Winchester & Portsmouth Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers: Winchester District

Transcription

1 Winchester & Portsmouth Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers: Winchester District Minutes of the Annual District Meeting held on Saturday 12th February 2005 at Winchester Ringing at the College, including a service touch ringing in the bride for her wedding in Chapel, took place before the meeting and a tea, provided by the Cathedral ringers was enjoyed by all. After tea, members attended choral evensong in the Cathedral Choir and rang the Cathedral bells following the service. Apologies: Judy Bishop and the Easton Band, Andy Townsend, John Croft, Alan Hutchinson, Christine Hill Chairman s Welcome Philip Gorrod welcomed 43 members and particular guests; Cyril Lewington of Bucklebury, Robin Winkworth and Jane Birch from Guildford, Guild Master Andrew Gregory Craddock and Guild Secretary Steve Castle. Election of new members Confirmation of Probationary Members Candover Valley: 31 Jan 2005, Laura Stevens, proposed by Jill Parr and seconded by Cressida Wheelwright Crawley: 1 Feb 2005, Philip Gillibrand, proposed by Edmund Wratten and seconded by Amanda Bayford Easton : 3 Feb 2005, Susannah Anderson and James Pinder, proposed by Judy Bishop and seconded by Sara Janssen Cheriton 9 Feb 2005 George Ayling, Beth Farrer and Sean Stanley-Adams, proposed by Caroline Fairley and seconded by Laurence Wolf New Ringing Members: Cheriton : Jenny Ellis, Janet Jones, Astra Pakenham-Walsh, Caroline Smith, proposed by Caroline Fairley and seconded by Laurence Wolf Crawley: Elizabeth Wratten, proposed by Edmund Wratten and seconded by Amanda Bayford Easton: Jane Anderson, proposed by Judy Bishop and seconded by Sara Janssen Farley Chamberlayne: John Rawson-Smith, proposed by Philip Gorrod and seconded by Tony Smith Hursley : Peter Gordon, proposed by Peter Hill and seconded by Christine Hill King's Somborne: Gerald Lambert and Rachel Rand, proposed by Sue Spurling and seconded by Anne Taylor New Alresford: Robin McKinley-Dickinson, proposed by Theo Johnson and seconded by Andrew Johnson Sparsholt: Edward Gledhill, Denise Moody, Angela Weatherall, proposed by John Cleverley and seconded by Caroline Hayes Wonston: Leonard Bouffard, Patricia Bouffard and Brian Ward, proposed by Gerry Cornick and seconded Valerie Keel. All were elected unanimously.

2 Minutes of last Quarterly meeting The minutes of the last meeting held at Twyford on 13th November 2004 having been previously circulated their adoption was proposed by Elizabeth Johnson and seconded by Joyce Croft. This was accepted by the meeting and signed by the Chairman as an accurate record. Matters arising from the previous minutes none Events since the last Meeting November Education Day: Edmund Wratten reported that the turnout had been disappointing. There were only 3 students for the Stedman course at Twyford and no one at all had signed up for the proposed course at Bishopstoke, Calling Changes, which had then been cancelled. However, the 3 students at Twyford had made good progress. He then asked members to tell him or the other ringing master what courses they would like to see organised. Striking League Edmund Wratten, Philip Gorrod and Theo Johnson reported that both sections of the league were progressing well. John Colliss asked for a list of fixtures. Carol Service The Chairman reported that this had been most enjoyable, especially the organist, Roger Owens, thanks to the efforts of the King's Worthy ringers. It was on the whole well-attended with approximately 45 of the 300 district members present. Officers Reports Chairman : The Chairman s report had been circulated. Philip offered his regards to the members as he is moving to Suffolk in the next few weeks. Secretary: The Secretary s report had been circulated. Treasurer: The Treasurer s Report had been circulated. Phil Watt asked if the treasurer had any plans for the funds of approximately Tony responded that he did not believe it was the treasurer's responsibility to decide how to allocate the money but that the district officers are open to requests for grants. Phil pointed out that 1600 would go a long way towards work in several towers. Elizabeth Johnson then suggested that some of it could be spent on new ropes at Old Alresford, which has no active band. Philip elaborated on this idea and suggested education and training or bell maintenance as possible places money could be spent. Adoption of the Treasurer's Report and Accounts was proposed by Tony Smith and seconded by Caroline Fairley. The Chairman then signed and dated the report. Ringing Masters There was no written report from the ringing masters. Public Relations There was no report from the PRO. Election of Officers: Before the elections were held the Chairman reminded the members that it is a general responsibility of all members to take a turn in office and that terms of office were only for a single year. He also mentioned that it had been very difficult to find candidates willing to be proposed for the vacant offices. Office Nominee Proposer Seconder Secretary Theo Johnson Elizabeth Johnson Caroline Fairley Treasurer Tony Smith Pam Thompson Richard Thompson Ringing Masters Jen Churchill Rosemary Oakeshot Joy Scanlan Edmund Wratten Sue Spurling Philip Carter Guild Exec Rep Wendy Ling Andrew Johnson Theo Johnson Public Relations Tom Hinks Rosemary Hill Jen Churchill

