About Us & General Information​

​The North West Ringing Course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn about many aspects of bellringing. Practical ringing skills are developed in the tower, led by an experienced Tutor and supported by a band of experienced Helpers. In addition, there are theory sessions which complement the practical ringing in each topic, and there are many optional sessions for extra-curricular activities that can be selected from a wide range of choices. Although the Course is very busy it should not feel rushed and there will be time to enjoy the companionship of roughly 100 fellow bellringers and to learn from them in conversations over meals and during breaks. We hope you enjoy yourself over the four days and leave the Course having learnt a lot and taken a step up in your ringing ability.

The Course Committee

Borwick Hall

Borwick Hall is a 16th century hall and modern outdoor education centre run by Lancashire County Council and is situated near Carnforth in Lancashire. It is campus based with the accommodation, classrooms, catering, gardens and a bar on site.

Accommodation

The accommodation provided by Borwick Hall for Course members comprises a variety of different room configurations. Most rooms are twin or 4 bunk beds. We have booked the whole site and all the accommodation for our exclusive use so that some twin rooms can be used as singles and some bunk rooms can be used as twins. Rooms of between 3 and 7 beds are also available. Please contact us for further details if you’re interested in sharing one of these rooms. Many of the rooms are very basic with shared toilets and showers, but there are some en-suite rooms available – mostly twin rooms. Please bring your own towels as these are not provided. One pillow per bed is provided, so if you want a second one please bring your own. Camping in the grounds is also an option. Motorhomes are not allowed on-site but can be parked nearby. Instead of staying at Borwick Hall, you can choose to stay off-site in alternative nearby accommodation. Please make your own arrangements. If staying off-site, you can still sign up for the catering options on-site. Please see the price list below and on our website for details and prices.

Food & Beverages

All meals can be taken on-site, except on Friday and Saturday when the groups will make their own arrangements for lunch. These could be pub lunches, make your own packed lunches, or find alternatives from local shops near your group’s towers. The handbell groups will probably stay on-site during the day and lunch will be available for them. The meals at Borwick Hall are canteen style and there will naturally be some queueing. Vegetarian options are always available. Special dietary requirements can be catered for – please let the organisers know about these on the follow-up form, which you will be asked to complete if your application to the Course is successful.
Self catering is an option and there are various kitchens on-site that can be used. The kitchen areas are well equipped but please bring your own tea towels and dish cloths. There will be facilities to self-serve hot and cold drinks at any time in Reception. You can buy a North West Ringing Course pint glass in Reception when you check in or at any time throughout the Course (while stocks last). An on-site bar will be open each evening and real ale will be available.

Pricing

Course fee

Students: £160.00

Helpers: No charge

Accommodation (price for 3 nights, per person)

Single room (shared shower and toilet): £225.00

Twin room (ensuite): £165.00

Twin room (shared shower and toilet): £105.00

Camping (please bring your own tent): £40.00

Off-site: No charge

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Catering

Thursday Lunch: £14.40

Sunday Lunch: £14.40

3 x Breakfast: £28.80

3 x Evening Meal: £50.40

Self Catering: No charge

Residential helpers will have their combined accommodation and catering fee reduced by a £15 subsidy.

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Bursaries

Some local associations offer bursaries for attending residential ringing courses to their members. We reccommend looking into this by contacting your local association secretary, treasurer or training officer.

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