This bibliography is based on the list published in the 1998 edition of The Tower Handbook. Entries have been added for currently available Central Council publications which it did not include, and entries for other publications from various sources are added as details are obtained.
Many entries have been added based on an earlier catalogue of publications (no longer available) by Bill Butler, and further material has been contributed by Chris Pickford.
Scanned images of the cover of a number of publications (in many cases also a sample page) have been prepared by Frank Lewis. The Whiting Society has also supplied images of many of their publications. They are displayed as thumbnail images which link to larger scale images.
Where the title is displayed as a link this will take you either to:
- the corresponding entry in the Central Council Publications Price List;
- contact details for another source; or to
- the publication itself online.
Your suggestions and corrections will be welcomed.
For ordering information please click on the title (if the title is not a link then its source and/or availability are unknown).
Only Central Council publications are available from Barbara Wheeler — their title links will lead you to the CC Publications Price List.
General
About Bells and Bellringing John Harrison (2016, Shire), £7.99, Review: RW 2016 p408
64 page book for the general reader with many illustrations. Chapters on: Bells and bell-hanging, Change ringing, Evolution of English-style ringing, Ringing and the Church, Modern ringing. Glossary and links to other resources.
Judging Striking Competitions (2013, CC), £3.50
A 32 page book aimed at inexperienced judges as well as those with more experience and also includes tips for organisers and bands. Contains sections on how to judge a striking competition, analyse and count faults, tips and techniques and warnings on pitfalls to avoid.
Bells and Bellringing CD (OUT OF PRINT) CC PR Committee (2008, CC PR Committee), Review: Read two reviews online
A collection of slides with background notes for ringing educational and publicity purposes.
(The slides and notes are viewable online.)
Getting it Right – Guidance for Officers of Ringing Societies (also downloadable free of charge) Heather Peachey (2005, CC), £4.00, Review: RW 2005 p641
Includes chapters on jobs that need doing, doing the jobs, business meetings and keeping the books straight as well as useful appendices.
Striking the Right Note (OUT OF PRINT) CC Public Relations Committee (1994, CC), Review: RW 1994 p599
Advice for anyone who needs to communicate with the wider community, particularly the media.
The Tower Handbook (OUT OF PRINT – January 2012) John Harrison (1998, CC)
“Answers to 1001 questions about ringing”. A 400-page compendium of information and advice on every aspect of ringing, designed for browsing and easy reference in the tower
The Craft of Bellringing — AVAILABILITY UNKNOWN — 26 Nov 2010 Perrin, George (2007, Perrin, George), PAL or NTSC DVD 16:9, Running time approx 48 minutes
From the origin of bells to modern day ringing, from small-town parishes to some of the most famous cathedrals, the film covers virtually all aspects of the world of ringing. Featuring the first edition of Tintinnalogia, the very first book to be written about bellringing, and exclusive interviews with leading experts of the field, the film also takes us on an intellectual journey that explores the craft’s rich cultural heritage.
Progress ― A Scrapbook of Bellringing Barnfield, A.J. (2014, The Whiting Society), £6.50 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 108pp
The author is well known in ringing circles, for his wit, humour and cynicism, as “AJB” of the Ringers Arms fame. Here he presents an eclectic mixture of methods, compositions, jokes and philosophy with something for everyone with an interest in change ringing. At a serious level, AJB gives us a sensible progression of interesting methods to ring, free from the shackles of the concept of “standard methods” which does so much nationally to stultify interest in ringing. This is interspersed with humour, and rounded off with a thought, and hopefully action, provoking essay on the future of change ringing.
Tower Management
Starting a New Band – Some Guidelines Wilfrid Moreton (1997, CC), £2.00, Review: RW 1997 p527
Advice to ringers & non-ringers on starting a band from scratch at a tower without one. It covers recruiting, teaching, relations with church & community. Based largely on the author’s experience.
Tower Captain’s Handbook (downloadable free of charge) David Parsons (1983, CC)
Advice on: organisation, recruiting, teaching bell handling, running the ringing and maintenance, with appendices on call changes and touches of Plain Bob, Grandsire and Stedman.
Tower Captain and the Training of Ringers Peter Hurcombe (1985, Sussex County Association)
Detailed guidance on many aspects of tower management, teaching bell handling and simple methods, good striking and conducting.
Organising an Outing Ron Warford (1999, CC), £1.50, Review: RW 2000 p53, RW 1999 p1265
Belfry Offices (1996, CC), £3.00, Review: RW 1996 p347
Suggested prayers and readings both for general use and for the major Festivals and other special occasions in the life of the Church.
Belfry warning notices ( , CC), £3.00
Danger symbol plus text “DANGER – Do not touch the ropes” (laminated, pack of 5).
Learning Change Ringing
The New Ringer’s Book John Harrison, Catherine Lewis (2009, CC), £10.00, ISBN 978-0-900271-93-9, A5 format, vi+157pp
Comprises 12 chapters and a glossary, including a large number of illustrations in full colour, to meet the needs of new ringers in the 21st century.
Carry On Counting – An Introduction to Plain Hunting and the Plain Course of Plain Bob Doubles Grave, Karl (2009, The Whiting Society), £3.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 40pp
Aimed at raw beginners to change ringing, this handy booklet explains the theory and practice of Plain Hunting, and then the plain course of Plain Bob Doubles, in simple language. There are a number of books aimed at ringers of this level, and we’re not saying ours is going to be the best for everyone; but Karl introduces some different ideas which will gel with some beginners.
Doubles or Quit – or How to Conquer Plain Bob Doubles Grave, Karl (2013, The Whiting Society), £6.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 92pp
Aimed at beginners to change ringing, this sequel to Carry on Counting explains the core skills required to ring Plain Bob Doubles and gives advice on how to acquire them. It explains the working of the bob, and how to ring (and call) touches and extents, and it closes by introducing the reader to a few other simple Doubles methods to lead into An Introduction to Ringing Multi-Method Doubles. The tone is robust and outspoken – Karl tells it exactly how it is. The book is ideal for anyone new to ringing, or still struggling to master Plain Bob Doubles, and it will be of use to open minded tower captains with ringers at that stage, too.
How to Learn Methods Foulds, Michael (2008, The Whiting Society), £4.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 80pp
Aimed at the ringer who has mastered the basics of hunting and dodging and place making – can ring Plain Bob, Kent, St. Clement’s, for example – but is looking for guidance on how to learn more complex methods. Quite robust and outspoken!
Ringing Basics for Beginners John Couperthwaite (2008, CC), £2.50, 32pp
Ringing Basics for Beginners (or: How to Learn Methods — and then ring them properly)
Based on a series of short articles written for the Farnham District Newsletter. Starts by emphasising the need to master the three basic skills: Bell Handling, Ropesight and Listening. Continues by recommending learning to ring plain courses of Original, Plain Bob and Grandsire really well by the Blue Line, and warns against falling into the trap of thinking that a few pointers will provide a magic shortcut. Next discusses Calls and Place Bells before concluding with Conducting — first just Calling, then Checking and Correcting.
Campanalogia Improved: or The Art of Ringing Improved (facsimile reprint) Fabian Stedman (1990 reprint, Snowdon (Groome)), £20 post free in UK, xiv+231pp
NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE – PUBLISHER SEEKING NEW DISTRIBUTOR – 17 Dec 2009
Beginner’s Handbook Malcolm Tyler ( , CC), £2.50
Introduction to ringing covering bells, handling, ringing with others and elementary methods.
Beginners’ Grandsire A. Waddington (2003, CC), £1.00
Beginners’ Plain Bob A. Waddington (2003, CC), £1.00
The Bellringer’s Bedside Companion Steve Coleman (1994, Sue Coleman), £14.95 (UK post free), Review: RW 1994 p1018, 429pp
Hardback book of 52 chapters of practical advice on many subjects including ropesight, call changes, raising & lowering in peal, method learning, ringing panic, being a tower captain, and much else.
