Calendar of Events
The District organises various Ringing, Training and Social events during
the year. For an overview of the different types of event click
on the appropriate link, or click on Current Calendar for a list of Maidstone
District events for 2010 (please note that most events for later in the year are still subject to confirmation). Further
details of the more imminent events can be obtained by clicking on the
link in the calendar. Alternatively you can find out more by E-Mailing
the District Secretary.
Ringing Events
On the second Saturday in January, April, and July there are Quarterly
Meetings, but don't be put off by the word "meetings": there
is an informal business meeting, but it usually only lasts about ten
minutes. The usual format is ringing from 5pm to 8pm, with
a break between 6.30pm - 7pm for tea and the informal business meeting.
At the Annual District Meeting (second Saturday in
October) there is a longer, more formal, meeting when we need to elect
District Officers for the coming year. Information
on arrangements for District Meetings is available from the District
Secretary. Running of the ringing at Meetings is the responsibility
of the Ringing Masters.
In June and November the events
take the form of Striking Contests. The method
contest is held on the second Saturday in June, and the winning
band goes forward to represent Maidstone District in a county-wide
Striking Contest in September.
The Call-change Competition which
takes place in November is designed to encourage the less-experienced
bands, along with those unable to ring methods. As well as the winner's
shield there is also a trophy for the most improved band over the previous
year.
Training Events
Training is undertaken at tower, District or County level depending
on individual needs. Basic handling and simple method ringing is generally
taught at a ringer's own tower. Beyond the basics the Ringing Masters
are normally able to assist, and District Training Days are arranged
on an ad hoc basis.
The simulator at All Saints, Staplehurst is available
on request for towers/bands wishing to have additional or special practices.
At these practices the clappers are tied, so there is no sound outside
the tower, but sensors on the wheels produce realistic computer-generated
bell sounds. Therefore at the initial attempts the ringer need not be
put off by poor striking or by having to pay attention to the striking
- which reduces concentration on the new skill being learnt - simply
because there is no sound on the outside of the tower. However in the
inside of the tower the bells are rung as normal with normal bell sounds.
For further information or to book a practice session on the simulator
contact Chris Bassett at chrisnsuebassett@tiscali.co.uk
The County Training
Subcommittee have a wide ranging training programme including a Management,
Teaching and Maintenance Weekend, Bell Control Clinics and courses to
advance specific ringing skills. For information on County Training Events
contact the County Training Officer, James Hardy, at trg@kcacr.org.uk
Social EventsIn the Maidstone District we recognise
that to many of our members there are other things in life apart
from being at the end of a bell-rope, so we include several social
events in the Calendar too. These will be announced as
and when they are organised. In addition, many ringers
organize their own social events, often to raise funds for their
tower. Click here to see what’s
coming up. |
Contacts
For more information on ringing and social events contact Mike Birkbeck (District Secretary).
For more information on training events contact Daniel
Brady or James Sawle (District Ringing Masters) |
Current Calendar
| Sat 11th September |
Call Changes Practice |
Chart Sutton |
10:00 - 12:00 |
| Sat 18th September |
|
| Sat 9th October |
Annual District Meeting |
Staplehurst |
15:00 - 20:00 |
| Sat 13th November |
Call Change Striking Contest |
East Sutton |
09:45 Draw |
| Sat 11th December |
Carol Service |
Otham (tbc) |
Ringing 15:30 Service 16:30 |
| Sat 8th Jan 2011 |
Quarterly District Meeting |
Bearsted |
15:00 - 19:30 |
