The Devizes Branch AGM was held on 4 January 2025 at the Minster Church of St Denys Warminster. We had a very good turn-out with 50 members attending.
We elected five new members – Gill Atkins (Holt), Steve Uncles (Holt), Mark Lockyear (Rowde), Emma Willott (see photo) and Tim Dawson (Trowbridge).
Pat presented First Quarter Peal certificates to Daniel Best (aged 11, Holt), Caroline Noonan (Edington) and Nigel Talbott (Upavon). First Quarter Peal Certificates for David Hunter (Westwood), Margaret Lomas (Erlestoke) and Stuart Oliver (Holt) will be presented at a later date.
Pat also presented the trophy for the Most Improved Tower of 2024 which Nigel Talbott accepted on behalf of Upavon. The Charlie Andrews trophy (the Chair’s award) was awarded jointly to Upavon and Erlestoke and was received by Nigel on behalf of Upavon.
Certificates for the winners of the Branch 6 and 8 Bell Striking Competitions held in April 2024 were presented to David Hacker on behalf of Melksham and he also received, on behalf of Melksham, the fourth place certificates for the Guild 6 & 8 Bell Striking Comps held in September 2024. Jean Harkett accepted, on behalf of Westwood, the certificate for the Highest Placed 6 bell tower in the Branch 6 Bell Striking Comp. The trophies were presented at the actual competitions.
Chris Purnell VP was duly elected as our new Branch Chair.
Unfortunately our evening ringing at Corsley had to be cancelled due to snow but we enjoyed handbell ringing and church bell ringing at Warminster.
Julia Russell
Devizes Branch Secretary
