How your memory works

Memory or forgettory? That is a good question.

Neuro plasticity
Learn to ring bells and your brain will never be the same again. This is true.

Short term memory is volatile.
I went to Barrow Practice night, and Barry had said look up London Minor. When he said “Catch hold for Yorkshire” I panicked. I knew it 30 years ago, but it wasn’t in my head any longer.

Oh yeah, 3rds place bell was fine, and 2nds and 5ths, but 3 out of 7 isn’t enough, and just where did those Yorkshire dinky places go, and what about the Cambridge front work. 5 minutes with the blue line, and I was alright if a little uptight. And the band were pleased to have had the chance, it just needed the one more.

But could I ring it right now 6 weeks later, no, not without another re-learn.

The short term memory has let it go.
Before long I will learn it for handbells. I will learn it properly, take it to pieces, study it in a way that gives me insight into how it hangs together and where it is tricksy on two bells. And then I will be able to ring it whenever needed, just so long as I keep it fresh by ringing it once in a while.

Long term memory is structural.
London cabbies have enlarged areas of spatial memory where they have stored the London Map. Learning methods properly has the same impact on a bellringer’s brain.

As I said, learn to ring bells and your brain will never be the same again.

Next: March 2017, Going beyond Plain bob