The Guild Ringing Course, held over the weekend of 19th-21st September, was once again very successful. Here are a few comments from students and helpers who attended:
This is the second LDG ringing weekend I have attended and once again I have learnt so much, not just from our tutor but all the helpers and other student on the course.
This year I continued my journey of trying to learn Plain Bob Doubles (inside) and have just about managed to get through the calls of ‘Bob’, to get the ‘That is all’. With prompts on occasions, I can now say I understand the method even if I don’t get it right all the time.
All the helpers have given me so many tips and support and have been so patient with us all – Thank you
This years evening social was not as eventful as last year (did not have the thunderstorms, power cuts and torchlight supper) but we had a great meal (and pudding), fun quiz and it was great to see so many people.
Thank you for organising the weekend, I am ending the weekend tired and brain frazzled but looking forward to my continued learning and hopefully attending again next year (which we were told is already booked for 19th September 2026).
Susie Scales
I attended the Rounds / Plain Hunt group led by Nicky and Dave Carling, ringing at Swithland St Leonard on Friday evening, Thurmaston St Michael & All Angels on Saturday morning and Wanlip Our Lady & St Nicholas on Saturday afternoon. Although Sunday morning was also available for ringing practice, I didn’t attend as my Churchwarden commitments at All Saints Blaby took priority on this particular Sunday.
Overall the course, at whatever level you are at, was great for advancing your skills as there was plenty of rope time and personalised guidance throughout.
There were four students on my course and we each rang separately with five experienced ringers from a pool of at least eight. In addition a tutor was standing adjacent for guidance and on hand if there was loss of control of the bell. One and half to two hours at each tower provided at least three goes at ringing at every tower. I don’t think you could come away thinking you didn’t get enough rope time or help in improving your skills, in fact I was quite worn out by Saturday evening.
Apart from ringing bells, tea and coffee with biscuits were provided at each tower, kindly laid on by volunteers from each respective church. The lunchtime break on Saturday was welcome downtime and an opportunity to socialise with colleague students and experienced ringers alike. Our group’s lunch was held at the Railway Hotel Thurmaston and the food and drink was very good.
A social event was held on Saturday evening at the Copt Oak Memorial Hall, which was HQ for the weekend, and was another opportunity to socialise during table games, an excellent hot and cold buffet, a quiz and a raffle that took place during the evening.
Many thanks to all the ringers that gave up their time to help at the course, the course leaders and those at the respective churches that welcomed us to their churches and provided refreshments.
Mike Lacey
All Saints Blaby / St Andrews Countesthorpe
With trepidation I enrolled onto the guild training course that was happening from 19 to 21 September. I am late to bellringing being in my early 60s, and although I’ve been ringing for a couple of years, I have not progressed as quickly as I would like. I was quite nervous about going, but Sally, my group tutor called me a couple of days before and put my mind at rest.
The weekend gave me opportunities to ring in different towers on different bells, alongside lots of ringers more experienced than me and therefore able to help me. Everyone was kind and friendly, and the one to one coaching was invaluable. I learnt a lot.
Over the weekend we had three good long sessions where I could ring for good lengths of time, ringing rounds, plain hunt and playing games which were fun, as well as being really useful! My confidence in and enthusiasm for bell ringing has been boosted no end, my technique has improved and I’ve met lots of lovely bellringers who I look forward to bumping into and ringing alongside in future. Thank you to all those trainers and helpers and fellow students who were there. See you around!
Maggie Turnbull
Last year I helped at the training course for the first time, just did a Friday evening. I felt I had missed out on seeing more of the progress the students were making. So this year I volunteered for the three sessions and found it much more rewarding (and tiring, if I’m honest). The progress made by the students was very marked and I felt they all got a lot out of the course. The leaders made it a fun thing for all of us and I, too, learnt a few things to help the learners at my own tower. It was nice to catch up with people you don’t see that often. A very rewarding experience.
Liz Wright
We would like to thank the organisers of this year’s ringing course for inviting us to attend as helpers. It was a very enjoyable day and, of course, we also learnt a lot to incorporate in our own ringing and teaching at our home tower.
Meeting ringers from different Districts also gave us the opportunity to discuss and set up joint ringing practice evenings.
We would be very happy to help on the next course and will be encouraging our own learners to attend too.
Julie and Steve Bennett
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