Well, where did that year go? I can’t quite believe I am writing the Master’s Message for the December newsletter when Guild AGM seems only a few weeks ago.
Guild Quarter peal week was very successful with 57 quarter peals being rung and a number of people scoring firsts, which is such a fantastic achievement. I was invited to be part of 2 first quarter peals, both of Plain Bob Doubles on inside bells, one of which was the ringers first ever quarter. I so enjoy seeing the sense of relief, swiftly followed by delight when ‘thats all’ is called and the realisation that they have done it dawns. Next up is Peal Week from 24th to 31st December. If you would like to attempt a Peal have a chat with your Branch ringing master who should be able to help put you in touch with keen peal ringers. I think of Peals as being the marathon equivalent of ringing; the 120 touch is a 5 k run, the quarter peal a 10k run and the Peal a marathon, and while I would never attempt a running marathon (or even a 5 k come to that!) I have rung a Peal, and it’s not as bad as you might think! Anyone who is a runner will say there is a sense of achievement and wellbeing from having succeeded at a challenge, and it’s the same following a Peal, so do think about it..
I would like to take this opportunity to say a very big THANK YOU to everyone who has worked so hard this year to organise and deliver Branch and Guild events; those who have joined committees and done the less glamorous, but very necessary aspects of putting together programmes and activities for their branch; those who have made cakes and sandwiches for sumptuous ringers’ teas (and washed up afterwards); those who lead practices and training sessions, and others for just ensuring that members can have fun and develop their ringing in a safe supportive environment. Without you all volunteering and giving your time, enthusiasm and commitment we would not be able to see the wonderful achievements we have seen over the year. If you have been helped, perhaps you could volunteer in a small way to help the momentum continue.
The Guild Executive Committee is not seen as an exciting group to be a part of, but it is necessary as governance has to be taken care of, and there’s a lot of behind the scenes work that happens to promote and develop ringing and all that is part of it. Evidence of some of this years activities is the huge amount of content about recruitment and development of ringers that has been added to the website, and the very successful Novice Competition which had the most teams ever taking part; and the new Guild Rules which were voted in at the AGM in May. We do need new people to come and join us, in particular a Secretary /Assistant Secretary and Training Officer from May. You don’t need to be good ringers, but good organisation and communication skills are key, and of course an enthusiasm for ringing!. If that could be you, or anyone you know, please do get in touch and we can tell you a bit more about the roles.
Pat, Kathryn and myself have been attending Branch AGMs as they have been held. Thank you for your warm welcomes and delicious teas. It is very rewarding meeting members and hearing what’s been happening around the Guild. We look forward to joining more AGMs in January.
Personally I’m looking forward to ringing for Carol Services and Christmas Day, and I hope each and every one of you has a Happy Christmas wherever you are and whatever you are doing.
Vicki
Guild Master
