About Us
The North West Ringing Course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn about many aspects of bellringing. Practical ringing skills are developed in the tower, led by an experienced Tutor and supported by a band of experienced helpers. In addition, there are theory sessions which complement the practical ringing in each topic, and there are many optional sessions for extra-curricular activities that can be selected from a wide range of choices. Although the Course is very busy it should not feel rushed and there will be time to enjoy the companionship of roughly 100 fellow bellringers and to learn from them in conversations over meals and during breaks. We hope you enjoy yourself over the four days and leave the Course having learnt a lot and taken a step up in your ringing ability.
A brief history of the NWRC
The North West Ringing Course was first proposed through a Central Council initiative with the CCCBR noting that residential courses were already very popular.
The Central Council's Volunteer and Leadership workgroup, then led by Tim Hine, appointed Andy Ingham to chair the committee to be responsible for the proposed North West Course, and committee members were appointed, many of whom are still on the committee today.
Unfortunately, Covid struck before the planned first course could take place, which so it was not until 2022 that we had the inaugural North West Residential Ringing Course. This was held at Myerscough College, a little north of Preston, as was the 2023 course. We then moved to our current home, Borwick Hall.
The format has changed only a little during its history – unsurprising given the popularity of the course. The bulk of the tower ringing and classroom theory sessions are divided into groups concentrating on a particular topic, such as “Basic Conducting” or “From Six to Eight”. These topics vary slightly from year to year, but the most popular one has always been “Foundation”, with multiple groups working on this topic. In addition, there are numerous other activities, most related to ringing but others purely social.
Location
Our course is held each year at Borwick Hall near Carnforth in North Lancashire and close to the border with Cumbria. Borwick Hall is a 16th century manor which is now owned and operated by Lancashire County Council as an outdoor education centre. We are very fortuante to have sole occupancy of the whole site for the full duration of the course. All accommodation is situated onsite at Borwick with different accommodation blocks situated around the site - you can even stay in the 16th century hall itself. If you are interested to find out more about the history of this Elizabethan manor house you can click here to visit the 'A Bit About Britain' website.