3 Independent Examiner John Colliss Charles Lidbury Paul Nolan Chairman Richard Thompson Philip Gorrod Peter Hill The office of Social Secretary remains open. There were no nominations for this post. The chairman then reminded members that officers would ask them to arrange events if necessary. He also thanked the retiring officers, Andy Townsend, and Maggie Wolverson, for their contributions to the District over the last few years. Future Events A draft list of future events was circulated. This will be distributed to all towers and will be available on the Web when the last few details have been finalised. Colin Cook pointed out that the District practice on 23 Feb. at Cheriton conflicted with the 12/14 practice at the Cathedral. He also mentioned that there would be special ringing that evening from 6-7pm at the Cathedral for Rotary International. The Secretary reminded Colin and other members that there are in fact 3 practices in the District on Wednesdays, Cathedral, Romsey and Cheriton, and that as usual, members would have to choose which practice to attend. Edmund reminded everyone that Wednesday is curry night at the Pots in Cheriton. No venues had been chosen yet for the quarterly meeting and picnic in August or for the education day and quarterly meeting in November. The Secretary encouraged interested towers to volunteer. Sue Spurling asked that a topic for the education day be ringing up and down in peal. The date for the District Outing in September, organised by Graham Wright, has yet to be finalised but ringing will be in the London area. Another item suggested for the calendar were a district dinner, in which members expressed interest. It was also suggested that the District consider organising a coach to the Ringing World Roadshow, to be held in Newbury on 10 September. Steve Castle was consulted about the Guild's plans for the Roadshow but explained that Districts were free to make their own arrangements. He added that there was now a website for this and of course, volunteers are welcome. Education and Recruitment Colin Cook told the meeting about the success of workshops held last summer at the Cathedral for 11 year old children from church schools in the Diocese. As a result he had taught 3 eager youngsters up to catching both strokes. However he felt on the whole the event had been more of a PR exercise. The format will be different this year. There will be two leavers' events. Workshops are planned for the th March, 10:45-12pm and volunteers are needed then for both tower and handbell demonstrations. There is also an event on th June for which there are no real plans as yet because it conflicts with the Channel Islands Festival. He will be looking for volunteer helpers from the District. Any Other Business BRF Collection: Tony Smith announced that the BRF collection had raised 32. Correspondence: The Chairman asked the members whether they felt the system was working for them. He mentioned that several officers had observed that many towers did not have notices or that they were posted in towers too late to be of any use. Andrew Johnson suggested that notices be numbered so that towers would know if they were missing any and Paul Nolan seconded this idea. It was also suggested that the notices be posted on the District's part of the Guild website and Theo agreed to take this up with Wendy Ling, the webmaster. Crawley: Philip Gorrod reported to members that Crawley bells had been removed for rehanging and retuning. Andrew Craddock: Vote of thanks to officers and a warm farewell to Philip Gorrod. Steve Castle: Reminder of the Channel Islands Festival, 117 booked so far and 102 on the inter-island trip, leaving only 14 places for that.

4 Philip Carter: Thanks to Tony Smith for the District phone directory which is invaluable. Jen Churchill: Suggestion for a District map of towers similar to Salisbury's. Steve Castle replied that a Brockenhurst man had drawn one and that it would be good on the Guild and District websites. In the absence of any other business the Chairman reminded members of Evensong in the Cathedral choir and that there would then be open ringing there until 8pm. He thanked the Cathedral band for their tea and hospitality and closed the meeting at 4:25pm.

