Guild Review

GUILD REVIEW - QUESTIONNAIRE 'A' ANALYSIS - MARCH 2013

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Thank you to all who took the time and effort to respond to the Guild Review Questionnaire that was sent out at the end of 2012. A total of 80 members (12.3% of the membership) took part as individuals or in groups. All the comments received have been analysed and a summary made to enable the Working Groups to assimilate the data and use it in their ongoing review. A copy of the Analysis is shown below.

Many of the answers given were very extensive and covered many aspects of the question. Also the open nature of the questions led to a wide variety of terminology and description being used. In the Summary the answers have been classified and grouped by similarity and those shown as being typical of the range.

Alan Payne
9 April 2013

The total number of questionnaires returned was 68 (including some letters and other documents sent in lieu)

The total number of people who responded was 80 (includes 12 who were part of group)

This represents 12.31% of the membership (Membership was 650 persons for 2012 {575 adult, 60 junior, 15 honorary})

A total of 1059 answers / points were made
Note. Some answers fitted more than one classification e.g. in B1 many combined the reasons ID 1 & 2 and were "scored" in both. Some comments made on additional sheets attached and in 'F' were allocated to specific classified answers.

Each question has 5 classified answers and an 'Other'. Classified answers are groups / combinations of actual comments.

A1 If you are keen to develop your ringing skills, what support do you feel would be helpful to you?

ID Qty %

1 21 40 Advanced / focused practices; On higher numbers/methods/ striking/quarter peal/conducting. Structured training courses

3 17 33 Regular visits of experienced ringers to help at practices / in different towers / with some theory

4 6 12 Ringing centres with good teachers available to all for all levels of ability. Electronic aids. Ringing apps for i-phone etc.

2 4 8 None.

5 2 4 Have a tower maintenance facility/ audit system

6 2 4 Other Lack of available time

Total 52

A2 If you are already, or would be willing to become more involved in aspects of ringing teaching,what support do you feel would be helpful to you?

ID Qty %

4 18 43 ITTS 1 & 2, ART or similar: Course is good for giving confidence and direction/ Electronic teaching aids.

2 9 21 Participate in structured training courses. Tune training to individuals needs / abilities.

6 6 14 Other Lack of available time

3 4 10 Support from experienced ringers sympathetic to our abilities and needs. Coordination/availability of experienced helpers

5 3 7 Local encouragement and supply of learners

1 2 5 More experienced ringers willing to help, especially with learner bands on rounds/call changes/p.bob. ITTS without the mentoring and follow up.

Total 42

A3 How could support be provided at tower, branch or guild level, or through informal groups of ringers working together?

ID Qty %

1 25 53 Set up Guild / Branch Ringing Centres/ Courses/Practices/ Workshops (Targeted). On line help centre. Tower Mentors

2 16 34 Experienced ringers prepared to go out and help learner bands. More quarter peal groups and more inclusive.

4 4 9 Create a willingness to accept help in towers where local teaching is poor. Motivate all "teachers" to learn how to teach.

3 1 2 Require modern technology, simulators. Use simulator more

5 1 2 Existing OK

6 0 Other

Total 47

B1 What is it that you enjoy about ringing and that keeps you actively involved?

ID Qty %

2 42 46 The social side. Physical and mental exercise. Team working

1 33 36 Challenge of learning/ ringing new methods/quarter peals. Good striking/performance of band. Ring at different towers.

3 14 15 Service to the church. Helping other ringers

4 1 1 Ringing peals

5 1 1 Being part of a tradition

6 0 Other

Total 91

B2 How and at what age were you initially recruited into ringing?

ID Qty %

3 24 33 Age 13 to 19 - Local recruiting campaign. To get Scout / Guide / D of E badge. Youth group

5 16 22 Age 50 & above - Invited by existing ringer. Returned on retirement after long absence. For the Millenium

2 15 21 Age 9 to 12 - With a friend. Family were ringers. Church family. School band. Follow on from Choir

4 14 19 Age 20 to 49 - Took son / daughter and stayed

1 3 4 Family members already rung

6 0 Other

Total 72

B3 What recruitment / public awareness raising activities have you been directly in during the last two years? What did you learn that could be helpful in planning future activities?