The Bellringer’s Early Companion Steve Coleman (1994, Sue Coleman), £14.95 (UK post free), 430pp
Hardback book of practical advice on many subjects including handling, Plain Hunt, ringing a single bell up & down, leading, difficult bells, tenor behind, listening & striking, ringing knots, a trip upstairs, the very beginning, ropes & splicing, belfry maintenance, weddings & funerals, and much else.
The Bob Caller’s Companion Coleman, Steve (1994, Sue Coleman), Review: RW 1996 p 1073, 430pp
Hardback book with detailed guidance on calling plain courses and touches in widely rung methods from Bob Doubles upwards. 600 easy touches and quarter peals. Chapters on putting right and composing.
The Method Ringer’s Companion Steve Coleman (1994, Sue Coleman), £14.95 (UK post free), Review: RW 1995 p1049, 437pp
Hardback book giving detailed guidance and practical advice on learning and ringing all the widely rung methods from Bob Doubles upwards. Chapters on listening, striking and method naming.
Bellringing by Instalments Peter Wenham (1996 – 2000, Peter Wenham)
Set of 16 booklets on individual topics from first lessons, through methods and calling, handbells, tutor’s advice and use of simulators.
Doubles and Minor for Beginners William Butler (2nd Ed 1983, CC), £3.50
Extensive guidance on learning and ringing twenty different methods including blue lines, work order, above and below the treble, place notation and bob calling.
Grandsire J Armiger Trollope (1987 reprint, Snowdon (Groome)), 128pp
NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE – PUBLISHER SEEKING NEW DISTRIBUTOR – 17 Dec 2009
Learning Methods (downloadable free of charge) Michael J de C Henshaw (2000, CC), Review: RW 2000 p859
Guidance on learning and ringing nine different methods
Exploring Plain Minor Methods Day, Michael (2009, The Whiting Society), £4.50 inc. UK P&P, A5 format 84pp
Starts at a basic level with Plain Bob and Little Bob, and covers 65 Plain Minor methods, with a diagram for each, lots of hints about ringing and conducting them, compositions for short touches and extents, and spliced touches and extents.
Listen to Ringing 1 CD John Harrison (1995, CC), £8.00
CD with over 60 samples of almost perfect ringing with controlled errors to develop listening skills.
Listen to Ringing 2 (live) CD Harrison, John (1996, CC), £9.00
Sequel to the above with all live ringing and a wide range of listening exercises of varying difficulty.
Raising and Lowering Phil Gay (1993, profile), Review: RW 1994 p992
Practical advice on raising and lowering singly and in peal including trebling.
Raising and Lowering in Peal Harrison, John A (1989, CC), £2.00
Practical advice on raising and lowering singly and in peal including trebling, with advice on common problems.
Ringing Circles – a guide to basic methods Chris Adams (2000, CC), £3.00, Review: RW 2000 p607
A guide to learning twenty four methods, progressively arranged, from Plain Bob Doubles through Cambridge Surprise Major. Includes for each method: table of numbers for plain course (blue line emphasised); circle of work; tables for bobs and singles; what to do at the next lead end (emphasising learning by place bells); and useful tips.
The Ringers Handbook ES&M Powell ((1932) 2017, Sotheran), £8.50 inc UK P&P
Basic instruction on learning to handle a bell and ring and call methods from Plain Bob Minimus to Stedman Triples.
See further details and ordering information.
Also available through Amazon.
Review by Peter Sotheran: Written by ES & M Powell in 1932, this is still the best book for beginners. The book leads the new ringer from how to stand and hold the rope, through the basic principles of change ringing and on to Grandsire, Plain Bob, Stedman and Kent. The book assumes no previous knowledge. Technical terms are clearly explained and the text is precise and unambiguous. The 134-page book is a pocket sized paperback with a durable film laminated cover.
Ringing Jargon Made Easy (pack of 5) (, CC), £1.50
Single sheet leaflet for beginners explaining basic ringing terms often not explained, including up, down, in, out etc.
Ringing Skills (OUT OF PRINT – 27 July 2011) John A Harrison (1993, CC), Review: RW 1994 p623
Explanations of ropesight, listening, rhythm and how they complement each other, with practical advice for developing them via self help and teaching.
Ringing Skills v2 John A Harrison (2014, John A Harrison), Available from author’s website as PDF.
Explanations of ropesight, listening, rhythm and how they complement each other, with practical advice for developing them via self help and teaching. Reformatted from 64 page A5 booklet to 28 pages of double column A4, to facilitate printing. Many small changes to improve wording and some corrections. Some references updated to reflect external developments in 20 years since original version. Future improvements possible — suggestions welcome.
The Learning Curve Volume 1: 1999-2001 (OUT OF PRINT – March 2016) John Harrison (2002, CC)
Compilation of recent series of articles in The Ringing World
The Learning Curve Volume 2: 2002-2003 John Harrison (2004, CC), £3.00
A further 24 articles from The Ringing World on a wide range of ringing related topics.
The Learning Curve Volume 3: 2004-2005 John Harrison (2006, CC), £3.00
A further 24 articles from The Ringing World on a wide range of ringing related topics.
The Learning Curve Volume 4: 2006-2007 John Harrison (2008, CC), £3.00
This, the final volume of the series, contains a further 24 articles on a wide range of bell ringing topics.
The Learning Curve: 1999-2007 CC Education Committee (2002 – 2008, CC)
PDF copies of The Learning Curve articles as published in The Ringing World in 2006 and 2007 — index viewable online.
The Learning Curve – Composite Index: 1999-2007 CC Education Committee (2008, CC)
The indexes of each of the four volumes of The Learning Curve articles published in The Ringing World from 1999 through 2007 concatenated into a single PDF file.
Ropesight Jasper Whitfield & William Snowdon (1987, Snowdon (Groome)), £3.00 UK post free, viii+144pp
NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE – PUBLISHER SEEKING NEW DISTRIBUTOR – 17 Dec 2009
Standard Eight Surprise Major Methods, Learning & Ringing The Peter Hurcombe (1992, CC), £6.00
Figures, blue line and work description of a whole course together with tips and potential errors, for each method.
Standard Methods OUT OF PRINT Bob Smith (1980, Snowdon (Groome))
Hard-back book describing sixteen methods from Plain Bob to the “standard eight” Surprise methods, on different numbers of bells, together with tips for learning, ringing and conducting them, and example compositions.
Towards Better Striking Roger Smith & Malcolm Tyler (1981, CC), £1.50
Short leaflet giving basic advice on the importance of good striking and how to achieve it. Covers relative importance of visual, aural and rhythmic approaches to striking. Describes common problems.
Triples and Major for Beginners (also downloadable free of charge) Butler, William (1986, CC), £3.50
Guidance on learning and ringing nine different methods.
Manual of Bell Control Norman Chaddock (1989, Marius Press)
Complete, fully illustrated guide to teaching and learning bell handling and rope control.
From Rounds to Ropesight Bamforth, Stuart I (2014, The Whiting Society), £10.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 88pp + 110 mins DVD
This is a book and DVD combination intended for use by beginners to change ringing and their tutors, aimed at teaching ropesight in easy stages. The DVD contains over 110 minutes of video, split between numerous explanatory scenes and a lot of exercises, in which the student is asked questions about which bells are in which places in the rows being rung. The book contains detailed information for student and tutor on how to use the DVD, and a great deal of additional, valuable information about learning and teaching basic change ringing.
Plain Bob Minor ― A Mine of Information Bishop, Anthony S (2014, The Whiting Society), £6.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 100pp
This book is targeted at beginners to change ringing, and begins at the beginning with thoughts on learning to handle a bell and ring rounds. It goes on to cover learning and teaching the fundamental skills of change ringing in manageable pieces, dealing with bell control, rhythm, listening and ropesight. The author goes on to cover the structure of the plain course and how to ring it, then deals with bobs and singles and ringing touches. Later chapters cover interpreting the printed composition, conducting the method, and coursing orders. This book ends with a look at methods the reader might explore once Plain Bob Minor has been mastered.
