The Guild Ringing School (the 4th) was held, at Fareham Park Comprehensive School on a bright, warm October Saturday. The Guild Master (Ken Croft) got the one-day course under way with an introductory chat, this being his first official duty as Master. In his opening remarks he introduced the lecturers and urged the students to enjoy the day. Judging by the relaxed, informal atmosphere and the complimentary remarks this was achieved.
Sixty-three students attended lectures on a wide range of topics-from plain hunting to conducting and method structure. Good use was made of the Guild's talented instructors, and also of John Illingworth who helped out at short notice.
Doug Boniface (Portsmouth) took the largest group, those learning the basic steps up to plain hunting. The next stage was for those able to hunt and wanting to ring Plain Bob. Taking the two parts of this group were Charlotte Olding (Swanmore) and Bob Cater (Winchester Cathedral). John Illingworth guided the third group from Plain Bob upwards towards Treble Bob and conducting was in the hands of the Guild's immediate past Master, Roger Savory. The smallest group dealt with the complexities of method structure, and was taken by Tony Smith, one-time Winchester District Secretary, now in London.
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
The morning was spent hard at work in the classroom with a welcome tea break at half time, provided by "tea ladies" Christine Morton and Ann Bennett. After lunch the students made their way to the local towers by cars, and mini buses hired for the day, which made transport arrangements a great deal simpler than past years, although increasing the costs somewhat. The towers used were Portsmouth Cathedral, Portsea, Catherington, Wickham, Titchfield and Shedfield, and thanks are due to the secretaries and incumbents.
The course ended with a final lecture to clarify any points raised by the ringing. Everyone then assembled for an opportunity to give their views and suggestions, for the benefit of the organising committee, especially as it was the convenor's first attempt at a Ringing School. The general opinion was: less talk, more ringing, and more ringing helpers at the towers.
Proceedings were concluded by the Guild Master thanking all who had contributed to make the day a success. The aim of the course was in the Master's words, to ensure that the students ended the day knowing "two or three" more things than they had that morning, and it was generally agreed that this had been achieved.
J.P.
The Ringing World No. 3471, November 4, 1977, page 950