Issue 27 ART May 2019 WORKS Association of Ringing Teachers ­ www.ringingteachers.org Patrons: Paul Flavell and Helen McGregor & Peter Bevis

Learning the Ropes Plus

Once you or one of your which are indicated in the progress ringers can ring a quarter peal logbook. You are required to ring plain of Plain Bob Minor inside the courses of each method, touches of world of method ringing begins some and two or three Quarter Peals to to open up. The Learning the complete a section and claim your Ropes Plus scheme provides certificate of achievement. (peals may be the pathway for progress and rung as an alternative!) encourages learning in a structured way. The methods have been updated and now, for instance, include the core seven Learning the Ropes Plus has been “Pickled Egg” Surprise Major methods. updated and is now in its third edition. The scheme is now open for ANY ringer, For those organising local practices LtR at ANY stage of learning. Plus provides a focus, as well as the opportunity to reward achievement. The progress logbooks indicate the Targeted practices based on Doubles, methods to work on and the targets to Treble Dodging Minor or any other of the achieve. It can be ordered through the areas covered, can be run by focussing ART online shop. (http:// on the methods recommended with each ringingteachers.org). If not already introducing a new skill to learn. Once registered with SmART Ringer, the accomplished, the basic skills in each participant can register on SmART area will have been practised and Ringer and then request their certificates mastered allowing a ringer’s repertoire to of achievement. extend even further The benefits of having a structured If you, or a ringer in your tower, have just learning scheme to introduce concepts completed LtR Level 5 and ordered a and new skills in a graduated, logical way certificate, then a free copy of the LtR has long been recognised as being a Plus logbook can be requested and Hubs huge benefit to learning. The concept of & Centres have also been offered a free recognising achievement through copy. In due course a book to support certificates is a proven motivator and LtR learning with the scheme will be Plus continues the good practice of the published. LtR scheme in that regard. The third edition progress logbook and SmART Ringer support is now available but those following earlier editions of LtR Graham Nabb Plus may continue and still order certificates. See page 12 for a teacher's experience of LtR Plus. The scheme is divided into sections. Certificates can be claimed for each section which do not have to be taken in any order or all completed – you can pick and choose. There is also a more flexible area for wider ringing skills.

The methods selected are designed to support progress in a structured way with each one introducing new concepts

Editor ­ Simon Needham [email protected]

The next issue of ART WORKS will be August 2019. Copy Deadline ­ 30 July 2019

© Association of Ringing Teachers 2019 Chairman's chatter p3 What's A bell ringing experience ­ p4 Great Gransden inside Rounds and about p5 Insurance and bell ringing p6

Developing Dorset p7

ART Fun with bells p8

50/50 Club Administrator p8 WORKS A first handbell peal p9 A balanced ringing style p10 27? New technology p11 Simulator resources p12

LtR Plus A teacher's story p12

2019 ART Awards winners p13

Technology at Weston Hills p14 Ringing Centre

ART Conference 2019 ­ p15 Worcester

Learning the Ropes p16 achievers Chairman's Chatter

ART continues to go from strength to becoming an ART Tutor then please strength, whether measured by the contact Graham Nabb. number of participants on the ART Teaching and Learning the Ropes I would also like to welcome Clare Schemes, attending ART Workshops McArdle to the ART Management or accrediting to become ART Committee. Clare was a key mover Members. These increased in the formation of the Birmingham numbers do however produce their School of Bell Ringing and has been own problems. The SmART Ringer involved with ART since 2012 as a website is running slow and mentor, an ART Assessor and more sometimes falls over. Our volunteers recently an ART Tutor. Clare will are having to work harder to handle bring a wealth of experience to the the extra workload, compounded by Management Committee and we the drive to be better at all we do. look forward to her shaping our And we shouldn’t forget that quality thinking. is just as important as numbers. Some new ideas ART Conference and ART Awards For the first time the ART Bell It was great to meet so many of you Handling (M1) and Foundation Skills at the ART Conference. There was (M2F) day courses were held at the a great line­up of speakers – beginning of the Essex Course. feedback was excellent and there Immediately afterwards, the course were plenty of ideas for inclusion in delegates were able to put what they next year’s conference. had been taught into practice with The ART Awards attracted the students on the course; all the time largest ever number of nominations under the watchful eyes of Ruth which made the judges’ job very Suggett and David Sparling. A flying difficult – thank you to Stephanie start to their accreditation journey. Pattenden along with Jennie and David Town. The recruitment and A set of online simulator resources retention award was particularly has been developed, covering popular this year as a result of the hardware, software and how to use Ringing Remembers campaign. A them to teach or to learn. These special award was given to Vicki resources complement the Simulator Chapman for her leadership of the Awareness Workshops which are Ringing Remembers team. A well­ being run at the rate of about one a deserved award sponsored by month at the moment. As one Ecclesiastical Insurance. delegate said, “An inspiring workshop – now to return to the SmART Ringer tower and put it into practice!” We have launched a project to ART in the news replace SmART Ringer under the leadership of Nigel Mellor from Those of you who take the Ringing Wokingham. We’re not rushing into World will be aware that ART has it because we want the new system featured prominently in the letters to be designed for growth, both in section recently. It was gratifying to the number of users but also in see so many leap to ART’s defence. terms of the ART offer, so we’re I would like to take this opportunity to taking our time so as to get it right. say again that ART does not have a We are aware of many of the issues hidden agenda to mandate associated with ease of use – after accreditation and has had no all we have had to deal with them as discussions with the insurance teachers just as you have – but industry or the Church about this. please feel free to email with issues ART’s aim is to increase the number or ideas. Now is the time! and quality of teachers and compulsory accreditation would work Who’s new in ART against this. We do however think that all ringers should have an To cope with the increasing demand awareness of insurance and this for our teaching modules, we are edition of ART WORKS contains a currently training four new ART very useful article written about this Tutors. The first to complete was subject written by Marcus Booth of David Sparling from Essex, who has Ecclesiastical Insurance, which is got off to a flying start tutoring two being shared with the Ringing World. M2F courses in April. Welcome to the team, David. If you are an ART Member, have good presentation skills, and are interested in ART Chairman ­ Lesley Belcher [email protected]

3 A bell ringing experience ­ Great Gransden

“Hello, I was wondering if you could Two­way radio is used to signal to arrange a bell ringing experience for Sheila to ring up No2 bell and further me and my friends!!” explanation is given. More questions and comments of amazement and I had been contacted, through ART, further expressions of “I didn’t realise by someone from the St.Neots area there was so much to bell ringing” who asked if it would be possible to are shared. This is another photo arrange a “bell ringing experience”. opportunity – definitely one for the She and some friends like to do album. something different every year and bell ringing was top of the list for The bell is rung down and the tour is 2019. concluded by a careful descent of the tower where coffee and biscuits I had no hesitation is agreeing to are served. We had arranged for our arrange our standard tower tour for own ringers to come along at her group at Great Gransden, which 10.30am to give some comprises a visit to the ringing room, demonstration ringing and they soon clock room and belfry. From the mingle with our visitors chatting outset I explained that I couldn’t give about their ringing experiences. them much bell ringing but could assure them of an educational and After refreshments we go up into the exciting visit, which would culminate ringing room. First thing is to give a in some basic 1:1 bell handling. The brief talk about safety and for them date agreed was Saturday 27th April not to touch any ropes now that they and for them to arrive at 9.30am. have been lowered ready for use. We then ring up the bells and rattle Having never set foot in a bell tower off a few call changes and Plain Bob before all members of the group Doubles (many thanks to our were a little apprehensive, especially enthusiastic team for turning out). the organiser, Holly Jones, who was The bells can be seen ringing via our not sure what she had signed them CCTV and our visitors can then see up to. However, my confirmatory the relationship between rope, ringer email to her a few days before and bells. The simulator has been In the belfry at Great Gransden assured them of an enjoyable switched on and although we didn’t morning. demonstrate it we explained how we use it for training. My wife Sheila and I have done this tour many times. Our tower is fairly Finally, we invited our guests to be visitor friendly with all rooms taught the basics of ringing at accessible. We follow the backstroke so that they can see Ecclesiastical Insurance guidelines what it is like to ring a bell, albeit with for tower tours and go through safety assistance. With a demonstration procedures with visitors beforehand, beforehand and the instruction “don’t which only take a moment. pull hard!” those that tried were very successful. The tour starts in the ringing room and visitors are immediately drawn We complete the “experience” at to the tower arch screen to enjoy the about 11.30am. Sheila has posted panoramic view of the church. on Twitter as the tour progressed Thereafter, there is interest in and a summary of the morning was everything we take for granted as put on Facebook where Holly later ringers, from bell ropes, photographs commented “Would highly and striking competition certificates. recommend this to anyone else interested in the workings of a bell Then up to the clock room to see the tower and bell ringing. Fascinating!” 17th century clock and chiming apparatus where the latter is This was not a recruiting exercise demonstrated, and photographs but a brilliant PR opportunity and taken. We have an exhibition of one which we as ringers were very redundant clock parts, clappers, excited about. Our guests enjoyed stays and sliders and I explain their their visit and we were delighted to In the clock tower at Great Gransden relevance as one of the old clappers have the opportunity to share our is handed around for them to get a enthusiasm and skill of all things feel for some heavy engineering. bells and bell ringing. Last stop is the belfry. There is a bit of a scramble to get in here but the platform alongside the bells makes for good viewing whilst I stand on the bell frame explaining how a bell Philip George works. We supply ear plugs so that a bell can be rung whilst they watch. 4 Rounds and about