Come on! Listen to it! – A Bellringers’ Guide to Accurate Striking Foulds, Michael (2016, The Whiting Society), £15.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 108pp + DVD
This is a book and DVD combination designed to assist the beginner or (sadly!) perhaps more experienced ringer facing the challenge of picking out his or her own bell in change ringing. It aims to teach the student to identify faults in striking, and to be able to recognise and correct common striking errors. It contains over ten hours of listening exercises, with comprehensive help and instructions given in the accompanying textbook, as well as in video clips. The product will be of use to more experienced ringers who have entrenched difficulty in hearing their own bell and striking accurately, but is really aimed at new students at the pre-bell handling stage.
Sherbourne Teaching Aids
One per Learner Copson, Pam (1985, CC) £5.00, ISBN 0 9511225 4 1, A6 format
This little book is designed to be your personal companion through the first months of learning to ring church bells. It was written primarily for use by 9-14 year old recruits at Sherbourne, where Pam had for some years struggled with the problem of putting over the theoretical side of ringing, when most elementary books were aimed at adults and are just a mite solid and boring.
The first edition, back in 1982, was just photocopied onto foolscap paper. By 1985 it was re-written onto A4 paper with minor additions and amendments making it suitable for young people from 9 to 90!
When Peter Sotheran of Redcar, (the friendly Bell ringers printer) printed the first 2500 they were sold out in three weeks. At last count in 2016 some 200,000 books had been purchased (75% being One Per Learner) plus 100,000 leaflets and 20,000 badges.
The Follow on Book Pam Copson (1986, CC) £5.00, ISBN 0 9511225 8 3, A6 format
Exactly that, this book follows on from the One-Per-Learner Book. BUT it also contains many bits of use and interest at an earlier stage. Content topics include:
A Bell-ringer’s construction kit; ringing and calling various Doubles and Minor methods; Anyone can call Bobs; A Striking Mess; The Devon Peal (called changes); Firing; Muffled ringing; How to Splice broken ropes; How to Splice methods; Understanding the Ringing World Diary; Place Notation; Place Bells; ringing on higher numbers of bells; ringing up and down in peal, etc..
Ringers Exercise Book (pack of 6) Copson, Pam (1986, CC), £5.00, ISBN 0 9511225 2 5, A5 format
A notebook for writing out all the methods as they are being learned, one method to a page. Plain Hunting from Minimus to Maximus, Plain Bob from Doubles to Major, Little Bob Minor, Grandsire Doubles and Triples, Stedman Doubles and Triples, Cambridge Surprise Minor, Kent Treble Bob Minor and a couple of sheets of squared paper for writing out touches. As appropriate there is room for plain course, blue line, place bell starts, cycle of work, rules for passing the treble and table of work at bobs and singles.
Easy Stages Plain Bob Doubles and Grandsire mini-leaflets (pack of 5 of each) Copson, Pam (, CC), £2.00Double-sided single page leaflets explaining Grandsire and Plain Bob Doubles in easy stages.
20 Questions and 19 answers (pack of 20) Pam Copson (1988, CC), £2.50
A green Leaflet with answers to all the questions non-ringers so often ask. Useful for recruitng new ringers, it has space for you to add your own contact details.
Bell Club Pack (cards and badges for 4 learners) Copson, Pam (1986, CC), £5.00 Includes 4 Personal Progress Record Cards and 4 each of the following badges: Ambitious Apprentice, Happy Hunter, Artful Dodger and Champion Campanologist
2D Ringable Model Bell Pam Copson (1988, Pam Copson) Two-dimensional wooden model bell developed from original cardboard kit marketed by Pam to demonstrate the mechanism by which a tower bell is rung.
Method Maker Pam Copson (1988, Pam Copson) A board with six coloured strands and 24 rows of 6 pins. You can weave two leads of plain minor, one of treble bob or two and a bit of doubles. So much easier than blackboard or paper for demonstrating the work of all the bells in doubles and minor. And it keeps the kids quiet for ages (unless they fight over whose turn next).
Teaching Change Ringing
Teaching Toolboxes (CD set) ART, £10.00
This CD set includes off the shelf course material covering Plain Hunt to Stedman Doubles and minor methods. Provides you with everything you need to run courses for your developing ringers.
Teaching Tips Pip Penney (2010, CC), £4.00, 46pp
With many illustrations in full colour, including sections on Teaching Skills, Coaching Tips, Initial Bell Handling, Problem Solving Tables and Learners’ Early Practices from Call Changes through Plain Hunt to Bob Doubles
Teaching Unravelled Pip Penney (2008, CC), £3.00, Review: Read Foreword online, 54pp
An evidence-based approach to teaching bell handling.
Bellhandling – A Tutor’s Companion (DVD) CC Education Committee (1997, CC), £10.00, Review: RW 1997 p919
DVD illustrating techniques for teaching bellhandling, including demonstration of some common problems.
Bellhandling & Control in the Elements of Change Ringing Albert York-Bramble (1960, College of Campanology)
Detailed step by step teaching scheme from introductory bell handling to plain hunting. Includes lists of trainee and instructor faults and test questions. (Ringers Manual of Reference Part 1).
Simulators and Teaching (DELETED – January 2014) Phil Gay (1993, CC), Review: RW 1994 p647
Describes the practical use of simulators as teaching aids at different stages of training.
One Way to Teach Bell Handling (also downloadable free of charge) Richard Pargeter (1995, CC), £2.00
A staged approach to teaching handling, based on personal experience of teaching a band from scratch, with advice on common problems at each stage.
Running a Day-Time Summer School May, Bobbie (1996, CC Public Relations Committtee)
Practical notes based on experiences of running a three day summer school of mixed events for youngsters. Advice for any tower wishing to run such an event.
Kaleidoscope Ringing – a Change Ringer’s Alternative to Called Changes Gordon I Lucas (2004, CC), £2.00, ISBN 0-900271-77-9, A5 format 20pp
Gordon Lucas analyses the basic skills needed for effective method ringing and explains the differences between those skills and the ones used to ring call changes. Then he describes an approach and a structured set of exercises, specifically designed to help develop the method ringing skills. The exercises are deceptively simple. Some elements are already familiar – for example many teachers already mix dodging with call changes. Kaleidoscope adds to that by offering a complete system, underpinned by a carefully thought out set of ideas. It is a timely and useful addition to the resources available to teachers of ringing.
Teaching Beyond Bell Handling (also downloadable free of charge) (1998, CC), £2.00, Review: RW 1998 p1103
Analysis of basic skills needed for effective method ringing, over and above those needed to ring rounds, with an approach and a structured exercises designed to help develop them.
Teaching from Rounds to Bob Doubles Wilfrid Moreton (1996, CC), £1.50
A structured scheme for progressing beyond initial training to develop method ringing ability and the associated additional bell control skills.
A Tutor’s Handbook Wilfrid Moreton & Norman Chaddock (1995, CC), £4.50
Detailed guidance for those teaching ringers. Part 1 (Bell control) covers a staged method for teaching bell handling, hunting and call change exercises, raising and lowering, advice on common faults, teaching a new band. Part 2 (Elementary change ringing) has a progressive scheme of instruction with practical and theoretical exercises from hunting on three to ringing Plain Bob on six and more. Appendices cover particular techniques.
Manual of Bell Control Norman Chaddock (1989, Marius Press)
Complete, fully illustrated guide to teaching and learning bell handling and rope control.
Collections of Methods & Diagrams
Asymmetric Plain Minor Methods Untangled Foulds, Michael (2012, The Whiting Society), £4.50 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 84pp
After a brief introduction, with some historical background, this book explains in detail why and how it is possible to obtain a true extent with conventional calls with a significant number of non-palindromic Plain Minor Methods. It includes full method diagrams of 174 such methods with “ordinary” five lead plain courses and lead ends, and no more than two blows in one place. A selection of compositions for practice touches, 540s or 576s, and extents is included for each.
Discovering Twin-Hunt Triples Methods Martin, Edward W (2010, The Whiting Society), £3.50 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 68ppImage of cover and sample pages.
