Asia

Handbell Ringers of Japan

Handbells were first introduced to Japan by a missionary named M. I. Kelly, who came to teach at the Kinjo-Gakuin School in Nagoya. At first, there was little interest. Then, in 1976, Handbell Ringers of Japan (HRJ) was formed. When HRJ began promoting handbells, interest increased. This led to the large number of handbell choirs present in Japan today.

Each year, sets of handbells are donated to schools for blind and deaf children, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and various other institutions. This spirit of giving has sustained HRJ since its founding. The HRJ believes that handbells are the instrument of peace that link people and connect countries throughout the world.

HRJ telephone number +81-3-5395-1760

President:

Executive Secretary: Mrs. Sun-Joo Shin, Arusu Otowa II-214, 1-22-18, Otowa, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo JAPAN Tel: +81 3 5369-1760 Fax: +81 3-5395-1739

The Handbell Society of Australasia

The first handbell festival, or rally, in the southern hemisphere (and the second in the eastern hemisphere) was held in 1981, in South Australia. At the third festival in Sydney, in 1983, the Handbell Society of Australasia was formed. The first International Handbell Symposium in the southern hemisphere was held in Adelaide, Australia in July of 1994. The purpose of the Society is to further the art of handbell ringing in all of its facets,including tune ringing and change ringing and all types of handbells. For up to date contact details of the office bearers of the society, visit the HSA web page and check under Office Bearers, or contact the webmaster at webmaster@handbells.org.au.

Korean Handbell Association

The first Korean Handbell Assocation (KHA) handbell workshop and festival was held in 1985, with similar workshops being held each year since that time. The first handbell concert was held in 1988, with similar concerts held each year. In 1990, KHA hosted the fourth International Handbell Symposium.
President: Mrs. Sharon Jung Hee Han

The Handbell Guilds of Canada

Alberta Guild of English Handbell Ringers

The Alberta Guild of English Handbell Ringers is a not-for-profit organization which provides opportunities for artistic development of Albertans through the sharing, encouragement and appreciation of quality English Handbell Ringing.

President: Emmy Bortolin

British Columbia Guild of English Handbell Ringers

The British Columbia Guild of English Handbell Ringers (BCGEHR) was founded 1993 in Abbotsford, BC. The Constitution and By-Laws were adopted in Vancouver in 1994, and the BCGEHR incorporated as a not-for-profit organization under the British Columbia Societies Act in January 1995. The goals of the BCGEHR are to bring together handbell ringers from all choirs on an "inter-generational" basis and to sponsor workshops for ringers and directors. They publish a newsletter called QUARTER NOTES. At present, there are 107 members, including 3 Life Members. They represent 17 provincial choirs.

Vist the web site: BCGEHR

President: Margaret Ormond
Vice President: Alma Tomei
Secretary: Helen Sanders
Treasurer/Membership: Cara Beirnes
Past President & Chaimen of Canadian Guilds: Mary Hampton

Manitoba Guild of English Handbell Ringers

At a 1995 Workshop/Festival, directors expressed their intention and desire to form a Guild in the Province.

President: Ron Vert, PO Box 118, Starbuck, Manitoba R0G 2P0 Tel: 204-735-2423

Ontario Guild of English Handbell Ringers

Formed in 1985, the Ontario Guild of English Handbell Ringers (OGEHR) exists to promote Handbell Ringing in Ontario. OGEHR's objectives are to bring handbell ringers in contact with each other for the purpose of exchanging ideas,assisting newly-formed choirs, providing a forum for discussion, and to promote the practical advancement of the art of handbell ringing. OGEHR currently has over 100 choirs representing an estimated 1200 ringers. They have sponsored a festival every second year in varying locations and, in addition to the festivals, they sponsor an annual Directors' Workshop and localized mini-festivals and workshops.

Visit the Web site: OGEHR

President: Marcia Gosse
Marcia.Gosse@sympatico.ca

Past President: Rochelle Mulholland
rochmul@rogers.com

Saskatchewan Guild of English Handbell Ringers

Formed in 1986, the Saskatchewan Guild of English Handbell Ringers (SGEHR) hosts two workshop per year supporting the development of clinicians and ringers; promotes representation from all areas/choirs on the executive board; provides outreach to handbell directors/choirs within schools, churches, city organizations and festival committees; and organizes a provincial handbell choir for directors.

President: TBA

Great Britian

Handbell Ringers of Great Britain

Handbell Ringers of Great Britain was founded in 1967 with the sole aim of promoting music making on handbells. It is the only national organization devoted to tune ringing on musical handbells, and Belleplate and handchime ringing in all its forms.

Visit the Web site Handbell Ringers of Great Britain
E-mail HRGB.

Chairman: Alan J. Hartley, 'Ten Trees' 1A Glover Road, Totley Rise, Sheffield S17 4HN, UK Tel/Fax 0114 235 0785

Secretary: Sandra Winter, 87 The Woodfields, Sanderstead, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 0HJ, UK Tel/Fax 020 8651 2663

The South East Region also has a website: HRGB South East Region