5 Minutes of the Quarterly District Meeting held Saturday, 7 May 2005, at Lockerley Prior to the meeting there was open ringing and a service at Lockerley and tea provided by the Lockerley band in Lockerley Village Memorial Hall. Following the meeting there was open ringing at East Tytherley until 8:30pm. Chairman's Welcome Richard Thompson opened the meeting at 5:50pm and welcomed the 47 members to the meeting, including Guild Master Andrew Craddock and especially any new members. He thanked the Rev. James Pitkin, the organist, Viv Smith, and the judges for their contributions to the day. He also thanked the Lockerley band for providing tea. He then asked the judges to give their results. David Forder gave the results of the competition was held at East Tytherley where 4 bands entered the Minor methods competition. Minor Method Tower Rang Drawn Faults 1 Hursley Blue Cambridge 4 th 57 2 Hursley Red Plain Bob 3 rd 99 3 New Alresford Plain Bob 2 nd Bishopstoke Cambridge 1 st 174 Steve Hough gave the results of the open Doubles competition held at Lockerley 4 bands. Open Doubles Tower Rang Drawn Faults 1 Winchester Plain Bob 4 th King s Somborne/Easton Call changes 1 st Lockerley Call changes 2 nd 35 4 Wonston Call changes 3 rd 42 Election of New Members Confirmation of Probationary Election Twyford 15 Feb 2005 Harriet Bailey, proposed by Andrew Johnson and seconded by John Denham Confirmation of Compounding elections 19 Feb 2005 Michael W Crowder of Barrow-upon-Humber and A Debbie Scarf of Scotter Proposed by Roy LeMarechal and seconded by John Colliss prior to a peal at Saltby 19 Feb 2005 David A Holland of East Retford and Nicholas D Soanes of Beverley Proposed by Roy LeMarechal and seconded by John Colliss prior to a peal at Newark 20 Feb 2005 Amanda J Plaskitt of Barrow-upon-Humber Proposed by Roy LeMarechal and seconded by John Colliss prior to a peal at Edenham New Ringing Members Romsey Alistair Brown and Kathryn MacGregor, proposed by Tom Hinks seconded by Alison Yearsley Minutes of the Last Meeting As the minutes of the last meeting, held at Winchester on 12 February 2005 had been previously circulated, Peter Hill proposed and Elizabeth Johnson seconded that they be accepted. This was carried unanimously by the members and the minutes were duly signed by the chairman as an accurate record. Striking League Update

6 Jen Churchill, District ringing master, reported that all matches had been played in division II with the following results: Winchester won 4, Lockerley won 2, King s Somborne won 0. The chairman reported that some matches were still to be played in division I and that trophies for both divisions would be presented at the next quarterly meeting at Sherfield English in August. Lending of District Funds to the Guild BRF The treasurer reported that currently the District is loaning 300 to the Guild BRF and suggested that this amount be made up to 1,000 since at the last Guild Executive meeting the Guild Treasurer invited Districts to consider increasing their loans. Tony then proposed that the District loan be increased to 1,000. This was seconded by Roy LeMarechal and Graham Grant and carried unanimously by the members. Matters Arising Old Alresford's Ropes: At the Annual Meeting Phil Watts pointed out that the District has a surplus of some 1600 and asked what plans were in place for spending this money. Elizabeth Johnson suggested that Old Alresford, which has no active local band, needs new ropes. Following this the District secretary received a letter from Heather Galley, the contact at OA, requesting funds for 6 new ropes at a cost of slightly over 500. In response to her request, Theo and Andrew Johnson went to look at the ropes. Andrew took a thorough survey of the ropes and presented his report with photographs to the District officers. In general the state of the ropes is poor. Tony expressed concern that as there is no active local band at OA the question of maintenance would continue to arise. He suggested that we look at ways to strengthen ringing at OA. These included: -an appeal for donations of any servicable old ropes to OA. -that the District organise one practice per month and ask that Heather and the other OA ringers look for recruits. -as soon as possible the fee for ringing at weddings, currently 60, be raised beyond 10 per rope so that ringing for weddings can generate some maintenance funds. -suggesting to Heather that she ask ringers at the 8 weddings already booked this summer to donate some or all of their fee towards new ropes. -suggest that Heather and the other OA ringers consider organising some other general fundraiser in the OA village hall. In the meeting the officers proposed the following to the members: the District, subject to members' approval, will buy 2 ropes for Old Alresford at an approximate cost of Before any vote was taken members had several questions and comments. Graham Grant asked where is the Old Alresford PCC? Why are they not funding their own ropes? Andrew Johnson asked whether the issue had been raised at an OA PCC meeting? Elizabeth Johnson pointed out that Old Alresford has already funded the repair of the 4 th s clapper. Judy Bishop recommended that the issue be taken back to the PCC, adding that many weddings were booked for this summer for which she and other ringers not from OA would be ringing Elizabeth Johnson then added that New Alresford is not able to help with service ringing as the OA service is at the same time as the New Alresford one and that also they are not in the same benefice. Judy Bishop reiterated that this matter needed to go through the Old Alresford PCC first. Andrew Johnson volunteered to fit any serviceable, donated ropes and to give splicing lessons in Old Alresford. Tom Hinks then reminded the members that old ropes were needed. There was no vote taken on the officers proposal as members opinions made it clear that more research is needed on this subject before any decision is taken. Future Events Richard reminded members of the upcoming district practices at Romsey on 8 June and at East Tytherley on 14 July. The next quarterly meeting will be at Sherfield English on 13 August.

