A message to all members from Guild Master, Vicki Rowse
The review of the Aims and Rules for the Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers is now in its final stages. The Way Forward workgroup put their final proposal before the Executive Committee at the recent meeting and, after a few minor amendments, the Executive Committee accepted the proposal and agreed to it being put to the members at the AGM in May.
The review has tried to modernise the wording across the rules and to make it, as far as is possible, future proof as well as to remove the need for constant changes, unless of course national regulations or legislation require a change. It is hoped the rules will be good for at least the next ten years and, hopefully, even longer.
The main content of the reviewed rules is the same as the previous ones, apart from some word changes, however, there have been a few more radical changes which need highlighting.
A new Membership category of Life Member is being proposed which will be for members with 50 years Guild membership. Honorary Life Membership will apply to members who have given exceptional service to the Guild or their Branch.
A new section has been introduced into the proposal for the Denial, Suspension or Expulsion of Membership. We expect this to be rarely (if ever) used but to fully protect the Guild we felt it was needed.
The final major change is to remove the category of Registered Learners. New recruits should be the responsibility of the tower or teaching hub where they are receiving training and up to the teachers to introduce them to Guild and Branch events when it is felt they are ready and the event will be of interest to them. As soon as a learner can ring rounds unaided they are qualified to be elected as a member in any case, just as now.
It is now over to you to consider the new Aims and Rules which can be found below, before they are tabled at the AGM.
The Way Forward workgroup and Executive Committee are recommending adoption of these rule changes but, as with all matters, it is the Members who will have the final say so do come to the AGM on 10 May and vote for their acceptance or dismissal as you see fit.
Vicki Rowse
Guild Master
Proposed revised Aims and Rules of SDGR for consideration at the 2025 AGM