ID Qty %

2 34 52 Open tower days, Childrens services, Word of mouth, Village magazines. Should be some follow up. Make it "valuable".
3 11 17 None
1 9 14 School clubs / presentations /make it fun / use young teachers.
4 8 12 Local radio / press for special occasions. Good publicity and personal contacts essential
5 2 3 Many retirees are looking for new hobby. Assign a mentor / buddy to help with retention
6 1 2 Other
Total 65

C1 What do you think of existing local arrangements in relating to ringing standards?

ID Qty %

1 18 31 We do our best. Resented implication of question that "we are not good enough". How do we know if standard is low. Standard is not discussed / set.

4 14 24 Standard in my local area is poor / falling. Standards not being set or valued. Some ringers not interested in improving. Ringing up & down in peal not practiced.

3 12 21 Standard of striking is low; too much push on ringing fancy methods. Lower expectation when learning new method.

2 9 16 Should encourage ringers who want to progress to go out to other towers. Need more experienced ringers to help. Aiming high is commendable.

5 4 7 Good standard important for service ringing and weddings

6 1 2 Other

Total 58

C2 What additional activities/structures/changes do you consider vital if ringing standards, particular striking, are set to improve?

ID Qty %

2 21 37 Good leader who can....demonstrate / explain specific points calmly, encourage improvement, set improving standards.

1 16 28 Mutual support and practice. Structured practices. Ensure Sunday ringing produces best possible striking ( not a practice)

4 11 19 Unofficial striking competitions on practice night / with neighbouring towers. Re structure striking competitions

3 7 12 Dedicated striking practices . Use tape recorders/ electronic aids.

5 2 4 Bad striking come from bad handling / bell control

6 0 Other

Total 57

C3 How do you, an ordinary member, feel about what should constitute a'good standard'. What would you deem to be a positive means of encouragement and/or support in relation to both striking and method advancement?

ID Qty %

1 18 55 Be positive with constructive criticism / good feed back. Encourage 100% effort and importance. Take into account 'go' of bells and teams experience

2 17 52 Good beat. Even spaced striking. No gaps or clips. Needs simple calm explanation / demonstration. Should give pleasure to those listening.

3 10 30 Structured teaching / learning time, opportunity to ring with experienced ringers, experienced "minders", give feedback and encouragement

4 4 12 Most know when they hear it but need good examples set / demonstrated. Ask the public! What is good?

5 1 3 Workshops with printed literature.

6 1 3 Other (Youngsters; Treats ! Badges for making defined progress)

Total 33

C4 As an ordinary member, have you experienced any limitations or barriers to your own advancement or progress towards a higher standard?

ID Qty %

1 20 40 No

4 15 30 Lack of good ringers/ opportunity. Frustration at lack of progress

3 6 12 Lack of ringers / help in our tower. Needed more theory / explanation.

2 5 10 Some personal / physical limitations/ embarrassed to try with 'better' ringers/ starting in my late 50's. Time & travel costs

5 4 8 Experienced ringers giving negative criticism. Grumpy old men who shout. Not always welcome at other towers.

6 0 Other

Total 50

C5 If you consider yourself an experienced ringer, how frequently would you consider helping others to progress?

ID Qty %

2 33 69 Once per week.

3 8 17 Two or three times per week

1 3 6 As often as possible

4 2 4 Four or five times per week

6 2 4 Other

Total 48

D1 How do you perceive the Branch? Useful?If so, in what way?

ID Qty %

2 37 62 Useful, its there for support. More useful than Guild. Helps to get ring at different towers / with more experience ringers Helps cohesion and fight factions/ cliques.

1 14 23 Not useful because; No benefits. Too much politics. Lack of awareness. Poor communication. Poorly led

5 6 10 Good for social activity

3 2 3 Officers in post too long. Do we need Branch Presidents (let Ringing Master do role).

4 1 2 Seems to survive with a few dedicated individuals

6 0 Other

Total 60

D2 How do you perceive the Guild? Useful? If so, in what way?

