Running A Successful Tower Open Day: Tips For Heritage Open Days.pdf

Tips for Successful Tower Open Days in Heritage Open Days

This guide offers practical advice for running a successful tower open day as part of the Heritage Open Days initiative.

Key Considerations:

1. Define Your Goals:

Awareness Raising: Focus on showcasing bell ringing and its history.
Recruitment: Offer hands-on "taster sessions" to attract potential new ringers.

2. Promote Your Event:

Utilize church channels (magazine, notices, sermon announcements).
Distribute flyers in the local community (library, doctor's surgeries, etc.).
Post online templates and resources provided by the Central Council and Heritage Open Days.
Consider a banner advertising your event outside the tower.

3. Essential Preparation:

Risk Assessment: Conduct and document a risk assessment to ensure insurance coverage. Examples are available from various sources, including the Central Council and Heritage Open Days websites.
Fire Safety: Establish maximum group size and clear escape routes.
Safety Notices: Post signs regarding steps, access issues, and potential hazards.
Age Restrictions: Clearly state minimum age limits for participation in practical sessions.
First Aid: Ensure a well-stocked first aid kit is readily available.
DBS Checks: While not required for one-off training or taster sessions, check the Central Council's guidelines regarding DBS for regular bell ringing activities.
Permissions and Insurance: Obtain written permission from your church and confirm insurance coverage for the event (separate Heritage Open Days insurance may be available).

4. The Welcome:

Create a welcoming atmosphere with a "meet and greet" area, perhaps using a gazebo.
Have local ringers on hand to greet visitors and answer questions.
Offer refreshments to enhance visitor experience.
Implement a registration system to track participants (especially important for recruitment).

5. During the Visit:

Safety First: Begin each visit with a brief safety talk covering fire alarms, evacuation procedures, and responsible behavior in the ringing chamber.
Educational Content: Provide an explanation of English change ringing, highlighting its difference from chiming. Use a model for better understanding.
Hands-On Experience: Offer small group visits to the ringing chamber. A ringer should demonstrate bell handling techniques.