Coventry Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers
Newsletter
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Submit Article: Articles for inclusion in the newsletter are very welcome. Please Click here for guidance as to how to submit something, or simply Click here to email something directly to me. Many thanks! Mike Chester (Editor). Download Newsletter (PDF format): April Qtr 2009 July Qtr 2009 October Qtr 2009 January Qtr 2010 |
Postcodes for each tower have now been added to the Tower Directory. Please ensure that you are aware of the correct one for your own tower and have a notice stating this, and any local emergency contact numbers, clearly displayed in your ringing rooms. Increasingly emergency call centres are being centralised and not knowing your postcode could easily delay the arrival of the emergency services.
President's Message
“A Happy and Prosperous New Year” to all of you. It is really ten years since we all joined in the the “Ring in 2000” celebrations? The ringing of bells to welcome the beginning of each new year brings a lot of job and happiness to people of all faiths and none.
Some try to “turn over a new leaf” and make various “New Year’s Resolutions”, which may be kept with various degrees of success. Perhaps we could try to join in more with the events which are organised for our enjoyment by our Guild Officers and other people. Some meetings are well attended, but others depend upon the “faithful few” who can always be relied upon to turn up whatever the weather or other pressing attractions.
The weather? The depth of snow on my lawn is 4 inches—sorry, 10 centimetres! It is 6thJanuary, the Feast of the Epiphany.
Good ringing in 2010
Michael Gray
Newbold's AGM
At the St Botolph’s, Newbold-on-Avon, tower AGM on Thursday 12 November, John Slack was elected Tower Captain and V al Foster was re-elected Secretary. With immediate effect, the tower contacts are:
Val Foster, keith-foster1@sky.com, 01788 814489, 32 Mulberry Road, Bilton,
Rugby, CV22 7TD
John Slack, john.slack1940@tiscali.co.uk, 01788 570899, 74 Chapel Street, Long
Lawford, Rugby, CV23 9BE
The Rev’d Paul M Wilkinson, paulwilkinson54@btinternet.com, 01788 543055, The
Vicarage, Main Street, Newbold-on-Avon, Rugby, CV21 1HH
The retiring Tower Captain thanked the members of the tower and the ringers of the Rugby Deanery District for their generous support to St Botolph’s over the years.
Tim Weedon
Help Required
The Radford Semele band are practising at Offchurch each Monday evening and are in need of some assistance. They need a few people who can ring PB Doubles to help the band progress; Grandsire and PB Minor would be a bonus. Someone who can put people right would also help.
Can you help out? Perhaps you might team up with some other ringers to go on rotation?
Please make contact with Claire Darlington if you can help out. claire.darlington1953@yahoo.com
Would you like to ring church bells?”
How was I to know that this fairly innocent question would change the course of my life?
It was a question from a supposed friend who had visited the tower at Tewkesbury Cathedral, didn’t think she would even be let in the tower, but was made very welcome and enjoyed what she saw and heard so much that she decided to test the waters. She and I were in the habit of walking together over fields and styles in the countryside each Saturday and now June was suggesting we add the steps to our local church tower to our walking plans.
I was very naïve. I had heard church bells and liked them very much but hadn’t a clue what was involved – I was a bit like the photographer who sent a message to the bell tower – ‘Will you switch the bells off now, please?’
My answer to June’s question, ‘We can give it a try!’ set everything in motion. Before I knew it, I had been introduced to Tom at St Margaret’s, Whitnash, and I was on my way. Looking back I wonder how I could possibly have reached the age of 69 with so little knowledge of how it all works.
Anyway, we turned up at 7 o’clock on a Friday evening to ‘try it out’. I had never seen or heard of a sally or tail end before but soon found myself being instructed in how to hold the said items. Richard and Kelly were wonderfully patient instructors but June and I were not the best pupils. There were numerous times when one of us felt that the uphill struggle was beyond us – it was so often a case of one step forward and two back – and we passed comments about wasting everybody’s time, and best if we give up, on far more than one occasion. But, supporting each other, each time we lifted ourselves out of the doldrums and on we plodded. We spent hours and hours just learning how to hold the rope correctly and eventually, a fter months of practice, we were able to pull the sally with the silencer off. It was fantastic to actually hear the bell ring! But by now we realised that it was a mountain we were planning to climb and we had caught the addiction – there was no turning back!
Stepping into the tower was just like stepping into a foreign country. The language was like nothing we had ever heard before – hunt, dodge, make thirds, long fifths, bob, single, lead – would we ever understand what all of these words meant? And then the names of the methods the ringers were ringing – they were alien as also was this funny thing on a paper called ‘a blue line” The regular ringers seemed to us so competent that the mountain we had to climb seemed like Everest.
