M1:19 Nov 2016 - Lytchett Matravers

Despite having no heating in the church (ground floor ring) due to contractors not completing the new system in time the participants did not appear to be unduly affected during the practical sessions by the reduced temperature and all entered into the spirit of the occasion with a great deal of enthusiasm.

The hot, home made soup at lunchtime probably kept everyone motivated for the afternoon sessions.

Fortunately the tutor room was warm (and cosy) which also encouraged participants to exchange ideas and discuss the points raised by Pip during the theory sessions.

The group was made up of 8 new teachers and 2 mentors, mainly from the SDG plus 2 from the W&P Guild. We were joined by a shadowing tutor, Geoff Horritt, so together with the course organiser, Alan Bentley, Pip was able to pair 50% of the new teachers with a mentor for the practical sessions.

Geoff was also on hand to offer valuable anecdotes and opinions in addition to Pip’s during the course of discussions.

All the participants did very well throughout the day, maintaining concentration, despite the lack of heating in the church and the course starting at 9.30 and finishing at 4.30.

Alan Bentley

Reflections on the Module 1 day course at Lytchet Matravers

I much enjoyed the course at (freezing cold) Lytchet Matravers – I was afraid my muscles would seize up, but no – they worked well.

Afterwards I drove to Martin for a skittles evening with the Salisbury Branch, using a different set of muscles. The team did not win….!

A very experienced friend amongst our local group commented after practice last Thursday that she noticed a clear improvement in my own technique following the course. So a benefit seems to have occurred already. Let’s hope that means I can communicate better with learners.

Have done the on-line test, a did reasonably well. Have also booked onto a 2F course next year. How good this all is.

Anthony Bainbridge

Teaching Bell Handling

Practical advice for teachers, right from the first lesson.