Residential and other courses

Developing your ringing skills further

In addition to training events run by Guilds and Associations, there are a number of courses you can go on to further your ringing development and experience. In addition to the learning opportunities these courses provide, they have a considerable social and community element, with some ringers and helpers returning to the same course year after year.

The general format of the residential courses listed below is that they run over three days, mixing practical ringing training sessions at local towers with talks, workshops, handbell ringing, mini rings, etc back at the base. There will be group meals in the evenings and maybe other entertainment.

Ringing courses require a very large number of helpers to support the students. For some topics the number of helpers and tutors will exceed the number of students. These helpers are not getting paid, but give their time because they enjoy seeing other ringers progress, and like the social benefits of the overall event, including access to all the additional lectures and events. Courses are therefore as keen to hear from potential helpers as students.

Each course will have its own student acceptance criteria based on achieving the greatest benefit from the group, so please look at the group descriptions carefully before deciding on which is best for you. Most Guilds and Associations run training days so there is plenty of scope for learning opportunities if you look out for them.