Most ringers’ experience of twin-hunt Triples is confined to Grandsire, after which the genre is abandoned for the joys of Surprise Major – nothing wrong with the Surprise Major, but everything wrong with the abandonment of Triples, which is an interesting field. Eddie takes an in depth look at six ‘recommended’ methods, including Grandsire, with hints for ringing and conducting them, short touches, quarter peal and peal compositions; then a look at the challenges of composition. With full method diagrams for all 66 possible twin-hunt Pure Triples methods, and several peal compositions with explanations of how they are put together, there’s something here for all stages of development from the ringer learning to ring Grandsire Triples, the budding composer wanting to understand how extents of Triples are constructed, to the peal conductor wanting a bit of a change from Surprise Major. See also Splicing Twin-Hunt Triples Methods.
Diagrams Snowdon, Jasper & William (2011 re-issue, YACR), £12.00 post free in UK
Diagrams (no text) defining over 100 methods from Grandsire Doubles to Bristol Maximus. The original “blue line”.
Doubles Collection (DISCONTINUED – January 2014) (, CC)
Collection of Minor Methods (DISCONTINUED – January 2014) CC Methods Committee (, CC)
Collection of Plain Minor Methods, 3rd Ed (2008) (downloadable free of charge) CCCBR Methods Committee (2008, CC), Review: RW 1999 p867 (1999 edition)
Complete collection of all Plain Minor methods specified in place notation.
Collection of Principles (3rd Edition) (DISCONTINUED – January 2014) CCCBR Methods Committee (2000, CC)
Definition of 32 different principles with details of when and where first rung and the earliest peal composition for each.
Collection of Rung Surprise, Delight, Treble Bob and Alliance – to end 2007 (DISCONTINUED – January 2014) CCCBR Methods Committee (2007, CC)
Collection of all these classes of method that have been rung, specified in place notation.
Criblines 1 David Marshall & Alison Popplewell (1979, David Marshall), £1.00
Small 10cm by 7cm pocket sized booklet containing blue lines and place notations for all 41 truly regular Surprise Minor methods.
Criblines 2 David Marshall & Alison Popplewell (1981, David Marshall), £1.50
Small 10cm by 7cm pocket sized booklet containing blue lines and place notations for 60 popular Surprise Major methods.
Method 300 John Longridge (1989, Marcus Press)
A collection of method lines covering about 300 of those more frequently rung.
Methods in Place Notation CC Methods Committee (1992, CC)
Large collection of methods described by their place notation.
TB Major Variations John Longridge (, profile)
A short booklet seeking to clarify the different variations of Kent TB Major.
Treble Dodging Minor Methods 3rd Ed (2008) (downloadable free of charge) CCCBR Methods Committee (2008, CC), Review: RW 1996 p1025
A complete collection in place notation.
360 Treble Dodging Minor Grids Bishop, Anthony S (2010, The Whiting Society), £4.50 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 84pp
Tony Bishop explains briefly why the method grid is one of the most useful aids to learning, and acquiring a large repertoire of methods. But most of the book consists of the method grids for 360 different Treble Dodging Minor methods, in colour, with index. Aimed at the ordinary ringer – if you can ring Cambridge you can use this!
Untrodden Ground – Fresh Thinking on Non-Palindromic Plain Minor Methods Foulds, Michael (2012, The Whiting Society), £4.50 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 72pp
This book follows on from Asymmetric Plain Minor Methods Untangled, and covers those non-palindromic Plain Minor methods with single change lead ends, explaining the significant implications for composition. The book has full method diagrams for all the 114 such methods, with no more than two successive blows made in one place, for which true extents can be produced with lead end calls. It also gives compositions for extents and quarter peal lengths (540 or 576) for all 96 lead end groups applicable to these methods.
Conducting
The Bob Caller’s Companion Coleman, Steve (1994, Sue Coleman), Review: RW 1996 p 1073, 430pp
Hardback book with detailed guidance on calling plain courses and touches in widely rung methods from Bob Doubles upwards. 600 easy touches and quarter peals. Chapters on putting right and composing.
On Conducting Wilson, Wilfrid (1960, CC)
Description of conducting methods covering both “traditional” and coursing order based methods from Plain Bob Minor to Maximus and Surprise Major.
Conducting & Coursing Order John Longridge (1989, profile)
Practical guide to coursing order and how conductors can use it to check and put right the ringing.
Conducting for Beginners (1981, CC)
Covers Bob Doubles and Minor, Grandsire Doubles and Single Oxford Minor. Detailed description of touches and extents. Describes use of coursing order.
Conducting Grandsire Triples Chaddock, Norman ( , CC)
Short booklet on different ways of calling Grandsire Triples, with some touches included.
Conducting Stedman (also downloadable free of charge) Parsons, David (1989, CC), £2.50
Practical guidance on conducting a very popular but specialised method.
Conducting Stedman Triples Moreton, Wilfrid ( , CC)
Short booklet explaining the notation used for writing touches, with helpful advice on how to call touches and watch the method. Also useful for learning how to ring it.
Will you Call a Touch Please, Bob – A Beginner’s Guide to Conducting Peter Hurcombe (1989, CC), £2.50
Detailed guidance including: preparation, observation bells, calling positions, standard touches and practical tips. Appendices on good striking, correcting mistakes, transposition, useful touches.
Touches and Compositions
Handbook of Composition (downloadable free of charge) John R Leary (1993, CC Publications Committee), Review: RW 1993 p1280, A4 64pp (scanned images – 7.8MB PDF file)
A Collection of Stedman Compositions (also downloadable free of charge) (2011, CC), £5.00
Includes 294 compositions of Stedman from Caters to Septuples and also 38 compositions of Erin from Caters to Octuples.
Splicing Twin-Hunt Triples Methods Martin, Edward W (2010, The Whiting Society), £2.50 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 44pp
This is the sequel to Discovering Twin-Hunt Triples Methods and covers the theory of splicing the methods. The book is ideal for both students of composition and budding conductors, as it contains a selection of short touches, suitable for practices, service touches, meetings, and so on; a selection of quarter peal compositions, and a selection of peal compositions, building up to more methods than have yet been rung! The author not only provides the compositions, but explains the underlying theory behind their construction, particularly the peal compositions, where each additional method inserted is often explained step by step.
Compleat Cambridge Thompson, Giles (, profile)
Treatise on Cambridge Major which includes almost all published compositions together with sections on its proof and composition.
Composition 500 (, Profile)
The first in a series of peal compositions designed as an outlet for composers and a source for conductors and composers. One of its features has been to encompass a wide spectrum of tastes and not to be that selective in terms of what may or may not be suitable for ringing – this is of especial interest to composers.
Composition 501 (, Profile)
A further collection of composisions compiled on the same basis as Composition 500.
Composition 502 (, profile)
The third in the Composition 50[n] series.
Composition 2000 Mears, Michael & Campbell, Wendy (2000, profile), Review: RW 2000 p810 (review online)
A further collection of compositions in a continuation of the composition 50[n] series.
Spliced Minor Collection (DISCONTINUED – January 2014) CCCBR Peal Compositions Committee (2004 reprint of 1986 edition, CC)
A collection of 720’s, 1440’s and 5040’s of spliced minor covering Plain, Treble Bob and Alliance methods. 101pp.
Easily Remembered Service Touches David Parsons (Rev 1998, CC), £1.50
Over 150 simple compositions in basic methods on all numbers, of varied lengths up to quarter peals.
Collection of Compositions of Popular Major Methods (2001) (DISCONTINUED – January 2014) Roderick R Horton (2001, CC), Review: Review online
Collection of Universal Compositions of Treble Dodging Major Methods (2001) (DISCONTINUED – January 2014) (2001, CC)
Multi-Extent Block Compositions Warboys, John S (2008, The Whiting Society), £5.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 112pp
A monumental exposition of the theory of multi-extent block composition in Spliced Treble Dodging Minor by its most accomplished and prolific proponent. The first half explains the theory of the splices, the second half contains a wide and varied selection of the author’s compositions with explanation of the construction of each, from 1440s to 7200s, all printed in full by the lead heads.
