Life Members: The Revd J C Baldwin, H W Egglestone, H W Rogers, The Revd Preb J G M Scott, D G Thorne.
Honorary Members: R I Allton, A E M Bagworth, Mrs S Bianco, Mrs G Cater#, R J Cooles, Mrs K Flavell, E G H Godfrey, A D Higson, R A Lewis, Mrs H L E Peachey, C Ridley, Miss J Roberts, R J Walker, Mrs P M Wilkinson.
Ancient Society of College Youths: A J Frost, P A B Saddleton, A N Stubbs, A W R Wilby.
Australian & New Zealand Assn: I McCulloch, J A Smith.
Bath & Wells Dio. Assn: D J Buckley, Mrs C A Hardwick, M R T Higby, G W Massey, J R Taylor.
Bedfordshire Assn: P J S Albon, K Lewin, Mrs W Piercy.
Beverley & District Society: P S Andrews, M J de C Henshaw.
Cambridge Univ. Guild: S C Farrar, S C Walters.
Carlisle Dio. Guild: J J Proudfoot, Mrs M Snape.
Chester Dio. Guild: P Dyson, C M Orme, N Thomson#.
Coventry Dio. Guild: M Chester, M J Dew, H M Windsor, Mrs B A Winter.
Derby Dio. Assn: Mrs P A M Halls, Mrs G Hughes, P Mehew*.
Devon Association: P J Pascoe, M C Way.
Devonshire Guild: L E Boyce, J M Clarke, M G Mansley, D J Roberts.
Dorset County Assn: D R Bugler, A Keen, C White.
Durham & Newcastle Dio. Assn: J N Parkin, C M Richardson, R R Warford, Mrs B M Wheeler.
East Derby & West Notts Assn: A Dempster.
East Grinstead & District Guild: R A Grant.
Ely Dio. Assn: G E Bonham, Mrs A Carpenter*, M B Davies.
Essex Assn: J Armstrong, F J P Bone, Mrs J A Edwards, A G Semken, D L Sparling.
Gloucester & Bristol Dio. Assn: D Harbottle, Prof A Newing, R Shipp*, B D Threlfall, R Williams#.
Guildford Dio. Guild: W J Couperthwaite, Mrs B R Norris, C H Rogers, M J Turner.
Hereford Dio. Guild: J Croxton*, Mrs J Mason.
Hertford County Assn: A F Alldrick, G A Duke, G T Horritt, B C Watson.
Irish Assn: Mrs J Lysaght.
Kent County Assn: P R J Barnes, Mrs C M Lewis, F W Lewis, D C Manger.
Ladies Guild: Mrs B Baines, Miss F Cannon, Mrs A R Caton.
Lancashire Assn: G Blundell, Mrs J Kelly#, Mrs A E Pettifor, E Runciman, S D Woof.
Leeds Univ. Society: N J Green.
Leicester Dio. Guild: Mrs C N J Franklin, J R Thompson, B G Warwick, Mrs W M Warwick.
Lichfield & Walsall Archd. Society: S Hutchieson, J F Mulvey.
Lincoln Dio. Guild: Mrs S Andrews, K Buckingham, A R Heppenstall, L G Townsend.
Liverpool Univ. Society: S J Flockton.
Llandaff & Monmouth Dio. Assn: P S Bennett, J C Parker.
London County Assn: G S Barr, R G Booth, E G Mould.
Middlesex County Assn. & London Dio. Guild: R Bailey, F T Blagrove, G E J A Doughty, A R Udal.
National Police Guild: The Revd B F Peachey.
North American Guild: A F Ellis, D F Morrison, P A Trotman.
North Staffordshire Assn: F Beech, Mrs J Beech, P W Gay.
North Wales Assn: D R Marshall, D Stanworth.
Norwich Dio. Assn: Mrs G M Hodgkinson, D R McLean, D F Riley.
Oxford Dio. Guild: W Butler, K R Davenport, J A Harrison, Mrs P M Newton, T G Pett, M K Till.
Oxford Society: B J Stone.
Oxford Univ. Society: P D Niblett.
Peterborough Dio. Guild: A Chantler, A J T Evans, D J Jones, D Kingman, Mrs E J Sibson.
St David’s Dio. Guild: J H Prytherch.
St Martin’s Guild: J A Anderson, Mrs S J Warboys.
Salisbury Dio. Guild: A J Howes, A C D Lovell-Wood, A P Nicholson, R J Purnell, Miss S E Smith.
Scottish Assn: Ms T Stoecklin.
Shropshire Assn: F M Mitchell.
Society of Royal Cumberland Youths: J S Barnes, J P Loveless, I H Oram, D E Sibson.
Society of Sherwood Youths: P Hawcock.
South African Guild: Mrs J M Webster.
Southwell Dio. Guild: G A Dawson, A B Mills, Ms M J Stephens, R E H Woolley.
Suffolk Guild: S D Pettman, The Revd Canon L R Pizzey, D G Salter, A R Smith.
Surrey Assn: J D Cheesman, P Flavell#, J Hughes, R J Wallis.
Sussex County Assn: A R Baldock, Mrs C M Baldock*, R M Cox#, Mrs M E Oram, H F Pettifer.
Swansea & Brecon Dio. Guild: P C Johnson.
Transvaal Society: J Hill.
Truro Dio. Guild: N R Mattingley, Mrs H L Perry, R J Perry.
Univ. Bristol Society: Mrs C Rodliffe.
Univ. London Society: M C Bennett.
Veronese Assn: Dr A Hodge, R G T Morris.
