M1 18 January 2020 - Shiplake

The towers in and around Reading have been looking at how they can support each other, with recruiting and teaching ringers being high on the agenda - a challenge across most of the Reading branch - our Ringing Master and Chairman asked ART to run a module 1 course. Having given priority booking to people in the branch the session was opened up and such is the demand it proved easy to fill all the spaces.

Shiplake was an ideal location with a ground floor ring, simulator and a few yards away was the Ark; a warm room for the theory sessions, kitchen and toilets. It was a shame we forgot the milk!

It proved to be an excellent use of my day, run by David Sparling. It was a full agenda and we covered a lot of ground with a good mix of theory and practical sessions. David managed the time well and keeping us focused.

There was a huge range of experience - from those who have done a lot of teaching and were there as interested to know more about ART and what it could offer them, through to novices. This mix meant there was a lot of sharing of experiences and focus on different techniques for solving problems. It was not uncommon to hear, 'I hadn't thought about it like that'. One person who has taught a lot of people waxed lyrically about 'the home position' and how he would start to use the phrase.

I attended as I want to attract new ringers and if successful we need more people willing to teach. So I now have the theory, some practice, support materials and a mentor. All I need now is someone to teach.

Jenny Page

Teaching Bell Handling

Practical advice for teachers, right from the first lesson.

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