A Ringing Bibliography

This bibliography is based on the list published in the 1998 edition of The Tower Handbook. Entries have been added for currently available Central Council publications which it did not include, and entries for other publications from various sources are added as details are obtained.

Many entries have been added based on an earlier catalogue of publications (no longer available) by Bill Butler, and further material has been contributed by Chris Pickford.

Scanned images of the cover of a number of publications (in many cases also a sample page) have been prepared by Frank Lewis. These are displayed as thumbnail images which link to larger scale images.

Where the title is displayed as a link this will take you to the corresponding entry in the Central Council Publications Price List which contains prices and ordering information; to contact details for another source; or directly to the publication, as appropriate.

Your suggestions and corrections will be welcomed.

General

* Bells and Bellringing CD CC PR Committee (2008, CC PR Committee), £15.00, Review: Read two reviews online: A collection of slides with background notes for ringing educational and publicity purposes. (The slides and notes are also viewable online.)
Getting it Right - Guidance for Officers of Ringing Societies Heather Peachey (2005, CC), £4.00, Review: RW 2005 p641: Includes chapters on jobs that need doing, doing the jobs, business meetings and keeping the books straight as well as useful appendices.
Striking the Right Note (OUT OF PRINT) CC Public Relations Committee (1994, CC), Review: RW 1994 p599: Advice for anyone who needs to communicate with the wider community, particularly the media.
The Tower Handbook John Harrison (1998, CC), £16.00: "Answers to 1001 questions about ringing". A 400-page compendium of information and advice on every aspect of ringing, designed for browsing and easy reference in the tower
The Craft of Bellringing Perrin, George (2007, Perrin, George), £16.50 including UK p&p (for discounts and overseas orders please see How to Order), PAL or NTSC DVD 16:9, Running time approx 48 minutes: From the origin of bells to modern day ringing, from small-town parishes to some of the most famous cathedrals, the film covers virtually all aspects of the world of ringing. Featuring the first edition of Tintinnalogia, the very first book to be written about bellringing, and exclusive interviews with leading experts of the field, the film also takes us on an intellectual journey that explores the craft's rich cultural heritage.

Tower Management

Starting a New Band - Some Guidelines Wilfrid Moreton (1997, CC), £2.00, Review: RW 1997 p527: Advice to ringers & non-ringers on starting a band from scratch at a tower without one. It covers recruiting, teaching, relations with church & community. Based largely on the author's experience.
A Tower Captain's Handbook David Parsons (1983, CC), £2.00: Advice on: organisation, recruiting, teaching bell handling, running ` the ringing and maintenance, with appendices on call changes and touches of Plain Bob, Grandsire and Stedman.
Tower Captain and the Training of Ringers Peter Hurcombe (1985, Sussex County Association): Detailed guidance on many aspects of tower management, teaching bell handling and simple methods, good striking and conducting.
Organising an Outing Ron Warford (1999, CC), £1.50, Review: RW 2000 p53, RW 1999 p1265
Belfry Offices (1996, CC), £3.00, Review: RW 1996 p347: Suggested prayers and readings both for general use and for the major Festivals and other special occasions in the life of the Church.
Belfry warning notices ( , CC), £3.00: Danger symbol plus text "DANGER - Do not touch the ropes" (laminated, pack of 5).

