Method Toolboxes for ringers

6. Method ringing

Having mastered plain hunt the next step to becoming a change ringer is to learn your first method. There is no set method to learn first, but ringers usually start with Plain Bob Doubles or Grandsire Doubles. Some bands ring mostly minor and will choose to take that route, however it is a slightly harder route, as there is no fixed bell (the tenor) to lead off. An alternative approach is to ring minimus methods (changes on four bells) with one or two covers.

Whichever method you ring first, and whichever methods you then progress on to, you will need to types of skill.

Understanding the theory

You need to understand the theory so that you know what to do. This is a mental skill.  Your teacher will explain the theory to you and you can then consolidate this learning at home. There are apps for mobiles and tablets which can assist with this learning, along with these resources.

Bell control

You need to have the necessary bell handling skills to move your bell accurately during the ringing. This is a physical skill and can only be learned in the tower. Simulator practice is also useful to perfect technique.