Ringing Forums

Have you contacted the CCCBR team that advises on noise matters for their advice? They have specialists with knowledge of technical options for managing noise / sound both inside and outside towers, and also Environmental Health legislation which is what covers noise issues.

Their contact details are on the CCCBR website here - https://cccbr.org.uk/resources/stewardship-and-management/dealing-with-complaints/

I can the answer I expected - hubs are a good way to maintain ringing both for routine services and practices since bringing ringers together can achieve critical mass. However, there it is still the imperative that we recruit more ringers, not least to enable ringing for major events like Harvest, Christmas, Remembrance and national occasions.

The advantage of hubs for recruiting is that they should appear to be active and lively groups able of fostering ringing. Having said that, hubs still need capable teachers and facilities, both for the initial stages and advancement. Recruits to such hubs also need to be willing to travel to other towers when required.

So forming hubs / clusters (whatever they may be called) in name only is not sufficient - training aids, teachers and recruitment have to be an integral part of forming a hub.

John - unfortunately, we have examples where special services are at different times from the regular service, hence the clashes created. Also, the Harvest services are in successive weeks for the reason you mention - one priest covering 11 churches (in one instance). In particular, the churches want the bells for the special services whereas there is no ringing normally - just one 8am service a month for example.

We will see what will be requested for Remembrance and Christmas.