The Executive Committee met at The Hinton Hall, Tisbury on Saturday 15th March.
The Master opened the meeting by reading out the names of all the members who had died since the last committee meeting, we had a short period of silence to remember them.
After accepting apologies for absence, the minutes of the previous meeting were quickly checked for accuracy and accepted as a correct record of the meeting as were matters arising from those minutes.
The Guild programme of events was discussed. Arrangements are well in hand for the Guild Festival and AGM at Canford Magna in the East Dorset Branch on Saturday 10th May, as well as the Striking Competitions, LEBRF Open Day, quarter peal and peal week, all the dates can be found on the Guild website here and in the calendar .
Nominations for Honorary Life Members were considered; these included some who were being nominated for their outstanding service to their Branch and the Guild and some who would receive HLM status automatically following 50 years of membership. All were agreed at the meeting as meeting the requirements as set out in the rules and will go to the AGM for ratification.
The Treasurer presented a copy of the Central Council Business Plan which showed why the CCCBR was increasing affiliation fees. After discussion it was decided we should remain affiliated to the CCCBR, however our representatives should keep us informed of progress and plans the CCCBR makes, we should hold the CCCBR to account through our representatives to make sure we see value for money results.
The Treasurer presented the audited accounts for 2024 and a budget plan for the next few years and after a brief discussion the accounts were accepted. We also discussed the cost of producing a printed Handbook and Annual Report. The various points of view were debated and the Committee decided to produce the printed version this year based on the number requested on the membership forms from early 2024 and to also send a pdf version by email to all members. Furthermore, when this had been completed, we would survey the members to gauge what the demand was for a printed version of the Handbook and Report in future years. Finally, the Treasurer informed the meeting he had received notification from Lloyds Bank that we would be subjected to banking charges later this year.
The Way Forward Group presented a proposal to the meeting in the form of a complete set of revised rules following the consultation with the members and considering the feedback received. The Committee discussed the proposal and asked for a few minor amendments after which they would agree to the revised rules being offered to the members for acceptance. The Way Forward Group agreed to sort out the wording for these amendments and to then circulate the whole document to give members the chance to study it before the AGM in May.
The Recruitment and Development workgroup reported they were making progress with formulating ideas which could be used to interest possible recruits and were working on the next stage which was development and retention. This is a large amount of work and something which will evolve as it develops however the workgroup will soon be able to share ideas with members.
Next came a presentation by Marcus Booth and Becca Ridley from Ecclesiastical Insurance relating to the insurance of ringers and how the Insurance policies held by Churches and the SDSGR cover ringers at different events.
Returning to the agenda items we learnt there would be several vacancies for Guild Officials at the AGM this year. Anyone interested in becoming involved and feels they might be able to take on an Officer role is asked to contact either the Master or the General Secretary in the first instance to discuss the position and the Job Description.
It was reported the Bookstall is not now being used by many members for purchasing books. As there seemed to be no one willing to take this on and visit Branches to display and sell books it was decided to share a list of books available with Branch Secretaries and Members to try and reduce the stock, the Executive will review the situation at the July meeting.
The standing Items were despatched with quickly as there was nothing to report on most of the items. It was reported the LEBRF is in a healthy position and is expecting to receive a large legacy shortly.
David Hacker.
