The Ontario Guild of English Handbell Ringers

Holds Biannual Music Festivals (most recent June 2019) Assists in the Formation of Choirs by providing information about how to start a handbell/handchime choir Provides an informal communications network through which requests from touring handbell ensembles are referred to potential host venues Distributes information to the public on handbells/handchimes and concert information as well as general information about the Corporation on its website at www.ogehr.ca Distributes information to its members about the Corporation through email updates Distributes a newsletter three times per year to its membership called 'Clapper Chatter' Administers a Festival Bursary Fund to provide assistance to students of handbells/handchimes to enable them to attend the festivals noted above Runs a handbell/handchime loaner program to organizations who are not able to purchase instruments without assistance as they operate with very limited budgets Collaborates with other Canadian provincial handbell guilds on national and international matters consistent with the charity's objectives Maintains a lending library of handbell/handchime sheet music for loan to choirs and ensembles Administers a Terry Head Memorial Scholarship Fund that started in 2019 to provide assistance to members to upgrade their understanding about handbells and handchimes. In 2024 The Ontario Guild of English Handbell Ringers completed its first ever Directors Course. Several virtual workshops were offered starting in September 2023 ending in the spring of 2024 with the in person full day workshop. This will be offered again in the 2025/2026 season.