Winchester & Portsmouth Dio. Guild: M J Church, A G Craddock, A P Smith, P A G Watts, M J Winterbourne.
Worcestershire & Districts Assn: S Holbeche, C M Povey, A Roberts.
Yorkshire Assn: N Donovan, C B Dove, Mrs D M Rhymer, A J Smith.
Zimbabwe Guild: Mrs V Grossmith (alt. member).
The Chair was taken by the President, Michael Henshaw.
The Revd Ken Forbes, Minister of the Lion Walk Church, led the Council in prayer and welcomed the Council to the Church.
The Hon Secretary, Ian Oram, reported that 66 societies were affiliated to the Council with 205 representatives; there was one vacancy. There were 9 Life Members and 17 Honorary Members. All subscriptions had been paid.
The President gave a warm welcome to new and returning members (indicated by * and # respectively in the list of those present), including those who were absent from the last meeting. The President congratulated the Revd John Scott, who was attending his 50th meeting.
Apologies had been received from Teddy Barnett, Doris Colgate, Wilf Moreton and Cyril Wratten (Life Members), John Eisel and Julian Morgan (Honorary Members), Laith Reynolds (Australian & New Zealand Assn), Colin Mitchell (Chester DG), John Cater (Derby DA), The Revd Peter Newing (Durham Univ Soc), Jean Sanderson (Ely DA), Alan Foster (Hereford DG), Alistair Jameson (Irish Assn), Brenda Davies (Kent CA), Dennis Clive (Lichfield & Walsall Archd. Soc), The Revd John Hughes (Llandaff & Monmouth DA), Peter Shipton (Scottish Assn), Hilary Rose (Swansea & Brecon DG), David Pope (Truro DG), Robert Wood (Univ of Bristol Soc) and Anne Phillips (Zimbabwe Guild). Further apologies were presented from Jean Thompson (Irish Assn), Dick Speed (Worcs & Districts Assn), Andrew Aspland (Yorkshire Assn) and Paolo Avesani and Anna Thomson (Veronese Assn). An alternate member was present from the Zimbabwe Guild.
Members stood in silence as the Hon Secretary read the names of past members of the Council who had died since the last meeting: Anne Speed (Hon Member 1962-1970, Ladies Guild 1981-1983); Walter Dobbie (SRCY 1963-1974, Hon Member 1977-1997); David Beard (Yorkshire Assn 1981-1986, Hon Member 1987-2001); Olive Rogers (London CA 1940-86); John McDonald (St Martin’s G 1987-91); Bob Percy (Sussex CA 1960-71 and 1975-1977); Pat Chapman (Peterborough DG 1954-1968); Michael Powell (Hereford DG 1981-92); Stewart Kimber (Surrey Assn 1968-1980); and Stan Ponting (Guildford DG 1963-68). The Revd John Scott led members in prayer.
The Minutes of the meeting held on 26th May 2003 had been published in The Ringing World of 29th August 2003, were approved and signed by the President.
No matter was raised.
8. Annual Report of the Council
(RW 30th April 2004, p415)
The Hon Secretary reported two errors and also changes arising from recent Society Annual Meetings: all the alterations affected item 4: in the first paragraph, last line, there had been eight changes in representation and there was one vacancy; in the second paragraph the dates for Steve Coleman were wrong: delete from “1979, served until 1985 and was re-elected 1990” and insert “1982”; to those with long service should be added Simon Meyer (Ely DA and Lancashire Assn) elected 1985, served until 1993 and was re-elected 1996; and in the final sentence there were now 205 Representative Members. After the corrections were made, adoption of the report was proposed by the Hon Secretary, seconded by the Vice-President, Derek Sibson, and agreed.
9. Accounts for 2003
(RW 30th April 2004, pp.416-7)
In presenting the Accounts, the Hon Treasurer, Eric Godfrey, gave detailed explanations of the Statement of Financial Activities and the Balance Sheet and drew attention to the major variances from last year: the Roadshow and the legacy from Jeff Kershaw. The Library Collection was revalued every 5 years and this was reflected in this year’s figures. The Notes to the Accounts provided further detail.
The Hon Treasurer thanked the Independent Examiners for their work on the Accounts and proposed the adoption of the Accounts; Alan Frost seconded. Andrew Mills queried the donation to the Dove Memorial Fund: the Hon Treasurer explained that a memorial plaque was to be erected in St Olave’s Church, York to record Ron Dove’s contribution to ringing. Harold Rogers thanked the Hon Treasurer for his hard work on the Accounts and for his clear explanations. Adoption was then agreed.
Three Honorary Members would complete their three-year term at the end of the meeting. These and four others were individually proposed, seconded and elected as follows: Alan Berry, who would be prepared to have future care of the Carter Ringing Machine; Stella Bianco, a member of the Ringing in the Millennium Working Party; Bob Cooles, Secretary of the Rescue Fund and with valuable legal knowledge; Bill Hibbert, with expertise in publishing and information technology which could benefit The Ringing World; Heather Peachey, a valued member of the Education Committee; Judith Rogers, who was a joint organiser of last year’s excellent Roadshow and recently prepared the first draft of the Council’s Child Protection Guidelines; and Barry Ward, who would also be prepared to have future care of the Carter Ringing Machine. Three vacancies remained unfilled.
Anthony Lovell-Wood proposed on behalf of the Administrative Committee:
“That a Committee be appointed from the start of the next triennium as defined by the following rule changes:
That the new Committee be added to the list of permanent Committees of the Council, specifically by addition to the end of Rule 14 (ii) of the words:
‘(o) Ringing Trends’;
with terms of reference defined through addition to the end of Rule 15 of the words:
‘(xvi) The Ringing Trends Committee. To identify, evaluate and record trends in church bell ringing for the purposes of guiding Council policy.’”
