Bellringing and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Published: Saturday, 14 March 2020 22:55

As you will be well aware the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is starting to impact upon our day to day lives.

Both the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers and the Church of England have issued advice to help mitigate against the risk posed, the message is simple and promotes good personal hygiene.

• CCCBR advice: https://cccbr.org.uk/2020/03/12/coronavirus-covid-19/
• Church of England: https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches

At this stage it is not necessary to suspend ringing, although the following precautions should be taken:

• Wash your hands with soap & water before ringing and wash them again afterwards - or use a high alcohol content hand sanitiser if soap & water not available.
• If you cough or sneeze 'Catch It, Bin It, Kill It'. Use disposable tissues, handkerchiefs act as a breeding ground for germs.
• Avoid touching your face unless you have washed your hands.
• DO NOT spit on your hands before ringing, this is a sure fire way to spread germs.
• If you are unfortunate enough to become ill, or have come into contact with a confirmed case of Coronavirus, please stay at home - don't come to a practice, service ringing or a district meeting.
• Follow NHS advice if you are ill or need to self-isolate

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2020 Westley Award for Church Bell Maintenance

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Published: Friday, 06 March 2020 22:34

Ringers are all dependent on the bells that they ring. Towers and bells in good condition will usually make it easier for ringers to develop their skills and, in particular, help retain new recruits.

So have you or one of your band become involved in belfry maintenance relatively recently? If so, then the Westley Award for church bell maintenance is for you!

The Stewardship & Management Workgroup of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers is launching the 2020 award for people who are newly involved in belfry maintenance, developing their own skills and those of others. We hope that every society, branch or district will submit at least nomination!

The award will be made at the September 2020 CCCBR annual conference to be held in Nottingham. The winner will receive £100 and a certificate.

Full details and an application form will be on the CCCBR website herehttps://cccbr.org.uk/about/workgroups/stewardship-and-management/westley-award-2020/

The closing date for nominations is noon on 31st May 2020.

Alison Hodge
CCCBR Stewardship & Management Workgroup Lead

Last few places for the Handbell maintenance workshop Saturday 29th February 2020

Details

Published: Monday, 24 February 2020 22:31

Contact Alan Collings for further details or to book a place 01424 893313

Location: Dewbys Barn Denbigh Road, Hooe, TN33 9EU

Northern Annual District Meeting – with Tea at the Tiger (but no tigers came to tea)

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Published: Monday, 10 February 2020 21:30

The 2020 Northern District ADM was a fantastic opportunity for ringers from across the Association to try out Lindfield’s brand new bells – the first complete peal to be cast by Westley Group. With 27 ringers “having a go”, ringing ranged from rounds to a course of Yorkshire Surprise Major. All who rang agreed that the bells are a delight; very easy-going, with fantastic tone. Whites of Appleton have certainly done an excellent job.

Ringing was followed by a short service and then an excellent tea at The Tiger building. A veritable mountain of delicious sandwiches and cakes was on offer. Despite some protests, we managed to prove that it is possible to hold the meeting while tea is ongoing. Thanks to efficient chairing by the Association Master, Rob Lane, the meeting was concluded in thirty minutes. The District committee was elected, as follows:

District Secretary and CCCBR rep: Steph Pendlebury (Horsham)
District Ringing Master: Elaine Farrow (Rusper)
District Bell Restoration Fund rep (to be contacted for bell maintenance queries): Simon Alford (Warnham) (contact via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
Committee members: Susie Bowen (Bolney), Rosie Gregory (Slaugham), Julie Quinn (Cuckfield), Richard Pendlebury (Horsham), Chris Westwood (Hartfield).

The plan for the District weekly practices and monthly Saturday gatherings was presented. Although the 12-Bell Practices are very well attended, it will not be possible to continue these unless someone (or two or three people) step up to offer to run the practice – this can be someone from any District! Anyone who could help with this should contact Steph and Elaine via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Many thanks to everyone who works so hard to make the District’s events successful! And particular thanks to the Lindfield ringers and friends for hosting the ADM.

[Meeting Minutes & Reports] 

Read more: Northern Annual District Meeting – with Tea at the Tiger (but no tigers came to tea)