Fading chimes of Eston Handbell Choir

By Joan Janzen

It was just last year that the Eston Handbell Choir disbanded. Before they did so, the choir presented numerous generous donations to various local organizations. The community loved hearing their music throughout the years.

An article by Pam Kosolofski was published in Eston’s history book relayed the birth and progress of the club. When Pam’s grandparents died, her parents donated funds to purchase bells for the Kindersley Handbell Choir. This led to Pam spending a year applying for grants and securing donations to form a similar group in Eston. As a result, Eston Community Handbells became a reality in May of 1999.

Group One of the Eston Handbell Choir performing at Heritage Manor in December, 2000. Photo (Grass to Grain Volume Two)

Twelve handbells were handmade in Pennsylvania and purchased at a cost of $6,000. Inscriptions in the handles acknowledged the donors.

When not in use the bells rested on sections of four inch foam. The players wore white gloves when playing the bells, as not to damage the bells. A workshop was held for interested players. There was a total of 16 players and even a youth choir for a couple of years.

In 2000 the second octave of handbells was purchased, funded by donations in memory of loved ones and a donation from the Eston Band Parents Association. Additional fundraising enabled the group to acquire the third octave as well as a 25 note set of hand chimes in 2006.

The Eston handbell choirs spent many years performing at local carol festivals, the Jubilee Lodge, the Plus 50 Club and churches. They travelled to Rosetown, Elrose and Eatonia to share their music.