Joining your local Guild or Association will almost certainly be your first step into the wider community of bell ringers. New opportunities will open up for you both socially and in ringing. You might feel comfortable ringing just at your home tower or you may relish these new opportunities – going to every event to seek ways of improving your ringing and hanging out with new friends. Most ringers appreciate and participate in at least some activities be it a society practice at a neighbouring tower or taking part in the annual striking competition.

Some societies have a probationary membership category for new ringers while others require a minimum ringing ability. Your Tower Captain or mentor should be able to give you advice about becoming a member; it is usual for the Tower Captain to nominate their ringers for membership.

Ringing societies generally offer a range of services; the scope is normally dependent on their size.  Why not have a look at your local society website or newsletter and see what they do?  In time you may find that you will be able to contribute and take on a role that will benefit other ringers.

The first society that most ringers join will be based on territorial boundaries, either geographical or ecclesiastical.  Most Universities have their own ringing socieites, and other associations exist which are based on a common interest – e.g. Medical Guild, Army Guild, Ringing & Cycling.

If you’re already a member of a ringing society than you can tick off this challenge when you renew your membership.