But June and I persevered. It was good to eventually follow another bell and then move on to rounds. Our stilted efforts demanded much patience from the rest of the ringers but they were all extremely tolerant and helpful. And eventually, after months and months of practice, we reached the dizzy heights of call changes. This took a lot of getting our heads round – ‘follow the bell that is in front of the bell you are following’ –or something like that, they patiently called to us. Richard and Kelly had been very generous giving up many Saturday mornings to help us on our way.
About the time we learnt that Richard and Kelly were moving to another area we discovered that a new bell ringing venture was just beginning at Kineton. It really was opportune and a chance to take our new found basic talent a step further. We introduced ourselves to Graham and turned up at The Harry Windsor Ringing Centre at Kineton where the sessions on the simulator seemed a lifeline, and it wasn’t long before we were turning up on Thursday mornings to be assisted by strong ringers who were very generous with their time.
Over the last couple of years we have endured injuries to fingers when we lost sallies or even on one occasion broke a stay. We have experienced trips to many other towers arranged by our fellow bell ringers and in truth we have never regretted taking up our new hobby but wished we had done so in our youth when mountains were easier to climb.
We have moved on to the wonders of Bob Doubles now and we have even tested the waters further afield with Grandsire Doubles, Cloister Doubles, Stedman, Bob Triples and Grandsire Triples –mostly on treble - but we have a lot more learning to do. At long last, thanks to Graham’s never-ending patience we have even managed to ring the bells up and down. Earlier this year I managed a quarter peal to celebrate my Golden Wedding Anniversary and what a marvellous achievement that was. But it is a never-ending uphill struggle.
We have had many hours of fun and friendship on our journey thanks to all of those who have helped us on our way. As well as everyone at St Margaret’s, we have had lots of help and support from bell ringers at Offchurch, All Saints, Leamington, Sherbourne and also Graham and his wonderful band of voluntary Thursday helpers at Kineton. To them all we are very grateful. And to all aspiring bell ringers we would strongly recommend the venture. An uphill struggle maybe, but a very pleasurable one with the friendliest people you could wish to meet anywhere. And the question that started it all? – I’m very glad it was asked.
June Arran + June Hawkins
Basic Maintenance…..
……..was the subject of a half day course at the Harry Windsor Ringing Centre at Kineton on Saturday. Thirty students attended the session and, divided into three groups, they spent time discussing and being shown how to carry out basic maintenance at two very different installations.
St Peter’s Kineton framework was installed by Gillett & Johnson in 1913 and the then 6 bells were rehung on ball bearings by Taylors in the ‘60s. In 2008 they were augmented to 8 by the addition of three new trebles (the old and overweight treble of six being sold to Charwelton via the KelteK Trust). Sessions took place in the belfry where the maintenance issues for this type of installation were examined together with the sound control system, clapper silencers and simulator. In the clockroom pulley and guide boards were in evidence together with the new dumb bell – and of course the clock & chimes.
A very different position was examined at Avon Dassett where the unringable five in a Churches Conservation Trust Church were examined. The tower & spire have been repaired here at significant cost and a trial ring on the bells showed minimal tower and frame movement. Permission has been given to carry out some restoration to allow occasional ringing. Here plain bearings, wooden headstocks and an oak frame all dating from 1869 were in the course of repair. The Blews bells date from this time as indeed does the whole building, so conserving the integrity of the building and installation is important. A recently re-soled wheel was on show and the work in progress discussed together with the maintenance issues on this type of installation. There was general surprise at the good state of frame & fittings after 140 years of light rain!!
Our bell hanging lecturers for the day were Graham Clifton of Whites of Appleton, and Simon Adams of John Taylor, Loughborough.
These sessions were complimented by Chris Povey from the CCCBC who talked on Health and Safety and gave appropriate warnings (some following personal experience) on how to approach working in the Tower.
The students were well fed by Alex Gunn.
The next main course here is on the 30th January when Pip Penney will lead sessions on Motivation, Teaching, Kids Groups and Robert Wood & Chris Mew deal with Heath & Safety, Complaints & Children in the meantime our thanks to all those who gave their time & expertise to make this such a worthwhile day.
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Avon Dassett Open Day - May 1st
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Following an approach to the Churches Conservation Trust at the end of 2008 by Graham Nabb these bells were heard for the first time in February 2009 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Trust – amid much publicity. However due to their condition it was only possible to chime them. The tower and spire had just been restored by the CCT at a cost of £0.75m. However after further approaches permission was given for Graham to arrange a try out of the bells with the Architect, Surveyor and Conservation Officer present. So after some minor work a very brief ring took place and confirmation was given that the minimal tower movement was not an issue and the small frame movement was satisfactory so sympathetic repairs to the bell installation could take place to enable occasional, limited ringing. Half of the work has been done with one wheel resoled, most bearing hoops restored and refitted (courtesy of David Marshall of Stoneleigh) with other works carried out on headstocks and the frame. The remaining work to stays, sliders, wheels & clappers will be carried out over the next few months to enable a first ring on the 1st May when there will be an open day to raise the funds required to carry out the work – or replenish funds that have contributed. Come along on the 1st of May – ‘ collect’ a few new towers in the area, have a ring on these bells and enjoy refreshments in the church. |
Four Bell Towers Maintained
Ettington
A recent inspection of these bells by Graham Nabb, Keith Chambers (DAC), Simon Adams (Taylors) and David Rogers (Pillerton Hersey) showed them to be in quite good order.