Learning Change Ringing

How to Learn Methods Foulds, Michael (2008, The Whiting Society), £4.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 80pp: Aimed at the ringer who has mastered the basics of hunting and dodging and place making - can ring Plain Bob, Kent, St. Clement's, for example - but is looking for guidance on how to learn more complex methods. Quite robust and outspoken!
Ringing Basics for Beginners John Couperthwaite (2008, CC), £2.50, 32pp: (or: How to Learn Methods -- and then ring them properly)
Based on a series of short articles written for the Farnham District Newsletter. Starts by emphasising the need to master the three basic skills: Bell Handling, Ropesight and Listening. Continues by recommending learning to ring plain courses of Original, Plain Bob and Grandsire really well by the Blue Line, and warns against falling into the trap of thinking that a few pointers will provide a magic shortcut. Next discusses Calls and Place Bells before concluding with Conducting -- first just Calling, then Checking and Correcting.
Campanalogia Improved: or The Art of Ringing Improved (facsimile reprint) Fabian Stedman (1990 reprint, Snowdon (Groome)), £20 post free in UK, xiv+231pp
Beginner's Handbook Malcolm Tyler ( , CC), £1.50: Introduction to ringing covering bells, handling, ringing with others and elementary methods.
Beginners' Grandsire A. Waddington (2003, CC), £1.00
Beginners' Plain Bob A. Waddington (2003, CC), £1.00
One per Learner Copson, Pam (1985, Pam Copson): Pocket book covering basics and general topics in easily digestible form.
The Follow on Book Pam Copson (1986, Pam Copson): Successor to One Per Learner, with more methods, work, blue lines, splicing, etc.
The Bellringer's Bedside Companion Steve Coleman (1994, Sue Coleman), £14.95 (UK post free), Review: RW 1994 p1018, 429pp: Hardback book of 52 chapters of practical advice on many subjects including ropesight, call changes, raising & lowering in peal, method learning, ringing panic, being a tower captain, and much else.
The Bellringer's Early Companion Steve Coleman (1994, Sue Coleman), £14.95 (UK post free), 430pp: Hardback book of practical advice on many subjects including handling, Plain Hunt, ringing a single bell up & down, leading, difficult bells, tenor behind, listening & striking, ringing knots, a trip upstairs, the very beginning, ropes & splicing, belfry maintenance, weddings & funerals, and much else.
The Bob Caller's Companion Coleman, Steve (1994, Sue Coleman), Review: RW 1996 p 1073, 430pp: Hardback book with detailed guidance on calling plain courses and touches in widely rung methods from Bob Doubles upwards. 600 easy touches and quarter peals. Chapters on putting right and composing.
The Method Ringer's Companion Steve Coleman (1994, Sue Coleman), £14.95 (UK post free), Review: RW 1995 p1049, 437pp: Hardback book giving detailed guidance and practical advice on learning and ringing all the widely rung methods from Bob Doubles upwards. Chapters on listening, striking and method naming.
Bellringing by Instalments Peter Wenham (1996 - 2000, Peter Wenham): Set of 16 booklets on individual topics from first lessons, through methods and calling, handbells, tutor's advice and use of simulators.
Doubles and Minor for Beginners William Butler (2nd Ed 1983, CC), £2.50: Extensive guidance on learning and ringing twenty different methods including blue lines, work order, above and below the treble, place notation and bob calling.
Grandsire J Armiger Trollope (1987 reprint, Snowdon (Groome)), £4.00 (post free in UK), 128pp
Learning Methods Michael J de C Henshaw (2000, CC), £3.50, Review: RW 2000 p859 (read Learning Methods review online): Guidance on learning and ringing nine different methods
Listen to Ringing 1 Cassette John Harrison (1995, CC), £6.50: Audio tape with over 60 samples of almost perfect ringing with controlled errors to develop listening skills.
Listen to Ringing 2 (live) Cassette John Harrison (1996, CC), £6.50: Sequel to the above with all live ringing and a wide range of listening exercises of varying difficulty.
Listen to Ringing 1 CD John Harrison (1995, CC), £8.00: CD with over 60 samples of almost perfect ringing with controlled errors to develop listening skills.
Listen to Ringing 2 (live) CD Harrison, John (1996, CC), £9.00: Sequel to the above with all live ringing and a wide range of listening exercises of varying difficulty.
Raising and Lowering Phil Gay (1993, profile), Review: RW 1994 p992: Practical advice on raising and lowering singly and in peal including trebling.
Raising and Lowering in Peal Harrison, John A (1989, CC), £2.00: Practical advice on raising and lowering singly and in peal including trebling, with advice on common problems.
Ringing Circles - a guide to basic methods Chris Adams (2000, CC), £2.50, Review: RW 2000 p607: A guide to learning twenty four methods, progressively arranged, from Plain Bob Doubles through Cambridge Surprise Major. Includes for each method: table of numbers for plain course (blue line emphasised); circle of work; tables for bobs and singles; what to do at the next lead end (emphasising learning by place bells); and useful tips.
The Ringers Handbook ES&M Powell ((1932) 1993, Sotheran), £5.95: Basic instruction on learning to handle a bell and ring and call methods from Plain Bob Minimus to Stedman Triples.
Review by Peter Sotheran: Written by ES & M Powell in 1932, this is still the best book for beginners. The book leads the new ringer from how to stand and hold the rope, through the basic principles of change ringing and on to Grandsire, Plain Bob, Stedman and Kent. The book assumes no previous knowledge. Technical terms are clearly explained and the text is precise and unambiguous. The 134-page book is a pocket sized paperback with a durable film laminated cover.
Ringing Jargon Made Easy (pack of 10) (, CC), £2.00: Single sheet leaflet for beginners explaining basic ringing terms often not explained, including up, down, in, out etc.
Ringing Skills John A Harrison (1993, CC), £4.00, Review: RW 1994 p623: Explanations of ropesight, listening, rhythm and how they complement each other, with practical advice for developing them via self help and teaching.
The Learning Curve Volume 1: 1999-2001 John Harrison (2002, CC), £3.00: Compilation of recent series of articles in The Ringing World
The Learning Curve Volume 2: 2002-2003 John Harrison (2004, CC), £3.00: A further 24 articles from The Ringing World on a wide range of ringing related topics.
The Learning Curve Volume 3: 2004-2005 John Harrison (2006, CC), £3.00: A further 24 articles from The Ringing World on a wide range of ringing related topics.
The Learning Curve Volume 4: 2006-2007 John Harrison (2008, CC), £3.00: This, the final volume of the series, contains a further 24 articles on a wide range of bell ringing topics.
The Learning Curve: 2006-2007 CC Education Committee (2006 - 2008, CC): PDF copies of The Learning Curve articles as published in The Ringing World in 2006 and 2007.
The Learning Curve - Composite Index: 1999-2007 CC Education Committee (2008, CC): The indexes of each of the four volumes of The Learning Curve articles published in The Ringing World from 1999 through 2007 concatenated into a single PDF file.
Ropesight Jasper Whitfield & William Snowdon (1987, Snowdon (Groome)), £3.00 UK post free, viii+144pp
Standard Eight Surprise Major Methods, Learning & Ringing The Peter Hurcombe (1992, CC), £5.00: Figures, blue line and work description of a whole course together with tips and potential errors, for each method.
Standard Methods OUT OF PRINT: re-printing under consideration (July 2003) Bob Smith (1980, Snowdon (Groome)): Hard-back book describing sixteen methods from Plain Bob to the "standard eight" Surprise methods, on different numbers of bells, together with tips for learning, ringing and conducting them, and example compositions.
Towards Better Striking Roger Smith & Malcolm Tyler (1981, CC), £1.00: Short leaflet giving basic advice on the importance of good striking and how to achieve it. Covers relative importance of visual, aural and rhythmic approaches to striking. Describes common problems.
Triples and Major for Beginners Butler, William (1986, CC), £2.50: Guidance on learning and ringing nine different methods.
Manual of Bell Control Norman Chaddock (1989, profile): Complete, fully illustrated guide to teaching and learning bell handling and rope control.

Teaching Change Ringing

Teaching Unravelled Pip Penney (2008, CC), £3.00, Review: Read Foreword online, 54pp

An evidence-based approach to teaching bell handling.