The 2018 London Bell Ringing handling issues were ironed out. It Summer School used as its role is planned that continuing support model the Summer School of the will be given by a closer relationship previous year, and the design and between towers in that area, an timetable followed a similar format. initiative being led by Sonia. There were, however, two significant A second group of applicants from new features: the use of taster the Docklands group of towers has events to act as a filter for been receiving the equivalent of applicants, and pre­arranged follow­ Rounds & About sessions from up sessions to provide continuing Louise Booth at local practices in support for the students rather than Bermondsey and Limehouse. The just passing them over to towers third group of applicants are some of immediately. The latter has the Summer School students (and a developed into the London few others) who have been receiving Bellringing School, which works on­going support at the level of alongside all the other London Rounds & About at special sessions ringing societies in the support and at Pimlico (St Saviour) on Monday training of ringers, particularly (at the afternoons (and elsewhere), looked moment) at the lower levels. It also after by Stephanie Pattenden, Peter reflected the desire of the Summer Blight and James White. School organising team to provide a more continuous process of teaching This also overlaps with the ringing compared to the batch process that sessions for boys from Westminster a Summer School provides. School on a Monday which is part of the outreach programme associated Initially, four fortnightly sessions with the restoration work at St were arranged exclusively for the Stephen’s Church, Westminster. Summer School participants. The Also led by Stephanie Pattenden this popularity – and the support from is supported by David Holdridge established ringers – meant that two (and occasionally others) as well as further sessions were added on the by Peter Blight and James White. end. These took place in the Autumn of 2018. The fourth group were the ones actually invited to the Saturday The organisers then took some time sessions of Rounds & About where off before launching the Rounds & Louise Booth leads the sessions About sessions that have been dealing with handling issues and taking place this year. These have ringing exercises to move from been made available to a wider rounds into changes. audience than just the Summer School students. Including Summer In December 2018 St Clement School students there were Danes was fitted with sensor approximately twenty applications for equipment so that a simulator can be places at the six fortnightly sessions used to make the bell noises, and in January, February and March. some of the sessions start with tied bells (typically the front six) but move Taking the Summer School students on to the open bells, including as the level we wish to support and ringing rounds on all ten. This looking at what we want to achieve provides an opportunity for those with them, the sessions start with working on the activities in the “50 Rounds and then look at simple call Ringing Things” scheme to ring a changes, dodging, place­making and bell over one ton. other basic ringing skills: hence “Rounds & About”. We expect the There is further demand for support applicants to be ringing a bell on at the Rounds & About stage so the their own but we are prepared to London Bellringing School will help with residual handling problems continue after Easter with more which may be limiting their progress. sessions which will be advertised once the dates and venues have Given the demand – which we could been arranged. not all meet at the Saturday sessions of Rounds & About – the applicants were divided into four groups. The first group, all from Ruislip, were given direct support at their own tower by arranging three dedicated Friday evening sessions in January James White with the help of Sonia Field, Christopher O’Mahony and James White. These proved to be very effective and a number of residual 5 Insurance and bell ringing

How often do you walk into a tower e.g. failing to maintain the bells or such as log books, keeping and see a notice or be told that “Our ringing chamber so that an maintenance and inspection records, insurance doesn’t allow/ cover …”? accident occurs undertaking risk assessments and At the 2019 ART Conference in • Any non­ringing visitor to the recording accidents and the Worcester, Marcus Booth, Church tower, e.g. someone on a tower circumstances which led to and Underwriting Manager at tour or open tower event followed the incident. Also it is Ecclesiastical Insurance and also • Any contractor or other third party helpful to review risk assessments Tower Captain at Almondsbury, near present at the request of the periodically or when things change Bristol, tried to demystify some of Tower Captain, vicar, PCC, etc. and particularly after any incident. these perceptions by outlining how Finally please report any incidents Ecclesiastical approaches ringing as Cover under any Personal Accident that result in damage or injury to our a whole. section of the church insurance will Claims Team. provide a defined benefit to the The starting place is that bellringers insured (i.e. not necessarily the As an ART member you will be will normally ring at their ‘home’ injured party. This is up to the covered whilst specifically on ART church. However, we know that insured to pass this benefit on business and activities or acting as a ringing is a sociable activity and should they wish) following representative for ART in some ringers may choose to visit another accidental injury to, or death of any capacity. This is because ART holds church to ring their bells, either on a ringer aged between 3 and 80 years its own Charity insurance on behalf Sunday or on a practice night or for and whilst engaged in church of its Members, both as a primary a peal or quarter peal and therefore business. Ringers older than 80 cover for Members and also a insurance arrangements may be years are still covered for liability as contingency insurance, in case any called into question. above and this is NOT a barrier to of the above does not apply. In their continuing as ringers! return Members are expected to Ringers are covered as standard abide by ART procedures, rules and under the Employers Liability section We deem it neither practical nor guidelines, for example of a church policy as “authorised necessary to expect ringers to safeguarding. Questions regarding volunteers”, i.e. people who give provide evidence of insurance every the scope and cover of this their time voluntarily to serve a time someone attends a ringing insurance can be directed to specific need of the church and who session at another church. Some Graham Nabb. are accepted and sanctioned by the churches may not wish to extend PCC. In general, this would include: their church liability to cover this This is all based on our general • The resident band ringing for any scenario and some ringers may not approach to incidents and claims occasion have any form of personal liability; and we appreciate that there may be • Visiting ringers attending a for example the Personal Liability circumstances where this has not practice night or Sunday service cover under a Household Insurance been the case. The aim of the ringing policy, minors and students being article is really to help ringing and • Visiting ringers invited to ring for a prime examples. We would expect ringers and to facilitate freedom of specific event by the church, vicar the Tower Captain or their movement without unnecessary or PCC, for example where there appropriate representative to be the barriers being put in the way. is no resident band in place ultimate judge of who is safe, However, the PCC is ultimately the • Visiting ringers on a tower outing, competent and able to ring and gatekeeper and decision maker and peal or quarter peal attempt where would support their view as the we are just their insurers and cannot the appropriate agreement has appointed representative of the overturn any ‘local’ decisions or been obtained from the Tower PCC. intervene in disputes as such. We Captain/ PCC/ Vicar. (For an would always encourage frequent organised tower outing by a Where a separate legal entity, such open and constructive relationships specific church band it is possible as a Diocesan Guild of Church and dialogue with your PCC on that the “home” church insurance Bellringers exists, it should hold ringing matters and are always may respond as this activity would appropriate insurance cover in its happy to take general queries on be deemed to be a form of church own name to protect its own distinct ringing. Please see our website. outing) legal interests. The church policy However, bear in mind that the • People conducting tower tours may not provide an indemnity to the church/PCC is our customer and we • People performing maintenance Guild other than for Property Owners would have to establish the precise (unless being paid as a separate liability, where it owes a duty of care relationship of the caller before we organisation), such as cleaning, for visitors to their premises, can discuss specific issues. clock winding or other tower ensuring a safe environment for activity everyone, regardless of their General queries we are always purpose of visit. happy to help! Ringers would also be covered by the Church’s own Public Liability Ultimately, as a general rule if we are cover for any liability for accidental the insurer of the church or premises bodily injury to or death of a third where any insured event has taken Marcus Booth, Ecclesiastical party or accidental loss of or damage place we would pick up any claim Insurance to third party property. Again, in under the policy for the church general this would include: involved and would deal with the circumstances as appropriate, • Visiting ringers or bands where utilising our knowledge and expertise the liability arises out of a failure of dealing with church claims. www.ecclesiastical.com/church/ of duty of care or a breach of the Occupiers' Liability Act by the In return Tower Captains and ringers church or resident band, can help us through record keeping, 6 Developing Dorset