Anthony referred to the explanatory note that accompanied the agenda: answers were needed to the problems of recruitment; there was a lack of firm evidence and statistics to support the questions posed; gathering statistics each year could benefit many Committees; the Internet would facilitate the easy collection of data. Roger Booth’s recent letter in The Ringing World looked at the London situation - the national picture was just as important. Angela Newing seconded.
Considerable discussion followed: Frank Beech suggested that the Committee be divided into areas with a member for each area; Alan Smith stressed the need to ensure that every question was really necessary - there would be a higher response if the enquiry was simple. The President thought that both of these comments dealt with the practicalities of operation, rather than the motion, and requested speakers to address the motion. Tina Stoecklin supported the regular collection of data but doubted the need for a separate Committee - could not the Public Relations Committee be enlarged to handle this? Alan Chantler from that Committee did not think that was practical. John Thompson did not consider that “trends in church bell ringing” was sufficiently specific. Barry Peachey commented that the work would be hindered by the failure of people to respond to correspondence; this view was supported by Pat Halls, that being the experience of the Biographies Committee. Alison Hodge pointed out that the job was large enough already to deal with current members of societies, but how would data on the uncommitted ringers be obtained? Paul Flavell observed that much different data would be needed over several years to establish trends.
Roger Booth referred to the drop in the number of younger ringers who would be future tower captains; this was already apparent in London; he thought that the Committee’s first year should take an overview of strategy and tidy up the Terms of Reference. To facilitate this he proposed an amendment to delete the words “from the start of the next triennium” from the motion; this was seconded by Simon Farrar. Tina Stoecklin commented that members could not be appointed to a Committee before the Terms of Reference had been resolved; Kate Flavell and Derek Jones spoke against the amendment, suggesting that a working party could produce tighter Terms and identify people with the appropriate knowledge; Robin Grant was in favour, saying that it was ideal that work started now. The Vice-President suggested that the amendment be withdrawn, as it would not affect the proposed rule change and in any case the Committee could not be set up that day; it might be better to set up an ad-hoc group. On being put to the vote, the amendment was defeated.
Returning to the original motion, Jim Taylor thought that it was a delaying move, instead of formulating policies for trends that were already known about; this view was supported by Roger Bailey: what would be more useful was a Committee to discuss how to reverse the decline in ringing. Pat Newton acknowledged that some information was known but it needed a group to pull that information together; Andrew Wilby agreed: much detail was in the public domain, but it would be a big task to gather it together, there were large differences across the country and there was much long-term planning needed to ensure the work was not as time-consuming as the last survey.
The motion was then put to the vote and carried by the necessary two-thirds majority.
Roger Booth then proposed that a working party be established that day to look at the Terms of Reference of the Committee; this was seconded by Simon Farrar and agreed.
The Vice-President proposed and Beryl Norris seconded on behalf of the Administrative Committee
“That Rule 6 concerning Honorary Members be altered by the addition of the following words:
‘Notwithstanding the note above concerning when the election takes effect, a new Honorary Member shall be eligible for election to a committee.’”
After several members had required clarification as to when any election to a committee could take place, George Dawson proposed and Jeremy Cheesman seconded an amendment that the word “forthwith” be added; Tony Smith suggested the alternative words “at that meeting” which were accepted by George and Jeremy: the proposer and seconder of the original motion accepted Tony’s addition to the motion, which was then put to the vote and carried with the necessary two-thirds majority.
John Anderson proposed and Alan Bagworth seconded
“That the reference to the Carter Ringing Machine in Rule 12 be changed to the Carter Ringing Machine Collection.”
After John had explained that the Stewards were responsible for other machines as well as the Carter machine, the motion was put to the vote and carried by the necessary two-thirds majority.
The Treasurer proposed on behalf of the Administrative Committee
“That the subscription be increased to £15 per representative as from 1st January 2005.”
The Treasurer stated that the financial policy of the Council was that affiliation fees should cover the cost of the Council meeting and the administrative costs of the Council. In 2003 the costs amounted to £4,533 but fee income was only £2,060; there had been no increase since 1996. Chris Rogers seconded, noting that low interest rates had depleted the Council’s other main source of income.
Robert Perry suggested that a larger increase to £20 appeared necessary. The Treasurer responded that the deficit had been covered by interest in earlier years; interest rates were expected to rise and therefore he preferred a modest increase now.
The motion was put to the vote and carried.
Tony Smith proposed on behalf of the Methods Committee:
“That the Council’s Decisions on Methods and Calls, and on Method Extension be revised; specifically that Decisions (E) and (G) be amended to read:-
(a) A change is the progress from one row (permutation) to the next, effected by the interchange of bells in adjacent positions in the row.
(b) A method is defined by the places made between successive rows of its plain course, which shall be a true round block, divisible into equal parts which are called leads. Starting the plain course from a different change does not give a different method.
(c) The first row in each lead is known as the lead-head. The last row in each lead is known as the lead-end row. The change following the lead-end row is known as the lead-end change.
(d) Bells that are in the same position at each lead-head in a course are known as hunt bells. Bells that are not in the same position at each lead-head in a course are known as working bells. There shall be more working bells than hunt bells.
(e) There are four types of method:
Methods with hunt bells are known as hunters if all the working bells do the same work in the plain course and the number of leads is the same as the number of working bells.
Methods with no hunt bells are known as principles if all the working bells do the same work in the plain course and the number of leads is the same as the number of bells.