Bellhandling - A Tutor's Companion (DVD) CC Education Committee (1997, CC), £10.00, Review: RW 1997 p919

DVD illustrating techniques for teaching bellhandling, including demonstration of some common problems.

Bellhandling & Control in the Elements of Change Ringing Albert York-Bramble (1960, College of Campanology)

Detailed step by step teaching scheme from introductory bell handling to plain hunting. Includes lists of trainee and instructor faults and test questions. (Ringers Manual of Reference Part 1).

Manual of Bell Control Norman Chaddock (, Marius Press)

Communication in Teaching Ringing Pargeter, Richard (In preparation, CC)

Practical suggestions for getting your message across, the art of standing behind, powers of memory, and more.

Simulators and Teaching Phil Gay (1993, CC), £1.50, Review: RW 1994 p647

Describes the practical use of simulators as teaching aids at different stages of training.

One Way to Teach Bell Handling Richard Pargeter (1995, CC), £2.00

A staged approach to teaching handling, based on personal experience of teaching a band from scratch, with advice on common problems at each stage.

Running a Day-Time Summer School May, Bobbie (1996, CC Public Relations Committtee)

Practical notes based on experiences of running a three day summer school of mixed events for youngsters. Advice for any tower wishing to run such an event.

Kaleidoscope Ringing - a Change Ringer's Alternative to Called Changes Gordon I Lucas (2004, CC), £1.50, ISBN 0-900271-77-9, A5 format 20pp

Gordon Lucas analyses the basic skills needed for effective method ringing and explains the differences between those skills and the ones used to ring call changes. Then he describes an approach and a structured set of exercises, specifically designed to help develop the method ringing skills.

The exercises are deceptively simple. Some elements are already familiar - for example many teachers already mix dodging with call changes. Kaleidoscope adds to that by offering a complete system, underpinned by a carefully thought out set of ideas. It is a timely and useful addition to the resources available to teachers of ringing.

Teaching Beyond Bell Handling (1998, CC), £2.00, Review: RW 1998 p1103

Analysis of basic skills needed for effective method ringing, over and above those needed to ring rounds, with an approach and a structured exercises designed to help develop them.

Teaching from Rounds to Bob Doubles Wilfrid Moreton (1996, CC), £1.50

A structured scheme for progressing beyond initial training to develop method ringing ability and the associated additional bell control skills.

A Tutor's Handbook Wilfrid Moreton & Norman Chaddock (1995, CC), £4.00

Detailed guidance for those teaching ringers. Part 1 (Bell control) covers a staged method for teaching bell handling, hunting and call change exercises, raising and lowering, advice on common faults, teaching a new band. Part 2 (Elementary change ringing) has a progressive scheme of instruction with practical and theoretical exercises from hunting on three to ringing Plain Bob on six and more. Appendices cover particular techniques.

Collections of Methods & Diagrams

Diagrams Snowdon, Jasper & William (1972 re-issue, Groome), £4.50 post free in UK: Diagrams (no text) defining over 100 methods from Grandsire Doubles to Bristol Maximus. The original "blue line".
Doubles Collection (, CC), £2.00
Collection of Minor Methods CC Methods Committee (, CC), £2.00
Collection of Plain Minor Methods, 3rd Ed (2008) CCCBR Methods Committee (2008, CC), £4.00, Review: RW 1999 p867 (1999 edition): Complete collection of all Plain Minor methods specified in place notation.
Collection of Principles (3rd Edition) CCCBR Methods Committee (2000, CC), £3.00: Definition of 32 different principles with details of when and where first rung and the earliest peal composition for each.
Collection of Rung Surprise, Delight, Treble Bob and Alliance - to end 2007 CCCBR Methods Committee (2007, CC), £12.50: Collection of all these classes of method that have been rung, specified in place notation.
Criblines 1 David Marshall & Alison Popplewell (1979, David Marshall), £1.00: Small 10cm by 7cm pocket sized booklet containing
blue lines and place notations for all 41 truly
regular Surprise Minor methods.
Criblines 2 David Marshall & Alison Popplewell (1981, David Marshall), £1.50: Small 10cm by 7cm pocket sized booklet containing
blue lines and place notations for 60 popular
Surprise Major methods.
Method 300 John Longridge (1989, Marcus Press): A collection of method lines covering about 300 of those more frequently rung.
Methods in Place Notation CC Methods Committee (1992, CC): Large collection of methods described by their place notation.
TB Major Variations John Longridge (, profile): A short booklet seeking to clarify the different variations of Kent TB Major.
Treble Dodging Minor Methods 3rd Ed (2008) CCCBR Methods Committee (2008, CC), £4.00, Review: RW 1996 p1025: A complete collection in place notation.

Conducting

The Bob Caller's Companion Coleman, Steve (1994, Sue Coleman), Review: RW 1996 p 1073, 430pp: Hardback book with detailed guidance on calling plain courses and touches in widely rung methods from Bob Doubles upwards. 600 easy touches and quarter peals. Chapters on putting right and composing.
On Conducting Wilson, Wilfrid (1960, CC): Description of conducting methods covering both "traditional" and coursing order based methods from Plain Bob Minor to Maximus and Surprise Major.
Conducting & Coursing Order John Longridge (1989, profile): Practical guide to coursing order and how conductors can use it to check and put right the ringing.
Conducting for Beginners (1981, CC): Covers Bob Doubles and Minor, Grandsire Doubles and Single Oxford Minor. Detailed description of touches and extents. Describes use of coursing order.
Conducting Grandsire Triples Chaddock, Norman ( , CC): Short booklet on different ways of calling Grandsire Triples, with some touches included.
Conducting Stedman Parsons, David (1989, CC), £2.00: Practical guidance on conducting a very popular but specialised method.
Conducting Stedman Triples Moreton, Wilfrid ( , CC): Short booklet explaining the notation used for writing touches, with helpful advice on how to call touches and watch the method. Also useful for learning how to ring it.
Will you Call a Touch Please, Bob - A Beginner's Guide to Conducting Peter Hurcombe (1989, CC), £2.50: Detailed guidance including: preparation, observation bells, calling positions, standard touches and practical tips. Appendices on good striking, correcting mistakes, transposition, useful touches.