Last year Dorset recruited 23 new whom is Dorchester Guild Ringing ART teachers and this article Master Robin Mears). Amazingly, in endeavours to identify the road to four months they have a band that our success and explain how ringers can ring decently struck rounds and in Dorset are looking to a bright and call changes for Sunday Services at positive future. a tower where there have been no ringers for ten years! It is also It all began with a lucky break when noticeable that towers implementing the Dorset County Association the LtR ideas are sustaining and managed to secure a small grant increasing their numbers. towards encouraging local activities within a 7 mile radius of Dorchester. Our Young Ringers, under the guidance of Hilary Child, meet on a As a result, this funding enabled us regular basis for weekend socials to set up two M1 training sessions at and ringing experiences throughout Charminster where 18 local ringers the county. At Piddlehinton Captain had their places paid for. The Richard Ellis (also using LtR) has success of these courses led to recruited several adults over the past funding 8 places on a M2C day at two years and now has 7 junior Piddlehinton for ringers who had ringers in his band too! been accredited to M1 and needed to look at skills for teaching all their Finally, focus has been given to new learners and novices! those towers where all their ringers are predominantly beginners or Nationally there appears to be a low novices within LtR and so have no take up of teachers to accreditation. experienced ringers to teach them So, why have our courses resulted in method ringing. As a trial, we ran a a higher take up than elsewhere? set of four ‘one off’ Saturday morning Jane Pridmore receiving grant at Did the fact that they had been paid sessions entitled ‘Rounds into Plain Dorchester town hall for mean that those involved felt an Hunt’, ‘Plain Hunt with Confidence’, obligation to complete and gain ‘Plain Hunt into Plain Bob’, and accreditation? Was it that Dorset ‘Plain Bob with Confidence’. The with many heavy six bell village purpose of these was for teachers to towers is aware that encouraging gain teaching experiences with a local recruits always requires new group of ringers at these stages of ideas and innovations? We believe learning. The sessions, hosted by one of the key factors is to ensure John Close at Winterborne ringers are mentored effectively. Whitechurch, saw 5 teachers and 12 novices meet for 2 hours to work on Our local assessor Alan Bentley was the simulator. In this way everyone kept busy getting round to see so involved gained valuable experience many learners with their teachers. and the neighbours were not Mentors ensured that once ready disturbed! Feedback has been very Alan was booked to come and see positive. two or three teachers all on the same evening, so that they did the Resulting from this initiative several assessment in a tower that was not ringers have taken part in Quarter necessarily their own. However, as Peals for the Salisbury Guild ‘Firsts’ we all know, the benefit of the LtR Week 2019. Meanwhile, to the east Scheme is that a learner can go into of the county Debbie Phipps has set any tower and (under supervision) her ringers at Lytchett Matravers a ring the bell up from the down challenge of learning to ring Plain position to demonstrate good Bob over a series of Saturday handling. Alan has also been very morning ‘tours’ to local towers. Again clear before his visits on what is experienced ringers have been there required for teachers to pass their to support and stand by whilst the assessments and his support has novices move on with their ringing been invaluable. skills. This has also proved to be an excellent fund raising initiative for the Through Ringing Remembers and tower. the introduction of LtR there are Some Dorset ringers with their many newly formed bands up and Finally, to the west of the County certificates running. A block of 6 visits by a team interest in LtR is spreading and there of ART teachers to a tower are now regular Saturday morning requesting support has enabled sessions on the simulator at those who are new to ringing to Bradpole led by training officer Sue move on quickly and enthusiastically Carter. whilst maintaining interest. Martinstown, Hilton and Puddletown have all started bands from scratch, whilst the latter has ten recruits (trained by a team of teachers one of Jane Pridmore 7 Fun with Bells

Have you been listening to our brief, she is married to Roger Booth • The history of some famous fantastic bell ringing podcasts? If (an ART Tutor and ringing ringers of the past not, why not! You may wonder if you enthusiast) and although not a ringer • How to record your bells have time to sit and listen to a 30­ herself, she has decided to launch • Striking competitions minute interview, but the fantastic this podcast to explore the world of • Handbell ringing including its links thing about podcasts is that they are bell ringing, which she says to tower bell ringing so portable and so versatile. I listen fascinates her. She explained that • What it’s like to be a young ringer to all sorts of podcasts, at random every interview takes roughly four times, but commonly I am in the car, hours of editing, plus all the For those interested in stats, each walking the dog, doing the ironing or background research required, episode has had roughly 250­300 sometimes just awake at night and arrangements to set up the session, downloads and there have been the pods are like my friend, keeping IT issues and so on! Amazingly she over 3,000 episodes played – quite me company while my husband is doing all this and working five impressive. Still there must be many soundly sleeps beside me! And I get days a week. Well done Cathy – it’s more new and potential ringers who really excited when I know my an amazing achievement. would also find this podcast favourite pods are due to be interesting. You can help them to released. I have loved ‘You, Me and In each episode Cathy interviews find it by telling everyone you know the big C’ (which really helped me as someone who reveals more about about it, liking and sharing from the my husband recovered from prostate the world of ringing and at the end of Facebook page or retweeting on cancer), Griefcast (a realistic and each episode, Pip Penney answers Twitter. Find the podcast at humorous look at recovering from listeners’ questions. This season’s www.funwithbells.com where you the loss of a loved one), Brexitcast topics include: can play each episode. (self­explanatory but it’s actually very good) and now our very own FUN • Learning to ring including Season one will end in May. Cathy WITH BELLS! completing the LtR Scheme and is currently contemplating whether learning when blind she will launch a season two in the When I spoke to Cathy Booth the • The Ringing Remembers autumn. If you would like to other day, she sounded quite campaign including interviews feedback comments on this season exhausted by the work involved in with the coordinator, instigator and or influence the development of the bringing these podcasts to life. a new recruit next season, then drop her a line at Cathy has taken it upon herself to • Prolific peal and tower grabbing [email protected]. produce a series of podcasts about • Ringing in other parts of the world bell ringing. You may have already • The different type of ringing that read about her project or met her at they have in the South West of Nic Boyd the ART Conference. If not, then in England

50/50 Club Administrator

ART is a self­financing charity whose We are on the look­out for a If you are interested in helping ART mission is to improve the learning volunteer Club Administrator who by becoming the Club Administrator experience of all ringers. The 50:50 can run the scheme, organise the than please contact Gill Hughes at Club is one way that we raise the draws and promote the scheme [email protected] money necessary for us to do the within ART. Typically, this will take work we do. Currently it contributes three hours per month and you can £600 per year to ART with the schedule the work to suit you. potential to contribute more.