A Collection of Ten Bell Compositions (2004) (downloadable free of charge) CCCBR Peal Compositions Committee (2005, CC)
A collection of 741 compositions in single methods on 10 bells. Compiled by David Hull and Rod Pipe, and edited by Stuart Hutchieson. This and A Collection of 12+ Bell Compositions form a substantial successor to the 1972 Collection of Ten & Twelve Bell Compositions.
A Collection of Twelve+ Bell Compositions (2004) (downloadable free of charge) CCCBR Peal Compositions Committee (2005, CC)
A collection of 606 compositions in single methods on 12 bells, 18 on 14 bells and 17 on 16 bells. Compiled by David Hull and Rod Pipe, and edited by Stuart Hutchieson. This and A Collection of 10 Bell Compositions form a substantial successor to the 1972 Collection of Ten & Twelve Bell Compositions.
Collection of Grandsire Compositions (downloadable free of charge) CCCBR Peal Compositions Committee (2004, CC)
Includes 469 compositions for all stages from Doubles to Sixteen. Compiled by Richard Allton.
Quarter 500 John Longridge (1980, profile)
500 quarter peal compositions of varying complexity in methods from Plain Bob Doubles to Spliced Surprise Maximus.
Standard 70 John Longridge (1980, profile)
This is an all-in-one booklet for the peal or quarter peal ringer, ordinary touch ringer and tower grabber – in fact anybody who fears being caught on the hop without the line, touch, quarter or peal for the 70 or so most popular methods from five to twelve bells.
Short Touches of Spliced Minor Foulds, Michael (2005, The Whiting Society), £3.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 60pp
A collection of straightforward practice night touches and quarter peal lengths in the methods covered in An Introduction to Ringing Multi-Method Spliced Treble Bob Minor
Harpenden Handbell Band, The Bernard H Taylor (2006, The Whiting Society), £5.00 inc. UK P&P, A5 format 104pp
The inspirational story of the exploits of the Harpenden Handbell Band from 1999 to 2003, when they rang record peals of Surprise Minor (209 methods in 5040 then 233 methods in 5760), Thirds Place Delight (134 methods) and Fourths Place Delight (81 methods). Provides all the compositions used in the record peals, many used at intermediate stages, and many not used, which would enable the keen band to set new records for traditional lead end spliced – all just as suitable for tower bells.
Theory of Change Ringing
Multi-Method Doubles, An Introduction to Ringing Bamforth, Stuart I (2014, The Whiting Society), £3.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 36pp
Introduces concept of learning new methods by combining work of one method above treble with another below. Takes reader through 34 simple methods arranged in groups, and how to call single method and spliced extents.
Method Splicing, Part 1, Minor Methods Chant, Harold (2007, The Whiting Society), £5.00 (inc UK P&P), A5 format 96pp
A reprint of the monumental 1966 work on splicing Minor methods, which has been out of print for over 25 years. Covers Plain and Treble Dodging methods, then a superb analysis of the theory of splicing Little and Alliance methods.
Plain Minor Method Splicing Tables Foulds, Michael (2006, The Whiting Society), £4.00 (inc UK P&P), A5 format 72pp
Comprehensive splicing tables for all 2nd and 6th place Plain Minor methods with no more than 4 blows in on place and a true 5-lead plain course. Shows all the lead splices, course splices, 3-lead splices and grid splices.
An Introduction to Ringing Multi-Method Spliced Treble Bob Minor Foulds, Michael (2002, The Whiting Society), £5.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 116pp
Covers 85 of the 147 regular methods, how they are related, work above and below treble, full diagram of each. Explains how to arrange spliced extents using lead splicers, course splicers, 3-lead splicers and 6-lead splicers. A text book for those wanting to explore life beyond endless Cambridge and Norwich, not a collection of methods or compositions. See Short Touches of Spliced Minor
Intermediate Spliced Treble Bob Minor Foulds, Michael (2002, The Whiting Society), £5.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 116pp
Covers the remaining 62 methods not covered in An Introduction to Ringing Multi-Method Spliced Treble Bob Minor. With full diagrams of each, how they are related, work above and below treble. Explains further theory; Parker’s arrangement, Relfe’s arrangement, Driver’s composite course, The Grid Splice, etc. A text book, not a collection of compositions. Includes A3 table of legitimate methods, regular and irregular.
Advanced Spliced Treble Bob Minor Foulds, Michael (2003, The Whiting Society), £5.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 124pp
Follows on from Intermediate Spliced Treble Bob Minor to cover illegitimate methods with 5th place above the treble and/or single changes, then moves on to irregular methods and the splicing implications of the irregular lead end, and the theory of splicing regular and irregular methods together into true extents. More on complex grid splices, and a worked example of a 30 method extent. Includes A3 method table.
Spliced Treble Bob Minor Data Tables Foulds, Michael (2003, The Whiting Society), £5.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 108pp
A compilation of splicing tables for all the 2nd and 6th place methods in Treble Dodging Minor Methods (CC Publications) showing all the lead splices, course splices, 3-lead splices and 6-lead splices possible between them, and a few other sundry bits of data on more obscure splices. Little explanation – just tables – assumes user is familiar with content of An Introduction …, Intermediate … and Advanced … (see above).
Treble Place Minor Splicing Tables Foulds, Michael (2004, The Whiting Society), £5.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 88pp
Similar in format to Spliced Treble Bob Minor Data Tables above but this time covering Treble Place methods. No explanations, just raw data for those who already understand how to use it, or are prepared to read and study books 1 to 3 in the Spliced Treble Bob Minor series. Contains some sample extents including compositions for up to 206 Treble Place methods in seven extents.
A Universal System for Extents of Treble Dodging Minor Methods Bishop, Anthony S (2004, The Whiting Society), £5.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 92pp
A theoretical treatise on the extent of Treble Dodging Minor methods which should be useful to anyone interested in calling extents of Minor or wanting to know more about the theoretical background. All the possible extents are here, including irregular methods and 4th place lead ends. A good grounding in general change ringing theory, covering method construction, nature of rows, place notation, Q-Sets, etc, for any keen student. Aimed at the “ordinary ringer” with an interest in theory – doesn’t assume you know already! Also has short digressions on plain methods, Treble Place methods, Differential Methods, etc.
The Beginners Guide to the Construction of Methods Moreton, Wilfrid (1995, CC)
A comprehensive guide to how methods are constructed, why they are named as they are, how methods are extended to higher numbers and the first elements of proof. It starts from a basic level and covers theoretical aspects of methods.
Method Splicing – Practical Hints (also downloadable free of charge) John P Fidler (2004 reprint, CC), £3.00
Understanding Place Notation (downloadable free of charge) Morris, R G T (1984, CC)
Basic description of what place notation is and how to use it to construct diagrams of methods, with examples.
Change Ringing: The Art and Science of Change Ringing on Church and Hand Bells Wilson, Wilfrid G (1989, Freda Willgress)
A wide ranging and comprehensive introduction to method ringing and general theory. Available only from Mrs Alison Williams, St Peters Cottage, Old Hall, Old Mansion Drive, Bredon, Worcs GL20 7LH, UK. Price £14 (including UK postage) cheque with order.
Maintenance and Restoration
The Bell Adviser (DISCONTINUED – January 2014) (, CC)
Guidelines for a Do-It-Yourself Project (DISCONTINUED – January 2014) (1996, CC)
Handbook on Installation, Preservation and Repair of Bells, Frames and Fittings (OUT OF PRINT see CCCBR Library Catalogue Section 5.6) CC T&B Committee (1969, CC)
Reference information of most relevance to those undertaking major work, but also of use to steeple keepers.
Maintenance Handbook Frost, Alan (1979, CC)
Guidance on general bell maintenance. Old fashioned style superseded by Schedule of Regular Maintenance.
Organising a Bell Restoration Project (2010, CC), £2.50
This booklet gives guidance and encouragement upon all aspects of a bell restoration project from getting started, through choosing a contractor to fund raising and other financial and legal matters.
Care of Bell Ropes ( , Pritchards)
Practical advice.
