Ringing Forums

Re you first paragraph about infrequent services and poor prospects of establishing local bands. An additional, related problem here is maintenance of the tower and the bells. Speaking generally I would suggest that most PCCs have no idea what is in the tower, or its condition (apart from the architect's quinquennial). They rely on ringers to regularly inspect and maintain the installation. Emphasis needs to be placed on care of the bells even more nowadays.

We are fortunate enough (sadly because we are all retired!) to be able to hold midweek daytime SIM practices. This is mainly to develop bell control skills but it gives us more time to discuss theory than on a practice night, which is predominantly given over to ringing. Theory can be anything - bell control, call changes, method structure etc. I also arrange dedicated theory sessions, if required, as and when ringers want to learn specific methods. Develop the team, make it interseting and exciting and this sort of thing could be arranged for many ringers in many towers, it's all a question of time and more importantly, effort!

Could it be helpful to have a Safeguarding category and somebody responsible for posting the exact and up to date requirements for safeguarding training of ringers according to the Church of England guidelines, as they are updated. Recent exchanges on Facebook have given almost as many different opinions as there were contributors which has led to uncertainty about what training should be carried out. Many ringers refer to the CCCBR, some to their PCC's and other direct to their diocese.