M2C: 24 August 2019 - Staplehurst
The Module 2C Course at Staplehurst on Saturday 24 August 2019 was fully subscribed with 12 students giving up their beautifully warm Bank Holiday Saturday to examine the steps from ringing Rounds through to Plain Bob Minor and beyond.
The Tutor for the day was David Sparling from Essex with all the local arrangements seamlessly organised by Revd. David Grimwood.
All Saints Church, Staplehurst was an excellent venue with its simulator allowing us to practice things that were best not heard outside (firing to the rhythm of Plain Hunt on 5 for example). The 10 bell tower gave ample room even with 13 people present and the Church provided an excellent space for the presentations and discussions as well as offering facilities for coffee, tea and cakes. Vicki Chapman kindly provided some fantastic cakes for afternoon tea despite having dislocated a thumb in the process of softening the icing during the manufacture. At least that’s the story she told us.
The 12 students ranged from those attending their very first ART Module – remember that it is perfectly possible to attend a Module 2 course WITHOUT having been on a Module 1 – through to those who had already been on both Module 1 and Module 2F Courses. Similarly the Course attracted students with ringing abilities ranging from Plain Bob through to Spliced Surprise Maximus.
The M2C Course consists of a mix of practical sessions and presentations with the opportunity for discussion and sharing ideas. The practical sessions include ideas on how, in a series of gentle steps, we can develop the bell handling foundation skills required to ring Plain Hunt before moving on to techniques for practicing Plain Bob as well as some ‘Funny Methods’ to allow targeted practice of Treble Bob hunting, Kent places and Cambridge places.
Overall I believe it was a successful day – I certainly enjoyed it but as the Tutor I am somewhat biased. That said, the Feedback Forms suggested that everybody found the day useful with many commenting that they had come away with some great ideas. Thanks are due to all those taking part for their interest and for contributing to an excellent day with special thanks to David Grimwood and the good folks of Staplehurst for their welcome and support during the day.
David Sparling
Course Tutor: David Sparling
Teaching Elementary Change Ringing
Learn how to teach the skills of change ringing.