Methods with no hunt bells are known as differentials if all the working bells do not do the same work in the plain course or the number of leads is not the same as the number of bells.
Methods with hunt bells are known as differential hunters if all the working bells do not do the same work in the plain course or the number of leads is not the same as the number of working bells.
(f) Except for Minimus methods, no bell shall make more than four consecutive blows in the same position in a plain course.
(g) A method has palindromic symmetry if it is the same method when rung backwards, that is when the order of the changes is inverted. A method has double symmetry if it is the same method when reversed, that is when the places within each change are inverted. A method has rotational symmetry if it is the same method when reversed and rung backwards.
A call is a means of passing from one course of a method to another. It is effected by altering the places made between two or more consecutive rows, without altering the length of a lead. It is not part of the definition of the method.
(a) Standard calls are defined for the following plain Doubles methods.
For methods with palindromic symmetry and one plain hunt bell, standard calls are those that only affect the places made when the plain hunt bell is leading.
For methods with no internal places made below two coursing hunt bells, standard calls are those that only affect the places made while the first hunt bell hunts down or is leading and that cause the changes rung to be symmetrical about the first hunt bell’s lead.
For methods with no internal places made above two coursing hunt bells, standard calls are those that only affect the places made while the first hunt bell hunts up or is lying behind and that cause the changes rung to be symmetrical about the first hunt bell’s lie behind.
(b) Where standard calls are defined for a plain Doubles method, a variation is defined as the use of calls other than the standard calls.
(c) Each variation must by itself be capable of producing a true six-score, and may be given its own name.
Definitions
(a) A well-formed path is one in which the hunt bell has the same path if it is rung backwards and is symmetrical about two places made half a lead apart.
(b) In Plain methods the hunt bell has a well-formed path and strikes two blows in each position of the path within the lead.
(c) In Treble Dodging methods the hunt bell has a well-formed path, strikes more than two but the same number of blows in each position of the path within the lead and makes only two places within the lead.
(d) A cross section is a change at which the hunt bell passes from one dodging position to another.
Methods with one hunt bell are classified in paragraphs (a) to (h), and are further classified as Little if the path of the hunt bell is restricted to fewer positions than the number of bells.
(a) Place methods are Plain methods in which the path of each bell consists only of hunting and place-making.
(b) Bob methods are all other Plain methods.
(c) Treble Bob methods are Treble Dodging methods in which the hunt bell dodges in only one position, or that have no internal places made at any cross section.
(d) Surprise methods are Treble Dodging methods in which at least one internal place is made at every cross section.
(e) Delight methods are all other Treble Dodging methods.
(f) In Treble Place methods, the hunt bell has a well-formed path, strikes the same number of blows in each position of the path within the lead and makes more than two places within the lead.
(g) In Alliance methods, the hunt bell has a well-formed path, but does not strike the same number of blows in each position of the path.
(h) In Hybrid methods, the hunt bell does not have a well-formed path.
Each hunt bell is either a principal hunt or a secondary hunt. The properties (a) to (e) are considered in turn and the paths of the hunt bells are examined until a hunt bell is found whose path has that property. The principal hunts are all the hunt bells whose paths have that property, unless the paths of some but not all of these hunt bells are Little, when the principal hunts are those hunt bells whose paths are not Little.
(a) Plain hunting;
(b) Treble Dodging;
(c) Treble Place;
(d) Alliance;
(e) Hybrid.
Methods with two or more hunt bells are classified using the definitions and classifications for methods with one hunt bell but with reference to all the principal hunts, and with the following exception.
(a) Slow Course methods are Plain methods with one principal hunt and a secondary hunt that has a well-formed path and makes second’s place when the principal hunt is leading.
The stage names for different numbers of changing bells are:-
4 Minimus, 6 Minor, 8 Major, 10 Royal, 12 Maximus, 14 Fourteen, 16 Sixteen, etc.
5 Doubles, 7 Triples, 9 Caters, 11 Cinques, 13 Sextuples, 15 Septuples, etc.
(a) The title of a hunter shall consist of Name, Class (with the exception of Grandsire, Double Grandsire, Reverse Grandsire, Little Grandsire, Union, Double Union and Reverse Union) and Stage.
(b) The title of a principle shall consist of Name and Stage.
(c) The title of a differential shall consist of Name, ‘Differential’ and Stage.
(d) The title of a differential hunter shall consist of Name, ‘Differential’, Class and Stage.
(e) Plain methods with double symmetry and either one hunt bell or two or more principal hunts, all of which are coursing, shall have the prefix ‘Double’ in the name. The corresponding method with no internal places below the hunt bell or principal hunts shall have the same name but with the prefix ‘Single’.
(f) Where a principle or differential has a distinct reverse, both methods shall have the same name but one with the prefix ‘Reverse’.
(g) A method may not be given a name if the title excluding the Stage would be the same as a method in a different type or class.
(a) Methods at different stages in the same type and class shall only have the same name if they are related as in the Decision on Method Extension.
(b) Methods at different stages in the same type and class that are uniquely related as in Parts A to D of the Decision on Method Extension shall have the same name, and where not uniquely related one relationship shall have the same name.
(c) Methods in the same class that are related as in Part E of the Decision on Method Extension shall have the same name.
The band that first rings a peal, complying with Parts A to D of the Decision on Peal Ringing, of a new method or an extent in the case of Doubles or Minor, or includes it in a multi-method peal complying with Parts A to D of the Decision on Peal Ringing, shall name the method and publish it in The Ringing World, subject to D.2 and D.3 above, and to the power of the Council to change the name or leave it unnamed if it considers it necessary.
