Handbell Toolbox

As soon as the topic of calling is introduced you come face to face with a whole lot of new jargon. If you already call touches on tower bells then this isn't a problem, but if you've not, then you're in for some fun. Persevere! It's not as hard as you might think, once you've learnt how to speak and continue ringing and as long as you've done your homework beforehand.

Note that we're talking about calling touches here. You need to be able to know when to say "bob" and "single". Conducting, the art of keeping others right whilst you do this, is something for much later.

Calling Plain Bob Minor

The first thing you need to practise is saying "bob" in the right place without going wrong yourself. Treat this as an exercise rather than a performance. Ring a pair that you're comfortable with and then say "bob" at the right place in the lead (when the treble rings in 2^nd place at backstroke when it is hunting down to the front). If you miss it, don't worry, carry on ringing Plain Bob Minor and try and put it in the right place next lead end. It doesn't matter if the touch doesn't come round or if it keeps on firing out. You're just getting used to talking and ringing at the same time.

When ringing the tenors

Some prefer to call touches when ringing the tenors, mainly because on tower bells compositions are usually written as though you are ringing the tenor.

If you're learning to call touches from 5-6 then start with two singles Home or three bobs Home to keep 5-6 together. Then you can move onto the 120 below which forms the basic block of a quarter peal.

The classic touch of Plain Bob Minor is 120 changes long and has bobs called when the tenor (6) is at Wrong (dodging 5-6 up) and Home (dodging 5-6 down). The bobs are called when the treble is in seconds place just before it leads. At every call the 5 is closer to the front than the 6 so the same touch is easier to call by having the 5 make the bob, run out, run out, Home (for the 5 this is 5-6 up). Write out the touch and you will be able to recognise some signposts:

• The first bob is called at the first lead end and puts the tenors into the 2/3 position.
• When the 6 makes seconds a few leads later then the tenors are put into the opposites position and the next lead end they dodge with themselves in 3/4. If you fluff this dodge, make sure it is the tenor (6) which comes down to the lead.
• The next lead is when the 5 would make seconds so call a bob to have it run out.
• Another bob is called at the next lead (i.e. two consecutive bobs).
• There are no more calls until you are about to dodge with yourself on the back in 5/6. Call this bob and two blows later ’that’s all’.

When ringing the trebles

Handbell ringers who haven't called touches on tower bells often prefer to start calling when ringing the trebles, as they find seeing where the treble is from any other pair, is difficult. When it is in your right hand, it is a lot easier!

If you're learning to call touches from this pair, start with by calling the 2 to when it makes seconds place of the treble (at the end of the plain course). Then move on to call the 2 Home and Wrong.

Practising calling

Use ringing simulator software to practise calling touches. Load your touch and learn to ring the touch confidently. Work out where the calls come and think about how you are going to call it either bpppbbpppbb or wrong and home.