Each year people are encouraged to experience local history, architecture and culture for free. This is an ideal opportunity to showcase bells and bell ringing, and do a sly bit of recruitment along the way.

Holding an event is really simple.  Check with your church or owners of the bells that you can run your event; you may be required to fill in some local risk assessments or safeguarding paperwork.  Make use of the promotional materials from https://cccbr.org.uk/resources/publicity-material/ and make sure that you have thought about:

• Description – tell visitors what they can expect, do, see, take part in
• Location – where, parking and if there is a particular meeting point, use a local map to direct people to you
• Timing and tours – give specific times for opening, closing and any special tours or demonstrations
• Use engaging images – bright, happy photos, exhibition materials, make it attractive, informative and interesting
• Links – use QR Codes or links to your tower website and social media so that people can engage with you
• Publicise – use the church notices and website, local newspaper and radio, social media, leaflets and newsletters, other community groups
• Provide a great experience – tidy up the ringing room, make sure you have space for people to stand to watch and listen, provide refreshments, information, a bit of talk, a bit of demonstration and a bit of have a go, collect details of anyone interested in finding out more and follow up quickly

And don’t forget to write up about it afterwards for your local newsletter, website and church/community notices.

For more information on Heritage Open Days and events in your area go to https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/ 

Vicki Chapman
CCCBR Public Relations Officer