HSA FESTIVAL 2005

The 2005 Australasian Handbell Festival, held in Auckland, New Zealand, hosted by the Rainbow Ringers and opened by the Mayor of Auckland, was a most enjoyable event. We were fortunate to have military style organisation, a dedicated and hard working committee, and the support of all the Rainbow Ringers as well as their non-ringing husbands.

Our very sincere thanks to our wonderful guests, well known bell choir directors Bill and Lee Waggener from USA, who taught us so much, and made the weekend so special, to the handbell teams who contributed to the friendly and informal atmosphere of the Festival, to members of Auckland Choral who sang for us at the final concert, and of course to Aidan Fozard from UK, who was fortunately 'passing through' and stopped off long enough to entertain us with his balletic solo performance of 'Amazing Grace'.

Finally, heartfelt thanks to Epsom Girls' Grammar School for allowing us to use their facilities and excellent accommodation. The kitchen staff received a well deserved standing ovation for their excellent catering which kept our energy levels high.

Altogether, it was a very successful event, and our thanks to all concerned.

Alison Miller.

Meal table at hostel - from left: A Miller, Margaret Smith Rainbow Ringer, Carmel, Monica, Jocelyn Hulme, Janice Keys, Betty Upton Registrar, Michelle Ma, Friend (non-ringer)