Very many thanks to those who supported Paul Daybell’s project to take handbells to Burma. The set of 22 Mayola bells, purchased in Bradwell-on-Sea, are now in the possession of Holy Cross Theological College, Yangon – of which more later.
The impetus came from previous visits made by Paul in 2000 and 2005, when he joined the BurmaLink group from St Stephen’s, Rochester Row (where he rings tower bells). In 2000 Barbara Scarlett-Smith, who was born in Burma, was another of the travellers, and in 2005 her daughter Flavia Woodwark joined the group. Paul had noted the many bells in Burmese temples and pagodas, and thought that the Anglican Church in Burma might like to have a set of Western handbells.
Paul and Flavia joined the group from St Stephen’s for another visit, in October/November 2012. There were two main aims: to deliver the handbells, and to attend the Centenary Celebrations for All Saints Church, Maymyo (Pyin Oo Lwin) – where Barbara’s father had been Priest in the 1920s, and where Barbara herself had been christened.
We are delighted to say that both aims were met! We shared out the handbells in our hand-luggage (anxious that the set should be kept intact) and all arrived safely. None of the group were accomplished handbell ringers but we had a couple of practice sessions and gave a short demonstration at the Theological College shortly after we arrived. The Musical Director and students then took over – and we were treated to a brilliant performance some ten days later at the Centenary Celebrations in Maymyo. It was hard to say who was more delighted: those who gave or those who received. The handbells will be used in church services and concerts, formally and informally, and will we trust be a blessing to all those who ring and hear them.
The Anglican Church in Burma is very small – a minority within the 6% Christian minority of the population – but demonstrates great spirituality, enthusiasm and faithfulness. The Mothers’ Union, and the Men’s Association, are both engaged in practical projects, such as pre-schools, hostels for schoolchildren, microfinance and agricultural training. We became aware that Burmese Christian links are strengthening with other countries in South East Asia. Clergy and lay-people have attended academic courses at universities in Singapore and Malaysia, and training events are run in Burma itself with the help of people from neighbouring countries. A group of over twenty members of one Anglican church in Kuala Lumpur came to join the Centenary Celebrations in Maymyo.
It was encouraging to see the differences in Burma, particularly since 2005. Who would have thought then that fridge magnets depicting Aung San Suu Kyi would be openly displayed on market stalls? Mobile phones are much in evidence, and many people have gmail accounts (although the internet still tends to be slow and unreliable). Burma is opening up, but along with that comes the threat of spreading secularism and – for the tourist – high prices. Its real selling point is its people: a gracious, smiling hotchpotch of races and tribes. They are keen to communicate and happy to speak as much English as they can. We were humbled by their generosity: both in material terms and also with their time and concern. Their joy, dedication and inventiveness are such an inspiration.
We were away for three weeks, and travelled by minibus from Yangon to Pyay, then up the Irrawaddy by boat to Mandalay, over the Goteik Viaduct by train, down to Toungoo along the new highway, and back to Yangon. Tours are of course on offer from UK travel companies, but for those wishing to plan their own itinerary we warmly recommend Saw Fabian of Pasture Green Travels and Tours, who was our guide and driver. His not-for-profit organisation is linked with the Anglican Province of Myanmar and he looked after us brilliantly. “[email protected]”
Finally: the set of 22 handbells should really be 24. They are ringable as they are, but the next project is to locate two additional Mayola bells – G sharp (or A flat) and D sharp (or E flat) – and send them out to Holy Cross. If anyone can help with this, please contact Paul direct.
Paul Daybell
Flavia Woodwark
Bells for Burma (MYANMAR)