Rope Splicing Gilkes, William (, ODG)
Basic explanatory leaflet.
Splicing Bell Ropes Illustrated (2005, CC), £3.50
A step-by-step guide to splicing bell ropes with 31 illustrations in full colour.
Schedule of Regular Maintenance CC Towers and Belfries Committee (, CC), £3.00
Good practical guide to bell maintenance with plenty of diagrams (some used in section 14 of The Tower Handbook).
Sound Management CC Towers & Belfries Committee (1998, CC), £1.50, (view Sound Management online), Review: RW 1999 p722, A5 12pp
Guidance in principle, discussing sound propagation, sound barriers and shadows, imperforate enclosures and barriers, material types, measurement of sound levels, sound inside and outside the tower, sound lanterns, and sources of advice.
Tower Changes CC T&B Committee ( , CC)
Guidelines on procedure for work to bells and bell equipment.
Towers and Bells Handbook CC Towers & Belfries committee (2006, CC), £17.95
Hardback reference book covering bells, towers, tower oscillation, bell frames, bell gear, sound control, maintenance.
Bellframes: A practical Guide to Inspection and Recording Pickford, Christopher J (compiler) (1993, Chris Pickford), £6.50 (plus £1 p&p), Review: RW 1993 p336, ISBN 0 9512321 1 8, iv+60pp
Church Bells and Towers (an analysis of interaction) Don Robinson & Harry Windsor (1994, CC), £5.00, Review: RW 1995 p290
A seminal description of how swinging bells can interact with towers causing movement. It is a technical report of theoretical and practical research, but written in a style that should be accessible to the numerate layman.
Handbells
The Beginners Guide to Change Ringing on Handbells William Butler (1988, CC), £2.50
Progressive guidance on ringing handbells including handling and all basic positions up to ringing Plain Bob Minor on any pair.
Change Ringing on Handbells Chris W Woolley (1959, CC), £2.50
Covers basics, positions and methods up to Surprise.
Musical Handbells Butler, William (2000, Sotheran), £20 inc. UK P&P, Review: RW 2000 p951 (copy online)
Comprehensive history of musical handbells and their founders.
Ringing Elementary Minor Methods on Handbells King, Frank H (1974, NAGCR Book Service)
From absolute basics, via patterns and “interruptions”, to Cambridge Surprise Minor.
West County Call Change Ringing
Ringing Down’Ere – Call Change Ringing in the Far South West – The Mystery Unveiled Purdey, John A & Borlase, Owen J (2010, The Whiting Society), £4.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 72pp
A comprehensive treatise on the ringing of call changes in the West Country style, covering bell handling, raising and lowering, organisations, competitions, and including lots of compositions for call change peals on both 6 and 8 bells. Aimed at both the beginner based in the West Country who wants a good textbook, and the method ringer who wants to give proper call changes a try, instead of regarding it just as a training exercise.
Tower Bells
Atlas of Bells (OUT OF PRINT) Johnston, Ron et al (1990, Blackwell)
Hardback book with general introduction to ringing and maps of bells by county (in UK) and by country (rest of the world) together with map references.
Dove’s Guide for Church Bell Ringers to the Rings of Bells of the World John Baldwin, Tim Jackson & Ron Johnston (2012, CC), £15.00, (view tower details online – updated as changes are received), ISBN 978-0-900271-95-3, A5 format 300+pp
Details of churches and other buildings with rings (not chimes) of 3 or more bells, tenor weight 0.5cwt or more, including: number of bells; tenor weight and note; practice night; and National Grid reference. Also a complete set of ‘traditional’ Dove appendices including: lightweight rings (under 0.5cwt); lost and transferred rings; carillons; notable bells; and many more.
The Sound of Bells Kelly, D J (1997, RW pp 239, 394, 631, 871)
Four articles describing the theory of bell sounds, musical principles, modes of vibration and decay, tuning, etc.
Tower Base Craddock, Andrew (Frequently updated, Craddock)
Where’s that Tower (OUT OF PRINT – WILL NOT BE REPRINTED) Baldwin, John C (1986, Baldwin)
Map references of towers with bells hung for ringing. See latest edition of Dove’s Guide , which contains map references for more towers, regularly updated.
Bells of Specific Counties or Dioceses
Church Bells of York Bryant, David J (2011, Kevin Atkinson), £75, 250pp
A new publication surveying the bells in the City of York. A highly detailed work which covers all the bells in the City (including the suburbs) with exception to those in schools. Over 250 pages ** Colour photos ** Quality hard back binding
Church Bells of Berkshire Sharpe, Frederick (1970, Baldwin), £10 inc. P&P
The Bells of Berwickshire Clouston, Ranald W M (2000, Clouston), Review: RW 2000 p446, 40pp
Church Bells of Derbyshire, Part 1 Dawson, George A (1998, Dawson), £10
Church Bells of Derbyshire, Part 2 Dawson, George A (1998, Dawson), £10
Church Bells of Derbyshire, Part 3 Dawson, George A (1998, Dawson), £10
Towers and Bells of Devon Scott, John, Mack, Frank and Clarke, James (2007, The Mint Press), £55 incl. postage, Review: RW 2007 p308, ISBN 9781903356500 – the set, 784 pp
In two volumes, Volume One: History of Towers, bells, Bell-founders, Bell-hangers & Ringers, and Volume Two: Abbots’s Bickington to Zeal Monachorum
The Bells and Belfries of Dorset (3 volumes) Dalton, Christopher (2000 – 1st edition, Dalton), Review: RW 2000 pp 1230, 1233-4
Church Bells of Gloucestershire Sharpe, Frederick, with Bliss, Mary (1986, Baldwin), £25 (inc p&p)
Towers and Bells around Guildford Morgan, Julian and Schupke, Sally (1999 – 1st edition, Morgan), £4.50 (inc p&p), Review: RW 1999 p747, 75pp
Church Bells of Herefordshire (5 volumes) Sharpe, Frederick (1976, Baldwin), £5 per volume (inc p&p)
Lincolnshire Bells & Bellfounders Ketteringham, John R (2004 reprint of 1st (2000) edition, ), Review: RW 2002 15 Feb 2002 page 162, ISBN 0 9512738 6 8, xviii+382pp
The Church Bells of Norfolk: Part 5 — The Hundred of Depwade Cattermole, Paul (2000 – 1st edition, Golden Bell Press), £3.50 (inc p&p), Review: RW 2000 p714, 42pp
Church Bells of Nottinghamshire, Part 1 Dawson, George A (1994, Dawson), £7
Church Bells of Nottinghamshire, Part 2 Dawson, George A (1995, Dawson), £10
Church Bells of Nottinghamshire, Part 3 Dawson, George A (1995, Dawson), £11
Church Bells of Oxfordshire [CD ROM version: 2005] Baldwin (1953, Baldwin), £15 (inc p&p in UK)
An Inventory of the Church Bells of the Diocese of Peterborough Pearson, Denis, et al (1989 – 1st edition, Christopher Groome), £6 (inc p&p in UK), ii+52pp
NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE – PUBLISHER SEEKING NEW DISTRIBUTOR – 17 Dec 2009
Church Bells of Sheffield Diocese Dawson, George A (1998, Dawson), £15
Bells and Bellringing in South Staffordshire: The History of the first 100 years of the Lichfield and Walsall Archdeaconry Society of Change Ringers Hutchieson, Stuart and Speake, Eric (2000 – 1st edition, Hutchieson), £3.50 (inc p&p), Review: RW 2000, p1199, 36pp
Founding and Bellfounders
The Gorbals Brass and Bell Foundry Foulds, Michael (2011, The Whiting Society), £6.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 116pp
This is the history of Scotland’s only ever industrial scale bellfoundry, the people who ran it, who they were and how they lived, and their most significant products, larger bells and chimes. It is copiously illustrated in colour, and charts the course of the Gorbals Foundry from its first bell in 1838, until its closure in 1928. It also covers the firm’s successor, Steven & Struthers, until its demise in 1961, marking the end of bellfounding in Scotland.
