new tecumseth’s moments in history the alliston golden bells · 2021. 3. 2. · the alliston...
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New Tecumseth’s Moments in History
The Alliston Golden Bells
The Alliston Golden Bells are a handbell choir that have been entertaining audiences since
1981. The initial idea of this group came from a former President of the Alliston Golden Age
Club, Margaret Stoltz, and with the encouragement of an organist and choir leader, Ken Inkster.
The project was proposed in early 1978, with the suggestions of the bells being dedicated to
deceased members.
It was a costly endeavour, but there was enough interest to keep the idea going. In 1980, the
group received a memorial gift, personal donations, and a cookbook project to start a fund.
Fortunately, a woman named Vera Diamond of Sandy Cove Acres was introduced. She was able
to direct a Handbell Choir and had invited six members to her home for some lessons.
St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, November 30, 1981
The group was awarded a grant of $4,034 through the New Horizons Funding Program of
Health and Welfare branch of the Government of Canada. In the Fall of 1980, this grant allowed
the group to purchase three octaves of Verdin handbells, necessary equipment, and gowns. The
first performance of the Alliston Golden Bells occurred on February 7, 1981, at the Alliston
Women’s Institute and Memorial Library.
Since 1981, the Alliston Golden Bells have performed all over New Tecumseth, Simcoe County,
Dufferin County, and Toronto (amongst other places). Currently, the Alliston Golden Bells are
seeking a music director and new ringers.
An Evening of Music and Dedication of Hand Bells in Memory of Deceased members of the
Alliston Golden Age Club, St. John’s United Church, Alliston, June 16, 1981
Dufferin-Simcoe Conservative Picnic, Riverdale Park,
September 12, 1982
Memorial Library and Women’s Institute Hall, Alliston. The first public
appearance occurred here on February 7, 1981.
Bradford Senior Citizen’s, June 21, 1983
S.S. Chapter Kidney Foundation annual meeting, February 13, 1982
Christ’s Anglican Church, Tottenham, September 19, 1982
Central United Church, Barrie, September 16, 1982
Stevenson Memorial Hospital Annual Meeting, January 14, 1982
The Museum on the Boyne is proud to have in its collection several scrapbooks and archival
documents, which tell the story of this fascinating and active group from New Tecumseth. If you
have interest or would like to know about our collection, please contact
From the Museum on the Boyne Collection, 2012.27.1
Plowing Match, Crown Hill, Simcoe County, September 29, 1981