7 The District Outing, arranged by Graham Wright, will be 24 September in the London area; further details will be available nearer the time. AOB Tony Smith: collection for the Bell Restoration Fund raised Rosemary Oakeshott: Vote of thanks to Wendy Ling for managing the District website. Rosemary is now webmaster and is happy to add information to the site. She is also planning a map of the District towers. Ian McCallion mentioned a similar map of the Isle of Wight. Judy Bishop: Can web address be added to notices? (answer: yes) Elizabeth Johnson: No practice at New Alresford on Friday, 27 May due to a concert in the church, relocating to Old Alresford instead. Jen Churchill: Selling to the highest bidder 4 cakes leftover from the tea. Starting price 2. Richard Thompson: Hursley s faculty has been approved and the order for work has gone in to Whitechapel. There is no timescale yet. Theo Johnson: Presentation of Certificates: First Peal Guild Membership Jen Churchill Jennifer Ellis John Rawson-Smith Caroline Smith Janet Jones Elizabeth Wratten Jane Anderson Astra Pakenham-Walsh apologies: John Croft, Margaret & Philip Carter In the absence of any other business the Chairman closed the meeting at 6:35pm.

8 Minutes of the Quarterly District Meeting held on Saturday 13 August 2005 at Sherfield English Before the meeting in St Leonard's Church there was open ringing and a picnic. Chairman's Welcome The Chairman, Richard Thompson, opened the meeting at 5 p.m. and welcomed the 15 members present, including the Guild Master, Andrew Craddock, and the Guild Secretary, Steve Castle. He thanked the Rev. Biggs for the use of the bells and the church. In the absence of the Secretary, Theo Johnson, the Treasurer, Tony Smith, took the minutes. Election of New Members Confirmation of Probationary Elections Sparsholt 16 May 2005 Anna Denton, proposed by John Cleverley and seconded by Caroline Hayes Romsey 1 June 2005 Madeleine Brown, Rhona Kuszynski and Charlotte Meader, proposed by Martin Daniels and seconded by Andrew Glover Hursley 8 July 2005 Isabel McTiffin, proposed by Mac McTiffin and seconded by Ian McCallion Owslebury 11 July 2005 Chris Ramler, proposed by Gary Brown and seconded by Sarah Macdonald Confirmation of Ringing Member Election 26 July 2005 John E Spice proposed by Andrew Craddock and seconded by Kelly Salter prior to a handbell peal in Winchester New Ringing Members Hursley Russell J Jordan, proposed by Peter Hill and seconded by Christine Hill Owslebury Mark Smith, proposed by Gary Brown and seconded by Sarah Macdonald Winchester Cathedral Christine Harding, proposed by Carrie Eisenhauer and seconded by John Colliss Minutes of the Last Meeting The minutes of the meeting on 7 May 2005 at Lockerley had been circulated and were adopted on the proposal of Tony Smith, seconded by Jen Churchill. Matters Arising The Chairman reported that Old Alresford had ordered a new set of ropes and that the District Secretary had written to Heather Galley, explaining that the District had not been in favour of making a grant but suggesting increasing wedding fees to raise money and offering support in encouraging ringing by arranging monthly practices. Future Events 31 August 7 p.m. District Practice at Winchester Cathedral 3 September Inter-District Junior Striking Competition at Shedfield 25 September to 1 October Quarter Peal Week 12 November Education Day and Quarterly Meeting at Bishopstoke 19 November District Outing to London (change of date) Ringing up and down and peal had been requested as a topic for the Education Day. Joy Scanlan suggested Cambridge Surprise Major as possible further topic. Phil Watts advertised the Ringing Roadshow on 10 September at Newbury Racecourse. The Treasurer suggested that the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October provided a public relations opportunity. Striking League Division I had been won by Hursley and the trophy was presented to the Chairman by the Guild Master. Division II had been won by Winchester Cathedral and the trophy was presented to Carrie Eisenhauer by Jen Churchill. The Chairman thanked the Ringing Masters for organising the Striking League. Other Business The collection for the Bell Restoration Fund raised Phil Watts sought space in a shed or garage on a long lease at no rent for storing bell headstocks, wheels, etc. and gratefully accepted Alistair Brown's offer of help.

