There were two training days organised in 2009:16th May and 17th October.
The May event was to be similar to the ‘Towards Better Practice Nights’ event held in 2008, however there was a disappointing uptake of only three ringers. Therefore, the course was specifically tailored to the attendees and topics covered included rope splicing and bell maintenance.
As a result of the poor response to the May training day and feedback from the October 2008 training day, the Education Committee created best practice guidelines to maximise the effectiveness of future training days. Students will be limited to a maximum of four per course with a 1:1 ratio of helpers and the capabilities of ringers within a course will be more closely matched to fellow students as well as other detailed points. Feedback from the October 2009 event has shown the positive impact on the quality of learning experience, which we see as our highest priority. We recognise that as a result the number of students that can be accommodated will be limited by the number of helpers available. We are open to offers of further help in this respect and encourage ringers to volunteer to help on courses, it is not necessary to be an expert ringer, only competent at the level of the course and able to put yourself right when a pupil hesitates or falters.
The October training day format was similar to the previous few years with courses arranged in the south and north of the county, centred around Etwall and Eckington. Courses run were Call Changes, Plain Hunt, Bob Doubles and Bob Minor. The participants enjoyed the courses and found them very useful with very positive feedback. All courses were half-day duration and were well attended. In October 2008, courses were a full day duration as this was considered to be far more beneficial than half a day, but feedback from participants was that a full day was too long.
The Education committee assisted in providing ringers to give demonstrations and allow people to have a go on the Mini Ring organised by the Southern District at the Derby County Show in June. Approximately 250 people had a go and 27 expressed an interest in possibly learning to ring.
The Education Committee appreciates the effort put in by the course tutors and helpers, as without the helpers, it would not be possible to run the courses.
If you have a specific request for training, then if you let your Education Committee representative know, then we will try and accommodate it either as part of the May or October events or separate training course.