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From the beginning of the 20^th Century, St. Matthew's had a tradition of handbell ringing. On the left is a board from the ringing chamber commemorating a ring of 5,040 changes in 2 hours 18 minutes, on Wednesday October 26^th October 1904, performed on 8 handbells.

Mrs Doreen Doe has a 78 record from the 1930s of handbell ringing, performed by Henry Hodgetts and Fred Brinklow from St. Matthew's and two other members of the Hertford Handbell Ringers. The record label says:

Personal Recordings
E I Howlett
8 Chester Drive
North Harrow
Spliced Surprise Major
Rung on handbells by four members of the Hertford County Association

Although the recording is 'scratchy', the sound of the bells is very soothing - like minimalist music - and there are occasional interjections, probably from Henry Hodgetts, giving directions to the ringers. If you have a broadband internet connection (or you are very patient on dial-up!) you can download the recording:

• Side 1 Format MP3 Size 1.7 Mb playing time 4 minutes 17 seconds
• Side 2 Format MP3 Size 1.5 Mb playing time 3 minutes 39 seconds