The Craft of the Bellfounder Elphick, George (1988 – 1st edition, Phillimore), £15, ISBN 0 85033 648 1, xii+132pp
Well illustrated book explaining some of the technical and historical aspects of bell founding.
Bellfounding Jennings, Trevor (1988, Shire)
Well illustrated description of bell founding, tuning and fittings.
Temporary Site Bellfounding Technology and the Itinerant Bellfounder’s Technique Jennings, Trevor S (2007, The Printers), Review: RW 2007 p285, ISBN 978-0-9500076-8-7
Dictionary of Campanology Struckett, David (1985, David Struckett), £3 (inc p&p), 128pp
Dictionary of ringing terms, comprehensive list of bell founders and foundries, bibliography on bells and ringing.
Musical Handbells Butler, William (2000, Sotheran), £20 inc. UK P&P, Review: RW 2000 p951 (copy online)
Comprehensive history of musical handbells and their founders.
Clocks
The Turret Clock Keeper’s Handbook McKay, Chris (1998 – 1st edition, Antiquarian Horological Society), £2 (inc p&p), Review: RW 1998 p1175, 39pp
History and Biography
Ten Bells – A Lighthearted Look at the Bells and Ringers of Derby Cathedral Halls, Patricia A. M. (2016, The Whiting Society), £7.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 104pp
A history of the bells and the ringers of All Saints’ Church, Derby, now Derby Cathedral, from the building of the tower around 1510, up to the writing of the book in 2015. The work is, by its very nature, rather specialised. It is well researched and well written, and covers many of the characters involved in some depth. It should be of interest to the change ringing fraternity, and also to family history enthusiasts and researchers. The book is illustrated in colour!
Glasbury Bells and Ringers Lewis, Colin A. (2015, The Whiting Society), £7.00 inc UKP&P, A5 format, 100pp
This is a history of the bells of the village of Glasbury-on-Wye, and of the people who rang them, from 1685 up to the time of writing (2015), written by an author who grew up and learned to ring in the village, and has returned to live there following his retirement. The work is, by nature, very specialised, but well researched and well written, as well as covering many of the characters involved in some depth. It would be of interest not only to the change ringing fraternity, but also to family history enthusiasts and researchers with connections in that area. The book is lavishly illustrated in colour.
The Hereford Diocesan Guild of Bellringers, 1886-1986 – The History of the First Hundred Years Eisel, John C (2013, The Whiting Society), £5.50 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 108pp
What can one add to a title as eloquent and descriptive as that? This is a comprehensive history of the first century of the Hereford Diocesan Guild, its main characters, centres of activity and achievements, decade by decade. The book is quite copiously illustrated, in black and white only, and is an enjoyable and absorbing read giving valuable insights into what ringing was like more than a century ago.
Yorkshire Tails – The Story of Bingley Bells and Ringers Grave, Karl (2012, The Whiting Society), £6.50 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 120pp
The story of the bells and ringers of All Saints’ Church, Bingley, from the first mention of bells in the churchwardens’ accounts for 1651, up until the present day. Through the nineteenth century, Bingley had one of the strongest six-bell bands in the country. The research has involved much reference to contemporary documents, some of which are reproduced in the book, and covers the bell installation and its maintenance, augmentations, and its benefactors. But the book is primarily about the ringers and their performances, and their relationship with the town, the Church, and the prevailing social conditions.
Henry Williams – The Glasbury Bellfounder Lewis, Colin A (2012, The Whiting Society), £6.00 inc. UK P&P, A5 format 112pp
This is about the life and products of Henry Williams of Glasbury, who cast his bells in the period 1677 to 1719. There are also useful chapters about bellfounding and bell tuning in general, and about another bellfounder who marked his bells ‘TP’ who is believed to have taken over the business of Henry Williams following his death. The book is illustrated in colour, and provides a lot of general information about tonal analysis of bells, harmonic tuning, and so on, in addition to being a detailed history of Henry Williams.
The Gorbals Brass and Bell Foundry Foulds, Michael (2011, The Whiting Society), £6.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 116pp
This is the history of Scotland’s only ever industrial scale bellfoundry, the people who ran it, who they were and how they lived, and their most significant products, larger bells and chimes. It is copiously illustrated in colour, and charts the course of the Gorbals Foundry from its first bell in 1838, until its closure in 1928. It also covers the firm’s successor, Steven & Struthers, until its demise in 1961, marking the end of bellfounding in Scotland.
The Part Time Bellfounders of Glasgow and Renfrewshire Foulds, Michael (2013, The Whiting Society), £6.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 100pp
A sequel to The Gorbals Brass and Bell Foundry, this book covers the bellfounding activities of a dozen or so other firms which were in operating in Glasgow and along the Clyde between about 1780 and 1910. The book supplies some biographical information about the owners of the firms, where and how they lived, and when they died, and also describes some surviving examples of their work. It is similar in layout and concept to The Gorbals Brass and Bell Foundry. The book is copiously illustrated in colour, and tells the story of a bellfounding industry which has remained largely unknown to mainstream bell enthusiasts.
Order and Disorder in the Eighteenth Century: Newspaper extracts about Church Bells and Bellringing Cyril Wratten (compiler), John Eisel (editor) (2010, Friends of the CC Library), xvi + 381pp, soft covers, illustrated
This important publication reveals the spread of change ringing, the ‘sport’ among ringers, the distances they were prepared to travel etc. A resource for research projects, an ideal present and a good read!
Ringing World 1911-1940 DVDs CC Library Committee (2010, Friends of the CC Library)
Two DVDs containing more than 23,000 pages of The Ringing World from 1911 to 1940 held in 30 fully searchable PDF files. In addition a 2,600 item index and a short history of The Ringing World are included. An invaluable source of information for research into ringers, ringing, towers and associations.
Ringing World 1941-1970 DVDs CC Library Committee (2013, Friends of the CC Library)
Similar to Ringing World 1911-1940 DVDs.
Bell News DVD (Version 2) CC Library Committee (2013, Friends of the CC Library)
This DVD brings together what is probably the most complete run of this important journal, published monthly in 1881/2 and weekly between 1883 and 1915. It includes prelim pages, supplements and pictorial inserts, not usually found in bound copies. Out of more than 27,000 published pages only 5 were untraceable (4 prelims and one insert) and so are not included. The compehensive index produced by the late Cyril Wratten (with more than 16,000 headings and 142,00 references) allows ‘point and click’ access to items on subjects such as peals and other ringing, places, guilds and associations.
(Version 2 comprises fully searchable PDF files for each year.)
Two Ringing Periodicals CD CC Library Committee (2000, Friends of the CC Library)
Campanology No 1 (16 September 1896) – No 26 (10 March 1897), and The Bellringer No 1 (5 January 1907) – No 9 (1 June 1907). Includes indexes to both publications
Trollope Manuscript CD CC Library Committee (1999, Friends of the CC Library)
One of the most important items in the CC Library is the Trollope manuscript, the product of a lifetime’s research by J Armiger Trollope. It covers the history of change ringing in London in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, together with a chapter on ringing in the provinces and a bibliography. This unique and important manuscript of over 7,000 pages deserves to be better known and to be readily available to researchers.
Library Catalogue 2002 – Part 1: Printed Books, together with 2007 update John C Eisel (compiler) (2002, 2007, Friends of the CC Library), approx 160pp
Part 1 of the Library Catalogue extends to about 160 pages. It is an essential reference work for those collect books on the subject, or who run a similar library, or who are just interested in what has been published over the years. The comprehensive nature of the CC Library means that this is the fullest bibliography that has yet been published.
Forbidden Methods Grave, Karl (2010, The Whiting Society), £4.50
Most ringers will have seen old peal boards commemorating 18th and 19th century peals of Minor, and been fascinated by the colourful names of the methods rung. Woodbine, Violet, Arnold’s Victory, Duke of York, Tulip, and so on. So why aren’t they popular now? Karl tells the intriguing story of how their extinction was deliberately arranged. Also covers the genesis of spliced composition and tells us who was the true “father of spliced”. Not a technical book at all, more historical, absolutely for the ordinary ringer.
