Handbell Morning Report (Jan 2021)

The increasing popularity of handbells during this pandemic was evident in the record numbers attending the SCACR Handbell Morning on Saturday 30th January. Once again the magic of Zoom brought together members located across the country to ring in eight different RingingRoom groups, with handbell experience ranging from zero to Surprise Major and beyond.

This is the third such online event and with each session the technology and our use of it improves. The morning consists of two one hour ringing sessions. Group members are different in each session, which offers the opportunity to meet and ring with new people and share tips and ideas as to how to improve.

The feedback at the end was extremely positive. Thankfully internet issues were kept to a minimum and everyone had been able to have a go at the challenges they had set themselves. It is hoped that the event will now prompt the setting up of individual handbell groups and ad hoc sessions to further promote the art.

The only downside of a virtual event is that you have to provide your own refreshments. There was some cake envy during the break time and some relief that Zoom is not yet capable of transmitting the aroma of freshly cooked bacon! This was followed by some reminiscing of the good old days when we used to meet up in person. Alas it looks like a return to such happy times may still be some way off, so whilst we patiently wait a further online event is already in the diary for 27th March 2021.

Alison Lucas

Wanted: Survival and Recovery Champions!

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Nobody wants any towers to fall silent as a result of the coronavirus pandemic (or anything else!). In Sussex, we are holding weekly online ringing practices using Ringing Room, and many towers are also arranging virtual get-togethers and practices. Do you have great ideas about how to keep ringers engaged during the restrictions, or are you looking for ideas? Could you be one of the SCACR’s Recovery Champions?

As we enter the tenth month of ringing restriction, the Central Council and Association of Ringing Teachers (ART) have been working together to identify ways to make the return to ringing as successful as possible. Obviously, we will have to wait a while longer for any significant return to start, so it’s not just about planning for the future but also focusing on the now – staying in contact with people and maintaining their interest in ringing.

Read more: Wanted: Survival and Recovery Champions!

Updates for members from GCM - January 2021

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The first monthly General Committee Meeting of 2021 was held on zoom on 2nd January.  Hamish McNaughton confirmed that the Risk Management Policy has now been completed and is on the website, and that the updated Safeguarding Policy would also be available on the website shortly, subject to proof-reading.

We discussed the forthcoming ADMs and agreed that these would be conducted via Zoom with facility for online voting (to be trialled before the meetings take place).  It is also likely that the AGM will be held on Zoom.

There is now an Association Zoom account, controlled by the Master, Rob Lane (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), for SCACR use.  The Events calendar will be used to govern usage (and prevent clashes).  Please get in touch with Rob if you would like to use the Association Zoom account for an Association/District online practice or event.

Read more: Updates for members from GCM - January 2021

Change Ringing Handbell Morning (Jan 2021)

Following-on from the successful Handbell mornings of 19 September and 28 November, another event will be held on 30th January 2021.

This event is open to all, especially:

  • Handbell groups in Sussex and near by
  • Those who enjoy change ringing on handbells but do not have a regular practice
  • Those who want to have a go

If you are not used to the technology, there will be a familiarization session from 9.45am to 12.30pm on Saturday 23rd January 2020.

On the day, there will be three focus groups:

  • Plain hunting to Plain Bob
  • Plain Bob to Treble Bob
  • Beyond Treble Bob

If you would like to join in please email Hamish McNaughton at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. stating which of the focus groups you would like to join and whether you would like to take advantage of the familiarization session. Information regarding logging into Zoom and the Ringing Rooms will be supplied to those wishing to attend.

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