8 A first handbell peal

The June 2018 ART WORKS memorise the places my pair of bells her enthusiasm and determination, featured an article about teaching should strike in. Peter then set up great powers of concentration and Rebecca to ring. Rebecca, who has Abel and Handbell Manager on my excellent listening skills. She is now been totally blind from birth, recently laptop, gave me two motion ringing tower bells regularly on achieved the milestone of ringing her controllers and set up Plain Bob and practice nights at two local towers, first peal on handbells and this Plain Hunt for me to practice. I use and has rung at several different seems a good point to look back on a screen reader so it was important towers on Beverley and District the progress she has made and hear that any software I was using would Ringing Society meeting days. Such from her about her experiences of work with a computer keyboard. is her commitment that she recently learning to ring and what challenges Abel does this really well. Peter also volunteered and was elected to the she has had to overcome. wrote out documents with words committee of the Society only, explaining how Plain Hunt and demonstrating that you don’t need Rebecca writes: Plain Bob worked. My first physical years of ringing experience to handbell lesson was a very become involved and it is I first came across tower bell ringing enjoyable experience. I rang a illuminating to have her fresh when I lived in Oldham back in course of Plain Bob Minor with Peter perspective on things. 2015. I thought it might be a fun and Christine and was asked to join activity to take part in, but did not their Tuesday group. With the help Negotiating tricky spiral staircases look into it further until October of this group, Abel, and Peter's and entrances to ringing chambers 2017. I contacted Ros Baxter teaching, I rang my first quarter peal has probably proved more through the ART Administrator to see in August 2018, and my first peal on challenging for Rebecca than ringing if tower bell lessons would be a 1­2 to Plain Bob Major on 16th on different bells! We spent a long viable option. I also contacted Peter March this year and am now time ensuring that Rebecca got the Church, leader of the Hull Handbells breaking new ground with Kent basics right and she has an Project, to see if he would be willing Treble Bob, Oxford Treble Bob and excellent handling style. I think one to teach me change ringing on Plain Bob Royal. With Peter's help, of the hardest things for her to learn handbells. Peter was unsure, but I'm now also able to add new and for me to teach her with with encouragement from Heather methods and compositions to Abel, confidence is ringing up and down – Peachey and Graham Nabb, he learn them with his notes and this is likely be her one still “working agreed to give me a lesson. practise them with the Hull towards” exercise for her LtR Level Handbells group every week. It's a 2, which she is likely to have At the start of my first tower bell thrilling experience. completed by the time this appears lesson in November 2017, I thought in print. On practice nights she is bell ringing was simply a matter of Similar to tower bells, the language ringing the treble to Plain Bob chiming the bell. I had no used in handbell ringing was Doubles and Plain Bob Minor and understanding of hand and back unfamiliar. Plus, having two bells to recently rang a course of Plain Bob strokes, ringing up and down or concentrate on made ringing Minor inside, so her first quarter peal standing. Methods and principles handbells more difficult. However, on tower bells won’t be far off and seemed impossible to grasp. Bell credit must be given to all the bell I’m very much looking forward to ringing terminology was very alien to ringing tutors who have helped me. ringing it with her. me. They had to change their teaching methods and find new solutions to Rebecca started change ringing on However, I spent a lot of time help me learn. They have been very handbells not long after I did, but her learning bell handling with Ros and patient with me whilst I "learned the progress very quickly surpassed the other ringers at Hessle. This ropes" as it were. So, it has been as mine and she is to be congratulated turned out to be even more much a learning curve for them as on her fantastic achievement of important for me as I need to for me. ringing her first peal in hand. I’m consistently know where the sally is sure Rebecca will continue to notch going to end up; it was imperative My bell ringing experience is not up the ringing milestones on both that I learned to have a good ringing much different from that of a sighted handbells and tower bells. If any style. Another key skill I had to person in that good rhythm, bell tutors are approached by a visually master was ringing rhythmically with handling and memory for methods impaired person wanting to ring, do other people. Fortunately, I have a are key. The difference for me is give it a go. Concentrate on getting sense of rhythm so this skill came that ropesight is eliminated. This the basics right and it can become a relatively easily. With the help of can be advantageous as I can very rewarding journey for you both. tutors from Hessle, Barrow and concentrate on the bell's sound and Lowgate, Hull, I was able to achieve placement with other bells, and am my Learning the Ropes Level 1 in not fazed by other bell ropes moving. September 2018. Bell ringing, to me, is a spiritual I started learning handbell change experience that sends out positive ringing in January 2018 with Peter energy to everyone ringing or Church. He and his wife Christine listening to the bells. It's a great way came to meet me and discuss how to get to know more people, tower Rebecca Legowski & Ros Baxter learning handbells would work best bell ringing is good exercise and all for me. I explained that blue lines, bell ringing improves listening and visual diagrams and graphic­laden communication skills. Editor's note: A photo of Rebecca webpages were out of the question. ringing handbells can be found on Peter did some research on how Ros writes: the cover page at the bottom. best to teach me. He gave me my first simulator lesson shortly after the Rebecca has made fantastic initial meeting and found that I could progress with her ringing, thanks to 9 A balanced ringing style

Which hand is doing most of the The next stage is a physical work? exercise. I ask them, with support, to ring the bell with just the left hand, Many learners don’t achieve a keeping the other behind their back. handstroke pull where the work is Most require a good bit of support to equally shared between the hands. have the confidence to even try this; For the purposes of simplicity, I am I assure them my hand will be there going to assume the learner has the as insurance. However, I am careful tail end in the left hand. What you to add nothing at all to the pull. often see, to a greater or lesser What normally happens is they degree, is the right hand in charge of struggle to pull off a bell they normal the sally, taking hold of it before the ring and are quite shocked. After a left, doing most of the pull and letting couple of slight fumbles with the go later than the left. Let’s look at sally due to them worrying about it, the origin of the problem and then they quite quickly realise that they some ways to resolve it. can ring the bell one handed as long as someone is there to make sure all One of the trickier parts of learning is well. I then ask them to ring the to handle a bell is getting the left bell with the only the right hand hand to deal with both the tail end working the sally. Again, I will put and the sally. The learner fears they my hand on it to protect the stay if will drop the tail end and so we get necessary. This time they usually all manner of potential handling find they can pull off with ease. issues as they try to reduce this perceived risk. One of these Essentially what we are doing is involves letting the right hand allowing the learner to discover for manage the sally, allowing the left themselves how evenly they’re time to deal with the tail end and working. From this point the then join it. The left hand then instruction is to focus intently on the leaves the sally early, leaving the left hand and be aware of its input. right to do the actual work. Then allow the right hand to stop pulling and just be there passively Resolving the problem is something before gradually achieving a balance that’s ideally done during the between the hands. The learner is process of learning to handle. encouraged to ring a few whole pulls However, we don’t live in that ideal on their own whenever possible, world. We live in the real world with perhaps just a few prior to rounds all its flaws. Please don’t come to starting or ringing the service bell on my tower expecting to see nothing a Sunday as this offers private but perfect styles and hear nothing practice time. Then they’re asked, but perfect striking! I do my best, as whenever ringing something that is do my ringers, but all are human with straightforward for them, to repeat human imperfections and this exercise of focusing on the challenges. balance of work. Don’t expect a quick permanent fix – it will take time So, what’s my take on this? First, I and desire from the learner to will discuss with the learner (at correct the habit. Remember, whatever stage) why it is desirable practice doesn’t make perfect, it that both hands/arms share the makes permanent! work. I make a bit of a joke about developing muscle only on one side, but we seriously consider the ringing action and that it is far better for the body to work as evenly as possible. Heather Peachey In addition, the bell control at all stages (raising, ringing, lowering) will be more efficient. Depending on the individual, we may use a short video clip of their ringing to allow them to compare this to other people’s Video resource styles. It’s a fact that what someone feels they are doing may not be what they’re actually doing and video Correct positioning of hands proof is what can convince them of this. I also find that before/after during the handstroke videos are really helpful. Sometimes they may like to keep copies for future reference – after all, whenever a ringer has a “weak point” in their smartringer.org/resource/7601/ handling it often crops up time and time again when they’re under stress, learning new things. Correct positioning of the hands during the handstroke 10 New technology

