The 2011 Education Committee programme proved to be very successful; the aim being to provide learning opportunities for ringers at all levels.
The year started in March at Swanmore with Plain Hunt and Trebling to Methods which attracted 20 students, clear evidence of the popularity of basic subjects. This was followed in April by Listening Skills, based at Lockerley, with a full capacity of 24 students; a packed day of great diversity, showing students how to use their ears as well as their eyes and hands. October saw 17 students at Oakley for Grandsire Doubles and Grandsire Triples, and the year finished in November at Whitchurch with a mixed-experience group of just six students studying either an Introduction to Treble Bob or Moving on to Kent. Whilst not always financially viable, albeit our aim is to break even rather than make a profit, the feed-back from students has been extremely positive, and it is encouraging to see so many returning for courses on other subjects.
An equally ambitious programme of Education Days is planned for 2012, starting with Plain Bob Doubles and Plain Bob Minor on 3rd March. This will be followed by an evening seminar at the Winchester Education Centre on 3rd April offering a hands-on introduction to handbell method ringing. The year continues with full days on Surprise Minor on 21st April, Double Norwich on 13th October, and the ever-popular Raising and Lowering on 3rd November. As always, the committee’s aim is to provide a range of subjects offering something for everyone.
It can be seen from the balance sheet that, on paper, our finances are somewhat depleted. This is largely due to increases in the costs of hiring suitable halls, the necessity to pay deposits up to twelve months in advance and, in some cases, the requests for additional security payments against possible damage - these payments are returned to us after the event. We have also increased our donations to towers to a more realistic level. Nevertheless we remain in credit and we believe 2012 should be a more economical year.
We are extremely grateful to all those ringers who offer their practical support on Education Days; we could not run courses without the invaluable help of Tutors and helpers. We welcome helpers at all levels and invite anyone interested to get in touch with us. We are also grateful for any ideas you may have for courses to enable us to plan for the future.
| Income | Expenditure | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £.p | £.p | ||
| Balance b/f | 352.04 | Stationery, copying, telephone, postage | 3.76 |
| Course Fees | 624.00 | Refreshments | 104.43 |
| Hall deposit return | 50.00 | Hire of Halls (£340.50 + £177.50 for 2012) | 518.00 |
| Tower Donations | 272.00 | ||
| Equipment | 52.20 | ||
| Balance c/f | 75.65 | ||
| £1,026.04 | £1,026.04 | ||
Christine Knights-Whittome