Touches & Compositions

Compleat Cambridge Thompson, Giles (, profile): Treatise on Cambridge Major which includes almost all published compositions together with sections on its proof and composition.
Composition 500 (, Profile): The first in a series of peal compositions designed as an outlet for composers and a source for conductors and composers. One of its features has been to encompass a wide spectrum of tastes and not to be that selective in terms of what may or may not be suitable for ringing - this is of especial interest to composers.
Composition 501 (, Profile): A further collection of composisions compiled on the same basis as Composition 500.
Composition 502 (, profile): The third in the Composition 50[n] series.
Composition 2000 Mears, Michael & Campbell, Wendy (2000, profile), Review: RW 2000 p810 (review online): A further collection of compositions in a continuation of the composition 50[n] series.
Spliced Minor Collection CCCBR Peal Compositions Committee (2004 reprint of 1986 edition, CC), £5.50: A collection of 720's, 1440's and 5040's of spliced minor covering Plain, Treble Bob and Alliance methods. 101pp.
Easily Remembered Service Touches David Parsons (Rev 1998, CC), £1.00: Over 150 simple compositions in basic methods on all numbers, of varied lengths up to quarter peals.
Handbook of Composition -- OUT OF PRINT (June 2008) John R Leary (, CC), Review: RW 1993 p1280
Collection of Compositions of Popular Major Methods (2001) OUT OF PRINT - 31 January 2008 Roderick R Horton (2001, CC), Review: (Review online)
Collection of Universal Compositions of Treble Dodging Major Methods (2001) (2001, CC), £4.50
Multi-Extent Block Compositions Warboys, John S (2008, The Whiting Society), £5.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 112pp: A monumental exposition of the theory of multi-extent block composition in Spliced Treble Dodging Minor by its most accomplished and prolific proponent. The first half explains the theory of the splices, the second half contains a wide and varied selection of the author's compositions with explanation of the construction of each, from 1440s to 7200s, all printed in full by the lead heads.
Collection of 10 Bell Compositions (2004) CCCBR Peal Compositions Committee (2005, CC), £5.00: A collection of 741 compositions in single methods on 10 bells. Compiled by David Hull and Rod Pipe, and edited by Stuart Hutchieson. This and A Collection of 12+ Bell Compositions form a substantial successor to the 1972 Collection of Ten & Twelve Bell Compositions.
Collection of 12+ Bell Compositions (2004) CCCBR Peal Compositions Committee (2005, CC), £5.00: A collection of 606 compositions in single methods on 12 bells, 18 on 14 bells and 17 on 16 bells. Compiled by David Hull and Rod Pipe, and edited by Stuart Hutchieson. This and A Collection of 10 Bell Compositions form a substantial successor to the 1972 Collection of Ten & Twelve Bell Compositions.
Collection of Grandsire Compositions CCCBR Peal Compositions Committee (2004, CC), £6.00: Includes 469 compositions for all stages from Doubles to Sixteen. Compiled by Richard Allton.
Quarter 500 John Longridge (1980, profile): 500 quarter peal compositions of varying complexity in methods from Plain Bob Doubles to Spliced Surprise Maximus.
Standard 70 John Longridge (1980, profile): This is an all-in-one booklet for the peal or quarter peal ringer, ordinary touch ringer and tower grabber - in fact anybody who fears being caught on the hop without the line, touch, quarter or peal for the 70 or so most popular methods from five to twelve bells.
Short Touches of Spliced Minor Foulds, Michael (2005, The Whiting Society), £3.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 60pp: A collection of straightforward practice night touches and quarter peal lengths in the methods covered in An Introduction to Ringing Multi-Method Spliced Treble Bob Minor
Harpenden Handbell Band, The Bernard H Taylor (2006, The Whiting Society), £5.00 inc. UK P&P, A5 format 104pp: The inspirational story of the exploits of the Harpenden Handbell Band from 1999 to 2003, when they rang record peals of Surprise Minor (209 methods in 5040 then 233 methods in 5760), Thirds Place Delight (134 methods) and Fourths Place Delight (81 methods). Provides all the compositions used in the record peals, many used at intermediate stages, and many not used, which would enable the keen band to set new records for traditional lead end spliced - all just as suitable for tower bells.