Bellringing is not something that you access and are easy to silence, you naturally associate with new can do exactly the same. technology, but if you can get out of the straitjacket of always doing ART and Simulators things the way they have always been done in the past, then all sorts Because of the benefits, ART has of exciting possibilities open up. No put in considerable effort over the longer do belfries need to be cold last 18 months to spread the word and uninviting spaces where new about simulators. We have issued a ringers spend a lot of time sitting out revised book Teaching with and limited time on the end of a rope Simulators, available from the ART each week. online shop, explaining how simulators can be used from the Electronic simulators have been earliest stages of training new around for something like 30 years, ringers to ringing complex methods and in the last 10 years the This was launched at the ART technology has come on in leaps Conference at Royston in March and bounds. Many ringers are 2018, held in conjunction with the familiar with the early installations, Central Council of Church Bell which had limited functionality and Ringers. At this event, as well as could sometimes prove troublesome, various presentations, we had a and relied entirely on listening. This number of workstations set up in the did not enhance their reputation, and main hall and around 50 delegates as a result many early simulator were able to try ringing different installations lie gathering dust in the dumbbells and practise using the corners of belfries. Many others are different software packages. Chris Multiple workstations in use at the used purely as a form of sound Hughes of Abel, Tony Croft of Mancroft Ringing Discovery Centre control (the silent practice mode). Belfree, Steve Farmer of Simbell and Another problem, as the functionality John Norris and Matthew Higby improves, has been the need to (dumb­bells) were there to show people how simulators can be demonstrate and talk about their used, and to train them how to set products. up and use one. Since then ART has held Simulator Benefits Workshops at Kensington (2) Bryanston, Oxted and Bridgwater. One of the key benefits of simulator These offer half a day concentrating technology is the ability to practise on using one of the principal on a one­on­one basis, with the software packages, with a maximum computer ringing the other bells (the of two delegates to each workstation mode.) During the last workstation. We also offer bolt­on five years, all the principal software sessions on how the hardware works packages have incorporated video to and which hardware to buy, to make give a virtual reality like simulation, a whole day workshop. so it is no longer necessary to ring Derek Ballard (Beltower), Tony Croft purely by ear. Also, people have (Belfree/Virtual Belfry), Steve Farmer experimented with multi­workstation (Simbel) and Chris De Cordova are installations, so that a number of on board to help deliver further people can practise individually, workshops up and down the country. each with their own set of headphones. In a traditional practice We have our own Bagley splitter each new ringer might get two “prime box, so any tower with a Bagley rings” with a steady band around multi­bell interface can host one. them. Ten minutes practice a week We also have six foot switches and makes for slow progress in acquiring sets of headphones and four any new skill. laptops. We found at Bryanston that encouraging delegates to bring their However, installations like those at own laptops did not work very well, Mimicing the Mancroft setup at the Worcester and Mancroft now enable as it took too much time to set each Sedgmoor Ringing Centre (Bridgwater) up to eight people to practise one up. (If anyone wishes to donate workshop learning something for the whole a second­hand Windows XP or session, maximising rope time. Of Windows 7 laptop, we would like to course, workstation practice needs hear from you!) to run alongside practice with a real band, but finding helpers is always a If you would like to host a workshop problem. A multi­workstation set up later this year, or next, please get in can make significantly better use of touch: that scarce resource, experienced [email protected] helper time. And you don’t need to base your workstation installation on a set of dumb­bells, like those above. If your real bells have ready Roger Booth 11 Simulator resources

In addition to the workshops, ART been used for a number of years have also launched a Simulator because of defective sensors was Resources section on the ART able to make contact with another website. This includes a lot of useful user in the area, who was able to advice on how to use a simulator arrange for the defective sensors to and the equipment and software that be replaced at minimal cost and to is available to buy (we strongly get the simulator working. advise trying out a simulator elsewhere, and deciding how you No longer do our learners need to intend to use one, before spending have their progress held by back by any money). http:// spending long periods of time ringingteachers.org/resource­centre/ waiting out for their turn. Do simulator­resources consider hosting one of the ART Simulator Awareness Workshops to The simulator resources section also help us spread the word and bring includes a Simulator Map showing more simulator installations back into around 250 towers which have a use, and make better use of the simulator installation that is in ones that we already have. working order. Clicking on a pin reveals detailed information on who Modern technology also offers many to contact and what software and other exciting opportunities. There hardware the installation is based are already smartphone apps (what on. From information provided by young ringer does not have a the sensor manufacturers, we smartphone?) and further exciting estimate that there are around apps are planned. Short YouTube another 200 older installations, that videos are also replacing books as a Simulator Resources are not in regular use. medium for learning, particularly amongst the young. We now have There is also a Simulator Users and podcasts aimed at newer ringers, Suppliers Facebook group, where and we have not yet explored the ringingteachers.org/resource­ people can post their queries, and possibility of webinars for coaching have them answered by other users, teachers and new ringers. Exciting centre/simulator­resources or suppliers. https:// times, but perhaps topics for future www.facebook.com/groups/ articles! 1441867412528870/ On one recent occasion a tower with an older simulator installation that had not Roger Booth

LtR Plus A teacher's story

I find that the main Learning the I also feel that it is important for my Ropes scheme really motivates students to see that I am actively many of my learners, with its pursuing my own ringing progressive stages, clear objectives development and that there is so and recognition of progress through much more to ringing than the awarding certificates. Doubles and Minor content (important that it is) in the main LtR Having only restarted ringing myself scheme. In fact, one of my learners 3½ years ago after 40 years who recently achieved LtR Level 5 absence, I am motivated to continue has also been motivated to start LtR my own ringing self­development Plus. I would recommend it to and I find the LtR Plus scheme very everyone. useful with several different objectives covering higher stages and more advanced methods. I also like the fact that it is possible to pursue these objectives non­ consecutively or in parallel as time, Steve Vickars inclination and opportunity allow, together with the recognition that achieving each brings. I have reached Doubles, Triples, Plain Minor and conducting achievements and plan to attain Major and Treble Bob Minor this year.

12 2019 ART Awards winners

The 2019 ART Awards attracted the largest ever The ART Award for Innovation in the Effective Use number of nominations which made the judges’ job of Technology in Teaching very difficult – thank you to Stephanie Pattenden along Sponsored by John Taylor & Co. with Jennie and David Town for deciding on the eventual winners. Winner: Geoff Horritt The ART Award for Inspiring Leadership in Ringing “The initial objectives in 2015 were to build a Training Sponsored by Talent Innovations Centre at Weston to provide focussed training from handling up to LtR Level 5 and beyond, to serve the Winner Lesley Boyle local towers in the Benefice, and then be extended to the District. In addition, two local towers at Sandon As a young ringer mentored by and Wallington were to have single bell sensors Lesley says: “Lesley is a true installed. These initial objectives have been met this inspiration and wonderful teacher. year with the installation of sensors on all bells at Holy She has given me so much help, Trinity Weston, and the setting up of two work from teaching me handling to driving stations.” me and another young ringer to Birmingham so that I could take part in the 2018 Masterclass. Apart from all this, there is The ART Learning the Ropes Individual one thing for certain and that is the fact that I wouldn’t Achievement Awards be ringing at the level I am today had it not been for Sponsored by the Ancient Society of College Lesley for which I am infinitely grateful.” Youths The ART Award for Innovation in Recruitment or Winner – Achievement Award: Retention Jimmy Yeoman Sponsored by AbelSim Highly Commended: Daniel Hughes Winner: Geoff Horritt Highly Commended: Old North Berks Branch “Jimmy has rung a total of 11 peals (5 on handbells) from “Approximately 30 recruits have been trained in total, Doubles to Royal and 27 ranging in age from 12 to 70.” quarter peals (ranging from Editor’s note – you really have to see the statistics and Doubles to Caters) and has conducted 5 of them. the range of this nomination to appreciate it! Before Jimmy turned up to an Exning bellringing practice in October 2016 he had never had any The ART Award for a University Society that has connections with bellringing. To see what he has made a Significant Contribution to Promoting achieved in the two years (especially in 2018) since Ringing to Younger People his first lesson is astounding.” Sponsored by CCCBR Winner: Cambridge University Guild of Change Ringers Winner – Contribution Award: “We can now proudly say that Judy Farrimond several of our most active Highly Commended: Jenny & members are students who Tim Sunter learned with us. We recognise that the recruitment of new “In the three years that she ringers is essential to sustain the has been ringing Judy has large and vibrant community of student ringers achieved her Learning the Cambridge has had for many years. To this end we Ropes Level 5 and rung in 34 quarter peals. Judy has are thrilled with the record number of students who attended the ART Module 1 course, is actively came for lessons with us in 2018 and are motivated to teaching and will be ready for assessment in the new continue these efforts into 2019 and beyond.” year. She became Branch Secretary after six months of ringing and still fulfils that role.” The Sarah Beacham Youth and School Group Award Sponsored by the Sarah Beacham Memorial Trust Winner: Colerne School Runners Up: Brumdingers and Yorkshire Tykes “Within the school the children talk about church bell ringing, and we have a waiting list of pupils who want to learn. Recruitment is never an issue.”

