Ely Diocesan Association of Church Bell Ringers
2003 Association Training Conference
2003 Association Training ConferenceTOWARDS BETTER PRACTICE NIGHTS
Report of the Conference
LIFE ON THE RECEIVING END
A STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE

The presentation is in five sections:-

Background
A learners perspective: ringing
A learners perspective: teaching
Reasons for ringing
Conclusions


BackgroundThriplow Old Bell Frame
Thriplow's old bells and bell frame

  • Thriplow bells un-ringable between 1897(ish) and 1995
  • 1995 - five bells restored & sixth added.
  • No known ringers in village.
  • Two experienced ringers in next door village.
  • 20 eager recruits.
  • 1996 - 2001: Building up a band (learning to ring).
  • 2001 - 2003: Maintaining a band (learning to teach).

Thriplow's new bell frameThriplows New Bell Frame
Ringing at Thriplow

A learners perspective: Ringing

  • Bell handling
    - use of video
    - many tutors
  • Rounds / call changes
    - bell handling under pressure
    - keep correcting handling
  • Plain hunt
    - first major hurdle
      (lack of apparent progression)
    - numbers ok, places very confusing
  • Method ringing
    - paper to ropesight to "doing it all"
    - bed of nails

A learners perspective: teaching

  • Team work
    - selecting the right team
    - please will you ring the 3 for some bob doubles?
  • Being positive
    - before, during and after a touch
  • Pushing a little
    - beyond comfort level
    - learning to conduct and put right (with no pressure!)
  • Mixing theory, watching & practice
    - finding time
  • Themed practice nights?
    - Grandsire night

Reasons for ringing:

 Likes:
  • Social / Fun
  • Challenging but progressing
  • Helping others learn
  • Good ringing
  • Outings
  • Pub

    • Dislikes:
  • Not enough people / friends
  • Not progressing / too difficult
  • Not being involved or appreciated
  • Bad ringing / striking
  • Too young to go to pub
    • Everyone has a different set of reasons - if we understand what our ringers want we are more likely to have better practice nights

    Conclusions

  • We are all learners.
  • We all need to help each other
    Making progress and having fun are the most important factors for
    a successful practice night.

    • Kim Whittlestone
    RETURN TO THE REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE
    Previous items on this subject:
    - Report of the Day.
    - Details of the Day.
    - Outline Plan.
    - Call for Contributions.