The work of a Dunblane woman who helped to establish the renowned Dunblane Handbells Ensembles group more than 40 years ago has received a ringing Royal endorsement in the New Year Honours.
Elizabeth Cassidy Wilson - known as Lysbeth - a leading light of the group since its inception in 1977 - has received the British Empire Medal (BEM).
Dunblane Handbells Ensembles - who perform on Scotland’s largest sets of handbell instruments - are regarded as one of the country’s leading handbell groups.
Responding to the honour, 85-year-old Lysbeth said this week: “It’s wonderful. It’s really lovely.
“But it’s really an honour which recognises the work of other people – and recognition of Dunblane Handbells Ensembles itself.
“It was quite emotional getting the honour – but it really wouldn’t have happened without the enthusiasm and help of others.”
Lysbeth directed the group from 1978 to 1987 and was depute musical director from 1987 to 2005.
She continues to be an active member today – both performing in the ensembles as well as holding organising committee positions including secretary, fundraising, and vice-chairperson.
Lysbeth has written a booklet on arranging music for handbells and has lectured on the subject at events organised by the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain, and was its National Executive Committee Scottish representative for several years.
Dunblane Handbells Ensembles have travelled to give concerts in England, the US and Canada as well as Germany and Switzerland.
Lysbeth has also taught pupils in Dunblane and Newton primary schools how to play the instrument.
She started handbell ringing in 1977 after becoming involved in ringing the Dunblane Cathedral church tower bell.
She commented: “Cathedral tower bell ringer captain Magnus Peterson had a personal set of handbells – and rang a few Christmas carols on them.
“I played the piano and had been a piano teacher –and the handbells appealed to me.
“Ringing the Dunblane Cathedral bells in the bell tower could be rather cold, but handbells were suited to a warmer environment.
“I got hooked on the idea of playing the handbells.
“Magnus kindly lent us his own set of handbells. He was a big help in getting it all started.
“It really began as a bit of fun and grew from there.
“Handbell ringing Is something young and old can take part in together - working together is part of the beauty of handbell ringing.
“And handbells are a great tool to get youngsters interested in music.”
Lysbeth still regularly attends handbell ringing classes in Dunblane and has no plans to retire.
She said: “I have been out handbell ringing this Christmas. As long as my legs and hands keep going I’ll be out handbell ringing.
“We rehearse every week and go out to play concerts every so often.
“Handbells might be thought of as a Christmas instrument, but are something you can play all year round.”
Dunblane Handbells Ensembles has four groups in total: one each for primary and high school children and an adult beginners group and adult concert group.
Other Forth Valley recipients of honours are: Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) - Glasgow Caledonian University Professor of Epidemiology and Population Health Sharon Hutchison, of Blanefield, for services to public health research; Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Celia Margaret Lloyd Sinclair Thornqvist, of Killin, founder and chairperson of The Willow Tea Rooms Trust, for services to the restoration of the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Willow Tea Rooms.
