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Let the bells ring out! Diamond anniversary for Brummie carillonneur

For decades, he has been responsible for bringing the sound of one of the rarest and most unusual musical instruments in the country to Birmingham.

By contributor Claire Page
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Now Trevor Workman, who for the past 60 years has played the Bournville Carillon, has been celebrated with a special concert in his honour.

Friends, family and special guests celebrated the 83-year-old’s diamond anniversary as Bournville’s carillonneur at St Francis Church in Bournville on September 20.

Julian Lloyd Webber, former principal of the Birmingham Conservatoire, compered the event. Whilst world-famous Cellist Jiaxin Lloyd Webber performed along with a variety of musicians from across the world.

Trevor Workman playing the Bournville Carillon.
Trevor Workman playing the Bournville Carillon.

Standing proud on top of Bournville Junior School, the Bournville Carillon is made up of 48 bells (played from a keyboard) that ring out across Bournville. It’s one of only eight in the country and Trevor is just the third carillonneur of the Bournville Carillon in its history, and is believed to be the longest serving carillonneur in British history.

Sue Mountford, Trevor’s daughter, said: “We are so incredibly proud of the role my dad has played in the Bournville community and for reaching his diamond anniversary as carillonneur.

“For 60 years, he has played the Carillon come rain or shine; bringing joy, happiness and comfort to thousands of people. Every Christmas Eve, families gather on Bournville Village Green to sing carols along to the Carillon and he hasn’t missed a performance since the event began in 1965. He even broadcast online during Covid.

The Bournville Carillon, which sits at the top of Bournville Junior School.
The Bournville Carillon, which sits at the top of Bournville Junior School.

“He’s travelled the globe to perform and represent Birmingham on the world stage, and whilst he continues to be in high demand, playing to the wonderful Bournville community is really where his heart is.”

Arthur Tsang, Director of Communities at Bournville Village Trust, which manages the Bournville Carillon, said: “To be celebrating 60 years as Bournville’s carillonneur is a huge achievement and we want to congratulate Trevor on this outstanding accomplishment.

“The Carillon is synonymous with Bournville Village and many people have fond memories of it playing to mark national and cultural milestones as well as very personal life events like weddings. For many people, it truly is the sound of Bournville.

“On behalf of Bournville Village Trust, we want to say a huge thank you to Trevor for the special role he plays in the community and for his commitment and dedication over 60 years.”

Trevor Workman (R) with Julian Lloyd Webber at celebratory concert.
Trevor Workman (R) with Julian Lloyd Webber at celebratory concert.

Trevor gives free recitals of the Bournville Carillon twice a week on Saturdays. He has also played the Carillon to mark events such as St George’s Day, D-Day and the King’s Coronation.

In unison with 680 carillonneurs worldwide, he played in a special recital in support of the people of Ukraine and has played in tribute to NHS staff and those who lost their lives during Covid.

Trevor has also been pivotal in securing the Bournville Carillon’s legacy for future generations, including raising funds for maintenance and promoting the Carillon locally, nationally and internationally.

He established the George Cadbury Carillon School in 2007 and has trained new carillonneurs, ensuring the instrument’s tradition endures for the benefit of the community.

Founder of Bournville, George Cadbury, wanted to have a Carillon as a central feature of the village, and it was erected in 1906. For many years, the Bournville Carillon played to chocolate factory workers on their way to and from work.