At about this time of year our nearest and dearest might be asking what we would like for Christmas and you could make their life much easier by giving them a pointer to one of Steve Coleman’s excellent ringing books.
There are a total of five books in the series – all excellent – but if you’ve not come across them before, I’d strongly recommend either The Bellringer’s Early Companion or The Method Ringer’s Companion.
All his books are written in a very easy to read style and are packed full of valuable information delivered with humour and sympathy for the struggles of learning our craft. To my mind they are simply the best books on bell ringing to have ever been published and I have read and re-read them from cover to cover numerous times.
The Bellringer’s Early Companion
Described as being for ringers in their first couple of years as a learner and improver, though in fact I personally continue to go back to re-read the advice contained in it.
Subjects include: – Handling Help – Plain Hunt – Ringing Up – Leading – Ringing Down – Difficult Bells – Trebling – Tenor Behind – Listening & Striking – Ringing Knots – A Trip Upstairs – The Very Beginning – Ropes & Splicing – Feeling Low – Belfry Maintenance – Weddings & Funerals – Being a New Band – and much else besides
The Method Ringer’s Companion
This isn’t a book of blue lines – although they’re in there too. Instead, it’s the ultimate how-to book for method ringing. Steve seems to know our problems and frustrations. He understands how difficult and slow progress can be, and he knows what to say to help. No matter what our problems, Steve has the answers. And he gently and sympathetically holds your hand as you work through them.
Included are: – Plain Bob – Grandsire – Stedman – The Other Doubles – The Plain Minor – Doubles Variations – Kent and Oxford – The Classic Triples – The Basic Major – Surprise Minor – Surprise Major – Listening – Striking – Method Naming – The Fun Methods – and much else besides
All his books are beautifully presented, hard-bound, have 440 pages and cost £14.95 post free. They can be ordered direct from www.ringingbooks.co.uk
Very highly recommended.
Andy Waring