13 Technology at Weston Hills Ringing Centre

My interest in dumb bells [writes Horrocks reclaimed his hardware. Geoff] was initially kindled not long after the millennium by a photograph A year or so passed, and then in of one of the first Ringing 2012 Weston’s PCC generously Roadshows in The Ringing World, asked the ringers if we needed any showing a number of weird dumb funding. Together with Tower bell contraptions – bicycle wheels Captain Richard Clements we with ropes for example! I’m a retired suggested that they might buy a defence and space engineer, so Saxilby for us. The complete Saxilby practical solutions with an with a stand was too expensive at engineering angle have always that time, so we went for just the interested me. Saxilby dumb bell which we mounted in the tower at Weston. We sourced In 2002 I became a Herts Central a second­hand computer and screen Council rep and a year later I joined and there it was – our first simulator! the Education Committee, followed We trialled it over the next few years shortly afterwards by Pip Penney. It with training handling and method wasn’t long before she was ringing. I also trialled focused launching the ART Teaching ringing mornings – two learners and Geoff being presented with one of Scheme, working collaboratively with six experienced ringers – for a few his awards at the ART conference the Central Council. Soon after I hours of dedicated practice and all retired, in 2007, the Central Council concerned enjoyed their morning. At Conference and then two came had a Ringing Centres initiative, but I this time we applied for an ART along at the same time! The failed to find a suitable local venue. Award and were delighted to be monetary awards will be used to However, I was pleased when St Highly Commended, but I thought provide extra facilities at the Weston Peter, St Albans, applied for and was we could do more. Hills Ringing Centre. We want to successful in obtaining funding from install cameras in the belfry and we the Central Council. From then on, I By then I was travelling around the also hope to install a camera in the used the centre at St Albans once a UK extensively and was always ringing chamber itself, so that a TV year for a District training morning interested in looking at simulators screen can be placed in the nave to until the centre closed a few years and talking to whoever would listen enable those in the church to see later. about training hardware and how it the bell ringing as it takes place. could be used. In 2018 I saw the Retired Physics teacher John opportunity to obtain some funding Currently, I am experimenting with McCutcheon built an optical sensor to enable Weston to become a the use of headphones for the hard­ for me and we tried it out at my Training Centre in the District. of­hearing, by running the simulator home tower in the village of Sensors have been added to each of in parallel with open ringing. The Sandon. It worked and I used it the six bells so we can now teach up simulator is set to produce a sharp occasionally, but at that time I was to six learners simultaneously with clear sound to enable the user to still working full­time and playing the bells’ clappers tied. It has pick out their bell. The problem with cricket, so I didn’t have much time to opened up so many possibilities for normal hearing aids is that they tend spare. John built another sensor for the learners, who can practise at any to cut out the background sound the church at Weston, in North time of the day, on a virtual system which includes the sound of the bell! Herts. We had some trouble with its which can replicate the experience alignment, realised what the problem of ringing in a band of up to 12 Finally, the “clamp the clapper” was, but we simply did not find the ringers. It has enabled us to teach challenge. What I would like to have time to make the adjustments. youngsters safely, and in response is an electro­mechanical device in to the Ringing Remembers the clapper bearing which enables At the first of two Ringing recruitment initiative, we used the the clappers to be clamped using a Roadshows at the Newbury equipment to train a complete new switch in the ringing room. This Racecourse, the Education band for Cottered, where the five should not be difficult to engineer Committee stand displayed the bells of St John the Baptist have not and would greatly enhance the use prototype Saxilby simulator and rung regularly this century. In of simulators for teaching and support frame, built by David addition to those individuals named practice nights. Would the Central Horrocks. My task was to show above, I am particularly grateful to Council or ART or Association punters how it worked and to let Holy Trinity Weston’s Rector training budgets like to put forward them have a go. At the end of the Reverend Fiona Wheatley and the some money for the design and show the simulator was packed into Parochial Church Councillors for development of such a system? my car, so I took it to Sandon and their support. Also, to County Some ringers are already thinking of assembled it at the back of the Councillor Steve Jarvis and The potential systems but we need a church at the time of the annual Whiting Society for providing seed­ concerted effort which also involves flower festival. A villager said that corn funding. In parallel the tower at the bell hangers she would like to learn to ring and I Hitchin offered me their Saxilby arranged to meet her on a Saturday dumb bell and a local ringer Bob For more information you can morning and try out with the bell. Langley has designed and built a contact the Weston Hills Ringing Within two hours she was ringing a frame. This is now available to the Centre directly on tower bell and on the following District and has just been on loan to [email protected] Tuesday rang rounds with the band! the Essex Course over Easter. That’s when I decided that dumb bells were the way forward. I have I invariably finish second in never quite repeated that experience competitions, so I was very surprised Jenny Thomson & Geoff Horritt in Sandon, and soon after David to win an award at the last ART 14 ART Conference 2019 ­ Worcester

Generosity Ringing Centre. I found this morning and arrived just in time for extremely informative and the ART Award Ceremony. This was Pervading the ART conference was educational as everything about how a wonderful opportunity to learn first­ a spirit of generosity that sent me the dumbbells work and the history hand what wonderful projects are home with a glow in the heart. On of the bells and tower was explained taking place up and down the land Friday night we rang a course of tremendously well. It really gave me with young people and with Double Norwich. I’m no longer a an insight as to how learners at the technological innovation. It was a DNCB ringer but those generous tower gain so much confidence in lovely surprise when our own seven encouraged that third attempt. the simulator room before moving Yorkshire Tykes were announced as onto the real bells. It also allowed joint runners up in the Schools and Hours of generously­given time, me to get some ideas for myself as Youth Groups category. preparing talks. They sometimes to what processes I could take to inspired, sometimes pointed up my newer ringers around my area as Day two saw the Youth Forum open inadequacies, sometimes produced well as thinking about how it would with a thought­provoking ideas and, yes, sometimes passed benefit me in the long run for assessment of where we are today, me by. I’ll not say which was which learning new methods and and where we hope to get to in the but I will single out an exhibitor. developing my skills even further. future by David Hull ... hang on don't Handbell restorer Alan Collings was, I know him from somewhere? as always generous with his time, Another part of the weekend which Followed by an interactive session to trade “secrets” and even a give­ also stood out for me was the gain delegates thoughts on how to away handbell! Alan hit my spot but Interactive Sessions. This was galvanise school groups, youth others will tell similar stories of other where everyone was split into four groups and university groups. I'm folk. separate groups and was assigned a not big on these types of sessions station to go to. These were all but ideas were flying around and There were my generous breakfast hosted by youth leaders and some seem really positive. I used companions who encouraged me to included School Groups, Youth some of the time to network and do rabbit on about my own affairs with Groups and the RWNYC, Running my own bit of information gathering no mention of their own successes in Mixed Age Groups and Transition to from those around me. Other the ART Award ceremony. University. I particularly loved how sessions followed from the Girl each person in the group was able Guides, D of E scheme, and crucially It’s great to be perpetually surprised to say something and have their Pip Penney focused on parental by all that sort of generosity. But opinion, as everything was being involvement, which I see as the vital perhaps I shouldn’t be. Bell ringers written on a board, so that we could link to success with any activity are a pretty good bunch, really. see how different people have involving young people. different ways to do things. I was A breath of fresh air able to present many of my own All very informative and I do hope ideas to each group which resulted the best ideas are taken forward. A I've sat in a lot of rooms and halls, in others giving their own input, good start would be to pull all the full of ringers, filled with ringers' which I found very constructive as I information we already have about teas. And, although we have some am only young. active groups (schools, youth teams good meetings, there's always the and universities) together into one grumbles "The Branch Ringing place. To enable others to see the Master should do this, the Secretary Parental Involvement good work already going on out should do that". We've all been there and avoid re­inventing the there. For those of us who organise events wheel and share best practice. for young ringers, the parents might The ART Conference was a breath just have been seen as the means of And finally ... of fresh air. Still a room full of getting the young ringers to the ringers, but enthusiastic ringers, events. Pip explained how we can Association of Ringing Teachers motivated ringers, ringers who want draw the parents in by Worcester, Worcestershire to make ringing better. People who communicating with them and St Swithun believe it's not just about bell ringing, getting to know them. For instance, Friday, 1 March 2019 (13–0–21 in F) it's actually about bell ringers. Can't making sure the parents collect the 1260 Doubles (5m) wait for next year! young ringers from the ringing room 60 Grandsire, 420 , 360 St Martin, rather than waiting in the cold 240 St Simon 240 Plain Bob Sharing ideas with Friends outside, and updating the parents on 1 Ann Abraham their children’s progress. We should 2 Louise Booth Another superb ART Conference arrange events as family outings so 3 Claire Holbrook with a very interesting line­up of the rest of the family can be part of 4 Sandra Underwood inspiring speakers. It’s always great the events (e.g. trips on heritage 5 Graham Nabb (c) to hear of successful and new railways to towers). This is excellent 6 David Smith recruitment ideas, in particular the advice and I intend to do more of Mancroft Ringing Discovery Centre this from now on. (We might even Rung by ART Members on the eve story. It was also great to meet Rose get some of the parents to learn to of conference and as a thank you to and catch up with many other ART ring!) the ringer of 5 for his 3 years as colleagues. Chairman The Youth Forum Youth Several people suggested I should Christopher Wright, Colin Ward, Out of the whole weekend I had in attend the ART Conference as it was Sandra Underwood, Steph Worcester, the best part for me was focusing on Young People this year. Runting, Susan Read & Jane the Tour of the Cathedral Tower and I drove down after work on Saturday Lynch 15 Learning the Ropes Achievers