A new floor has been installed below the bells and work is needed to get the sallies to run through smoothly, a few maintenance jobs and wood treatment is required. Unfortunately the 2nd clapper was missing completely but a 4 month search by Graham has unearthed a suitable one together with a replacement pulley block. Taylors are refurbishing another pulley and a clapper.
Hopefully these bells will be ringing once again after Easter when some sort of open evening to raise funds spent on the work will take place.
Newbold Pacey
With the hard work and assistance of Simon Adams the 4 clappers at Newbold Pacey have been re-leathered, a general tightening up has taken place and the twigs removed! Unfortunately the general state of repair is not good so restricted ringing only has been recommended here. At least they will continue to be heard for some services and special occasions.
Graham Nabb
HWRC Courses
The HWRC has a course about tower management on January 30th 2010 - please make an effort to have your tower represented
More details can be found here
It also has a Rope Splicing Course on the afternoon of 20 May 2010
More details can be found here
It has a Taster Session also on the afternoon of 20 May 2010
More details can be found here
Below is a possible workshop to be arranged at HWRC.
If you would be interested get in touch with Graham Nabb on 01926 641812.
Title: Calling Touches (Or: "How to avoid subjecting the band to the same old touch every Sunday...")
- Explanation of the shorthand used to write down touches (I understand the single column ones but I'm not so sure about those with two or three...
- How to translate that into calling them
- Maybe a bit on transposition so you don't have to ring the tenor
- Some practice....?
Do you want the opportunity to learn and ring a new method?
At the Harry Windsor Ringing Centre we run a number of practices to help you do just this. Normally on a Friday evening we c an ring 6 or 8 bell methods up to Surprise Major. Occasional extra practices where a Friday is inconvenient can be arranged.
So if you want the opportunity to ring something new contact Graham Nabb on 01926 641812.
An appeal for helpers
Can you Help?
There are a number of people who have been generous with there time in assisting me at HWRC by coming quite regularly on Thursday mornings, or occasional Friday Evenings for surprise practice.
I value their support highly and am keen not to ask them to do more.
In 2010 I shall be continuing with the Thursday morning practices although occasionally they will be on a Tuesday morning to avoid a clash with The Four Shires. This may also enable a different group of learners and helpers to meet.
Whilst I will be continuing with the Friday evening Surprise practices I would like to try and increase the number of Friday evening practices to include a wider variety of methods and allow those who work to attend.
This will mean I will need more helpers available on some Friday evenings who are competent with basic 6,7 or 8 bell methods.
Are you one of these potential helpers, could you come say once a month? Do you know of anyone who might be available to help?
It would be a great help if you could let me know if you are or could suggest the names of someone who may be suitable & available.
Graham Nabb
graham@nabb.orangehome.co.uk
01926 641812
07974 743766
HWRC Event Schedule - January to June 2010
The program of events can be downloaded from here
Maintenance Schedule
How often should you check things out in the tower? Here's a Guide to help you.
Baby Billy Arrives a Bit Early!
Jeanette Fisher gave birth to a baby boy, three weeks early, on 17th December after 31 hours of labour (Phew!). Mum and William, (to be known as Billy), are doing well and John is just a bit pleased!
We hope that the "Family Fisher" will be able to come down from deepest Derbyshire once the snow has cleared to give us all at the Cathedral and Stoke the chance to go all gooey-eyed!
Mum with Billy at 30 minutes of age |
Two hours old |
Five hours old |
One day old |
Billy's first day home |
Two days old |
Christmas Ringing around Kineton
Christmas, Easter and Harvest are the main festivals in the area and I like to ensure bells are rung for all of these. There are churches with few or unringable bells where these occasions are an opportunity to ensure they are not forgotten and are a great opportunity to some good publicity.
This year the restored swing chime at Chesterton were rung for a capacity carol concert on 13th December thanks to Paddy Taylor & Michael Dane and on the 15th a quarter at Honington preceded their carol concert.
December 20th was quite busy with Ringing at Oxhill (currently having maintenance work done) for Christingle, then Kineton and in the afternoon Newbold Pacey for their carol service – they are going much better after the work done on them. Evening ringing on this day was for Kineton's carol concert.
Christmas Eve was a busy day with a quarter at Chadshunt followed by ringing at Whatcote and quarters at Honington and Alderminster (for crib service) and then Kineton (crib service again), Warmington (Carols on the green) and finally chiming at Horley after their crib service.
