fog. Our accommodation is in the city centre literally 5 minutes walk from St Nicholas' Church which houses the carillon. The church opens at midday and that's when we're hoping to arrive to take some photographs.

Meanwhile as I write two members of Team Carillon are fast asleep - both snoring but one considerably louder than the other - it must be all the excitement!

Striking a chord with the Mayor ...

2008-07-27T00:51:00.000-07:00

Here we are at last - the launch of the tour 'proper'!

Two thirds of Team Carillon arrived in Loughborough yesterday in order to dispatch the children to grandparents' and to meet up with Caz, already in Loughborough. It was a rather warm and sedate journey down in our Morris 1000 Traveller, 'Harry Gamlin', avoiding motorways and sticking to a rather fine scenic route through Buxton, Bakewell and Matlock Bath, so we arrived too late for the Saturday Carillon recital in Loughborough but Caroline said that Anthony from St Helens played fantastically. Caroline brought news of more confirmed visits and opportunities to play various Carillons so it looks like we'll be able to get around most of them over the next fortnight (except Ireland and NI which we'll do later in the year). Sadly, we think that London will be 'no go' this time - it appears that the Carillon there isn't played and, possibly, for health and safety reasons isn't available for a visit or for playing - we are trying to get the story on that one so will keep you posted. If anyone knows anything about London's Carillon feel free to let us know by way of comment, thanks.

We now have the following confirmed visits:

Tuesday 29th July - Aberdeen

Tuesday 5th August - St Helens

Friday 8th August - Spalding

Saturday 9th August - Saltley

Saturday 16th August - Bournville

We now just await hearing as to whether we can visit Parkgate. We are also hoping to visit the Bell Foundry in Loughborough during the the second week.

So, what happens today:

The tour launches at this afternoon's recital in Loughborough (Trevor Workman, Bournville). There's a Loughborough Echo photo call at 3:30pm and a visit by the Mayor to mark the end of Loughborough's Carillon Week (photos & video to appear in next blog entry all being well). Then we're off ...

By the way - we're not doing the tour in 'Harry Gamlin' - we have the loan of a nippy little Fiat Panda complete with 'go faster' stripes and that runs on diesel - thanks Dad!

Play it again, Caz!

2008-07-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

Here's how it's done!

This is Caroline during a recital at Loughborough's Carillon in May 2008. Notice how noisy it is in the clavier room and how the bells are struck fractionally after the batons and foot pedals are played so Caroline can't hear what she's actually playing at the time ... and just imagine all those tons of bells just above her head!

Want to play the bells yourself? You can! Click onto the virtual carillon: http://www.loughboroughcarillon.com/virtual-carillon-play-the-bells/

Look out for videos of other Carillons during the tour.

There's a chime and a place ...

2008-07-22T02:17:00.000-07:00

Only a few days to go now and the first week's itinerary is taking shape:

Sunday 27th, after the launch at Loughborough's Carillon Team Carillon will start to make their way up to Aberdeen. After an overnight stay in NW England on the Sunday, Team Carillon will set out early on Monday 28th for the long drive North - approx 340 miles - thankfully we can all share the driving!

Tuesday 29th will see us visitng Aberdeen Municipal Carillon, St Nicholas’ Church, Back Wynd, Aberdeen. No confirmation regarding access as yet.

Wednesday 30th will see us making a 90 mile journey to visit St. John’s Kirk Carillon, St. John’s Street, Perth. Caroline has been invited to play a recital here - time will be confirmed.

Thursday 31st will herald another early start as we drive to St Andrews to the Holy Trinity Parish Church Carillon, South Street (access confirmed, time to be arranged) and then drive approx 100 miles to Dumbarton.

Friday 1st at 12:30 we will be visiting St Patrick’s Church, Dumbarton where we will be taking photographs. The carillon here is due to be undergoing some restoration work shortly so may not be playable and we are informed 'doesn't look its best' at the moment.

Friday 1st we will also be visiting St Marnock’s Parish Church, St Marnock Street, Kilmarnock (access not confirmed as yet) afterwhich we will be travelling approx 160 miles back down to Newcastle for an overnight stay.

Saturday 2nd we hope to visit Edith Adamson Memorial Carillon, Civic Centre, Newcastle and then we will drive down to York.

Sunday 3rd sees our visit to York Minster where Caroline will have the opportunity to play some hymns.

After Sunday the tour is still somewhat sketchy but watch this space ...

