Ringing is an excellent leisure activity for people of all ages, and often becomes a lifelong hobby. If your child wants to learn to ring, then it is important that you know what is involved.
As a starting point, read the information on this website about ringing and learning to ring. You can also arrange to visit the tower to find out more.
We operate safeguarding procedures. These can be seen here, along with the reporting procedure if you have any concerns.
All instructors will be suitably experienced ringers, and will have current enhanced DBS checks with adult and children barring checks. They will also have undergone safeguarding training. When children or are being taught there will always be a second adult present. You are also welcome to attend any training at which your child is present, and we encourage you to come along to at least the first session. However, for safety reasons it is important that you do not interfere with the teaching process. We will also provide you with contact numbers and email addresses in case you have any queries about any aspect of your child's ringing.
There may be times when an instructor needs to briefly make contact with a learner's hands and arms in order to make sure that they move them correctly. There also be raised voices during ringing. This does not mean that we are falling out with each other! It is a necessary part of passing instructions rapidly when some ringers are not certain what they should be doing.
Once your child had reached a sufficient standard, then they might want to attend events other than those organised by us, such as local association meetings, training courses, ringing outings and other practice nights. These will not be covered by our safeguarding procedures, but should have their own. If you are not certain if an event is organised by us, or have any other concerns, then contact our ringing master or secretary for advice.
We do not arrange transport to or from the tower. If you arrange for another ringer to provide transport, then this will be a private arrangement outside of our control.
We will ask you to complete a written consent form for all events at which you child will be present. For regular events such as weekly practices and service ringing then a single form can cover a period of time. You may withdraw consent at any time.