Level 1 ­ Bell Handling and Control: Safe and competent bell handing including raising and lowering a bell.

February 2019 Angus Leigh ­ Aynho Susan Payne ­ Piddlehinton Gerald Brushby ­ Weston on the Green Tim Jeanes ­ Piddlehinton George Davis ­ Thurcaston Andrew Wilkinson ­ Weston on the Green Paul Johns ­ Piddlehinton Nick Willson ­ Loddon Ringing Hub: Hurst Julie Bailey ­ Carhampton Harry Steven ­ Piddlehinton Stephanie Milner ­ Loddon Ringing Hub: Robert Mears ­ Puddletown Herbert R Hudson ­ Piddlehinton Hurst Rebecca Alderton ­ Bocking Tia Moore ­ Piddlehinton Keith Milner ­ Loddon Ringing Hub: Louie Alderton ­ Bocking Courtney Elizabeth Moon ­ Piddlehinton Hurst Rachel Oakes ­ Birmingham School of Anthony L Smith ­ Piddlehinton Jeremy Carpenter ­ Loddon Ringing Hub: Bell Ringing Hurst Duncan Macey ­ Maids Moreton April 2019 Karen Squirrell ­ Woolpit Michele Hilbrown ­ Goldhanger Carole Taylor ­ St Comgall, Bangor Josephine Bradford ­ Margaret Marsh Geoff Stone ­ Petersfield Sue Carter ­ Islip Tim Harral ­ Tiverton St Paul Tony Edwards ­ Rattlesden Duncan Kendall ­ Loddon Ringing Hub: Katie Waterworth­ Stretton on Dunsmore John Sawyer ­ Poulton le Fylde Hurst Natasha Vonhof ­ Weekley Alison Sawyer ­ Poulton le Fylde Natasha Burns ­ Much Hadham Lyla Vonhof Small ­ Weekley Martin Braundt ­ Horringer Laura Harvey ­ Washington Cathedral Jo Braundt ­ Horringer Herbert Dal Corso ­ Washington March 2019 Poppy Gauvain ­ Wells Bells Alderney Cathedral Ayla Lord ­ Wells Bells Alderney Marie Camilleri ­ Washington Cathedral Helen McKenzie ­ Wells next the Sea Sally­Ann Lewis ­ Wells Bells Alderney Tony Myerhofer ­ Washington Cathedral Fay Bennett ­ Sprotbrough Lex Earthquake ­ Birmingham School of Niah Bradley ­ Chester Cathedral Lucy Burnham ­ Evenley Bell Ringing Jenny Roberts ­ Hyde St George Andrea Macauley ­ Whitley Bay Liz Oakes ­ Birmingham School of Bell Susan Maddock ­ Mottram in Mary Ruth Mayo ­ London Bell Ringing Ringing Longdendale School (Highgate) Sarah King ­ Birmingham School of Bell David Selby ­ Mottrahm in Longdendale Philip Mead ­ Horningsea Ringing June Evans ­ Hyde St George Ian Foreman ­ Walsoken Jane Morris ­ Birmingham School of Bell Marcus Wood ­ Thorpe on the Hill Debra McGowan ­ Walsoken Ringing Joyce Bates ­ Monksilver Harry Tozer ­ Stanground Tracy Cowburn ­ Old Glossop Diana Mead ­ Cockermouth Lynda Lawrence ­ Ducklington Hannah Jane Lees Hill ­ Old Glossop Peter Harrington ­ Bridekirk Carmen Tollerson ­ Ducklington Trevor Smith ­ Horringer Edward Grabke ­ Troyte Ringing Centre Lottie Taylor ­ Docklands Ringing Centre Christiana Hancox ­ Perranarworthal Jules Franks ­ Shawell (Bermondsey) Chris Davie ­ Perranarworthal Storm Empson ­ South Derbyshire Valerie Massie ­ Great Totham Christopher Peace ­ Thurcaston Ringing Centre Sandra Mackie ­ Great Totham Christine Carruthers ­ Roker Maurice Hoare ­ Walsoken Peter Mickelsen ­ Great Totham Kay Ritchie ­ Welton Carol Hawkins ­ Walsoken Amanda Mickelsen ­ Great Totham Andy Booth ­ Hexham Michele Gallon ­ Walsoken Colette Stroud ­ Whitley Bay Peter Martin ­ Hutton Tina Thorpe ­ Walsoken John Close ­ Winterborne Whitechurch Madhu Davies ­ Great Wilbraham Malcolm ­ Thorpe ­ Walsoken Ella Bull ­ Troyte Ringing Centre ART Isaac Darling ­ Dunham Massey Jacquel Jones ­ Wingham Hub Lorraine Niblett ­ Sidmouth Scott Cooper ­ Shawell Janet Asiliskender ­ Poulton le Fylde Martin Potts ­ Bradfield Nick Bircher ­ Shawell Marion Duncan ­ Poulton le Fylde Rosemary Hadow ­ London Bellringing Julia Hampson ­ Shawell Debra Nixon ­ Holt School, Pimlico Clare Waters ­ Shawell Victoria Thompson ­ Burnham on Sea Amelia­Jayne Bale ­ Whitstable Brian Giles ­ Weekley Bradley Gittings ­ Hyde St George Lorraine Potts ­ Bradfield Poddy Ander ­ Puddletown Karen Hildreth ­ North Shields Howard Eyre ­ Bradfield Thea Tasker ­ Dunster Nicole Morgan ­ Brent Pelham Maisie Jenner ­ Whitstable William Evans ­ Carhampton Kate Taylor ­ Childswickham Janie Mann ­ Bowerchalke Andrew Morrison ­ Alderley Geoff Franks ­ Shawell Steve Brealey ­ Troyte Ringing Centre Elijah Darling ­ Dunham Massey Jo Harris ­ Harrow on the Hill Bridget Little ­ Troyte Ringing Centre Kate Robert ­ Dunham Massey Caspar Kennedy ­ Harrow on the Hill Colin Birt ­ Kingston upon Thames Vera Paksy ­ Dunham Massey George Robinson ­ Barnard Castle Glen Olley ­ Ingrave Aaron Sutton ­ Dunham Massey Alix Robinson ­ Barnard Castle Isaac Smith ­ Writtle Rees Berrisford ­ Dunham Massey Sam Wich ­ Pontefract Ruby Moulton ­ St Mary's, Peterborough Adam Paksy ­ Dunham Massey Emma Whipp ­ Pontefract Alison Nelson ­ Kilmood Margie Crawford ­ Kilmood Chris Dagger ­ Pontefract Maria Lofts ­ Old Fletton Ben Robinson ­ Kilmood Karen Glynn ­ Pontefract Sarah Collins ­ Sidmouth Dulan Thomas ­ Wellington Cathedral Esme Bailey ­Tulloch Luisa Barrios ­ Pattishall Steve Majury ­ Kilmood Richard Hill ­ Tiverton St Peter Paul Washington ­ Chearsley Joan Warrington ­ Kilmood Julie Hill ­ Tiverton St Peter Paul White ­ St Cleer Ollie Parker ­ Shawell Thomas Crow Brown ­ Minster Les Dixon ­ Monksilver Lisa Netherwood ­ Shawell John Mundy ­ Bowerchalke Malcolm Ware ­ Leckhampton Andy Netherwood ­ Shawell Jane Sladen ­ Crondall Paul Poser ­ Puddletown Cathryn De Boer ­ Stretton on Dunsmore Dawn Hackett ­ Bowerchalke Kathleen Orme ­ Handbridge Spencer Wadsworth ­ Stretton on Julius Jones ­ Docklands Ringing Centre Emily Breen ­ Terling Dunsmore (Walworth) Aleander Nicolai ­ Wargrave (Loddon Matthew Cooper ­ Fittleworth Daniel M Smith ­ Piddlehinton Hub) 16 Level 2 ­ Foundation RInging Skills: RInging with others: able to dodge, make places and ring simple call changes.