ID Qty %

2 27 49 Useful; As support. Geographical area too large. Should provide specialist knowledge and training. Better communication required.Too bureaucratic. Help Branches become strong then Guild will be strong.

1 24 44 Not useful; outdated / too few guild events / bad organisation / see little of what they do

5 2 4 Branch is more important to me.

3 1 2 Officers in post too long

4 1 2 Should have only 4 areas with appointed leaders who appoint local committee

6 0 Other

Total 55

D3 Have you had any problems in dealing with the Guild or Branch?

ID Qty %

2 43 78 No

1 7 13 Yes: Guild & Branch politics, officers too cliquey & not 'professional' in carrying out duties. BRF application confusing.

3 2 4 Web based communication has lost non computer literate ringers. Branch web-site not working

4 2 4 General apathy.Guild becoming too detached

5 1 2 Nominated officers should declare their aims to help judgement on voting

6 0 Other

Total 55

D4 Should the Guild have a Bell Restoration Fund? What should it be used for?

ID Qty %

1 41 77 Yes; keep it as it is.

2 8 15 Yes but.. widen to cover teaching aids & equipment. It appears insignificant to likely cost of most work/not for simulators

3 2 4 No because: Towers can raise money themselves. Should be concentrated in Branches

4 1 2 Only if other sources not available

5 1 2 Why do we need both Branch and Guild BRF

6 0 Other

Total 53

D5 What would you like the Guild to do for you?

ID Qty %

2 29 58 Provide; Ringing Centres / Courses for all levels / Daytime practices/ More communication. Opportunity to ring on higher numbers Help centre / Stock pre stretched rope

3 9 18 Continue as is. Keep in contact with retired ringers. Reorganise diary to avoid AGM,s in Jan. bad weather

1 6 12 More Guild events, socials. Make Guild events more fun especially for youngsters. Keep going ! Be more visible!

5 3 6 Help to get recruits

4 2 4 Nothing because...Guild level of bureaucracy not required

6 1 2 Other

Total 50

E1 Do you see your reasons for ringing to empathise with the Aims and Objectives of the Guild?

ID Qty %

2 25 52 Yes as is. Great care should be taken if rules are changed. Too much politics

1 13 27 Yes, but ...They feel outdated/ No mention of standard or quality of ringing/ Hobby and health benefits are important/ not 1bi.

3 6 13 No because: Too removed. Not relevant. Guild should support members, not other way round.

5 4 8 Don't know

6 0 Other

Total 48

E2 Does the present designated allocation of the subscription income ( Rule 6b) properly meet the need and activities of the Guild and Branches?

ID Qty %

2 17 43 Yes as is.

6 8 20 Don't know, not aware of what it does !

1 5 13 Yes, but Would not like any increase in sub/ No mention of including insurance

5 5 13 Expenditure should be reviewed to meet new objectives

3 4 10 No because: No concession for pensioner or disadvantaged / need more spent on training and attracting youngsters

4 1 3 Branches should have more autonomy

Total 40

F Anything else you would like to add?

ID Qty

13 5 Need secret ballots for elections to get true representation. Advertise job descriptions for committee posts and have candidate hustings.

22 5 Need to create value of belonging and 'ownership'. Encourage teamwork membership & pride

10 4 Recruit ringers from all ages not just young. Invite lapsed ringers to return. Highlight health benefits for older ringers

16 4 Concerned about lack of youngsters and retention

19 4 Have a tower maintenance facility/ audit system

21 4 Good local tower leadership is critical. Train ringing masters and tower captains on providing welcoming and constructive ringing.

12 3 Disappointed that the Report and Questions do not make reference to duty of established ringers or primary purpose

1 2 Fees should be paid by 1st April and to qualify for voting at AGM

5 2 Should be time limit on tenure of officers (3/ 5 years ?)

7 2 Recruitment is a problem especially of youngster (take Wombel into schools)

8 2 To much political stuff. Too cliquey

14 2 Learn from other branches / guilds and share best practices

18 2 Register Guild as a Charity & collect fees centrally

25 2 Advertise mental and physical health benefits rather than monks ringing badly with a Mars Bar. More Publicity

31 2 Problems of large geographical area and boundaries ( north / south split !)