Christmas Day was a rest with only ringing at Oxhill and Kineton!
Finally, after ringing at Kineton on the 27th, there was a quarter at Farnborough after a packed joint service followed by refreashements.
Hopefully the youngsters we trained at Ratley diod their stuff too and there was ringing at Shotteswell and Butlers Marston with chiming at Pillerton Hersey, so I hope everywhere was covered!
If you can help out with the project at Easter – please let me know – if not look around at your neighbouring towers do they need help ringing or chiming at festivals? Can YOU help???
Graham Nabb
Child Protection Matters
The final gudielines from the Home Office for CRB checks and ISA registration have not yet been published but further advice will be given when available.
In the meantime the Coventry Diocese is offering brief training to those involved with young people in any capacity including readers, youth workers and leaders, music group leaders, organists, tower captains, bellringers, PCC members and churchwardens.
The training consists of sessions lasting about 2 hours given by the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, Carol Clarke with whom places may be booked by calling 024 7652 1345 or email: carol.clarke@covcofe.org.
The immediate planned session programme is as follows:-
| Saturday 30th January | 10.00 am - 12.00 noon | St George's Church, Barkers' Butts Lane, Coventry, CV6 1EA |
| Tuesday 2nd February | 7.30 - 9.30 pm | St James Church, Tile Hill Lane, Coventry, CV4 9DP |
| Thursday 4th February | 7.30- 9.30 pm | Christchurch, Frankpledge Road, Coventry, CV3 5GT |
| Saturday 6th February | 10.00 am - 12.00 noon | St Paul's church, Leicester Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 4TE |
| Saturday 27th February | In the Fosse Deanery - details to be advised. |
Guild members - CRB checks
Members will recall that we are trying to compile a register of those ringers who, through their local churches, have been CRB checked. The principal reason for this is to know who we might call upon to help with any Guild organised training which might require suitably checked persons. If you or known members of your tower have not notified yet please let Chris Mew know on 01926 402273 or email: mewsofwarwick82@tiscali.co.uk
Kids Perhaps Not Quite in Charge!
Alexander Rogers and William Taylor rang with 91 year old Robert Harvey at Whichford during the Kids in Charge Tour in South Warwickshire on January 2nd - only an 81 year age difference......
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| Robert Harvey, aged 91, with some slightly younger ringers! |
Rugby Deanery District Handbell Extravaganza
On Saturday 9th January (District Meeting Day), amid the snow and ice, a ‘Handbell Extravaganza’ was held at St. Peter’s, Dunchurch.
The tower bells were in use from 3 – 4pm, followed by tea and biscuits served in St. Peter’s warm building. As we had not held an event like this before, we waited until it was known how many sets of handbells might arrive before we finally set things up.
There turned out to be 3 sets, and it was decided that the change ringers would use the Common Room to aid their concentration. The other two sets couldn’t have been more different, which added interest. The handbells belonging to Dunchurch are over 100 years old and like the tower bells, a heavy set and were used for tune ringing in the south aisle. Bilton’s much lighter and newer set of tune ringing handbells were rung in the north aisle. All groups were situated close to heaters – it being such a cold day!
There were enough people to ring and also to act as helpers in each group, and although there were ‘experts’ in each area, many were novices and were able to have a go in their chosen group. It was an interesting afternoon with both a great deal of concentration and lots of laughs too.
We hope that everyone enjoyed the event and felt that they had had sufficient ‘hands on’ experience. To round off the day, 18 of us walked across the road to The Green Man for an evening meal.
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| The Haynes Family and Christine Homer ringing methods on handbells |
Freda Bennett
Draw Club
The first draw of the year took place at the Guild Quarterly meeting, held at Bulkington on Saturday 16th Jan. The draw was made by Freda Bennett and Sally Idle.
1st No 48 Phil Mawson (Monks Kirby) - £15
2nd No 45 Bubbenhall Ringers - £10
3rd No 1 Mike Dew (Church Lawford) - £5
The February draw took place at the Rugby Deanery ADM, held at Brinklow on Saturday 13th February 2010. The draw was made by John and June Slack.
1st No 8 Sally Idle (Bilton) - £15
2nd No 51 Jenny McVicker (Brinklow) - £10
3rd No 1 Mike Dew (Church Lawford) - £5
Membership has increased by 1 to 69 during the month. Please encourage your local ringers or towers to join this fund raising effort. It is only £10 to join for the remainder of this year. In 2009 we raised £473 profit for the BRF.
The March draw took place at the Warwick District ADM, held at Southam on Saturday 6th March 2010. The draw was made by Jean Smart and Angela Elliott.
1st No 14 Lesley Grove (Allesley) - £15
2nd No 39 Peter Richardson (Halford) - £10
3rd No 83 Julia Sarson (Dunchurch) - £5
Membership had increased to 71 during the month, and currently stands at 72. Please encourage your local ringers or towers to join this fund raising effort.
