Nottingham Trent University Clifton Campus hosted the 2022 Ringing Roadshow on Sunday 4th September. Following on from the Central Council Meeting on Saturday which was the formal part of the weekend for all of our representatives to discuss and help shape the future of ringing on our behalf, Sundays event was open to all.

This was a day for the ringing fraternity to peruse the wares of manufacturers and suppliers of all things bell related (handbells included) as well as several mini-rings to try your hands on. The prototype CC mobile belfry had its first outing though without its trailer. The mini-rings and belfries were well spaced around the outdoor campus to prevent ringers being distracted by the sounds of each other and thankfully the weather held good.

The Pavilion Building and Refectory meanwhile hosted the stalls, including where Avon Ropes had a small rope making machine which proved very popular all day with those willing to turn the handle able to take away the fruits of their labours. Those ringers I spoke to generally had the same impression that ringing and ringers had not returned to a level experienced before Covid, yet the bell hangers and suppliers I spoke to report being stacked out with work with diaries full until 2024! I hope we can manage to engage and inspire new recruits to the exercise to take advantage and match the investment being made in the hardware! The Roadshow also offered the opportunity to stock up on all manner of reading material and teaching aids.

A little bit tucked away upstairs in the building was the handbell section. Societies and suppliers offered a full range of services for both tune or method ringing, as well as teaching and learning aids. A special mention must be made of Leicester Diocesan Guild’s member Lewis Benfield showcasing his new venture restoring and making handbells, making muffles, stays and pulleys etc. Alongside his stall he had his rather large scale model of a tower bell made from oak and a real bell, with all the correct fittings, made as part of his college project which I am sure our local members will see more of when the final pieces are completed.

The other major part of the day took place in the Teaching and Learning Building lecture theatre and classrooms. From 11.30 through to 16.30 talks were given by speakers for approximately an hour each, but sometimes over-ran due to listeners questions and observations. There were eight lectures spanning teaching, retaining, and engaging with ringers, as well as topics on simulators, what is out of tune, keeping everything in tip-top condition, and insurance and risk management in relation to bell ringing.

The event appeared well attended and I hope met the expectations of both the organisers and attendees.

Arthur Rees
(LDGCBR Central Council Representative)