Theory of Change Ringing

Multi-Method Doubles, An Introduction to Ringing Bamforth, Stuart I (2002, The Whiting Society), £2.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 24pp: Introduces concept of learning new methods by combining work of one method above treble with another below. Takes reader through 34 simple methods arranged in groups, and how to call single method and spliced extents.
Method Splicing, Part 1, MinorMethods Chant, Harold (2007, The Whiting Society), £5.00 (inc UK P&P), A5 format 96pp: A reprint of the monumental 1966 work on splicing Minor methods, which has been out of print for over 25 years. Covers Plain and Treble Dodging methods, then a superb analysis of the theory of splicing Little and Alliance methods.
Plain Minor Method Splicing Tables Foulds, Michael (2006, The Whiting Society), £4.00 (inc UK P&P), A5 format 72pp: Comprehensive splicing tables for all 2nd and 6th place Plain Minor methods with no more than 4 blows in on place and a true 5-lead plain course. Shows all the lead splices, course splices, 3-lead splices and grid splices.
An Introduction to Ringing Multi-Method Spliced Treble Bob Minor Foulds, Michael (2002, The Whiting Society), £5.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 116pp: Covers 85 of the 147 regular methods, how they are related, work above and below treble, full diagram of each. Explains how to arrange spliced extents using lead splicers, course splicers, 3-lead splicers and 6-lead splicers. A text book for those wanting to explore life beyond endless Cambridge and Norwich, not a collection of methods or compositions. See Short Touches of Spliced Minor
Intermediate Spliced Treble Bob Minor Foulds, Michael (2002, The Whiting Society), £5.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 116pp: Covers the remaining 62 methods not covered in An Introduction to Ringing Multi-Method Spliced Treble Bob Minor. With full diagrams of each, how they are related, work above and below treble. Explains further theory; Parker's arrangement, Relfe's arrangement, Driver's composite course, The Grid Splice, etc. A text book, not a collection of compositions. Includes A3 table of legitimate methods, regular and irregular.
Advanced Spliced Treble Bob Minor Foulds, Michael (2003, The Whiting Society), £5.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 124pp: Follows on from Intermediate Spliced Treble Bob Minor to cover illegitimate methods with 5th place above the treble and/or single changes, then moves on to irregular methods and the splicing implications of the irregular lead end, and the theory of splicing regular and irregular methods together into true extents. More on complex grid splices, and a worked example of a 30 method extent. Includes A3 method table.
Spliced Treble Bob Minor Data Tables Foulds, Michael (2003, The Whiting Society), £5.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 108pp: A compilation of splicing tables for all the 2nd and 6th place methods in Treble Dodging Minor Methods (CC Publications) showing all the lead splices, course splices, 3-lead splices and 6-lead splices possible between them, and a few other sundry bits of data on more obscure splices. Little explanation - just tables - assumes user is familiar with content of An Introduction ..., Intermediate ... and Advanced ... (see above).
Treble Place Minor Splicing Tables Foulds, Michael (2004, The Whiting Society), £5.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 88pp: Similar in format to Spliced Treble Bob Minor Data Tables above but this time covering Treble Place methods. No explanations, just raw data for those who already understand how to use it, or are prepared to read and study books 1 to 3 in the Spliced Treble Bob Minor series. Contains some sample extents including compositions for up to 206 Treble Place methods in seven extents.
A Universal System for Extents of Treble Dodging Minor Methods Bishop, Anthony S (2004, The Whiting Society), £5.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 92pp: A theoretical treatise on the extent of Treble Dodging Minor methods which should be useful to anyone interested in calling extents of Minor or wanting to know more about the theoretical background. All the possible extents are here, including irregular methods and 4th place lead ends. A good grounding in general change ringing theory, covering method construction, nature of rows, place notation, Q-Sets, etc, for any keen student. Aimed at the "ordinary ringer" with an interest in theory - doesn't assume you know already! Also has short digressions on plain methods, Treble Place methods, Differential Methods, etc.
The Beginners Guide to the Construction of Methods Moreton, Wilfrid (1995, CC): A comprehensive guide to how methods are constructed, why they are named as they are, how methods are extended to higher numbers and the first elements of proof. It starts from a basic level and covers theoretical aspects of methods.
Method Construction - An Introduction -- OUT OF PRINT (Dec 2005) 29 Dec 2005 Wilfrid F Moreton (1996, CC), Review: RW 1996 p655
Method Splicing - Practical Hints John P Fidler (2004 reprint, CC), £3.00
Understanding Place Notation Morris, R G T (1984, CC), £1.00: Basic description of what place notation is and how to use it to construct diagrams of methods, with examples.
Change Ringing: The Art and Science of Change Ringing on Church and Hand Bells Wilson, Wilfrid G (1989, Freda Willgress): A wide ranging and comprehensive introduction to method ringing and general theory. Available only from Alison Caton, First Floor Flat, 285 Milton Road, Weston-Super-Mare, BS22 8JB, UK. Price £14 (including UK postage) cheque with order.

Maintenance & Restoration

The Bell Adviser (, CC), £1.50
Guidelines for a Do-It-Yourself Project (1996, CC), £1.50
Handbook on Installation, Preservation and Repair of Bells, Frames and Fittings (OUT OF PRINT see CCCBR Library Catalogue Section 5.6) CC T&B Committee (1969, CC): Reference information of most relevance to those undertaking major work, but also of use to steeple keepers.
Maintenance Handbook Frost, Alan (1979, CC): Guidance on general bell maintenance. Old fashioned style superseded by Schedule of Regular Maintenance.
Organising a Bell Restoration Project (, CC), £2.00
Care of Bell Ropes ( , Pritchards): Practical advice.
Rope Splicing Gilkes, William (, ODG): Basic explanatory leaflet.
Splicing Bell Ropes Illustrated (2005, CC), £3.50: A step-by-step guide to splicing bell ropes with 31 illustrations in full colour.
Schedule of Regular Maintenance CC Towers and Belfries Committee (, CC), £2.50: Good practical guide to bell maintenance with plenty of diagrams (some used in section 14 of The Tower Handbook).
Sound Management CC Towers & Belfries Committee (1998, CC), £1.50, (view Sound Management online), Review: RW 1999 p722, A5 12pp: Guidance in principle, discussing sound propagation, sound barriers and shadows, imperforate enclosures and barriers, material types, measurement of sound levels, sound inside and outside the tower, sound lanterns, and sources of advice.
Tower Changes CC T&B Committee ( , CC): Guidelines on procedure for work to bells and bell equipment.
Towers and Bells Handbook CC Towers & Belfries committee (, CC), £17.95: Hardback reference book covering bells, towers, tower oscillation, bell frames, bell gear, sound control, maintenance.
Bellframes: A practical Guide to Inspection and Recording Pickford, Christopher J (compiler) (1993, Chris Pickford), £6.50 (plus £1 p&p), Review: RW 1993 p336, ISBN 0 9512321 1 8, iv+60pp
Church Bells and Towers (an analysis of interaction) Don Robinson & Harry Windsor (1994, CC), £5.00, Review: RW 1995 p290: A seminal description of how swinging bells can interact with towers causing movement. It is a technical report of theoretical and practical research, but written in a style that should be accessible to the numerate layman.

