Where did 2024 go? Despite the year seeming to have ‘whizzed’ by much has been achieved. In the last twelve months we have seen some positive steps taken at Guild level with a major update of the Guild website and the adoption of the online membership system Membermojo. The task for 2025 is to complete the revision of the Guild Rules to bring them in line with this modernisation.
As I have travelled around the Guild it has been a pleasure to meet so many of you and I have been encouraged by the dedication of all those working so hard to recruit and teach new ringers. A new Learners Pack has been produced for distribution to any interested individuals. Additionally, there is a new section on the website dedicated to potential recruits at sdgr.org.uk/welcome so do have a look if you have not already done so. With some towers struggling to maintain a band I have been impressed by the local team work partaken ensuring the bells continue to be rung Sunday by Sunday in the local benefice and for other public events.
I have endeavoured to juggle family commitments so as to get around the Guild as much as possible and recently, I, together with my husband Ian, was able to join both the Mere Branch and the combined Calne and Devizes Branch Carol Services where we received a very warm welcome. Both events were well attended with ringing for all levels beforehand and some wonderful singing, with both events ending with seasonal refreshments and much chatter.
Thank you to everyone who has supported or contributed to the ringing of bells throughout the Guild in 2024. With a good number of new members recruited let’s build on this momentum to ensure our bells continue to ring out the Christian message of hope, joy and peace in 2025.
With very best wishes to you all for a Happy and Healthy New Year with much ringing.
Pat Davidson
Guild President
