Method Toolboxes for ringers
5. Slow course methods
What are slow course methods?
Slow course methods are a group of methods in which one bell rings a simple, repetitive pattern until a call is made.
Brecon Place Doubles is shown on the right. It might initially look complicated, but if you look at the second (blue) it repeatedly leads for 8 blows and then makes seconds over the treble. That's a kaleidoscope exercise which you repeat whilst the other bells do the complicated stuff.
At a practice, ringing slow course methods provides opportunities for a mixed ability band to ring methods which cater for a wide range of abilities. As a new ringer you will ring the slow course bell which is like ringing a kaleidoscope exercise, with an additional ropesight challenge, as you will need to ring over and with different bells. Not only will you be learning, but the more experienced members of the band can ring something that might be new to them, and be supporting you. A win, win!
The slow course methods in this collection vary in their degree of difficulty. A simple method like Brecon Bob Doubles has long leading with places made under the treble, whilst others have more challenging slow course work such as Welford Bob Doubles, where alternate long thirds and long fifths are made by the slow course bell.
From providing a little variety on a practice night to enabling bands to ring together without anyone sitting out, slow course methods are a fun way of developing skills and ropesight as a team.
Method progression
Methods are graded on difficulty of the slow course work, rather than difficulty of the method.