9 There being no other business, the Chairman closed the meeting and there was further ringing in the tower.

10 Minutes of the Quarterly District Meeting held on Saturday, 12 November 2005 at Bishopstoke Before the meeting in St Mary s Church there was a course on ringing up and down in peal conducted by John Colliss. Tea was provided by Ann and Stephanie LeMarechal. Chairman's Welcome The Chairman, Richard Thompson, opened the meeting at 5:03 p.m. and welcomed the 20 members present, especially Charlotte Colliss, visiting from Swanmore in the Portsmouth District. He thanked the Bishopstoke band for the use of the bells, church and tea. Election of New Members Confirmation of Probationary Elections Lockerley 4 July 2005 Melanie Bouffard proposed by Mike Haywood and seconded by Jen Churchill 19 July 2005 Bradley Allen and Madeleine FitzGerald-Gradwell proposed by Jen Churchill and seconded by Joy Scanlan Winchester Cathedral 9 November 2005 Jennifer Baxter proposed by Carrie Eisenhauer and seconded by John Colliss 9 November 2005 Keith Woodward and Valerie Woodward proposed by Colin Cook and seconded by Carrie Eisenhauer Confirmation of Ringing Member Election 5 November 2005 Janice Higgins of Hursley proposed by Peter Hill and seconded by Christine Hill prior to a peal at Hursley. Minutes of the Last Meeting The minutes of the meeting on 13 August 2005 at Sherfield English had been previously circulated and were adopted on the proposal of Tony Smith, seconded by Rosemary Oakeshott. Matters Arising Jen Churchill reported that the District Quarter Peal Week had been a success with a grand total of 15 quarter peals scored in a good spread across the District with lots of firsts. She especially mentioned a quarter peal for Gladys Matcham of Sparsholt and John Colliss and Philip Gorrod s hundredth together. Jen Churchill also reported that a band from our district, ringing Plain Bob Doubles, had won the Under 18 Interdistrict Striking Competition at Shedfield on 3 September That band was composed of: Andrew Dodd, Bishopstoke; Rosemary & Katie Hill, Hursley; Tom Hinks, Christopher Daniels, Luke Hamlin, Romsey Abbey. Future Events 19 November District Outing to London It was announced that this outing had been cancelled following the withdrawal of several London towers. Members agreed that there would be no District outing this calendar year but that Graham would be asked to organise another sometime next year.

11 3 December District Carol Service at Cheriton, time to be confirmed 8 December District Practice at Ropley, 7:30 pm 8 January 2006 Tower Representatives Meeting, Chairman s House 14 January 2006 District Practice at Wonston, SATURDAY 9:30-11am 11 February 2006 Annual District Meeting at New Alresford Striking League Jen Churchill gave an update on the District striking league reporting that Lockerley had lost at King s Somborne and the Chairman mentioned that Hursley had lost at Bishopstoke. Various members mentioned that other matches were planned. Other Business Tony Smith announced that the collection for the Bell Restoration Fund raised 14 and displayed a notice to be displayed in all towers, which he had made advertising the Treasure s position and encouraging members to volunteer. Jen Churchill praised the District website and Rosemary Oakeshott, who does an excellent job of managing it. Rosemary Oakeshott encouraged members to pass on to her results in the District striking league so she could post them on the website. There being no other business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 5:14 and there was further ringing until 6:45pm.