Tuning up for tour launch ...

2008-07-18T03:39:00.000-07:00

Loughborough' s War Memorial Carillon Tower

Photo courtesty of: http://www.loughboroughcarillon.com/share-your-carillon-photos/

Loughborough's Carillon Week (Monday 21st - Sunday 27th July 2008) is an annual event which commemorates the anniversary of its opening with a week of special recitals by guest carillonneurs:

Monday at 13:00 - Michael Boyd
Tuesday at 13:00 - Caroline Sharpe
Wednesday at 13:00 - Ian Cassells
Thursday at 13:00 - Lynne Morgan
Friday at 13:00 - Caroline Sharpe
Saturday at 13:00 - Anthony Brookes
Sunday at 15:30 - Trevor Workman

The Carillon is open to visitors and you can watch the carillonneurs at work and even brave climbling up past the bells onto the viewing platform for excellent views over the whole town. WARNING! If you want to climb to the top during a recital you will need ear plugs!!!

Team Carillon will all be at the final recital on the Sunday afternoon so what better time and place to commence the tour.

Ding Dong! It's a date ...

2008-07-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

Caroline will play the Carillon at York Minster on Sunday August 3rd!

York Minster houses the newest Carillon in the country and, not only that, the Minster is the only Cathedral in England to house a carillon. The carillon here is so new (i.e. installed Spring 2008) that there are still various adjustments being made to it but we are pleased to report that Caroline has received an informal invitation to play it during our 2008 Tour.

Read more about York Carillon here:

http://www.carillons.org/york/

Once upon a chime ...

2008-07-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

What's the Carillon Tour?

Team Carillon aim to raise the profile of this magnificent, often neglected, instrument. People just generally don't know about Carillons unless, of course, you happen to have one in your home town or city - even then, many local people have no idea about how the bells are actually played. Some think that the bells are mechanically operated and, indeed, at some Carillons they are, whilst others think that the tunes are a recording which is amplified through speakers at the top of the bell tower.

There are 16 Carillons throughout the Uk & Ireland and Team Carillon aim to visit all of them before the end of 2008 and Caroline is hoping to be able to play as many as she can on the way around - 'just a little tinkle' she says! Playing a recital, especially at the larger Carillons, can be as strenuous as having a workout so to play a whole programme at all of them would be unrealistic. Some may not even be playable we just don't know ...neither do we know if we can gain access to all of them but we're going to have fun trying.

Team Carillon will set out on Monday 28th July with a long drive up to Aberbeen, the most northerly Carillon in Scotland.

You can read more about carillons at: http://carillons.org/ see if there's one near you that you can visit. If not, just sit back and enjoy the virtual tour on this blog. (Having just checked out pictures of some of the bell towers, I think I might be developing a bell phobia and fear of heights, too!)

More about the tour preparations and the dates when we'll be at a Carillon near you coming soon!

My ding-a-ling!

2008-07-13T04:17:00.000-07:00

What IS a Carillon?

A Carillon is a musical instrument - the heaviest of all instruments and certainly not one you can carry about with you! It consists of a stationary set of bells mounted in a bell tower, usually in a church or some kind of municipal building; there are usually between 23 - 50 tuned bells although in the USA you can find Carillons with up to 70 bells (they always have to supersize everything!). A Carillon differs greatly from ordinary church bells; Carillon bells do not swing and are struck by clappers which are activated by levers and wires attached to a clavier which is a baton keyboard incorporating foot pedals, too. The keyboard batons are usually struck with the fist and, of course, the foot pedals with the feet (that figures!). The keyboard is set out as a piano keyboard and the carillonneur plays tunes by either striking one bell after another to create a melody or by playing several bells together creating chords.

This picture shows Caroline playing the clavier at Loughbrough's War Memorial Carillon.

There are 90 steps up to the clavier room at Loughborough's Carillon and there are 47 bells mounted in the tower directly above Caroline's head. Just to give you an idea of the scale of Loughborough's Carillon - the heaviest bell weighs 4.25 tonnes, is 6' 4" in diameter and 5' tall - so, not ideal for someone who hates heights and has a phobia of big bells!

You can read more about this particular carillon by logging on to: http://www.loughboroughcarillon.com

So, hopefully, you get the idea - it's all about climbling lots steps and getting up close and personal with big bells. Come back soon to read more about the 2008 Carillon Tour and to learn more about the Carillons of the UK and Ireland.