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An Invitation to the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Bells of St. James.

Saturday June20 and Sunday June 21, 2009

Where? St. James' Anglican Church, 6 Hamilton St., Stratford, Ontario, Canada.

The Tower at St. James' is home to an eleven-bell Chime that was installed in 1909 by Meneely & Co. of West Troy, NY.
It is played from the original pump-handle chimestand, with mechanical transmission to the bell clappers.
Also in the tower is a 1909 E. Howard No.3 chiming tower clock; hand-wound, running and in original condition.
There will be frequent demonstrations of the manual rewinding the 8-day rewind of this clock.
Why? It has been 100 years since the Bells first rang out over the rooftops of Stratford.
Definitely something worth celebrating! There are plans to rebuild the chime in 2010.
Replacing the old bell-frame, tuning the original bells, installing new clappers and renovating the chimestand.
We are also adding four new high bells to considerably expand the musical capabilities of the chime.
So, here is your last opportunity to experience playing the Chime as it was originally installed in 1909.

Schedule of Events This is what we are planning:

Saturday June 20, 2009 .....
1000-1100 Gather in the bell tower at St. James' to view the belfry and clock room.
1100-1130 A Mini-Demonstration by Michel Allard. Ever wondered how to lead into a tune?
Here are some ideas for introducing and elaborating on melodies.

1130-1230 A light informal lunch will be provided& free-time available to play the chime.
1230-1600 A Musical Mystery Tour to another Chime. Transportationis provided.
1600-1730 'Blending Bells' by Michel and a second half-hour Mini-Demo organized by Michel.
Followed by free time to play and try blending some bells. Or filling some tunes...
1730-1900 Suppertime at a local restaurant within easy walking distance.
1900-2030 Free time on the chime. Let those tunes ring out. A chance to try a duet.

Sunday June 21, 2009 .....

1000-1025 Call to service on the chime. Bring your favourite hymn tunes.
1030-1145 Morning Service. All are invited! Sermon will have emphasis on the Bells of St. James and their role of outreach to the community.
This is also the halfway point of the campaign to raise the funds to restore the chime,
so there will likely be a presentation on its progress.

1200-1300 Let the Bells ring out and the Banners fly! A 100 year celebration concert will be rung.
Food, drink, lawn chairs, CHIME COOKIES and good fellowship in the Churchyard.
Let's celebrate those one hundred years in style. All willing chimers to the playing room!

Alternate Activities: The above events unabashedly cater to chimers and bell enthusiasts .....
However, we are planning to organize some Saturday afternoon events in and around Stratford for others not so enthusiastic.

Accommodations: Stratford is a tourist destination with hotels, motels and B&B's.
If possible, we will reserve a block of rooms at a reasonable rate.

In the New Year we will put together a list of possibilities and send them out to you.

This Celebration of 100 Years of the Bells of St. James is open to everyone.

Updates and a guest list will be posted here as soon as received.

Will also be posted on the Bells of St.James web page at
www2.cyg.net/~stjam/chime.htm   by May 11, 2009

Send all inquiries and RSVP's to p_ ryde@hotmail.com or call 519-285-3443

We look forward to you joining us!

 

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Last modified: 02/21/10