The next draw will take place at the Guild AGM at Monks Kirby on Saturday 24th April.
Mike Dew
Draw Club Promoter
Teaching and Tower Management Course
Saturday the 30th of January saw 46 Ringers from as afield as Lincolnshire and Oxfordshire at the Harry Windsor Ringing Centre Kineton to attend a full day course on Teaching and Tower Management.
The intensive day opened with Graham Nabb leading a short session on ‘The Captains lot… during which the group examined the role and responsibilities of tower leadership. A long list of tasks and burdens was developed confirming that only superman (or woman) could manage the complete role without strong leadership skills ,support and the ability to delegate.
Robert Wood explained the implications of not managing effective relationships with your audience and what to do when the Environmental Heath Officer called! Later in the day he was able to unravel the mysteries of carrying out a risk assessment – a vital tool when managing health & safety in the tower. The ability to understand this process is critical. Few churchwardens have the experience – despite having to develop assessments for the church – and very few indeed understand the risks presented by bell towers which can lead to some strange decisions! On the other hand used effectively by ringers they can be a catalyst to getting improvements made when overdue.
Chris Mew successfully guided the students though the mire of Child Protection issues giving insight into the changed happening now and planned for the future. So many stories are told on this subject it was a relief to get a clearer view on the likely implications, which are perhaps not as onerous as had been feared.
The ‘Kids Ring Out’ group activities were described by Pip Penney – so much! The variety of activities and the level of organisation that must have been required were positively breathtaking as were the achievements. The pace of the day did not wane as Pip proceeded to delve into coaching techniques and motivation with such authority and enthusiasm that you were left feeling strongly challenged to review your personal approach and contribution to understanding and supporting the development of others.
After a short session on The Harry Windsor Ringing Centre and recruitment Pip challenged us again to think about how we approach teaching bell handling and introduced new ideas and exercises demonstrating them on the dumb bell. As part of the handout pack everyone received a copy of her new book ‘Teaching Tips’ to ensure nothing was forgotten. An impromptu book signing session ended the day!
Graham Nabb
Concentration in the Ringing Room |
Chris Mew & Graham Nabb |
Robert Wood in full flow. |
Questions and Answers |
Bob Taylor pretending that he does not know what he is doing* |
Paddy Taylor being motivated! |
Discussions at break |
Pip Penny delivering her talk |
*The editor denies all responsibility for any comments that are made to Bob Taylor as a result of this photograph!
First Quarter Pealers
Bubbenhall, Warwickshire, St Giles
Saturday, 6 February 2010 in 40 mins (5-1-13)
1260 Plain Bob Doubles
1 Sue Marshall (C)
2 Graham Nabb
3 Lucy Gwynne
4 John Gwynne
5 James Trewin
6 David Rogers
First quarter peal; 6
David Rogers is one of the peal who have learned to chime the bells at Pillerton Hersey
Wootton Wawen, Warwickshire, St Peter
Thursday, 11 February 2010 in 45 mins (10-2-6)
1260 Plain Bob Doubles
1 Fiona Dyson
2 Robin Green
3 Graham Nabb
4 Sue Marshall (C)
5 Simon Webb
6 Nick Gunn
First quarter peal; 1
Lighthorne, Warwickshire, St. Laurence
Tuesday, 23 February 2010 in 42 mins (5-2-06)
1320 Mixed Doubles (2m)
5 x 120 Grandsire Doubles
2 x 360 Plain Bob Doubles
1 Sam Gledhill
2 Angela M. Roskelly
3 Lucy Gwynne
4 John Gwynne
5 E.J. Woodward (C)
6 Mike Rigby
1st quarter - 6
For the Silver Wedding of E.J. and Tricia Woodward (Jan 19th),
Diamond Wedding of Mrs Joan A. and the late Arthur F. Potts (Feb 25th),
Tricia's parents and John Gwynne's birthday (Feb 22nd).
Many thanks to Mike for being a very last minute substitute.
Kineton, St Peter Warks
Sunday, 14 March 2010 (10-0-5)
1260 Plain Bob Minor
1 Paddy Taylor
2 Sue Marshall
3 Roy Cullington
4 Jill Roberts (C)
5 Nicholas Gunn
6 Graham Nabb
1st as (C), 4
For Mothering Sunday
Open Day May 1st 2010
09.20 Barford**
09.40 Sherbourne**
10.00 Snitterfield
10.20 Claverdon**
10.40 Rowington
11.00 Hatton
11.20 Leek Wootton**
11.45 Ashow (half an hour -experienced ringers only – subject to inspection!)
12.00 Cubbington**
12.30 Leamington Spa (AS)
12.50 Offchurch**
Avon Dassett** 1.00 - 2.30 (see note on parking below) Refreshments in church
2.30 Fenny Compton
2.40 Farnborough**
2.50 Ladbroke**
3.10 Priors Hardwick
3.30 Priors Marston
3.50 Napton**
4.10 Wolston** (or Leamington Hastings**, if available)
4.30 Stretton on Dunsmore **
4.50 Ryton on Dunsmore**
5.10 Bubbenhall**
5.30 Stoneleigh**
5.50 Kenilworth **
6.30 Ettington** Separate fee for Ettington restoration costs
** Suitable for young ringers
Cost £12pp for a day Ticket. (under 18’s £5, Family £special)
Avon Dassett £6 each or Day Ticket.
