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| Find out what's involved – Click the course name to see: Why you should go, What you will do, What you can expect to get out of it. Duration – Most courses last less than a couple of hours. They aim to give you experiences and insights that you can then use to develop further during your regular ringing. |
Bring a learner – Some of these courses are particularly suited for less experienced ringers, who might not like to come on their own. We are happy for learner and teacher to attend together. Tower courses – If several people in the same tower have similar needs, we can organise a course in your own tower, with the advantage of familiarity. |
| Course | Why go | What you do | What you get out of it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rope & bell control skills | If you don't feel comfortable on the end of a rope and have difficulty making the bell do what you want (for example: you have difficulty striking consistently or find it hard to change speed when needed), or you don't feel confident ringing different bells, or you find ringing hard work or uncomfortable, or you do not feel entirely safe when ringing. | During the introduction, you will discuss with the tutor how you feel when ringing and any specific problems you hope to solve. The tutor will assess you ringing a number of exercises to identify any problems and possible causes. After discussing these, you will be coached, with further exercises to help you work on solutions. There is no set formula for this course, because it will be tailored to your individual needs. This session might include the use of video so that you can see what you are doing. | You should gain a better understanding of what is causing you problems and why. You should also have practical ideas for things you can do to help yourself improve. We cannot guarantee 'instant fixes' since it takes a lot of effort (and longer than a single session) to change any habits that have become ingrained. Back to top Request a place on a course |
| Course | Why go | What you do | What you get out of it |
| Raising and lowering techniques | If you have difficulty getting a bell up, or taking it down, if you find it very hard work, or if you do not feel safe when doing it. | During the introduction, you will discuss with the tutor the problems that you hope to solve. You will attempt to raise (or lower) a bell to enable the tutor to assess the problems, and possible causes. After discussing these, you will be coached in further exercises to help you to work on solutions. There is no set formula for this course, because it depends very much on individual needs. It may be combined with Bell Handling (see above). | You should understand what is limiting your current performance, and have practical ideas for how to make improvement. We cannot guarantee 'instant fixes' since it takes a lot of effort (and longer than a single session) to change habits that have become ingrained. A boost to your progress.. Back to top Request a place on a course |
| Course | Why go | What you do | What you get out of it |
| Raising and lowering in peal | If you can already raise and lower a single bell without difficulty, but have not yet learnt to do so in peal (or if your attempts to do so do not normally succeed) or if your tower cannot offer you regular opportunities to raise and lower in peal. NB – If most of your need to learn, we can offer a sequence of courses in your tower do you can all to learn together. | The tutor will ask what you hope to get out of the course, and if you have any specific problems. A brief initial theory session will explain the key features of successful raising and lowering in peal. The rest of the course will consist of alternate raises and lowers, with students spaced between experienced helpers, and any problems or questions dealt with after each. We aim to ensure that you ring in at least two raises and two lowers. | Ringing in a 'solid' band gives you the best chance of succeeding, and repeating the process while it is still fresh in your mind should help you to consolidate what you learn. You should be much better equipped to take part in normal raising and lowering. Back to top Request a place on a course |
| Course | Why go | What you do | What you get out of it |
| Leading up and down in peal | If you can reliably raise and lower in peal, but have not yet learnt to lead up and down (or your attempts to do so often fail) or if your tower needs someone to lead up and down in peal. NB – We could combine this course with Raising and Lowering in Peal, especially if it were focused on the needs of a single band. |
The tutor will check your current experience, and any specific problems. A brief initial theory session will explain the key features of successfully leading up and down in peal. The rest of the course will consist of alternate raises and lowers. You will lead up a band of experienced helpers, under the tutor's supervision. Any problems or questions will be dealt with after each. We aim to ensure that you ring in at least two raises and two lowers. You will be given advice on how to cope when leading a less experienced band. | You should understand the techniques needed for successful leading up and down, and have experienced how to apply them. You should be confident enough to lead normal raising and lowering. Back to top Request a place on a course |
| Course | Why go | What you do | What you get out of it |
| Listening skills | If you find it hard to hear your bell (so you don't know whether it is striking accurately), or if people tell you to 'listen to it' and you don't know how to, or if you have given up trying to listen. | A brief initial theory session explains how listening works, why it is difficult, and how it complements other skills to help you strike in the right place. Most of the time is spent on practical listening exercises. The difficulty is controlled, and you are not stressed by having to control a bell at the same time. Everything is repeatable, so you can take your time. Everyone is encouraged to participate actively. You get feedback on whether get the exercises right, and you can repeat the exercise if you need to. | You will almost certainly hear more than you thought you could. You will understand some techniques to help you make more sense of the sound while ringing. You should be able to practise listening more effectively during your normal ringing, providing a boost to your progress. Back to top Request a place on a course |
| Course | Why go | What you do | What you get out of it |
| Ring with a simulator | If you have not rung with a simulator (ie rung your bell with the simulator making the sounds of the others, which is an experience every ringer ought to have a least once) or if you would like to develop a more rhythmic style of ringing. | You ring a normal bell to Rounds (or a method if you prefer). The simulator rings all the other bells. You ring steadily and listen to the striking of your bell. All the others strike perfectly, so it is easier to pick out any deviation of yours. You make small corrections to stay in the right place. There are no moving ropes except yours. That can seem odd at first (though beginners who haven't yet rung with other ringers don't have any problem with it). If things go wrong, you can stop and start again. The machine never gets upset. | More confidence in your ability to ring rhythmically, and to correct your striking by what you hear, plus the luxury of practising amid perfect ringing. Please note – This is best followed up with further practice. Back to top Request a place on a course |
