October 2015 NEANZAB Sydney Ringing School
Images from the October 2015 Ringing School.
Deb O’Donnell, Zelda Doyle, Tricia Gemmell, Bernie Sharp, Oriana Zanon, Dace Vare, Elma Aguilera, Tertius Greyling, Mark Palmer, Jackie Dettmann, Marylon Coates
Marylon Coates, Keith Game, Zelda Doyle, Maureen Perkins
Deryn Griffiths, Jackie Dettman, Oriana Zanon, Tricia Gemmell, Tertius Greyling, Marylon Coates, Dace Vare, Mark Palmer
Anneke Ryan, Jim Waddell, Joy Fabry, Andrew Davies
Reflections on the October 2015 Ringing School
Zelda Doyle wrote a detailed personal account that you can read about in the October/November issue of Ringing Towers. Below you will find some reflections from others involved.
Geoffrey Gemmell wrote:
One might think that the first answer to come to mind when one asks the question, what made the Ringing School worthwhile, would be to do with ringing, but the lasting memory I have is the generosity of all those who participated in the weekend. That is not to downplay what I did learn, but I cannot speak highly enough of the selflessness, kindness, patience and good will of those who gave up their time to make the Ringing School a success. You know who you are and I thank you.
From a bell ringing perspective, it was invaluable to ring at a number of towers (I rang at four) and to ring different bells from those I usually ring. It was also good to ring in a method I had not rung before.
Another benefit of the week end was (re)meeting a number of people from a number of towers, not just in Sydney, but in New South Wales, the ACT and even interstate. Bell ringing is obviously alive and well in this country. Vivent les cloches!
Jeanne Crozier said she learned a lot and the successful quarter peal was a bonus.
Joy Fabry from Orange wrote:
I appreciated every second of the School. It was good to ring at different towers and to meet with other ringers. I was so impressed with the very generous helpers. The Ringing Masters were able to meet my learning needs as well as those of the other learners. I really didn't go expecting to be able to ring a QP. Achieving that is a huge encouragement. I return to Orange with renewed motivation. And I look forward to seeing you all at the ANZAB AGM next March in Lithgow, Bathurst and Orange.
[Deryn Griffiths: I heard that Joy had an ah-ha moment of gaining rope sight and she demonstrated her new skills during the QP.]
Karen English from St Paul's, Manuka wrote:
Being used to a ring of 8 with just over 4 cwt as the heaviest, ringing in Sydney was an experience. The weekend of ringing was very well organised and equally educational. The theory lessons were just the right length and the practice following them allowed it all to sink in.
I am now beginning to lose my reliance on learning a method by trying to remember every bell I follow in a long list and more by picking up a method using ringers' shorthand. I can now ring inside for Plain Bob Doubles and I have rung my first quarter peal ever, on the treble for Grandsire Doubles. The lunch at Cellini's was delicious and the company entertaining.
To top it all off Sydney was ablaze with spring sunshine. Hyde Park was looking luscious and the Archibald Fountain was a beautiful sight. I drove back to Canberra a very happy lady. Thank you to all the helpers who have made us all so welcome and to the band who helped me ring my first QP.
Deborah O'Donnell writes:
I wasn't certain what to expect at my first ringing school, but I can say it was one of the best things I have done. The revision on call changes really was an "ah ha" moment for me. Now I feel that I'm ringing with more knowledge instead of plain good luck and gut instinct!
I loved the theory work on Plain Hunting and feel confident with my early efforts in this now. I was also blessed to try new things such as Cloister Doubles.
Apart from honing my ringing skills I was able to visit other towers including St Leonards Naremburn and Christ Church St Laurence. I was inspired by many of the other learners and appreciated the help of all the Ringing Masters and helpers who were very patient and positive.
I also want to thank my fellow learner. What a lovely bunch from places including Lithgow and Orange. There were laughs, encouraging words and a lot of fun this weekend.
Deryn Griffiths, Ringing School Coordinator, writes:
Of all the Ringing Schools I've organised, this one had the clearest progress for the learners. So many achievements in trying new things, thinking new ways, and gaining new skills. Congratulations to those who participated.
I join with the learners in thanking the Ringing Masters, Conductors, helpers and Key Holders. It was a very rewarding weekend. There were 12 learners and about 30 helpers. We achieved four quarter-peals, two being firsts.