Ettington £5 (juniors free)
Parking - This can be difficult in some of the small villages – please be considerate. At Avon Dassett do not attempt to park by the church or in the village. Park at the top of the hill in the cemetery car park at OS411506 ONLY!
Funds will be used to reimburse those who have sponsored the restoration work at Avon Dassett . Graham Nabb, Coventry DG CCT maintenance fund, Coventry DG Bell restoration fund at the Churches’ Conservation Trust. Ettington charge for Ettington Bell Fund.
Integrated Teacher Training Scheme
Some of you will be aware that Pip Penney of the Central Council’s Education Committee has developed an ‘Integrated Teacher Training Scheme’ to bring on the next generation of teachers of bell handling and elementary change ringing.
This is currently being piloted in South Wales and a group of twelve trainee teachers have attended an initial theory session. They will receive support and mentoring over the next twelve months from a group of experienced teachers, as the apprentices teach their first pupils.
The scheme is based on modern teaching principles and includes a teachers pack, a mentors pack and other supporting material. It also includes use of ‘Virtual Learning Environment’ (Moodle) and should therefore be ‘cool’ for young people. It covers all the stages from the first bell handling lesson up to ringing P lain Bob Minor inside.
The initial results have been very encouraging, and more ‘early adopters’ are being sought in other parts of the country to trial and further develop the scheme this year.
The Harry Windsor Ringing Centre at Kineton will be involved in this project and will be running a course with Pip on the 9th October
The commitment would include:
- Advertising the scheme and assembling a group of ringers who wish to learn how to teach.
- Having a few experienced teachers who would be prepared to mentor the trainee teachers over a period of about a year.
- The initial course is one day and consists of theory and practical sessions. Therefore in addition to a suitable seminar room, access is required to a ringing room. The bells would need to be tied for some of the day.
- It would be a good idea if the experienced teachers who will be acting as the mentors attended the day so they can understand the ‘Schedule of Learning’ and the philosophy of the course. This is not essential but advised.
- Early change ringing - the first methods etc is not covered on the first day but will be offered at a later point when the various participants require it.
- One of the features of the course is the collection of data. New Teachers and Mentors alike will be required to fill in a couple of simple forms.
- To be able to use the ‘Moodle’ website the course participants e-mail addresses would be required. The Moodle site will have the added advantage that the system should be able to keep in contact with all it's participants (trainee teachers and mentors) and also all the new learners taught by trainee teachers.
- Providing feedback to help develop the scheme.
If anyone wishes to become involved in this initiative either as teacher or mentor please contact Graham Nabb on 01926 641812 or graham@nabb.orangehome.co.uk
Guild Peals – Leading Ringers, Conductors and Towers
Now that the Guild peal records have been updated for another year (to 31-12-09) some readers might be interested to see where the leading towers and who the leading peal ringers and conductors are in the Guild from the first peal in February 1908 to the 3759th in December 2009. So here goes!