Handbells

The Beginners Guide to Change Ringing on Handbells William Butler (1988, CC), £2.50: Progressive guidance on ringing handbells including handling and all basic positions up to ringing Plain Bob Minor on any pair.
Change Ringing on Handbells Chris W Woolley (1959, CC), £2.50: Covers basics, positions and methods up to Surprise.
Musical Handbells Butler, William (2000, Sotheran), £20 inc. UK P&P, Review: RW 2000 p951 (copy online): Comprehensive history of musical handbells and their founders.
Ringing Elementary Minor Methods on Handbells King, Frank H (1974, NAGCR Book Service): From absolute basics, via patterns and "interruptions", to Cambridge Surprise Minor.

Tower Bells

Atlas of Bells (OUT OF PRINT) Johnston, Ron et al (1990, Blackwell): Hardback book with general introduction to ringing and maps of bells by county (in UK) and by country (rest of the world) together with map references.
Dove's Guide for Church Bell Ringers to the Ringing Bells of Britain and of the World Baldwin, John & Johnston, Ron (2000, CC), £13.00, (view tower details online - updated as changes are received), Review: RW 2001 pp79-80: Details of churches and other buildings with rings (not chimes) of 4 or more bells, tenor weight 0.5cwt or more, including: number of bells; tenor weight and note; practice night; and National Grid reference.
The Sound of Bells Kelly, D J (1997, RW pp 239, 394, 631, 871): Four articles describing the theory of bell sounds, musical principles, modes of vibration and decay, tuning, etc.
Tower Base Craddock, Andrew (Frequently updated, Craddock)
Where's that Tower (OUT OF PRINT - WILL NOT BE REPRINTED) Baldwin, John C (1986, Baldwin): Map references of towers with bells hung for ringing. See latest edition of Dove's Guide , which contains map references for more towers, regularly updated.

Bells of Specific Counties or Dioceses

Church Bells of Berkshire Sharpe, Frederick (1970, Baldwin), £10 inc. P&P
The Bells of Berwickshire Clouston, Ranald W M (2000, Clouston), Review: RW 2000 p446, 40pp
Church Bells of Derbyshire, Part 1 Dawson, George A (1998, Dawson), £10
Church Bells of Derbyshire, Part 2 Dawson, George A (1998, Dawson), £10
Church Bells of Derbyshire, Part 3 Dawson, George A (1998, Dawson), £10
Towers and Bells of Devon Scott, John, Mack, Frank and Clarke, James (2007, The Mint Press), £75 plus £5 postage, Review: RW 2007 p308, ISBN 9781903356500 - the set, 784 pp: In two volumes, Volume One: History of Towers, bells, Bell-founders, Bell-hangers & Ringers, and Volume Two: Abbots's Bickington to Zeal Monachorum
The Bells and Belfries of Dorset (3 volumes) Dalton, Christopher (2000 - 1st edition, Dalton), Review: RW 2000 pp 1230, 1233-4
Church Bells of Gloucestershire Sharpe, Frederick, with Bliss, Mary (1986, Baldwin), £25 (inc p&p)
Towers and Bells around Guildford Morgan, Julian and Schupke, Sally (1999 - 1st edition, Morgan), £4.50 (inc p&p), Review: RW 1999 p747, 75pp
Church Bells of Herefordshire (5 volumes) Sharpe, Frederick (1976, Baldwin), £5 per volume (inc p&p)
Lincolnshire Bells & Bellfounders Ketteringham, John R (2004 reprint of 1st (2000) edition, ), Review: RW 2002 15 Feb 2002 page 162, ISBN 0 9512738 6 8, xviii+382pp
The Church Bells of Norfolk: Part 5 -- The Hundred of Depwade Cattermole, Paul (2000 - 1st edition, Golden Bell Press), £3.50 (inc p&p), Review: RW 2000 p714, 42pp
Church Bells of Nottinghamshire, Part 1 Dawson, George A (1994, Dawson), £7
Church Bells of Nottinghamshire, Part 2 Dawson, George A (1995, Dawson), £10
Church Bells of Nottinghamshire, Part 3 Dawson, George A (1995, Dawson), £11
Church Bells of Oxfordshire [CD ROM version: 2005] Baldwin (1953, Baldwin), £15 (inc p&p in UK)
An Inventory of the Church Bells of the Diocese of Peterborough Pearson, Denis, et al (1989 - 1st edition, Christopher Groome), £6 (inc p&p in UK), ii+52pp
Church Bells of Sheffield Diocese Dawson, George A (1998, Dawson), £15
Bells and Bellringing in South Staffordshire: The History of the first 100 years of the Lichfield and Walsall Archdeaconry Society of Change Ringers Hutchieson, Stuart and Speake, Eric (2000 - 1st edition, Hutchieson), £3.50 (inc p&p), Review: RW 2000, p1199, 36pp

Founding & Bellfounders

The Craft of the Bellfounder Elphick, George (1988 - 1st edition, Phillimore), £15, ISBN 0 85033 648 1, xii+132pp: Well illustrated book explaining some of the technical and historical aspects of bell founding.
Bellfounding Jennings, Trevor (1988, Shire): Well illustrated description of bell founding, tuning and fittings.
Temporary Site Bellfounding Technology and the Itinerant Bellfounder's Technique Jennings, Trevor S (2007, The Printers), Review: RW 2007 p285, ISBN 978-0-9500076-8-7
Dictionary of Campanology Struckett, David (1985, David Struckett), £3 (inc p&p), 128pp: Dictionary of ringing terms, comprehensive list of bell founders and foundries, bibliography on bells and ringing.
Musical Handbells Butler, William (2000, Sotheran), £20 inc. UK P&P, Review: RW 2000 p951 (copy online): Comprehensive history of musical handbells and their founders.