32 2 Guild rules are ambiguous, need to be more involved and direct

33 2 Officers should visit every tower and assess what help is needed

2 1 Need a wider range of officers ( too cliquey)

3 1 ITTS is good but OTT and many frightened by 'Qualifications / Assessments', need to attract bad teachers onto course

4 1 Striking Competition not popular, needs new format

6 1 Need to get balance right in reorganisation as Guild and Branch have no jurisdiction over any tower or ringer.

9 1 Would like to take part in striking comp. but not asked. Allow Branches to enter more than teams so more ringers involved

11 1 Combined social and ringing activities are attractive

15 1 Training should be all embracing not just focus on rope sight and methods

17 1 Need centre(s) of excellence to help with problem of large geographical area and lots of small village communities

20 1 Need to be trained in good handling / bell control to achieve good striking

23 1 Training Programme is needed to deliver 25 ringers each year to bob minor standard

24 1 Be careful that drive for "good ringing" does not turn some ringers away

26 1 Need better communication

27 1 More information required on website

28 1 Increase fees to meet new objectives

29 1 "Rabbits" competitions should be used more

30 1 Did not like tone of some questions. Prefer a far friendly approach

Total 65

ID	Qty	%
1	21	40	Advanced / focused practices; On higher numbers/methods/ striking/quarter peal/conducting. Structured training courses
3	17	33	Regular visits of experienced ringers to help at practices / in different towers / with some theory
4	6	12	Ringing centres with good teachers available to all for all levels of ability. Electronic aids. Ringing apps for i-phone etc.
2	4	8	None.
5	2	4	Have a tower maintenance facility/ audit system
6	2	4	Other Lack of available time
Total	52

ID	Qty	%
4	18	43	ITTS 1 & 2, ART or similar: Course is good for giving confidence and direction/ Electronic teaching aids.
2	9	21	Participate in structured training courses. Tune training to individuals needs / abilities.
6	6	14	Other Lack of available time
3	4	10	Support from experienced ringers sympathetic to our abilities and needs. Coordination/availability of experienced helpers
5	3	7	Local encouragement and supply of learners
1	2	5	More experienced ringers willing to help, especially with learner bands on rounds/call changes/p.bob. ITTS without the mentoring and follow up.
Total	42

ID	Qty	%
1	25	53	Set up Guild / Branch Ringing Centres/ Courses/Practices/ Workshops (Targeted). On line help centre. Tower Mentors
2	16	34	Experienced ringers prepared to go out and help learner bands. More quarter peal groups and more inclusive.
4	4	9	Create a willingness to accept help in towers where local teaching is poor. Motivate all "teachers" to learn how to teach.
3	1	2	Require modern technology, simulators. Use simulator more
5	1	2	Existing OK
6		0	Other
Total	47

ID	Qty	%
2	42	46	The social side. Physical and mental exercise. Team working
1	33	36	Challenge of learning/ ringing new methods/quarter peals. Good striking/performance of band. Ring at different towers.
3	14	15	Service to the church. Helping other ringers
4	1	1	Ringing peals
5	1	1	Being part of a tradition
6		0	Other
Total	91

ID	Qty	%
3	24	33	Age 13 to 19 - Local recruiting campaign. To get Scout / Guide / D of E badge. Youth group
5	16	22	Age 50 & above - Invited by existing ringer. Returned on retirement after long absence. For the Millenium
2	15	21	Age 9 to 12 - With a friend. Family were ringers. Church family. School band. Follow on from Choir
4	14	19	Age 20 to 49 - Took son / daughter and stayed
1	3	4	Family members already rung
6		0	Other
Total	72

ID	Qty	%
2	34	52	Open tower days, Childrens services, Word of mouth, Village magazines. Should be some follow up. Make it "valuable".
3	11	17	None
1	9	14	School clubs / presentations /make it fun / use young teachers.
4	8	12	Local radio / press for special occasions. Good publicity and personal contacts essential
5	2	3	Many retirees are looking for new hobby. Assign a mentor / buddy to help with retention
6	1	2	Other
Total	65