A cycle of working bells is a set of bells that successively occupy each other’s positions at the lead-heads of the plain course.
A method is said to have Plain Bob-type lead-heads if it can be started from a change such that the treble leads at the lead-end changes, and the lead-heads and lead-end rows all occur in a course of Plain Bob.
An extension by an even number of stages must meet the requirements listed in this Part, in addition to following one of the formulae described in Parts C to D.
The relationship must cover an indefinite number of stages.
The extension of a method must have the same symmetry as the parent.
The extension of a method must have the same number of hunt bells as the parent.
The extension of a method must have the same number of cycles of working bells as the parent. Where a method has two or more cycles of the same size, this characteristic must be retained in all extensions.
The extension of a method with Plain Bob-type lead-heads must also have Plain Bob-type lead-heads. The extension of a method with non-Plain Bob-type lead-heads must also have non-Plain Bob-type lead-heads.
The extension of a method must not have a bell making more or fewer consecutive blows than are made at the related position in the parent.
Wherever the parent has a place made immediately adjacent to the path of a hunt bell, this characteristic must be retained in all extensions.
Wherever the parent has working bells making adjacent places, this characteristic must be retained in all extensions.
(a) In this Part it is assumed that the method is started from a change such that the treble is the hunt bell or a principal hunt.
(b) This Part covers all plain and treble dodging methods and Alliance methods with the treble’s path formed from these two. It also applies to some other forms of Alliance, Treble Place and Hybrid methods.
(c) All extensions must satisfy the requirements of the formula laid out in 2 below.
(d) For methods that do not have palindromic symmetry the formula may be applied separately forwards from the lead-head and backwards from the lead-end. The same mode must be used for both applications of the formula above the treble and the same mode must be used for both applications of the formula below the treble. Where either the work above or the work below the treble is symmetrical, this characteristic must be retained in all extensions.
(a) Notation.
Capital letters are used to describe the places made when the treble is in the following positions in the parent.
External places remain external.
The permitted extensions are those whose notation above the treble is described in (b) and whose notation below the treble is described in (c) below, taking Major as an example.
(b) Extension above the treble.
A, B, C, etc., above the treble are counted from the back and An, Bn, Cn, etc., are derived in a mode-m extension from A, B, C, etc., by expanding all internal places below mths place from the back n positions from the back.
Extension in steps of two stages above the treble.
| Construction | Parent | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | ||||
| AB | Royal | A2 | B2 | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | ||
| Maximus | A4 | B4 | A2 | B2 | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | |
| BC | Royal | A2 | B2 | C2 | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | ||
| Maximus | A4 | B4 | C4 | B2 | C2 | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | |
| CD | Royal | A2 | B2 | C2 | D2 | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | ||
| Maximus | A4 | B4 | C4 | D4 | C2 | D2 | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | |
| DE | Royal | A2 | B2 | C2 | D2 | E2 | D | E | F | G | H | I | ||
| Maximus | A4 | B4 | C4 | D4 | E4 | D2 | E2 | D | E | F | G | H | I | |
| EF | Royal | A2 | B2 | C2 | D2 | E2 | F2 | E | F | G | H | I | ||
| Maximus | A4 | B4 | C4 | D4 | E4 | F4 | E2 | F2 | E | F | G | H | I | |
| FG | Royal | A2 | B2 | C2 | D2 | E2 | F2 | G2 | F | G | H | I | ||
| Maximus | A4 | B4 | C4 | D4 | E4 | F4 | G4 | F2 | G2 | F | G | H | I |
Extension in steps of four stages above the treble.
| Construction | Parent | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | ||||
| ABCD | Maximus | A4 | B4 | C4 | D4 | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I |
| BCDE | Maximus | A4 | B4 | C4 | D4 | E4 | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I |
| CDEF | Maximus | A4 | B4 | C4 | D4 | E4 | F4 | C | D | E | F | G | H | I |
| DEFG | Maximus | A4 | B4 | C4 | D4 | E4 | F4 | G4 | D | E | F | G | H | I |
The constructions for permitted extensions in steps of more than four stages are similarly derived.
(c) Extension below the treble.
An, Bn, Cn, etc. below the treble are derived in a mode-m extension from A, B, C, etc. by expanding all internal places above mths place n positions from the lead.
Extension in steps of two stages below the treble.
| Construction | Parent | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | ||||
| CD | Royal | A | B | C | D | C2 | D2 | E2 | F2 | G2 | H2 | I2 | ||
| Maximus | A | B | C | D | C2 | D2 | C4 | D4 | E4 | F4 | G4 | H4 | I4 | |
| DE | Royal | A | B | C | D | E | D2 | E2 | F2 | G2 | H2 | I2 | ||
| Maximus | A | B | C | D | E | D2 | E2 | D4 | E4 | F4 | G4 | H4 | I4 | |
| EF | Royal | A | B | C | D | E | F | E2 | F2 | G2 | H2 | I2 | ||
| Maximus | A | B | C | D | E | F | E2 | F2 | E4 | F4 | G4 | H4 | I4 | |
| FG | Royal | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | F2 | G2 | H2 | I2 | ||
| Maximus | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | F2 | G2 | F4 | G4 | H4 | I4 | |
| GH | Royal | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | G2 | H2 | I2 | ||
| Maximus | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | G2 | H2 | G4 | H4 | I4 | |
| HI | Royal | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | H2 | I2 | ||
| Maximus | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | H2 | I2 | H4 | I4 |
Extension in steps of four stages below the treble.
| Construction | Parent | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | ||||
| CDEF | Maximus | A | B | C | D | E | F | C4 | D4 | E4 | F4 | G4 | H4 | I4 |
| DEFG | Maximus | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | D4 | E4 | F4 | G4 | H4 | I4 |
| EFGH | Maximus | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | E4 | F4 | G4 | H4 | I4 |
| FGHI | Maximus | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | F4 | G4 | H4 | I4 |
The constructions for permitted extensions in steps of more than four stages are similarly derived.
