Defining blocks (block)

Synopsis

block id description nbells [leadlen]

clear id

Description

A block is a list of rows to be rung. It is usually a true performance, e.g. a plain course in a method, touch, quarter peal or a full peal, but may be a false composition

Declaring a new block

The block comand declares a new block containing only the initial reference row (rounds) and to which additional rows may be appended. The following arguments are required:

id: Identifier for block

description: Description of block

nbells: Number of bells (3-16)

leadlen: Length of a plain lead (optional)

Specifying the length of the plain lead (leadlen) ensures that the method is printed correctly with no leads broken across columns. By default it is twice the number of bells, which is suitable for treble-hunting methods; e.g. Plain Bob. For treble-dodging methods it should be changed to 4 x nbells (e.g. 24 for surprise minor). Stedman and Erin use a fixed lead length of 6 rows.

The following example declares a block, suitable for touches of Plain Bob Minor:

CRE> block fred "Fred's Touch of Plain Bob" 6 12

Clearing a block

The clear command removes all rows from the block, except the initial rounds. Block settings, such as number of bells, lead length and any block level variables are preserved.