Ringing Forums

I think that because people can fill in the census as individuals it will be possible for people to report where they ring but also what they can ring (if that’s part of the questions) and potentially even whether they get opportunities to extend their ringing. So I think (although I haven’t seen the questions) that it will be clear if people want to ring more complicated stuff but don’t have the band around them or only occasionally get to ring the most complicated things they can ring and it won’t be limited to what you did during Census week.

I hope it's included in the questions in some form. I think @Simon Linfords "The Death of the Red Zone" might be driven in large part by lack of opportunity, it would be good to know how much of a problem that is, the survey would be a good chance to find out.

My own experience is that finding opportunities can be hard. My home tower tops out at the PB6 / GS5 level, if I want to ring Surprise Major I have to travel, and even in that tower, it's hit and miss - the regulars can all ring at that level but they seldom have enough to do so. Its difficult to progress your skills if chances are often months apart. The first time I turned up with my much more competent friend we made the 8 so they rang a spur of the moment QP of GS7. I kept my mouth shut and grabbed the tenor, so my first QP on 8 was entirely accidental! :lol:

I think your experience is fairly common, but I agree that Census results to put a number on it and show ‘hot spots’ around the world as this will be useful in looking at how best to grow ringing opportunities.

I wonder if it takes into consideration that the level at which an itinerant ringer rings may be hugely influenced by which tower they are ringing in at any given time? — John de Overa

The point of the census is to record what you actually did during a specific week. Even if it isn't what you typically do. Across the whole population things should even out, some people will be on holiday and do no ringing, some people will be ill and do less than usual, other people will have an extra practice in the week or be on a peal tour, etc. On average it should all even out.

There are questions relating to lack of opportunities / desire for more opportunities.

Mustn’t forget to include any ringing on a SIM or Ringing Room and the like, or handbells (change ringing).

Or on mini rings in peoples homes and garages etc!