Note that although the notation is necessarily different, the constructions permitted below the treble are structurally identical to those permitted above the treble.
(a) The length of the lead remains constant.
(b) In a mode-m extension all internal places up to and including mths place remain static with respect to the lead and all internal places above mths place remain static with respect to the lie.
(a) There shall be two coursing hunt bells in the extension, which hunt to one position further from the lead than the hunt bell does in the parent.
(b) The places above the hunt bells in the extension are the same as those above the hunt bell in the parent but all moved one position from the lead.
(c) The places below the hunt bells in the extension are the same as those below the hunt bell in the parent.
(a) There must be no places made above the hunt bell at the half-lead or below the hunt bell at the lead-end change in the parent.
(b) No places are made above the hunt bells at, or either side of, the half-lead or below the hunt bells at, or either side of, the lead-end change in the extension.
(a) Grandsire, Double Grandsire, Reverse Grandsire and Little Grandsire are the twin-hunt extensions of Plain Bob, Double Bob, Reverse Bob and Little Bob respectively to the next higher stage, although strictly Plain Bob at odd stages (Grandsire at even stages) is a different method from Plain Bob at even stages (Grandsire at odd stages).”
Tony explained that the Decisions had not kept pace with developments: the proposal sought to rationalise the Decisions and deal with inconsistencies. Roger Bailey seconded.
Robin Woolley congratulated the Committee for having improved extension notation over the years, but spoke against the motion. He gave a detailed explanation of his concerns about the part of the proposal that dealt with method extension and gave examples of difficulties in applying those proposals: in summary he thought the proposed rules were too restrictive, too difficult to understand without excessive effort and would reduce the number of extensions actually rung. He suggested that a better set of rules, as far as practical ringing was concerned, would be to keep the Decisions as regards the formulae as in the 2002 Decision, to replace the “indefinite” extension requirement with one which preferred an extension at the next available higher stage and to allow extension by “well-defined rule”.
Tony responded that there were often several ways to extend methods: the proposed Decisions should help. The proposed changes would not be applied retrospectively.
The motion was put to the vote and carried.
12. Report of the Stewards of the Carter Ringing Machine
(RW 2nd April 2004, p331)
Adoption of the report was proposed by Alan Bagworth. John Anderson seconded and reported that a further demonstration of the Machine was given on 1st May, with an attendance of nearly 30 people. The Machine had been at his house the previous week, where it was completely dismantled, cleaned and oiled; all the hand-made components were listed; and the Machine was photographed in the various stages of reassembly. Adoption of the report was agreed.
13. Report of the Steward of the Rolls of Honour
(RW 2nd April 2004, p331)
In proposing the adoption of the report, Andrew Stubbs noted that work on the supplement was not yet complete but should be ready soon; he would bring it to the 2005 meeting. Andrew Wilby seconded.
Julia Lysaght asked if it would be possible to include those who had fallen in other conflicts, such as Northern Ireland and Iraq. Andrew Stubbs replied that the two volumes were specifically in respect of the two World Wars; after Julia had proposed that there should be a new volume to cover other conflicts, Tony Smith pointed out that this would require an amendment to Decision (C) and therefore a proposal would have to be brought to a future meeting of the Council.
Adoption of the report was then agreed.
14. Committee reports
(The reports were published in The Ringing World issues of 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th April 2004. The relevant page numbers are shown against each report).
(a) Administrative (pp405-6)
The Hon Secretary proposed adoption of the report and this was seconded by the Vice-President.
Referring to the section of the report on Child Protection, the President told members that the Council’s guidelines were now available for representatives to take to their Societies, with copies for each tower captain and each PCC, for all towers in their areas. Estimates had been made of the number each Society might require, any shortfall should be notified to the Hon Secretary.
As set out in the report and well-reported in The Ringing World, despite discussion with the CoE National Adviser agreement could not be reached on several aspects of the House of Bishops’ procedures; subsequent correspondence with the Archbishops’ Chief of Staff had given some encouragement to try to continue discussion.
The President thanked Robert Lewis for ensuring a good balance of correspondence in The Ringing World and for his careful handling of other media approaches. The President had received much correspondence on this issue and had tried to give advice and support to Societies and individual towers.
The Revd John Scott commented on the paragraph comparing with choirs: the risks there were greater, since access to participation was much easier; he thought infiltration into ringing circles posed a much smaller risk. Tim Pett drew attention to the dangerous perception that if a person had been CRB checked, there was no risk of abuse: he suggested that the report wording should be changed. Tina Stoecklin and Frank Beech both expressed appreciation of the work of the Committee and the Officers, particularly the President, in dealing with this matter, Tina adding that ringers might need guidance to notice the warning signs of potential abuse.
George Dawson was disappointed that the Committee could not recommend the application for affiliation to the Council from Geldrop: this group had been in existence since the 1970s and could only chime their bells; there were no bells in Holland hung for full-circle ringing; however a dumbbell had been installed at Geldrop and visits to England had taken place; the group deserved recognition and support. The Dordrecht chiming apparatus was now defunct; it was hoped to erect a full-circle ring in the Dutch Bell Museum within the next two years; contact should be maintained and the Committee should reconsider. Later in the meeting Adrian Semken added his support and suggested a more flexible response was needed.
