You should only consider learning to lead up and down in peal, if you can raise and lower in peal without difficulty. It is an exercise in rhythm, listening, bell control and teamwork. No wonder it is so difficult to do well!

You should practise ringing up and down in peal on the second before attempting leading up and down for the first time. The treble ringer is normally the conductor and should make appropriate comments to the band if corrections are necessary.  A good tenor ringer is important since they will dictate the speed of the ascent and descent.

Leading down is the easier one to start with.  The rounds should be consistently good before saying “Downward” and proceeding with a smooth, measured descent until the tenor is chiming as quickly as is comfortable. Make sure you do not clash with or ring in front of the tenor at any stage.

Without the tenor to set the initial pace when ringing up you will need to carefully control the ascent from the start.  Initially the treble’s ascent will need to be quick so that the heavier bells with their larger wheels can chime at their natural speed and when the treble begins to double clapper it does so after the tenor not before or with it.  From this point on you should control the rise at a steady rate until the bells are up and you call stand.

 

Borrow or buy the Raising & Lowering DVD  from the ART online shop

Completed one of your 50 things?

If you’ve completed one of the 50 Ringing Things, tell us all about it via Facebook or write a blog!