About us

Based in a Northamptonshire village, the Stanwick Handbell Ringers originally formed in 1997, using 13 handbells belonging to St. Laurence Church, Stanwick, and an additional 4 bells borrowed from St. Peter’s Church, Raunds. Despite this, we have always been completely independent of the Church, with our own Committee and Constitution.

At that time, the small number of bells to which the group had access, limited the number of ringers and also our repertoire. Musical Director Sam Chambers said that it was like playing a piano but using just the white keys!

November 1998. The original handbell ringers with the old handbells borrowed from the Church

In March 2002, Stanwick Handbell Ringers received a grant of £5,000 from the National Lottery’s Awards for All programme.

We were absolutely delighted, as together with funds we had already raised, this grant enabled us to purchase a chromatic set of 25 handbells, together with two fitted carrying cases and insurance from the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London.

Having a full set of bells meant that we could offer handbell ringing to a larger number of people, and extend our repertoire to appeal to a wider audience.

March 2002. The Stanwick Handbell Ringers with their brand new handbells, and new white gloves!