ID	Qty	%
1	18	31	We do our best. Resented implication of question that "we are not good enough". How do we know if standard is low. Standard is not discussed / set.
4	14	24	Standard in my local area is poor / falling. Standards not being set or valued. Some ringers not interested in improving. Ringing up & down in peal not practiced.
3	12	21	Standard of striking is low; too much push on ringing fancy methods. Lower expectation when learning new method.
2	9	16	Should encourage ringers who want to progress to go out to other towers. Need more experienced ringers to help. Aiming high is commendable.
5	4	7	Good standard important for service ringing and weddings
6	1	2	Other
Total	58

ID	Qty	%
2	21	37	Good leader who can....demonstrate / explain specific points calmly, encourage improvement, set improving standards.
1	16	28	Mutual support and practice. Structured practices. Ensure Sunday ringing produces best possible striking ( not a practice)
4	11	19	Unofficial striking competitions on practice night / with neighbouring towers. Re structure striking competitions
3	7	12	Dedicated striking practices . Use tape recorders/ electronic aids.
5	2	4	Bad striking come from bad handling / bell control
6		0	Other
Total	57

ID	Qty	%
1	18	55	Be positive with constructive criticism / good feed back. Encourage 100% effort and importance. Take into account 'go' of bells and teams experience
2	17	52	Good beat. Even spaced striking. No gaps or clips. Needs simple calm explanation / demonstration. Should give pleasure to those listening.
3	10	30	Structured teaching / learning time, opportunity to ring with experienced ringers, experienced "minders", give feedback and encouragement
4	4	12	Most know when they hear it but need good examples set / demonstrated. Ask the public! What is good?
5	1	3	Workshops with printed literature.
6	1	3	Other (Youngsters; Treats ! Badges for making defined progress)
Total	33

ID	Qty	%
1	20	40	No
4	15	30	Lack of good ringers/ opportunity. Frustration at lack of progress
3	6	12	Lack of ringers / help in our tower. Needed more theory / explanation.
2	5	10	Some personal / physical limitations/ embarrassed to try with 'better' ringers/ starting in my late 50's. Time & travel costs
5	4	8	Experienced ringers giving negative criticism. Grumpy old men who shout. Not always welcome at other towers.
6		0	Other
Total	50

ID	Qty	%
2	33	69	Once per week.
3	8	17	Two or three times per week
1	3	6	As often as possible
4	2	4	Four or five times per week
6	2	4	Other
Total	48

ID	Qty	%
2	37	62	Useful, its there for support. More useful than Guild. Helps to get ring at different towers / with more experience ringers Helps cohesion and fight factions/ cliques.
1	14	23	Not useful because; No benefits. Too much politics. Lack of awareness. Poor communication. Poorly led
5	6	10	Good for social activity
3	2	3	Officers in post too long. Do we need Branch Presidents (let Ringing Master do role).
4	1	2	Seems to survive with a few dedicated individuals
6		0	Other
Total	60

ID	Qty	%
2	27	49	Useful; As support. Geographical area too large. Should provide specialist knowledge and training. Better communication required.Too bureaucratic. Help Branches become strong then Guild will be strong.
1	24	44	Not useful; outdated / too few guild events / bad organisation / see little of what they do
5	2	4	Branch is more important to me.
3	1	2	Officers in post too long
4	1	2	Should have only 4 areas with appointed leaders who appoint local committee
6		0	Other
Total	55

ID	Qty	%
2	43	78	No
1	7	13	Yes: Guild & Branch politics, officers too cliquey & not 'professional' in carrying out duties. BRF application confusing.
3	2	4	Web based communication has lost non computer literate ringers. Branch web-site not working
4	2	4	General apathy.Guild becoming too detached
5	1	2	Nominated officers should declare their aims to help judgement on voting
6		0	Other
Total	55

