Church bellringing in the Salisbury Diocese

2024 Festival and AGM Report

Glorious sunshine set the tone for a wonderful day of activity in celebration of ringing in the Guild with our Festival and AGM this year being hosted by Devizes branch.

Conni Cottingham - Young Ringer of the Year being awarde her certificate
Conni Cottingham – Young Ringer of the Year being awarded her certificate and trophy by Guild President, Pat Davidson

In the morning there were two workshops being held in the Wiltshire county town of Trowbridge: one for Hand Bell Ringing and the other for Rope Splicing, while at the same time for those travelling in to the town for the later AGM several church towers were open and manned with helpers to ensure all-comers were able to get a ring on bells they otherwise  might not get chance.  To the south were Warmister (8), Corsley (6) and Westbury (8) while to the north and east were Melksham (8), Seend (6) and Hilperton (6) with both routes culminating with general ringing on the fine 12 at Trowbridge.

The AGM began promptly at 2pm and a well ordered agenda ensured business was completed at a satisfyingly brisk pace.  The first business of the day was to present the Ringer of the Year Award which went to Nick Dallison of Mere Branch, and the Young Ringer of the Year to Conni Cottingham of Dorchester Branch.

Ian Mozley receiving his Long Service Award
Ian Mozley receiving his Long Service Award

Long Service Membership certificates were presented to Derrick Bailey HLM of Great Cheverill for 70 years membership of the Guild and to Ian Mozley (Bradford-on-Avon) and Malcolm Corry (Blandford Forum) in recognition of 50 years membership.

In financial matters, Tim Phillips, the Guild Honorary Treasurer, recommended that the subscription rates for 2025 remained unchanged and that 50p per member would again be contributed to the Bell Restoration Fund (LEBRF).  He also recommended that we continue with a sponsorship of a page in the Ringing World (£250) and fund an Education Grant of £750.  All these recommendations were carried.

The proposal that the Guild adopt the Membership System ‘Membermojo’ was overwhelmingly carried following its highly successful trial in the Marlborough and West Dorset branches and plans are now underway to contact all members to explain how we can register on the new system. The Master, Vicki Rowse, thanked Tim Phillips who led in the trial as well as the officers in the branches concerned whose work had ensured it was a success.

There were presentations about the new Eric Hitchins Training Award which will be given as an annual bursary, the year’s activities and successes of the Young Ringers Group and, from Anne Wardell, a report on the work of the LEBRF and the towers we are currently supporting with grants.

Business concluded with some Rule changes mostly to ensure compliance with Data Protection law which included the creation of the new Executive Office roles of Data Control Officer and Membership Secretary.  The opportunity was also taken to create the new post of Communication Officer which combines the roles of publicity, website content and newsletter editor.  The final business of the meeting was the election of Officers.

Following the meeting there was a service in St James’ church preceded by a select band ringing a service touch of Grandsire Cinques conducted by Trowbridge Tower Captain, Ben Kipling.

During the service the church hall had been transformed in preparation for a truly magnificent traditional Ringers’ Tea produced by Chris Purnell and her hardworking team who, it seemed, had had to have the tables specially reinforced to cope with all the sandwiches, savoury bakes and homemade cakes they were laden with.

Finally, the day closed with more ringing in St James’ which included 12-year-old Harry Symonds of Whitchurch Canonicorum in West Dorset who rang rounds on 12 unaided for the very first time. A fitting end to a day which had started with a presentation for 70 years membership, so demonstrating that the fellowship of ringing is inclusive of all ages.

Andy Waring

Seend Church
Seend Church - one of the seven towers open for ringing for the Festival

Officers Elected at the AGM

Saturday, 11 May, 2024
OfficeNominated
General SecretaryKathryn Tyson
Assistant SecretaryVacant
TreasurerTim Phillips
Peal SecretaryDavid Warwick
Report EditorBen Duke
Education OfficerJulie Miles
Safeguarding OfficerJayne Cottingham
Health & Safety OfficerDavid Close
Communication OfficerAndy Waring
WebmasterIan Mozley
LibrarianVacant
Data Control OfficerNick Baker
Membership SecretaryTim Phillips
Hon. Financial ExaminerAlison Clayton
LEBRF Trustee from GuildAnthony Lovell-Wood
LEBRF AdministratorAnne Wardell
LEBRF Independent ExaminerRichard Picker
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