Your Other Questions Answered
Will I feel welcome and at home, even if I'm very inexperienced and have never been before?
Yes, you most certainly will. All the Organising Team, all the tutors and all the helpers know just how it feels to turn up in a strange place for the first time. We will make you completely welcome from the moment you arrive, and we will take you to your room, show you around and introduce you to others. But if you are at all concerned beforehand, please give Mike W a ring to chat about it.
Do I need to bring anything?
Yes: soap, towels, dressing gown, coat hangers and comfy shoes – please see the Venue page. If you feel superstitious, bring an umbrella.
Otherwise, no, but you will probably feel reassured to have your favourite ringing books with you, and a notebook for writing helpful tips in.
Do I need to bring a car?
No, although most people do and there's plenty of parking. Groups organise transport to the towers among themselves. Passengers often give the driver petrol money of about £2 per trip depending on distance.
If you wish to know about public transport to Crowthorne, please contact Margaret or Chris.
Will there be much travelling?
There will certainly be some travelling to towers, particularly for the towers either side of lunch on Friday and Saturday. The very furthest towers are about 25 miles or so from the school as the crow flies, but most are nearer. That said, most students enjoy seeing the surrounding countryside and villages.
Will I need maps?
Probably not, as there are normally plenty around. If you want to bring some, though, Bradfield is situated on the edge of OS Landranger map 175. Your towers may be on Ordnance Survey sheets 174, 175, 185 and/or 186.
Will I need to leave donations at the towers?
No. Your course fee includes an amount for a donation to every tower you visit.
Will I be ringing on nice bells?
That depends on what you personally think are nice bells. The Course will be using virtually all the ringable towers within a reasonable radius of Bradfield, so they will be the normal range of weights and draughts.
What if I have a physical difficulty or disability?
If you have a physical difficulty of any kind, please detail it in the appropriate space on the Application Form or telephone Margaret beforehand and discuss it. There are many difficulties we can make special arrangements for, and we will certainly try, but the Course necessarily involves some climbing of stairs.
Can I come for just part of the time if I pay the full fee?
No, we're afraid you definitely can't. The Course is designed as a four day unit, and to get the full benefit you need to be with us throughout. Besides, the students, helpers and tutor of each Group work together as a single team, and if a student leaves early, it's a real problem for everybody else. So if you can't be sure you can come for all four days, please don't apply.
Will I be able to fit everything in?
Yes, the Course is certainly intensive but it all fits together. If you're worried about anything, just ask at any time.
Will I be able to buy books and booklets there?
Yes, indeed. They will be on display at most coffee and tea breaks.
Will I be able to buy a Course polo shirt?
Yes, you will. They are made especially for us in high quality materials, and are embroidered with the Course logo and the year 2008. There will be other items of clothing available as well. We will send you an order form when we confirm that your application has been successful.
Will I get confused?
We hope not. But just to make sure you don't, we will give you a 'Helping you get around' guide when you arrive, which will include:
- A site map,
- Another programme – so you can write things on it,
- A sheet giving full details of the facilities available,
- A sheet listing where all the tutorials and optional sessions are, and who's taking them,
- Three mobile telephone numbers you can phone at any time if you are confused in any way. A helpful and friendly organiser can then assist you.
Also with your 'Helping you get around' guide will be:
- A list of all the students and helpers on the Course and which groups they are in,
- A name badge so you can all see who you are talking to, and
- A list of the towers.
There will also be, on site, a large map of the area being used, along with a list of map references.
Will I be bothered by other people smoking?
No, you won't. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in any of the college buildings.
When will I have to vacate my room?
Before lunch on Sunday. A suitable lockable classroom will be available after that, under the watchful eye of Margaret.
What if I need to cancel?
We'd much rather you didn't, but if you do, we will not be able to give you any refund after 9 June. If we are able to replace you we will consider a refund (less management fee). If after 9 June a catastrophe causes you to be unable to attend please inform Mike Winterbourne at the earliest opportunity.
Insurance
It is recommended that you get Holiday Insurance cover so that should a last minute catastrophe cause you to be unable to attend you will not lose out financially.
May my non-ringing spouse come too?
Most certainly. Non-ringing spouses can stay full board for the whole weekend at the helper rate of £120. They are welcome to attend the service and optional sessions if they wish, but more importantly, they can enjoy the fine countryside and many interesting places around Bradfield.
Can I come as a helper instead of a student?
Yes, most certainly. You will be very welcome indeed, as long as you are:
- Completely proficient at ringing touches in the method(s) you are volunteering to help with,
- Able to stay right even if the students in the band are momentarily lost or struggling, and
- Committed to providing the students with high quality support, encouragement and friendship.
A separate sheet of information for helpers is available from the organising team, and you are welcome to pass it to a friend. Helpers almost always find the Course stimulating, rewarding and fun.
What will it cost?
The entire cost for fully residential students is £170 per student, and that includes:
- All tuition,
- The use of all the college facilities,
- Tower donations, and
- Full board from the Thursday afternoon to the Sunday afternoon, including all meals (excepting Friday and Saturday lunch) and all coffee, tea and biscuits mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
When is the final date for applications?
The final date for applications is 1 May 2008. All the applications will be considered together then, and NOT on a first-come-first-served basis.
When do I need to pay?
Please pay the full fee of £170 with your application. We will not cash your cheque until we can confirm that your application has been successful.
How do I apply?
By completing the application form and sending it – with your cheque for £170 – by 1 May 2008 to Chris Purnell, 30 Avon Road, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 8BA. See the How to Apply page for more details.
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