We practice weekly on a Friday at Swanton Morley.
Practices nights are a busy time at the tower. In the same way that musicians need to practice, ringers also need to practice. It's a time we can focus on making our ringing sounding as good as possible, learn new methods (the "tunes" you hear) as well as to perfect our bell control.
We also provide training to those who wish to learn to bell ring. The training is provided our Handling Instructors who have completed and are an Association of Ringing Teachers (ART) accredited Learning the Ropes bell ringing trainer.
We also follow a SIGNET, a scheme based upon the ART Learning the Ropes scheme which offers a structured approach to learning to bell ring providing guidance to those just starting out ringing, to those working on the key skills required for ringing to more experienced ringers looking to learn how to conduct.
The ringers also provide ringers to ring on the 8 bells at St Mary Magdalene, Beetley, when there is a special service being held or a wedding. We also move our practice over to Beeltey occasionally.
There are many different tasks that need to be done to keep a tower running, from organising bands to ring and running practices, to maintaining the bells and arranging visits to other towers. To keep on top of all these things there are a number of officer positions held by ringers, formally or informally, to ensure the smooth operation of the tower.
Elections are held at our annual general meeting to selewho will take on each of these roles. Sometimes, individual ringers may hold more than one position and some positions have been combined. All ringers are encouraged to contribute to life in the tower through discussions about changes or ideas they have.
There are also some roles which are held by people outside of the tower, for example the Child Protection Officer.
Tower Captain & Ringing Master
Bell Handling Instructor
Aaron was only 21 when he was elected Tower Captain back in 2008.
The Tower Captain's role is to liaise closely with the Team Rector and Team Vicar, All Saints' churchwardens and PCC, and the Parish Office on behalf of the ringers. As Tower Captain, Aaron has overall responsibility for the ringing in the tower making sure that the bells are rung for weddings and important local and national events. He also deals with all the admin side of things too as well as ensuring all policies are followed.
At Swanton Morley, the position of Ringing Master is combined with the Tower Captain role. As Ringing Master, leads the practice nights.
Aaron also keeps an overview of the teaching at All Saints, including being one of our bell handling instructors.
Deputy Ringing Master
Bell Handling Instructor
Fiona is our Deputy Ringing Master.
The Deputy Ringing Master is responsible for organising and running the ringing for the regular Sunday Services.
Fiona will also lead the practice if Aaron is unable to be there.
Fiona has recently been on the Association of Ringing Teachers 2F Course.
Treasurer
Father of the Tower
Ted is our treasurer.
As treasurer, Ted deals with the account held by the ringers as well dealing with the weekly subs the ringers pay at practice nights.
Ted is one of the longest serving members of the band, having joined when the band was reformed back in 1999, meaning he holds the title Father of the Tower.
Ted's wise words and observations have often left the other ringer in fits of laughter.
