EGMET Courses
In 2017, the Edna Grabham Memorial Education Fund Trustees, who are based in Somerset, decided to try running some courses.
The first one was Stedman Triples, and the Tutor was Mike Winterbourne. Mike is Master of the Winchester and Portsmouth Guild and he is involved in the organisation of the Bradfield Ringing Courses.
The day was based at Chilcompton. After a welcoming cup of coffee, the day began with a talk in the church hall, and then we moved on to use Chilcompton, Mells and Midsomer Norton bells. Each tower had six "students", someone designated to run the ringing, and eight steady Stedman ringers to help, so that the "students" could ring one at a time with a good band.
Lunch was laid on by The Holy Cow Cafe (!) in the church hall at Chilcompton.
Everyone had ordered in advance, and delicious sandwiches and salads were provided in named boxes. This meant that all forty of us could eat together, and it eliminated any wait for the food to arrive. Puddings and drinks were provided free of charge by EGMET, which proved very popular!
After lunch we dispersed again, this time to Buckland Dinham, Chilompton and Marston Bigot. Lots more Stedman was rung, with students becoming more and more confident.
The day proved to be so successful, with lots of ringing time and plenty of helpers, that the EGMET Trustees have continued to arrange courses every year. The Covid epidemic wasn't enough to stop them - courses were run on Zoom. Many people have benefitted and a large number have gone on to ring Quarter Peals of the methods that they have learnt.
Details of the next course will be circulated to Bath and Wells members, but in the meantime, anyone who is interested should get in touch with Beverley Perry, Jill Hansford, Helen Beaufoy or Robert Perry. Alternatively we can be contacted via www.treblesgoing.org.uk .