ID	Qty	%
1	41	77	Yes; keep it as it is.
2	8	15	Yes but.. widen to cover teaching aids & equipment. It appears insignificant to likely cost of most work/not for simulators
3	2	4	No because: Towers can raise money themselves. Should be concentrated in Branches
4	1	2	Only if other sources not available
5	1	2	Why do we need both Branch and Guild BRF
6		0	Other
Total	53

ID	Qty	%
2	29	58	Provide; Ringing Centres / Courses for all levels / Daytime practices/ More communication. Opportunity to ring on higher numbers Help centre / Stock pre stretched rope
3	9	18	Continue as is. Keep in contact with retired ringers. Reorganise diary to avoid AGM,s in Jan. bad weather
1	6	12	More Guild events, socials. Make Guild events more fun especially for youngsters. Keep going ! Be more visible!
5	3	6	Help to get recruits
4	2	4	Nothing because...Guild level of bureaucracy not required
6	1	2	Other
Total	50

ID	Qty	%
2	25	52	Yes as is. Great care should be taken if rules are changed. Too much politics
1	13	27	Yes, but ...They feel outdated/ No mention of standard or quality of ringing/ Hobby and health benefits are important/ not 1bi.
3	6	13	No because: Too removed. Not relevant. Guild should support members, not other way round.
5	4	8	Don't know
6		0	Other
Total	48

ID	Qty	%
2	17	43	Yes as is.
6	8	20	Don't know, not aware of what it does !
1	5	13	Yes, but Would not like any increase in sub/ No mention of including insurance
5	5	13	Expenditure should be reviewed to meet new objectives
3	4	10	No because: No concession for pensioner or disadvantaged / need more spent on training and attracting youngsters
4	1	3	Branches should have more autonomy
Total	40

ID	Qty
13	5	Need secret ballots for elections to get true representation. Advertise job descriptions for committee posts and have candidate hustings.
22	5	Need to create value of belonging and 'ownership'. Encourage teamwork membership & pride
10	4	Recruit ringers from all ages not just young. Invite lapsed ringers to return. Highlight health benefits for older ringers
16	4	Concerned about lack of youngsters and retention
19	4	Have a tower maintenance facility/ audit system
21	4	Good local tower leadership is critical. Train ringing masters and tower captains on providing welcoming and constructive ringing.
12	3	Disappointed that the Report and Questions do not make reference to duty of established ringers or primary purpose
1	2	Fees should be paid by 1st April and to qualify for voting at AGM
5	2	Should be time limit on tenure of officers (3/ 5 years ?)
7	2	Recruitment is a problem especially of youngster (take Wombel into schools)
8	2	To much political stuff. Too cliquey
14	2	Learn from other branches / guilds and share best practices
18	2	Register Guild as a Charity & collect fees centrally
25	2	Advertise mental and physical health benefits rather than monks ringing badly with a Mars Bar. More Publicity
31	2	Problems of large geographical area and boundaries ( north / south split !)
32	2	Guild rules are ambiguous, need to be more involved and direct
33	2	Officers should visit every tower and assess what help is needed
2	1	Need a wider range of officers ( too cliquey)
3	1	ITTS is good but OTT and many frightened by 'Qualifications / Assessments', need to attract bad teachers onto course
4	1	Striking Competition not popular, needs new format
6	1	Need to get balance right in reorganisation as Guild and Branch have no jurisdiction over any tower or ringer.
9	1	Would like to take part in striking comp. but not asked. Allow Branches to enter more than teams so more ringers involved
11	1	Combined social and ringing activities are attractive
15	1	Training should be all embracing not just focus on rope sight and methods
17	1	Need centre(s) of excellence to help with problem of large geographical area and lots of small village communities
20	1	Need to be trained in good handling / bell control to achieve good striking
23	1	Training Programme is needed to deliver 25 ringers each year to bob minor standard
24	1	Be careful that drive for "good ringing" does not turn some ringers away
26	1	Need better communication
27	1	More information required on website
28	1	Increase fees to meet new objectives
29	1	"Rabbits" competitions should be used more
30	1	Did not like tone of some questions. Prefer a far friendly approach
Total	65

The Lincoln Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers

GUILD REVIEW - QUESTIONNAIRE 'A' ANALYSIS - MARCH 2013