| Course | Why go | What you do | What you get out of it |
| Striking practice | If you would like to improve your striking but aren't sure to do so, or you aren't sure how good your striking is. | You will ring Rounds and touches that are well within your ability, and after each you will see an analysis of your striking and be able to discuss how you can improve it. See feedback from previous course. | You will have a more objective view of your striking, and should have ideas for how to improve it. Back to top Request a place on a course |
| Course | Why go | What you do | What you get out of it |
| Elementary bob calling | If you can ring methods but do not call, if you have problems when calling, or if you lack confidence doing so. | A short theory session explains the basics (timing of calls, choosing what to call, knowing when to put the next call, deciding when to call round, etc). Practical ringing gives you the chance to call things. Your tutor will keep an eye on you while you do so, and after each touch will discuss any problems and answer questions. | You should be able to call with more confidence. Back to top Request a place on a course |
| Course | Why go | What you do | What you get out of it |
| Conducting | If you can already call simple touches, and would like to develop your ability to understand how touches work, to check the ringing during a touch, and to be able to correct some simple mistakes. | A theory session explains how to work out coursing orders from the composition and how to check them during the ringing. It recaps on the basics of calling and touch selection, and gives advice about (trying to) correct mistakes. During the practical session, you will prepare one or more touches and call them. Your tutor will keep an eye on you while doing so, and after each touch will discuss any problems and answer questions. | An understanding of conducting, and more confidence in your ability to call touches.You should be able to call with more confidence. Back to top Request a place on a course |
| Course | Why go | What you do | What you get out of it |
| How to learn a method | If you can ring basic methods but have difficulty learning and remembering new methods, or if you have no idea how to put yourself right after making a slip. | The theory session begins with a recap of pre-course reading that you have been asked to do. It explains different ways to think about the structure of a method, and how each can help you to learn it more thoroughly. You will discuss what you have learnt about a new method that you were given shortly before the course, and any queries will be answered. In the practical session, with the support of helpers, you will have the opportunity to attempt to ring the method. | A better approach to learning a new method, and staying right while ringing it. As a result, you should be able to learn more new methods with confidence. Back to top Request a place on a course |
| Course | Why go | What you do | What you get out of it |
| Heavy bell handling | If you are comfortable ringing light or mid-weight bells but find ringing heavy bells too difficult, or if you would like to be able to ring heavier bells more confidently, or if your tower needs more 'back enders'. | A brief introduction describes the different way heavy and light bells ring, and the different techniques needed to control them properly. Practical ringing sessions ringing a heavy bell will include ringing a single bell to develop an efficient style, ringing rounds and covering, dodging and hunting. Note that the weight of the bell used will depend on the individual. ('Heavy' is a relative term.) | You should develop a more efficient style of ringing that enables you to ring heavier bells more effectively, with less effort. Back to top Request a place on a course |
| Course | Why go | What you do | What you get out of it |
| Rope splicing | If you cannot splice a rope but would like to learn, or if your tower needs someone able to repair a rope if one broke. | The mechanics of a splice are explained and demonstrated. Different types of splice, and their role in ringing are explained. The main focus is on the short splice. You will practice making your own splice(s) under supervision, using rope provided. You will be shown how to achieve an even finish, and how to spot mistakes. You may bring your own rope of there is something you wish to repair. | The ability to repair a rope using a short splice. Back to top Request a place on a course |
| Course | Why go | What you do | What you get out of it |
| Bell maintenance | If you are interested in bell mechanics and maintenance, and/or if your tower needs a steeple-keeper. | This course is normally run by the Guild Towers and Belfries Committee. In the theory session, each part of a bell installation is described, together with how it works, what is essential for it to work correctly, and what might go wrong. Normally there are two practical sessions, in towers with different types of installation (eg metal frame v timber frame) and you are given the opportunity to inspect them, ie systematically look for signs of defects or potential problems, and discuss the results. The session includes demonstration of typical maintenance tasks. | A more thorough understanding of how to keep a bell installation in good working order. Back to top Request a place on a course Please note – This course is run by the Oxford Diocesan Guild |
| Course | Why go | What you do | What you get out of it |
| Change ringing on handbells | If you would like to try this related but distinct activity. | The way to think of two bells as a pattern (equivalent to the blue line for a single bell) when hunting is explained, and you will be able to practice ringing a coursing pair, and other positions. | The chance to try ringing in hand. Please note - This is a 'taster' session. To progress you need regular practice, and may be able to join a local group. Back to top Request a place on a course |
| Course | Why go | What you do | What you get out of it |
| Teaching bell handling | If you would like to be able to teach new ringers, or if your tower needs someone to teach new ringers. | We recommend that you attend an ART (Association of Ringing Teachers), M1 course (in the Branch if there are enough or elsewhere if not). We will help you to find a suitable mentor for the follow up period of practical teaching. | At the end of the whole process (including teaching someone) you should be confident to teach safely and effectively, and able to be certified by ART. Back to top Request a place on a course |
The list doesn't include courses on individual methods, which are catered for by courses that the Guild runs every year. When we did offer them we found because the demand was so low that a course would have been impractical. However, if a group do want help learning a particular method then please contact the Training Officer . We may also be able to support you with additional coaching at Branch practices if we know what you need.
If you have any other training needs, not covered above, please contact me .
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| Page updated on 05-June-2024 |
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© Oxford Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers (Sonning Deanery Branch) 2010 |  |
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