Our Programme
Full Tuition by Accredited Teachers
Learning to bell ring is a hobby that does require some commitment. If you were playing in an orchestra you would be expected to practice at home and attend rehearsals. Bell ringing is the same. The only difference is that you can’t really practice on your own. With bell ringing you need other people to ring the other bells!
The early stages are relatively tricky. You will be doing something you’ve never done before. Working with skilled, qualified and experienced instructors you will develop a neat and tidy ringing style. A great style helps you progress with much more ease later on. A great style also helps you ring every bell you ever encounter – light or heavy, easy going or temperamental.
At the Cheshire School of Bell Ringing you will be taught by tutors who are accredited with the Association of Ringing Teachers (ART). They will be supported by other experienced bell ringers, giving up their time to help your own progression. The school operates every Saturday morning in term time, from 10.30 to 12.30.
We take ringers from complete novice to method ringer (methods are the bell ringing ‘music’ that we ring). You progress through 5 Stepping Stones – a bit like the musical certificates that you might be used to. Each Stepping Stone takes between 12 and 16 weeks.
We will also happily take on ringers who can handle a bell but want to push themselves onto the next level.
Once a student can handle a bell and ring with other people, we will look to match them up with a local tower. They can attend practice nights there and support their Sunday Service ringing.
Once you have completed the full programme, you will be a competent change ringer. We very much hope that you continue with the school as a helper and even a teacher.
Pictures courtesy of www.twoforjoyphotography.co.uk