KCACR Maidstone District Online

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

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