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

vlio@newtecumseth.ca

From the Museum on the Boyne Collection, 2012.27.1

Plowing Match, Crown Hill, Simcoe County, September 29, 1981