Tabor Ringers was formed in January 1993 by Joan Chivers, the wife of the Pastor of Timsbury Tabor Church at that time, John Chivers.
Twelve handbells had been given to the village of Timsbury more than 70 years ago, but had not been used for some time. The then Rector of St Mary’s Church, the Rev John Reed, was happy for Joan to have them to form a handbell group.
The original idea was to develop the interest of the young people of the church, but, as this failed to happen, Joan decided to try to interest the adults. 10 people (some of whom still play today) came forward and with Joan conducting was eventually able to make their debut appearance at Tabor’s Spring Fayre in June 1993. This was held in Wilf Bridges garden – but the only tune which was good enough to be played in public was “Good King Wenceslas”. ,
As confidence grew, the ringers started to undertake outside engagements. In 1994 the Thursday Club at Midsomer Norton was the venue for their first venture away from Tabor Church.
Early in 1995, a set of hand chimes was purchased to complement the bells, thanks to a sizeable donation from one of the members Jeanne Shute in memory of her late husband Len, and to contributions from others in the group
Since then the group has gone from strength to strength and now regularly appears at residential homes, nursing homes and over-60s clubs in the area.
With the formation of a singing group, Tabor Singers, and several members who give recitations it is now possible to provide a more varied programme at engagements.
More on Tabor’s History
The beginnings of Tabor Church
History of the Church building