Clocks

The Turret Clock Keeper's Handbook McKay, Chris (1998 - 1st edition, Antiquarian Horological Society), £2 (inc p&p), Review: RW 1998 p1175, 39pp

History & Biography

Campanology on the Bingley Bells by "One of the Craft" Grave, Karl, Ed (2008, The Whiting Society), £2.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 28pp: A fascinating reprint of an 1875 booklet (with some additional explanatory notes by the editor) describing performances by the band at All Saints', Bingley, during the period 1793 to 1873. A valuable historical record of ringing at what would have been (and would still be!) a very advanced six-bell tower in the 19th century.
UBSCR: 1943-1999 - A History of the University of Bristol Society of Change Ringers Bliss, Mary (ed) and Andrew Agg, Patrick Bird and John Manley, (1999, Andrew Agg<), £20 (plus £1.50 p&p), Review: RW 2000 p1157, ISBN 0-9537 588 0-X, iv+140pp
The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers 1891-1991, A Centenary History W. T. Cook (1993, CC), £7.00, Review: RW 1994 p253
The Society of College Youths 1637-2005: a new history of the Society Cook, William T and Love, Dickon (2005, ASCY), £20 (inc p&p): Comprises the original 1987 edition by Bill Cook with all known errors corrected, two new chapters edited by Dickon Love and additional pictures and illustrations throughout.
Village Bells: Sound and Meaning in the 19th Century French Countryside Corbin, Alain (1998, Columbia University Press), Review: RW 1999 p700, ISBN 0 231 10450 2X, 416pp
Giants of the Exercise Eisel, John C (1999, CC), £8.50, Review: RW 1998 p1102
Giants of the Exercise II - More Notable Ringers of the Past Eisel, John C (2006, CC), £8.50, Review: RW 2007 p236: Ringing biographies of 28 notable ringers with 40 illustrations.
An Unassuming Genius: The Life and Times of A J Pitman Michael B Davies (2007, CC), £9.00, ISBN 0-900271-88-4, x+169pp
Tower 500 -- A History of the Tower of the Church of St John the Baptist, Bere Regis, 1500-2000 England, John (2000, Bere Regis PCC), £5 (inc p&p), Review: RW 2000 p294, 20pp
Ring in the True: The history of the first hundred years of the Lincoln Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers Frith, Denis (2000, Denis Frith), £4.50 (plus 70p p&p), Review: RW 2000 p1133, vi+62pp
The Bells and Ringers of All Saints', Llanbradach Giles, Andrew (1999, Andrew Giles), £6 (inc p&p), Review: RW 1999 p355, 80pp
Ting Tangs, Trebles and Tenors: A collection of historical notes, anecdotes and customs about some of the bells, belfries and bellringers of East Derbyshire & West Nottinghamshire Holdgate, Glyn (1999, Glyn Holdgate), £14 (inc p&p), ISBN 0 9535472 0 5, 256pp
Lincoln Cathedral: A History of the Bells, Bellringers and Bellringing Ketteringham, John R (2000 - 2nd edition, Lincoln Minster Shops Ltd), £12.95 (plus £2.25 p&p), Review: RW 2000 p790, also note on p.1147, (copy of TOC and order form online), ISBN 0 9537606 0 X, x+118pp: Includes a detailed account of the installation of the 'Cambridge Quarters' at Lincoln Cathedral and the problems associated with them. Also contains an account of the elaborate way in which the curfew is rung at the Cathedral from at least 1260. Details are also given of the link with the ringing of the curfew at Oxford, formerly in the Diocese of Lincoln.
Peterborough to Pennsylvania: Henry Penn Bellfounder Lee, Michael (1999 - 2nd edition, Michael Lee), £8 (inc p&p), ISBN 1 902256 01 8, 150pp
The Steeple, Bells and Ringers of Coventry Cathedral Pickford, Christopher J (1987, Chris Pickford), £10.95 (plus £1.50 p&p), Review: RW 1987 pp727-8, ISBN 0 9512321 0 X, xii+132pp
Change Ringing History: The History of an English Art, Volume 1 J. Sanderson (1987, CC), £7.00: The development of change ringing up to 1699.
Change Ringing History: The History of an English Art, Volume 2 (OUT OF PRINT - WILL NOT BE REPRINTED) J. Sanderson (1992, CC): An overview of the eighteenth century.
Change Ringing History: The History of an English Art, Volume 3 J. Sanderson (1995, CC), £7.00, Review: RW 1995 p242: A regional survey of the eighteenth century.
The 43ers - 60th Anniversary Scott, Stanley G (2004, Stanley G Scott), £10 (inc p&p) (cheques payable to S G Scott), Review: RW 2004 p529: A compilation of reminiscences from 58 of those who learned to ring in 1943 when the wartime ban on tower bell ringing was lifted.
My Life Among the Bells Smith, Robert B (1999 - 1st edition, Robert B Smith), £9.95 (inc p&p), Review: RW 1999 p1233, ISBN 0 9537265 0 9, viii+195pp
A History of the Ladies Guild of Change Ringers 1912-2000 Stevenson, Janet (1999 - 1st edition, Janet Stevenson), £8.50 plus £1 for p&p, Review: RW 1999 p1106, ISBN 0 9536869 0 6, viii+192pp: The story of Ladies in ringing from the late 19th century to the end of the 20th. It tells especially the story of the Ladies Guild, founded in 1912, to the present day, with full records of achievements.

