Ringing with others

Bell ringing is all about working as part of a team, so once you can handle your bell you are introduced to ringing with the rest of the band of ringers.

The key skills learnt are the ability to watch and listen to the ringing in order to know when you pull and sound your bell and to be able to vary the pace of your ringing to fit in with the band. This will be done under the guidance of a teacher who will help you to develop the skills.

Level 2 builds on the initial ringing with others exercises in Level 1 to introduce leading (where you are the first bell to strike in the row or change) and activities that develop your ability to change the speed of the bell through exercises known as Call Changes and more advanced activities including Kaleidoscope Ringing and Mexican Wave.

Information for teachers

On open or simulated bells, activities start to build skills in ropesight, bell control and listening. These activities should include Call Changes, dodging and place making practice (using kaleidoscope sequences), Mexican Wave, and practice at leading.

Skills such as ringing up and down should be reinforced, whilst a tied bell should continue to be used to develop style and bell control. Any deterioration in bell handling or control should be addressed to maintain good technique.

Further challenge can be provided by progression to Plain Hunt on three bells, covering, calling simple Call Changes and ringing up and down in peal. Listening should be developed with the use of simulators or handbells where possible, or by ringing rounds facing outwards from the circle. Theory for the ringer should include providing an understanding of the concept of place in the row, practical ringing jargon and the order of bells for Queens and Tittums.