| Leading peal towers are:- | Leading conductors for the Guild are:- |
| 234 - Warwick St Nicholas 231 - Allesley 182 - Chilvers Coton 160 - Nuneaton 123 - Coventry 63 St Martin’s Road 112 - Shirley 111 - Packwood 101 - Coventry Stoke 91 - Keresley End 26 Thompsons Road 89 - Wellesbourne 80 - Southam 73 - Claybrooke 71 - Warwick St Mary 69 - Exhall 58 - Bedworth 56 - Monks Kirby 54 - Coventry 2 Santos Close 55 - Harbury 48 - Bulkington 45 - Church Lawford 43 - Newbold-on-Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon 34 - Coventry 68 Warwick Avenue 33 - Wootton Wawen, Knowle, Coventry Cathedral 31 - Shilton, Exhall 84 Coventry Road |
430 - Simon Rogers 312 - Michael Chester 260 - Peter Randall 203 - Peter Border 194 - Geoff Randall 138 - Chris Mew 135 - Frank Perrens 121 - John Fisher 92 - Frank Pervin 89 - Ian Maycock 86 - Geoff Pratt 67 - George Pluckrose 57 - Nigel Herriott 53 - Len Trevor
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| 58 ringers have rung 100 or more peals for the Guild. They are:- | |
| 990 – Geoff Randall 860 – Mike Chester 708 – Simon Rogers 636 – Ian Thompson 531 – Peter Randall 407 – Mark Sayers 387 – John Fisher 368 – Peter Border 349 – Ruth Border 347 – John Thorne 335 – Ray Sheasby 294 – Geoff Pratt 282 – Frank Perrens 268 – Peter Quinn 266 – Frank Pervin 248 – Derek Walters 234 – Chris Mew 221 – David Baker, Jane Rogers 218 – George Pluckrose 205 – Hubert Summers 200 – Ian Maycock 199 – James Hughes 196 – Joseph White 192 – Tom Chapman 168 – Len Trevor |
161 – Paul McNutt 147 – Hubert Ashley 145 – Percy Stone 141 – Martyn Reed, Chris Pickford 139 – Tony Cox, Michael Callow 136 – John Illingworth 132 – Robin Guy 131 – Arthur Beamish 130 – Chris Foxall 126 – John Thompson 125 – John Fielden 120 – Jack Taylor 119 – Margaret Chapman 117 – David Gibbons, Andy Sutherland 116 – Ernest Stone, David Leafe 115 – Jonathon Evans, Nigel Herriott 114 – Bill Stote 112 – Dorothy Beamish 111 – J W T Taylor sen 110 – Phillip Hope 109 – Julian Edgson 106 – David Allen, Peter Bennett 104 – J E S Moreton, Chris Bostock 102 – Adolphus Roberts 100 – John Foot |
Simon Rogers
Karen's Birthday Treat
Karen French from Warwick obviously had nothing better to do on her birthday than to ring a peal at St Mary's! Happy birthday and well done, Karen.
 The peal band. |
Coventry Diocesan Guild Warwick, Collegiate Church of St Mary Saturday, 27 March 2010 in 3hrs 17mins (25 cwt) 5040 Cambridge Surprise Royal Composed by: J H Fielden 1 Annie Hall 2 Ruth M Border 3 Jane M Rogers 4 Christopher F Mew 5 Karen M French 6 Charles S Hayward 7 David E Leafe 8 Geoffrey W Randall 9 Mark W Sayers 10 Simon P Rogers (c) Rung, on the day, to celebrate Karen French's 50th birthday. First Royal - 5. |
From The Quarter Peal Columns
The following was taken from quarter peals rung within the Diocese and printed in the Ringing World from August to the end of March. The highlights are: -
First quarters have been rung by Catherine Russell (Walsgrave), Laura Taylor (Claverdon), Janet Blackwell (Long Compton), D B Marshall (Stoneleigh), David Rogers (Pillerton Hersey) and Mike Rigby (Lighthorne).
First inside has been rung by Michael Cummins (Long Compton), Alan Patterson (Offchurch) and G C Bright (Stoneleigh).
First Minor has been rung by Angela Roskelly (Whitnash).
First on 8 has been rung by Liz Charlett (Southam) and first on 8 inside by Angela Roskelly (Whitnash).
First Triples has been rung by Paddy Taylor (Offchurch).
First Major has been rung by Martyn Davies and Sarah Thomas (Lillington) and Paddy Taylor (Offchurch).,/p>
First as conductor has been completed by Jonathon Chester (Allesley).
Graham Nabb has rung his 1300th quarter peal.
Rob Harvey (Whichford) rang a quarter to celebrate his 91st birthday. Well done Rob - I wonder how many of us will be ringing at that age?!
Enjoy your quarter peals through the warmer months of 2010.
Simon Rogers
David Leafe’s Annual London Outing
Perhaps this should be entitled David Leafe’s mainly annual outing as due to various circumstances it did not take place last year. It could also have been called the day Geoff Randall tried to lose his umbrella – more of that later. However the 8 of us who congregated on Warwick station at 8.20 on Saturday 13th March were under no doubt that this would be another very enjoyable day out and a typical alternative ringing outing.
Having arrived punctually at Marylebone, after Geoff nearly lost his brolly while moving seats shortly after embarking, we made our way by bus and tube to Hampstead in time, for those of us who find it hard to get from breakfast to lunch without one, for a quick coffee before the uphill walk to Christ Church, Hampstead. The bells here are a recent installation, hung in the tower just 5 years ago. They are a 24cwt ring of 8 and are a fine ring of bells. The plan was to ring a quarter peal of 1250 Yorkshire Surprise Major and this was respectably accomplished in 51 minutes. It was also incidentally the warmest I have been for months whilst ringing – the belfry is open to the church and the heating system was very efficient. The band was:
| 1 | Geoff Randall (c) | 5 | Peter Quinn |
| 2 | Jane Rogers | 6 | Ray Sheasby |
| 3 | David Leafe | 7 | Charles Hayward |
| 4 | Philip Sealey | 8 | Simon Rogers |
Next came the serious business of the day – a beer or two. Our first stop was down the road from the church at the Duke of Hamilton where we enjoyed some Swing Low from Gale’s (or Fuller’s – depending which way you look). We weren’t sure of his motive here, but the landlord then gave us a copy of the Hampstonian which listed all of the pubs in Hampstead. He did however assure us that we were at the best of them. This publication, which David had already used in planning the itinerary, suggested that amongst the drinkers here were Piers Brosnan and David Soul. Alas during our short visit neither of these turned up. Here Philip decided to pocket Geoff’s brolly as it was in serious danger of being forgotten.
