Level 1: Bell handling
After an initial ‘taster’ lesson we offer a programme of 8 – 12 one hour 1:1 solo bell handling lessons with an instructor. These lessons usually take place on weekday evenings at one of our towers before the usual practice night, or Wednesday or Thursday afternoons, or Saturday mornings. The rate that you progress varies from person to person, but if you can fit in two one hour sessions a week, most people are usually ready to join in ringing with others within about six weeks.
Level 2: Foundation skills
Once you can handle a bell safely on your own, you will join one of our local bands and attend their practices. You can also attend other practices if you wish.
We also hold an additional Saturday morning training session at one of the towers about once a month, focussing on Foundation skills.
The Winchester District of the Diocesan Ringers Guild also holds regular ‘Improvers Group’ activities for newer ringers, where you can make friends with ringers from other towers. These often include outings to ring at towers further afield, with a pub lunch in between!
Your ringing should be good enough to join in our performances on Sundays and special occasions within a couple of months, although it can take many more months to complete Level 2.
Levels 3, 4 and 5: Method ringing
The Monday and Friday evening practices offer opportunities to progress all the way to Level 5, and beyond. We also arrange special practices and other opportunities for ringers from all of our towers to progress beyond Level 2.
Teaching bell ringing in Alresford and the surrounding area
The Alresford School of Bellringing was formed to promote and teach the art of Bell Ringing in Alresford, Cheriton and Ropley. The school follows the Learning the Ropes scheme, and is an Association of Ringing Teachers (ART) Teaching Hub. This offers new and developing ringers:
- A guarantee that they will be taught well using a progressive, modern teaching scheme. Learning will be structured and fun.
- Teaching that is tailored to their needs and offers lots of varied ringing opportunities.
- A sense of camaraderie because they are learning together and the social life associated with a wider group.
- Assurance that all teachers will be following ART and local parish safeguarding policies and guidelines.
- An environment that is well-organised and well-resourced.
- A consistent approach by a number of different teachers.
Teaching by Accredited Teachers
We have 3 accredited ART teachers and are supported by a number of other experienced teachers and ringers.