Where can I learn?

Currently, people wishing to learn to ring are directed via the Ringing World and Central Council websites to a network of local Association contacts and then to a nearby tower. This whole process is conducted by e-mail and can take several days. Whilst it is recognised that the Central Council needs to work through its constituent Associations, this process does not provide any incentive to change the status quo or improve teaching standards.

With learn2ring, the intention is to have a searchable database, where people can search for their nearest Ringing Centre and instantly find out more information The website would probably be searchable by postcode or county.

The Ringing Centres committee is keen to significantly expand the number of Ringing Centres, from about 40 now to say over 200 in five years time.

There would be two types of Ringing Centre.

• Ringing Centres

• Recognised Ringing Centres

Under the scheme, any tower could become a Ringing Centre. A tower could join the website and fill out a pro-forma webpage, with details of its training activities and a link to its own website (if it has one).

In order to ensure that the details are up to date, periodically the system would e-mail each registered user and ask them to re-register their details. If they failed to do so, the data would be removed.

Council recognition is subject to a stricter monitoring regime, with recognised ringing centres needing to submit a bi-annual report to the CCCBR Ringing Centres Committee. In addition each recognised centre is monitored and supported by a Steward appointed from the CCCBR Ringing Centres Committee.

People visiting the learn2ring website would therefore be able to see a list of local ringing centres, some of which would be council recognised, and others not.

The existing system operated through the Central Council and Ringing World websites could remain in operation, and there could be a link to it on learn2ring.

Similarly, it is suggested that there would be reciprocal link on the Council and Ringing World websites.

Last updated 01/12/2007