Your Other Questions Answered

Will I feel welcome and at home, even if I've 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,

The college only supply one pillow; so if you like to have your head well above your feet, please consider

bringing your personal pillows.

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/ £2.50 per trip depending

on distance.

If you wish to know about public transport to Theale, check "Getting There" or contact Margaret on

01264 790179 or Chris on 01225 704934.

You can get a local taxi on 0118 930 2345

 

 

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 28 miles or so from the school as the crow flies, this is

about 45 minutes travelling, 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,

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 distance 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 cannot 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 embroidered with the Course

logo and the year 2010.. 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 when you arrive a

‘Helping you get around guide': 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,
• There is a mobile telephone number 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 see who you are talking too
• A list of the Towers

There will also be on site a large map of the area used with the map references on your Tower sheet;

you will hopefully arrive at the right place at the right time

Will I be bothered by other people smoking?

No you won't. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in any of the school buildings.

 

When will I have to vacate my room?

Before lunch on Sunday; a suitable lockable classroom will be available under 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 01264 790179 or 07786 404189 at

the earliest opportunity.

 

Insurance

It is strongly 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.