Fred Bone (Essex Guild) has invited applications from other Guilds:

“The closing date for applications for the 26th Essex Ringing Course is
Friday 12th February. Details, including the application form, are
available at <http://eacr.org.uk/course>”

Just as a taster before you click through to their site, here is the program:

PRACTICAL RINGING SESSIONS

GROUP A

Improving foundation skills. Have you reached the stage in your early ringing career where even if you understand the theory of what you are meant to be doing you are finding doing it an entirely different matter? If so this group is for you. Students in this group will work on their individual ringing skills so that they can improve their bell control, listening and ropesight. This may require time working alone on a bell as an individual with the advice of your tutor, as well as ringing with other ringers. Students will also practise raising and lowering a single bell.

GROUP B

A Group for those who can ring Rounds competently and who are ready to take their first steps in call changes and then, possibly, in change ringing on 3 or 4 bells. If you are in any way doubtful about joining Group C, then join Group B; you will still find something to learn and will have the opportunity to fill in steps in your ringing education you may have missed or not appreciated.

GROUP C

A Group for those wishing to plain hunt on 5. The opportunity to practise on different rings of bells and in different orders both on the treble and “inside” will be provided. The Group will emphasise the skills required for change ringing and will be learning ropesight and considering striking, as an essential preliminary to ringing the treble. Practice may be given at ringing the treble to Bastow, Minimus and Doubles, to “Stedman Quick Sixes” and to Plain Bob Minimus as appropriate, before progressing to ringing the treble to Plain Bob Doubles.

GROUP D

A Group for those who really have ropesight and bell control and are ready to ring the treble to Grandsire Doubles and Plain Bob Minor. It is intended to progress to ringing the treble to touches in both these methods. A number of other methods may be rung to practise the different rhythm of change ringing with six bells.

GROUP E

A Group for those who are competent in ringing skills as outlined in the above groups and wishing to learn Plain Bob Doubles on an “inside” bell.

GROUP F

A Group for those who are already competent in ringing skills as outlined in the above groups and able to ring touches of Plain Bob Doubles and who wish to learn Plain Bob Minor “inside”. You should be able to treble hunt reliably to touches of Bob Minor before applying for this group; if in any doubt consider applying for Group D.

GROUP G

Grandsire: Starting with Doubles and progressing to Triples with calls. Applicants must be proficient in ringing the treble to Grandsire and be able to ring touches of Bob Doubles “inside” to get the full benefit from this option.

GROUP H

Surprise Minor: To get the full benefit from this group applicants must be able to ring 2 or 3 methods other than Plain Bob Minor e.g. Double Court, St Clements, Kent TB, and be able to ‘treble bob’ proficiently. The group will study and practise Cambridge Surprise Minor and, depending on progress, may move on to ring other surprise minor methods.

GROUP I

Stedman: Starting with Doubles and progressing to Triples with calls and theory on extension to Caters and Cinques. You should be proficient in ringing up to Group G to get full benefit from this option.

GROUP J

Starting Plain Major: This Group provides an introduction to ringing inside on 8 bells, by introducing Plain Bob Major, Little Bob Major, and possibly other plain major methods. You must be able to plain hunt on 8 and be competent at Plain Bob Minor “inside” to join this group.

GROUP K

Calling & Conducting Touches: This Group will start with calling Plain Bob and Grandsire Doubles, and progress to Plain Bob and possibly other Minor methods. Students will be actively involved in calling a variety of touches, and will be expected to ring whilst others of the Group are calling. No previous experience of calling is required, but you must be able to ring touches of Grandsire Doubles and Plain Bob Minor “inside” competently.

LECTURE OPTIONS

Apart from the main Group lectures there will be other lectures on a variety of subjects which may include some of the following:

• Handbell ringing
• Rope splicing
• Calling call changes
• Achieving good striking
• Tune ringing on handbells
• Running a practice night

• Raising and lowering a single bell
• Raising and lowering in peal
  A ballot will be held for places in these groups. Details will be sent with your confirmation letter.

Attendance at these is a matter of personal choice. Some sessions will be limited to a number of attendees; lists will be placed on the notice boards to enable you to sign up during the first coffee break.

An outline programme will be circulated electronically to all successful applicants.

Closing Date Friday 12th February 2016.

READ MORE AND CONSIDER APPLYING…