Music

(, )

Poetry & Humour

Inspired by Bells Snowdon Series (, Christopher Groome), £16 (inc p&p), xxi+158pp: Anthology of verse and prose from Baudelaire, Betjeman and Hugo to Sayers, Shakespeare and Wilson. 10-page historical preface.
A Touch of Ringers Martin, D&B (1991, D&B Martin): A humorous introduction to ringing and ringers told in pictures.

Software

Software Catalogue CC Information & Communications Technology Committee (Frequently updated, CC)

Reference

Central Council Handbook (1978, CC): Description of the history and operation of the council including the work and terms of reference of its 14 committees, its rules and list of affiliated societies.
Central Council Rules and Decisions (2007, CC), £2.00
The Council's Decisions CC Methods Committee (1992, CC): Central Council recommendations on matters including the installation and preservation of bells, their use for worship and public occasions, the aims and conduct of associations, and (at more length) rules on peals, methods and compositions.
CCCBR Newsletter - July 2002 (2002, CC): From the President, Education committee role and activities, Ringing Centres committee news, Radio Aerials in Church Towers, Ringing Roadshow 2003
CCCBR Newsletter - May 2002 (2002, CC): Heritage matters, Bell Restoration Committee
CCCBR Newsletter - November 2001 (2001, CC): The Ringing Centres, the Towers and Belfries committees and Ringing Roadshow 2003
CCCBR Newsletter - March 2000 (2001, CC): The Education Committee
CCCBR Newsletter - August 2000 (2000, CC): Origins of the Council

Recordings

Bell Recordings Ketteringham, John R (, Ketteringham): An extensive list of personal and commercial recordings, many with downloadable samples, is maintained by John Ketteringham.
Hampshire Bells CD (OUT OF PRINT) Bailey, Mike (2001, Roy LeMarechal), Review: Review online and RW 2001 p771: Over 70 minutes of recordings from 15 Hampshire towers, some good, some interesting, all worth hearing. Includes four sets of bells that have since been retuned or replaced. Stages from Doubles to Sextuples.

Publishers and Suppliers

Many of these books should be available from your district or association bookstall. Many suppliers of ringing books advertise periodically in The Ringing World.

Some items listed are currently out of print. You may wish to contact such specialist booksellers as Church Green Books or Ottakar's in the listing below.

Andrew Agg, 62 Hill View, Bristol BS9 4PX, UK

Antiquarian Horological Society, New House, High Street, Ticehurst, East Sussex TN5 7AL, UK

ASCY, c/o Phil Rogers, 193 Lennard Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 1QN, UK

The Revd Dr J C Baldwin (cheques to "The Sharpe Collection Trust"), 60 Llantrisant Road, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2PX, UK

Bere Regis PCC, c/o John England, 10 South Mead, Bere Regis BH20 7HY, UK

William Butler, , 8 The Waverleys, Thatcham, Berkshire RG18 3EZ, UK.

Central Council Publications

Church Green Books, (01993) 700822, website: http://www.witneyandwoodstock.org.uk/CGBnew/index.html

Ted Copson, http://www.btinternet.com/~copson/,

Sue Coleman, , 46 Byfords Road, Huntley, Gloucestershire, UK, (01452) 831197. (£14.95 each, including UK or overseas surface mail, gift wrapped copies sent direct at no extra cost, discounts on any combination of titles: 3 or more 10%, 5 or more 20%.)

Columbia University Press, New York, NY, USA (order via bookseller)

George A Dawson, 112 Main Street, Willoughby-on-the-Wolds, Loughborough LE12 6SZ, UK

Denis Frith, 28 Farndale Crescent, Grantham, Lincs NG31 8DR, UK

Andrew Giles, 2 Chestnut Close, Sunbury on Thames TW16 7PU, UK

I M Golden, Golden Bell Press, Spa Croft, Hungate Lane, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6UX, UK

Christopher Groome, 22 Duke Street, Burton Latimer, Kettering, Northants NN15 5SG, UK. (Payment in Sterling with order. Post free in UK. Overseas 10% extra surface mail, 50% air mail. Deduct 10% for UK orders value £45 and over, 15% £140 and over.)

Glyn Holdgate, 11 Spanker Lane, Nether Heage, Derbyshire DE56 2AT, UK

Stuart Hutchieson,

John Ketteringham,

Michael Lee, Chapel House, Elton Road, Wansford, Peterborough PE8 6JD, UK

Lincoln Minster Shops Ltd, Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln LN2 1PX, UK

John Longridge
For price information please contact :

or visit: John Longridge Ringing Books

David Marshall, , 87 Melton Road, Tollerton, Nottingham NG12 4EN, UK. Small orders should include an sae. Discounts for UK guild/branch secretaries: -10% & free P&P for orders over £10, -12.5% & free P&P for orders over £20.

Julian Morgan, Bridge End, Somerswey, Shalford, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 8EQ, UK

Ottakar's, Lincoln, (01522) 540011

Phillimore & Co Ltd, Shopwyke Manor Barn, Chichester, West Sussex, UK

Chris Pickford,

S G Scott, Chequers, Crowthorne Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 7EE, UK

R B Smith, Corinda, Ingleby Road, Stanton by Bridge, Derby DE73 7HT, UK

Peter Sotheran,

Janet Stevenson, 6 Heathfield, Thringstone, Coalville, Leics LE67 8LU, UK

David W Struckett, 40 Summerfield Road, STOURPORT ON SEVERN, DY13 9BE, UK
T: 01299 878461

The Printers, 36 Baxter Gate, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 1TQ, UK

Peter Wenham,

The Whiting Society, Available from: Anne Phillipson, 9 Ebbsgrove, Loughton, Milton Keynes, MK5 8BD, UK (cheques payable to "The Whiting Society"). Feedback to:

the central council of church bell ringers