Giles Blundell referred to the second paragraph of the report and asked which tower was involved.
Responding to points made on Child Protection, the President thanked the Revd John Scott for his comments: similar points had been made in the letter from the Council to the Archbishops. Accepting Tim’s suggestion, it was proposed that the last phrase of the seventh paragraph of the report be amended to “care had to be taken that no-one was left in sole charge of a young person”: this was agreed. Note would be taken of the comments concerning Geldrop. The President elaborated on the paragraph about the faculty appeal, but understood that the tower captain might still be pursuing related matters and therefore the case was still sub judice.
Adoption of the report was then agreed. The Vice-President reinforced earlier remarks made about the President’s work on Child Protection: the whole Council was very grateful to him. (Applause).
In proposing adoption of the report, John Harrison noted that the two new publications were now on sale and added that the NRT conference had been successful. There were 2 vacancies on the Committee. Ernie Runciman seconded.
The Vice-President asked the meaning of “kaleidoscope ringing” - it was obvious that many others were equally puzzled. John explained that it related to a set of exercises as a process of development, from rounds to the first steps in method-ringing.
Adoption of the report was agreed. There were no nominations to fill the vacancies.
(c) Information and Communications Technology (p330)
Adoption of the report was proposed by Mike Chester, who paid tribute to the work of one of his predecessors, David Beard, author of the composition program BYROC, and to William Hall for his peals database. The deaths of these two ringers highlighted the need to preserve information that was stored on the personal websites of individual ringers: such information was at risk of being lost unless an effective contingency plan was in place. The webpages of some Council Committees, which had previously been held on personal websites, had been transferred to the Council’s website: this facility was available to other Committees. Mike Till seconded.
Kate Flavell encouraged other Committees to get their websites onto the Council’s website: they would find that Peter Trotman was very helpful; Jackie Roberts added her appreciation of Peter’s work and moved a vote of thanks to him, which was greeted with applause. Richard Allton referred to Roger Bailey’s website and encouraged all ringing sites to use the Council’s server facilities to avoid the risk of loss; responding, Mike Chester pointed out that Roger’s website was his private website; also William Hall’s website was not Council property but enquiries were in hand to safeguard it.
Adoption of the report was then agreed.
The meeting adjourned for lunch at 12.45 p.m. and resumed, after the Annual Meeting of The Ringing World Limited, at 3.35 p.m.
In proposing adoption of the report, Bill Butler asked that the words “due to family circumstances” be inserted before the semicolon in line 4 of the second paragraph of the Committee’s report. He referred to the last paragraph and asked for comments from members. Chris Ridley seconded; he regretted the absence from the meeting of Jean Sanderson, a loyal member of Council for many years: the meeting agreed to send a letter of best wishes. Chris elaborated on the work to produce CDs of The Bell News: there were some 26 volumes to be checked and several volunteers would be needed.
Tony Smith supported the publication on CD of early Ringing Worlds; but pointed out that Church Bells usually only included one column actually relating to bells. Peter Dyson asked about the availability of the badge catalogue: Chris responded that catalogues had been taken to previous meetings but little interest was shown - publishing on the website would be considered.
Adoption of the report was then agreed.
Adoption of the report was proposed by Tony Smith, who paid tribute to the work for the Committee of William J (not G as in the report) Hall: his dedication to historical validity was outstanding. The technical problems in producing the Four-Way Tables had been resolved, such that the Tables should soon be available.
Peter Niblett seconded and adoption of the report was agreed.
In proposing adoption of the report, Don Morrison noted that Paul Flavell would be co-opted to the Committee. Richard Allton seconded and adoption of the report was agreed.
Adoption of the report was proposed by Phillip Barnes, who also paid tribute to William Hall. Phillip noted that late publication of peals since the preparation of the report had brought the total for 2003 to 5092, of which 4460 were on tower bells and 632 on handbells; details of the changes would be given in next year’s Analysis. A further tower bell peal rung in 2002 had been published.
Tim Pett seconded and adoption of the report was agreed.
(h) Public Relations (pp358-9)
In proposing adoption of the report, Jane Wilkinson expressed the thanks of the whole Council to the team that organised the Lincoln Roadshow; the Committee was looking forward to 2005 and hoped to confirm the date at the Newbury Racecourse by the end of July. John Loveless seconded.
Ernie Runciman, Secretary of the ringers at Liverpool Cathedral, said he was not aware of any complaint about Sunday ringing as stated in the report: Alan Chantler said this reflected an email he had received - he would send Ernie a copy. Commenting on the reference to society PROs, Peter Bennett regretted the cancellation of the meeting for them at short notice: Jane apologised and said that the meeting had now been re-arranged for 18th September in London.
Adoption of the report was then agreed.
(i) Publications (pp358 and 385)
Adoption of the report was proposed by John Couperthwaite, who was sorry that Jean Sanderson could not be present: she was not well and would welcome visitors. Four new publications were now on sale: Spliced Minor, The Learning Curve Vol II, Rung Surprise Supplement and Kaleidoscope Ringing. Derek Jones seconded and adoption of the report was agreed.
Adoption of the report was proposed by the Vice-President and seconded by Richard Allton.
David Salter complained about the naming of some methods in peals: ;-) Treble Place Minor, ** Surprise Minor and -- Surprise Minor. He explained that punctuation marks had replaced proper names - such a practice brought naming into derision. He proposed that the Council ask the bands to provide proper names, this was seconded by John Thompson. Don Morrison commented that it was just as ridiculous for the Council to try to legislate on the matter; however, the proposal was agreed. Adoption of the report was then agreed.