Living Heritage: 300 years of bells, ringing and ringers at All Saints Wokingham Harrison, John (2009, John Harrison), £9.50 (inc UK p&p), ISBN 0-9563740-0-4, A5, 160pp, Over 160 pictures and diagrams.
The book follows the fortunes of ringing at one tower over three centuries – the life span of their oldest bells. It looks at the world they lived in, and how they related to both the community around them, and the church whose bells they rang. Sometimes they were in a backwater and at other times helping to make history. It contains colourful anecdotes related to the lives of the ringers.
Campanology on the Bingley Bells by “One of the Craft” Grave, Karl, Ed (2008, The Whiting Society), £2.00 inc UK P&P, A5 format, 28pp
A fascinating reprint of an 1875 booklet (with some additional explanatory notes by the editor) describing performances by the band at All Saints’, Bingley, during the period 1793 to 1873. A valuable historical record of ringing at what would have been (and would still be!) a very advanced six-bell tower in the 19th century.
UBSCR: 1943-1999 – A History of the University of Bristol Society of Change Ringers Bliss, Mary (ed) and Andrew Agg, Patrick Bird and John Manley, (1999, Andrew Agg), £20 (plus £1.50 p&p), Review: RW 2000 p1157, ISBN 0-9537 588 0-X, iv+140pp
The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers 1891-1991, A Centenary History W. T. Cook (1993, CC), £7.00, Review: RW 1994 p253
The Society of College Youths 1637-2005: a new history of the Society Cook, William T and Love, Dickon (2005, ASCY), £20 (inc p&p)
Comprises the original 1987 edition by Bill Cook with all known errors corrected, two new chapters edited by Dickon Love and additional pictures and illustrations throughout.
Village Bells: Sound and Meaning in the 19th Century French Countryside Corbin, Alain (1998, Columbia University Press), Review: RW 1999 p700, ISBN 0 231 10450 2X, 416pp
Giants of the Exercise Eisel, John C (1999, CC), £6.00, Review: RW 1998 p1102
Giants of the Exercise II – More Notable Ringers of the Past (also downloadable free of charge) Eisel, John C (2006, CC), £6.00, Review: RW 2007 p236
Ringing biographies of 28 notable ringers with 40 illustrations.
An Unassuming Genius: The Life and Times of A J Pitman (also downloadable free of charge) Michael B Davies (2007, CC), £6.00, ISBN 0-900271-88-4, x+169pp
Tower 500 — A History of the Tower of the Church of St John the Baptist, Bere Regis, 1500-2000 England, John (2000, Bere Regis PCC), £5 (inc p&p), Review: RW 2000 p294, 20pp
Ring in the True: The history of the first hundred years of the Lincoln Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers Frith, Denis (2000, Denis Frith), £4.50 (plus 70p p&p), Review: RW 2000 p1133, vi+62pp
The Bells and Ringers of All Saints’, Llanbradach OUT OF PRINT Giles, Andrew (1999, Andrew Giles), Review: RW 1999 p355, 80pp
Ting Tangs, Trebles and Tenors: A collection of historical notes, anecdotes and customs about some of the bells, belfries and bellringers of East Derbyshire & West Nottinghamshire Holdgate, Glyn (1999, Glyn Holdgate), £14 (inc p&p), ISBN 0 9535472 0 5, 256pp
Lincoln Cathedral: A History of the Bells, Bellringers and Bellringing Ketteringham, John R (2000 – 2nd edition, Lincoln Minster Shops Ltd), £12.95 (plus £2.25 p&p), Review: RW 2000 p790, also note on p.1147, (copy of TOC and order form online), ISBN 0 9537606 0 X, x+118pp
Includes a detailed account of the installation of the ‘Cambridge Quarters’ at Lincoln Cathedral and the problems associated with them. Also contains an account of the elaborate way in which the curfew is rung at the Cathedral from at least 1260. Details are also given of the link with the ringing of the curfew at Oxford, formerly in the Diocese of Lincoln.
Peterborough to Pennsylvania: Henry Penn Bellfounder Lee, Michael (1999 – 2nd edition, Michael Lee), £8 (inc p&p), ISBN 1 902256 01 8, 150pp
The Steeple, Bells and Ringers of Coventry Cathedral Pickford, Christopher J (1987, Chris Pickford), £10.95 (plus £1.50 p&p), Review: RW 1987 pp727-8, ISBN 0 9512321 0 X, xii+132pp
Change Ringing History: The History of an English Art, Volume 1 J. Sanderson (1987, CC), £7.00
The development of change ringing up to 1699.
Change Ringing History: The History of an English Art, Volume 2 (OUT OF PRINT – WILL NOT BE REPRINTED) J. Sanderson (1992, CC)
An overview of the eighteenth century.
Change Ringing History: The History of an English Art, Volume 3 J. Sanderson (1995, CC), £7.00, Review: RW 1995 p242
A regional survey of the eighteenth century.
The 43ers – 60th Anniversary Scott, Stanley G (2004, Stanley G Scott), £10 (inc p&p) (cheques payable to S G Scott), Review: RW 2004 p529
A compilation of reminiscences from 58 of those who learned to ring in 1943 when the wartime ban on tower bell ringing was lifted.
My Life Among the Bells Smith, Robert B (1999 – 1st edition, Robert B Smith), £9.95 (inc p&p), Review: RW 1999 p1233, ISBN 0 9537265 0 9, viii+195pp
A History of the Ladies Guild of Change Ringers 1912-2000 Stevenson, Janet (1999 – 1st edition, Janet Stevenson), £8.50 plus £1 for p&p, Review: RW 1999 p1106, ISBN 0 9536869 0 6, viii+192pp
The story of Ladies in ringing from the late 19th century to the end of the 20th. It tells especially the story of the Ladies Guild, founded in 1912, to the present day, with full records of achievements.
Poetry & Humour
Inspired by Bells Snowdon Series (, Christopher Groome), £16 (inc p&p), xxi+158pp
Anthology of verse and prose from Baudelaire, Betjeman and Hugo to Sayers, Shakespeare and Wilson. 10-page historical preface.
NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE – PUBLISHER SEEKING NEW DISTRIBUTOR – 17 Dec 2009
A Touch of Ringers Martin, D&B (1991, D&B Martin)
A humorous introduction to ringing and ringers told in pictures.
Software
Software Catalogue CC Information & Communications Technology Committee (Frequently updated, CC)
Reference
Central Council Handbook (1978, CC)
Description of the history and operation of the council including the work and terms of reference of its 14 committees, its rules and list of affiliated societies.
Central Council Rules and Decisions (also downloadable free of charge) (2013, CC), £2.50
The Council’s Decisions CC Methods Committee (1992, CC)
Central Council recommendations on matters including the installation and preservation of bells, their use for worship and public occasions, the aims and conduct of associations, and (at more length) rules on peals, methods and compositions.
CCCBR Newsletter – July 2002 (2002, CC)
From the President, Education committee role and activities, Ringing Centres committee news, Radio Aerials in Church Towers, Ringing Roadshow 2003
CCCBR Newsletter – May 2002 (2002, CC)
Heritage matters, Bell Restoration Committee
CCCBR Newsletter – November 2001 (2001, CC)
The Ringing Centres, the Towers and Belfries committees and Ringing Roadshow 2003
CCCBR Newsletter – March 2000 (2001, CC)
The Education Committee
CCCBR Newsletter – August 2000 (2000, CC)
Origins of the Council
Recordings
Bell Recordings Ketteringham, John R (, Ketteringham)
An extensive list of personal and commercial recordings, many with downloadable samples, is maintained by John Ketteringham.
Hampshire Bells CD (OUT OF PRINT) Bailey, Mike (2001, Roy LeMarechal), Review: Review online and RW 2001 p771
Over 70 minutes of recordings from 15 Hampshire towers, some good, some interesting, all worth hearing. Includes four sets of bells that have since been retuned or replaced. Stages from Doubles to Sextuples.
