In another sign that the world of ringing is returning to normal, the Association of Ringing Teacher (ART) Awards are back! Do you know someone who’s making a difference and making things happen? Then don’t be shy. Say thank-you by nominating them for an award, and if they win, they’ll receive a substantial cash prize to spend on a ringing related activity or product.

It doesn’t matter if they are an ART Member or have never even heard of ART. Anyone can apply, anyone can be nominated, and anyone can win. If you have someone in mind, then fly over to: www.ringingteachers.org/awards and download an application form straight away. You have until December 31. 2022 to get your nomination in, so now is the right time to start collecting quotes, photos, statistics and testimonials, to show just how good your ringing hero is.

A new award has been added this year – the Len Roberts Award for the Promotion of Ringing. Think community outreach, think media, think ringing PR, think results. A timely addition to the ART Awards portfolio when we’ve all have been reaching out to attract recruits.

The awards include:

The Sarah Beacham Youth Award – Prize of £800 – sponsored by the Sarah Beacham Memorial Trust‍

An award for youth, school groups, and university societies who are successfully recruiting, retaining and developing young ringers. What’s the ethos of the youth group, how are young ringers developed, and how is the transition from the group managed?

‍The Len Roberts Award for the Promotion of Ringing – Prize of £250 – sponsored by Len Roberts

For the person making a significant contribution to the promotion of ringing in their local area. What was done, what was the impact, and what were the benefits for ringing, ringers, and the local community? Was it targeted at specific groups, e.g. schools, scouts and guides, or local interest groups?

The ART Award for Excellence in the Use of Technology in Teaching – Prize of £400 – sponsored by John Taylor & Co.

An award for the use of technology to develop skills and accelerate progress. How has it been integrated into other aspects of teaching and how has it developed and evolved over time? This award is for both technology innovators and those who use technology to recruit, retain and develop ringers.

The ART Award for Excellence in Recruitment and Retention – Prize of £400 – sponsored by AbelSim

For an individual, tower or ringing cluster that has been successful in recruiting and retaining ringers. What’s worked well, what’s new and what lessons can be shared with the wider ringing community?

The ART Award for Inspiring Leadership in Ringing – Prize of £400 – sponsored by Talent Innovations

For those who have a long-term vision for their bell ringing community, and give imaginative and inspiring leadership. What barriers and challenges have been overcome and what has made them successful? This award is looking for nominations of individual leader(s), even though they might well be working as part of a team.

Learning the Ropes Achievement Award – Prize of £250 – sponsored by The Ancient Society of College Youths

The ringing achievement award is open to those who attained LtR Level 5 on tower bells or handbells between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2022. The judges will consider the individual’s ringing development in terms of quality, quantity and complexity, the timescale over which the progress has been made and the support available.

Learning the Ropes Contribution Award – Prize of £250 – sponsored by The Ancient Society of College Youths

The ringer’s contribution award is not based on ringing ability or attainment but for contribution to the wider ringing community, for example, within a band, local area, Guild, Association or even the Central Council. For 2022, the contribution category is open to anyone who has been enrolled on the Learning the Ropes programme (on tower bells or handbells) at any level. The judges are particularly keen to see evidence of organisation, leadership, technical skills or examples of wider initiative and/or innovation.

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