February 2019 Jim Barwise ­ Moresby John Close ­ Winterborne Whitechurch Peter Grierson ­ Moresby Janet Asilskender ­ Poulton le Fylde Robert Mears ­ Puddletown Barbara Southwell ­ Moresby Isabelle Johnson ­ Barnes William Bishop ­ Puddletown Anne Grierson ­ Moresby Vanessa Ellams ­ Great Totham Jo Rimmer ­ Thorpe on the Hill Anne Denwood ­ Moresby Mark Bushby ­ Tibberton Julie Hampson ­ Shawell Abbie Stonier ­ Yeovil St John's Molly Holmes ­ Dunblane Cathedral Miranda Jones ­ Dunblane Peter Henderson ­ Tibberton Ruth Francis ­ Woodchester March 2019 Karin Freer ­ Southover Lewes Sue Taylor ­ Great Gransden Scott Cooper ­ Shawell Evadne Vallance ­ South Leigh Nick Jenkins ­ Birmingham School of Bell Carol Craven ­ Darlington Emma Hughes ­ Puddletown Ringing Paula Aldrich ­ Crondall Dylan Thomas ­ Wellington Cathedral Helen McKenzie ­ Wells next the Sea Jo Laws ­ Ockley Nicki Courtney Hart ­ Eardisley Debra Brown ­ Northallerton Graham Hunt ­ Ockley Richard McKnight ­ Kildwick Rob Hargrave ­ Tadcaster Tina Thorpe ­ Walsoken John Firth­ Tadcaster April 2019 Carol Knott ­ Broomfield Toby Hughes ­ Belper Andrew Knott ­ Broomfield Lesley Oats ­ Combe Raleigh Peggy Hirt ­ Great Tew Nathan Fuller ­ Burwell Stefan Pond ­ Edgehill Ringing Centre Tom Woodland ­ Puddletown Rees Sather Berrisford ­ Dunham Sue Carter ­ Islip Dorinda Ostermann ­ Docklands Ringing Massey Steve Rigby ­ Gosforth Centre ­ Limehouse Adam Paksy ­ Dunham Massey Judith McLane ­ Gosforth Chris Hinkins ­ St Ives Vera Paksy ­ Dunham Massey Alicja Sznurkowska ­ Chiswick Edward Bale ­ Whitstable Elijah Darling ­ Dunham Massey Marlies Boink ­ Ypres Hazel Harlock ­ Winterborne Stickland Aaron Sutton ­ Dunham Massey Sven Berg ­ Ypres David Moore ­ Dunster Kate Roberts ­ Dunham Massey Hugh Shipman ­ Ypres Stephen Chisman ­ Lytchett Minster Alec Bell ­ Histon Joseph Godfrey ­ Loddon Hub (Twyford) Hepi Cole ­ Leominster Priory Angus Firth ­ Kildwick Heather Horner ­ South Leigh Katie Thomas ­ Sonning (Loddon Hub) Lisa Raymer ­ St Chad Shrewsbury Katy Douthwaite ­ Pattishall Jane Farquharson ­ Dunblane Cathedral Angus Leigh ­ Aynho Ellie Andrews ­ Loddon Hub (Sonning) Alexander Nicolai ­Wargrave (Loddon Julie Rudman ­ Moresby Henry Lansley ­ Chichester Cathedral Hub)

Level 3 ­ Introduction to Change Level 4 ­ Novice Change Ringer: Ringing: Competent at Plain Hunt Ringing and calling touches of a and covering (demonstrated by Doubles or Minor method ringing two quarter peals at least (demonstrated by ringing a quarter one of which is on the treble) peal inside). Raising and lowering a bell in peal February 2019 Emma Marsh ­ Heddington February 2019 Dylan Thomas ­ Wellington Cathedral Ross Havenhand ­ Doncaster Minster Liz Millward ­ Ypres Edward Askew ­ Kildwick Aidan Purchase ­ Aylesbury Timothy J Lodge ­ Barnby Dun Cory Gibson ­ Aylesbury Daniel Braniff ­ Workington John Close ­ Winterborne Whitechurch Zoe Eyles­Vaughan ­ St Woolos Edward Gormley ­ Docklands Ringing Peter T Biggin ­ Tamworth Cathedral, Newport Centre ­ Lewisham Jack W Lisseter ­ Tamworth Florence Jones ­ Troyte Ringing Centre Katie Havenhand ­ Doncaster Minster March 2019 Chiara McBrien ­ St Congall, Bangor Tony Vernon ­ Birmingham School of Bell April 2019 Kate Best ­ Yeovil St John's Ringing Ellis Hollows ­ St Annes on Sea Holly Pyke ­ Birmingham School of Bell Katie Armitage ­ Wokingham Joseph Blake ­ Town Church Guernsey Ringing Sue Walker ­ Petersfield John Close ­ Winterborne Whitechurch David Hill Ilderton ­ Birmingham School Henry Wood ­ Town Church, Guernsey of Bell Ringing Sharon Jewitt ­ Tadcaster April 2019 John Broom ­ Arnold Edward Bale ­ Whitstable Samantha Goode ­ Leominster Priory Francis Town ­ Northallerton Henry Wood ­ Town Church, Guernsey Rohan Agarwal ­ Newdigate St Peter Bryony Gray ­ Monksilver Ross Havenhand ­ Doncaster Minster March 2019 Gil Firth ­ Tadcaster Janet Bond ­ Maids Moreton Blake Lawrence ­ Leominster Andrew Moncrief ­ Whitehaven Heather Horner ­ South Leigh Delia Brandwood ­ Monksilver Evadne Vallance ­ South Leigh Colin Helyer ­ Northallerton

17 Level 5 ­ Change Ringer: Ringing Learning the Ropes Plus: For ringers who have progressed and calling a second method and beyond Level 5. Acknowledges achievements in ringing touches of Plain Bob ringing,conducting and organisation. (demonstrated by ringing three quarter peals including inside to Plain Bob Minor). March 2019 March 2019 Caspar Clyde ­ Darlington Steve Vickars ­ Kirtlington, Ringing Plain Janice Firth ­ Town Church Guernsey Minor Will Le Ray ­ Town Church Guernsey Joseph Blake ­ Town Church Guernsey April 2019 April 2019 June Banister ­ St Annes, Alderney ­ Ringing Plain Major Harry Helyer ­ Northallerton Harry Helyer ­ Northallerton ­ Ringing 10 Charlie Linford ­ Birmingham School of Bells Bell Ringing Harry Helyer ­ Northallerton ­ Ringing Charlie Thorpe ­ Tadcaster First Peal Kaeko Tozawa ­ St Giles, Norwich Noah J McDermott ­ Sprotbrough

ART Conference 2019 in pictures