‘A Very Short Introduction to Ringing Bells’ was pioneered in West Dorset nearly ten years ago, so when New Sarum WI asked us to put on an experience morning for them we knew we could do it – in theory.
We looked up the original lesson plan and the account that was published at the time: The Ringing World: March 4 2016 page 237.
It said that if you can teach a hen party of ladies to ring in 90 minutes, almost anything is possible! That was encouraging so we set about arranging a location – Stratford sub Castle, near Salisbury, and gathered a cohort of teachers – Pat Davidson, Margaret Romano, Christopher Chiplin and Alan N Frost.
Date and time were agreed and a dozen women duly turned up to find out what it was all about. Having had a quick survey of what is special about the English Art, how a bell works and essential safety matters we divided them into two groups. Group A were offered a glimpse of the bell installation before being faced with the ropes and having a go at backstroke.
Group B stayed in the nave where Margaret Romano led a masterclass in handbell ringing – rounds, call changes and plain hunt by physically moving position. There was even time to ring a simple tune – Bobby Shaftoe.
Group A then descended the stairs, the groups swapped over and the tutors did it all over again. We finished by handing round the well-earned Jesus sweets (old-fashioned hard mints – each piece wrapped in scripture); a gentle reminder of where we were.
So, at the end of the morning, what had been achieved? Firstly, a very smiley WI, some rather weary tutors, considerable interest in handbell tune ringing, a promising recruit or two for Stratford sub Castle, a useful donation to the tower fund and a most successful PR exercise.
Yes, it was all well worth it.
Maureen E Frost
Pics by Alison Clayton, Tower Captain, without whom it would not have happened.
