Master’s Message

Although I have just had a fantastic holiday in Zambia, I clearly missed out on a well organised and fun afternoon at Motcombe for the Novice Striking Competition.  All the reports and feedback I have seen and heard, indicate it was great fun and a most enjoyable afternoon for all concerned.    Congratulations to all the teams who took part for taking the plunge and having a go,  it was the most successful competition for some years. Thank you to Jenny Hancock and Chris Bush for being the assessors and giving constructive feedback, and to the Mere Branch members who were superb hosts.   Now to encourage our more established members to take part in the 6 and 8 bell competitions which are coming up on 27th September at Shrewton and Amesbury respectively… go on give them a nudge!

Congratulations also go to Go Bellistic, who went to the Ringing World National Youth Competition in Birmingham on 5th July, and came joint 9th out of 12. By all accounts they had a fantastic time ringing on different bells in the city, including the 16 at St Martin’s and at 3 other towers.  Their test piece was advanced call changes rung at  Erdington, and the judges commented that “they had a strong effort that they should be proud of”.  Next year’s competition is going to be in Nottingham, and several of the team are keen to go again.  It would be good if some more young ringers could be recruited to join them as they are excellent trips and fantastic experience.   

Our latest Guild Executive meeting was held on 19th July, and there are several pieces of work in progress and nearing completion.  Following the approval of the Rules at the AGM, a group has been given the mandate to write processes/procedures/guidelines to accompany them where necessary.  The Recruitment and Development Group has been developing a series of short articles on useful tips around teaching, mentoring and ringing development which have begun to be published on the website over the last few months.  Do take a look if you haven’t already as they are very good.  When there is sufficient mass of these there will be separate pages on the Website to make finding ideas and useful tips really easy.    The group is also working on a recruitment package which will be available to all branches.  There is another group reviewing all the Guild Job Descriptions, and once completed these will be available on the website.  We still need an Assistant Secretary (or Minute Secretary for the 4 meetings a year) so if you know anyone who’s great at taking minutes and would be willing to help us, let Kathryn Tyson know; she’s had a huge amount of work to manage in her role, so would welcome some help.  I was fortunate to have her as my Assistant when I was Guild Secretary, but she’s not been so lucky.  The Education Committee is reviewing the role of the Education Officer so that we can recruit by the next AGM, and also reviewing the Guidance and Application form for Guild Education Grants to help the committee make funding decisions.

So there’s lots going on! Please do give us your thoughts and ideas and we welcome members getting involved in the workings of the Guild.

As a quick reminder there is National ringing for VJ Day on 15th August at 6.30. If your tower can help mark this national event, please do log your performance on Bell Board.   

And finally, enjoy the lovely (hopefully the good weather will continue) summer months and all your ringing activities. 

Vicki