David’s cunning plan then involved a 10 minute all downhill walk to the Garden Gate where we tried some Top Totty from Slater’s – “served by a top totty” said the tower captain of Wellesbourne! This was followed for some of us by a slightly disappointing pint of Shepherd Neame Amber Ale. We ate here and the food was very good. Ray was also able to make use of the bookmaker across the road but alas it was another fruitless trip. Rather unusually, there was a pile of board games in this pub, and some of us were not quite sure what to make of children playing monopoly while their parents were enjoying a drink!
The next pub was the Magdala, famous for being the pub where the last woman to be hanged in England (Ruth Ellis) shot her lover. Here Wales were drawing with Ireland when we went in but sadly by the time we left the Irish were well on top. We drank Ridley’s (or Greene King’s) Little Bob here in a small wood panelled public bar – it was a fairly unimpressive beer and not the first time that Little Bob has been described as nondescript. Here the subject of ringers’ sin bins was discussed briefly!
After this 4 of the band decided that coffee/tea would be a welcome change, visiting the Chez Nous café near Belsize Park tube station, while the other 4 of us visited the White Horse. This wedge shaped pub has a huge v-shaped oak bar, quarry floor and ceiling tiles and enormous lampshades. It also had a good pint of Sharp’s Doom Bar. Geoff was now firmly back in charge of his umbrella and after our pint here we decided to begin the journey home.
We travelled from Belsize Park to Euston and thought a quick visit to the Doric Arch, just outside the station, would be a good idea. I like this pub and here we drank Kelham Island’s Pale Rider – possibly the best beer of the day. This pub has an unusual toilet in that you have to know the keypad numbers to access it (451 at the time of our visit – sshhh!). We then retraced our steps to Marylebone on the 205 and met up with the other members of the band. The 6.20 train was quite full with the usual Saturday evening mix of shoppers, football fans and rugby supporters. I dozed off for a while but it came to my attention that 4 of the band played crib and that a novice (Jane), assisted by Peter, managed to defeat experienced Ray and his partner David. The train was punctual and 4 of us rounded up the day at the Warwick Balti before walking wearily home.
So ended another of David’s well researched and arranged days – very good bells and an interesting selection of pubs and beers. Thank you David and we look forward to the next one.
Simon Rogers
Quarter Peal Report 2009
This report covers all tower bell quarter peals rung in 2009 that have appeared in the “Ringing World” up to the end of March 2010. I can only assume that there are no more quarters rung in 2009 to appear – and I hope I have missed none! Quarters were split thus:-
| Warwick Archdeaconry | 107 | (34 towers) |
| Coventry District | 61 | (15 towers) |
| Rugby Deanery | 40 | (13 towers) |
| Total | 208 | (62 towers) |
Methods were split thus:-
| Minimus | 2 |
| Doubles | 46 |
| Minor | 60 |
| Tripes | 34 |
| Major | 37 |
| Caters | 10 |
| Royal | 13 |
| Cinques | 4 |
| Maximus | 1 |
| Other | 1 |
| Total | 208 |
The total of 208 is just 4 less than in 2008 and the numbers per district are very similar to last year - the Rugby Deanery scoring more to the detriment of the other 2 districts. There were no handbell quarters published.
This year Bilton and the Cathedral share top place - both for the first time for a few years. Quarters were rung at:-
14 Bilton, Coventry Cathedral
12 Kineton
10 Chilvers Coton
9 Wellesbourne
8 Offchurch, Church Lawford Plantagenet Ring, Warwick St Mary
7 Farnborough, Salford Priors, Kenilworth
6 Lillington
5 Bulkington, Walsgrave,
4 Allesley, Stoneleigh, Wolston, Studley
3 Honington, Leamington RC, Long Compton, Stoke , Napton
2 Barford, Chadshunt, Claverdon, Cubbington, Great Wolford, Harbury, Ilmington,
Southam, Stratford-on-Avon, Tysoe, Whitnash, Shilton, Wolvey, Clifton-on-Dunsmore,
Shotteswell, Newbold-on-Avon, Rugby (5), Stretton-on-Dunsmore
1 Alcester, Alderminster, Aston Cantlow, Cherington, Ladbroke, Leamington All Sts,
Oxhill, Sherbourne, Whichford, Clifford Chambers, Burton Hastings, Hatton, Honiley,
Mancetter, Rowington, Bubbenhall, Church Lawford, Dunchurch, Leamington Hastings,
Monks Kirby, Willoughby
Simon Rogers