M1: 18 Nov 2017 - Charminster

On a slightly chilly November Saturday twelve enthusiastic, but slightly nervous ringers turned up to Charminster Church for a Module 1 course.

After a welcome cup of coffee, Sallie and Andy Ingram (our tutors) were ready to guide everyone through the concept of the ‘Whole-Part-Whole Approach’, explaining that complex skills are best broken down into small actions, which can (once learnt) be combined to form the whole ringing action. Then to the tower for a practical session, working with a partner on starting someone on the journey to becoming a new ringer, with bells in the downward position. Lots of chatter, laughter and sharing of thoughts and ideas brought everyone to a welcome Victoria sponge and coffee break. This was followed by discussion on the smaller actions i.e. hand and backstroke alongside finding ‘the balance’ of the bell. Different partners and a practical session to follow this through, with a brief summary from Andy before a delicious lunch of vegetable soup with rhubarb and custard cake. The later enabling time for chat, as well as socialising and sharing ringing thoughts and ideas.

The afternoon sessions on ringing up and down, followed by solving common handling problems left everyone feeling well informed and eager to get out there and work with the newly learnt ideas and skills we had been given by our very helpful and informative tutors.

In summary, it would be fair to say that the day was thoroughly enjoyed by all and the resources, handy tips and uncomplicated explanations provided by Sallie and Andie were well received. Now we are all keen to find some potential new ringers to teach!

Jane Pridmore

Teaching Bell Handling

Practical advice for teachers, right from the first lesson.