In proposing the adoption of the report, Phil Watts referred to the end of the third paragraph and asked for a reply from all these areas. In recent months the Committee had responded to the consultations on Listed Bells and Bellframes and the proposed changes to the Ecclesiastical Exemption. George Massey was attending his last meeting after 33 years: Phil thanked him for his dedicated service to the Committee. (Applause). George seconded. After James Smith had corrected the name of Doug Nichols in the third paragraph of the report, adoption of the report was agreed.
Adoption of the report was proposed by Gail Cater, who spoke of the award of the Founders Prize: there had been 5 excellent entries; judging had been by the same group as last year, together with Christine Baldock, who had been co-opted to the Committee. The award of £500 was made to Gwennap, where dedicated teaching was continued week-by-week and trainers were also being trained. There were now nearly 40 centres and it was felt that it was no longer appropriate for the Committee to control them: they should support themselves independent of the Council; from the autumn the Committee would open its meetings to any centre that wished to attend. Phil Gay seconded.
Heather Peachey supported the Committee’s intention and acknowledged that the original function of the Committee had been achieved. Speaking for the Council’s Trustees, the President asked to be kept informed of future plans, as they could affect authorisation of expenditure.
Adoption of the report was then agreed.
(m) Towers and Belfries (pp406-7)
Adoption of the report was proposed by Chris Povey, seconded by Jim Taylor and agreed.
The President commented that the Committee had been inundated with work this year and should be commended that it had all been absorbed.
In proposing adoption of the report, Kate Flavell drew attention to the grants allocated since the last Council meeting: since the preparation of the report the Council’s BRF had been able to allocate £20,000, thanks largely to the legacy from Jeff Kershaw, so that the total financial input to bell restoration was £57,800. The Committee had been encouraged at the increase in the number of parishes seeking help from the Committee. Jackie Roberts seconded and adoption of the report was agreed. There was one vacancy on the Committee: Robin Shipp was proposed and seconded; there were no other nominations so Robin was declared elected.
Adoption of the report was proposed by Brian Threlfall, who confirmed that the transfer of hand-written records was continuing. Pat Halls seconded.
Clarke Walters corrected the name of Alexander John Illingworth. Robin Grant asked the Committee to consider how records of obituaries could be safeguarded.
Adoption of the report was then agreed.
Before moving to the next item on the agenda, the President asked for nominations for the Working Party on the Trends Committee Terms of Reference. Beryl Norris, Andrew Howes and Frank Beech were proposed and seconded. The Working Party was to report to the next meeting of the Council.
15. Central Council Rescue Fund for Redundant Bells (Registered Charity no. 278816)
(RW 30th April 2004, p417)
In proposing adoption of the report and accounts, Bob Cooles noted that part of the legacy from Jeff Kershaw would facilitate work in conjunction with the Keltek Trust. The Revd John Scott seconded and adoption was agreed.
The Hon Secretary thanked Robert Lewis and The Ringing World staff for the speedy way the publication of all the Committee reports was dealt with.
The President reminded members that invitations had been accepted for future years as follows:
An invitation had been received from the Derby Diocesan Association for 2010: the meeting agreed that this should be accepted.
Stewart Holbeche, speaking on behalf of the Worcestershire & Districts Association, invited the Council for 2009: the meeting agreed that this should be accepted.
Neil Donovan gave details of the planned arrangements for the meeting in Harrogate next year.
Carol Franklin referred to a questionnaire to assist the planning for the 2006 meeting.
The Hon Secretary reported on attendance at the meeting as set out in the table below.
The President sought agreement for the ballot papers to be destroyed and this was given.
The Hon Secretary read a message from the Zimbabwe Guild, thanking Val Grossmith for her support of the Guild over many years; the meeting received the message with applause, to which Val responded.
Andrew Wilby noted that there was a vacancy on the Administrative Committee: he proposed Robert Lewis; this was seconded by Michael Church. There were no other nominations and Robert was declared elected.
The President moved a comprehensive vote of thanks to all those involved in the Council’s visit to Colchester: to the Organising Committee comprising John Armstrong, David Sparling, Adrian Semken, Fred Bone, Janet Edwards, Renee Armstrong, Bernard Fairhead, the Master, Steve Nash, the Secretary, Mary Bone and the Treasurer, Andrew Taylor; to all the members of the Essex Association who had willingly given assistance on the Help Desk at that day’s meeting and throughout the weekend; to the Minister of the Church, the Revd Ken Forbes, for the opening prayer and welcome and the Council of Elders for their permission to use the sanctuary and the rest of the church premises, to John Lawrence the caretaker who had been particularly helpful and to Roger Carey-Smith for the catering arrangements; to the incumbent of St Peter’s Church, Revd Fred Woods, for taking the Service of Holy Communion that morning; to the Association Chaplain, Canon Roger Mason, and lay-reader Martin Cruiks for leading the Songs of Praise on Sunday afternoon, to the Bishop of Colchester, the Rt Revd Christopher Morgan, for his address, and to Gillian Wildney for playing the organ; to all those involved in the organisation of the Sunday evening Reception and Dinner and especially the Bishop of Colchester and the Mayor of Colchester, Councillor Christopher Hall for their welcome and Dr Ronald Blythe for saying grace; and to the incumbents and ringers of the churches who had made their bells available to Council members. The President added thanks to the Hon Secretary for all his work over the past year. The motion was accepted with applause.
Clarke Walters moved a vote of thanks to all the other Officers for their work throughout the year, particularly as there were several difficult issues to deal with: this too was warmly received.
The President declared the meeting closed at 4.50 p.m.
| Members | |||
| Societies | Present | Absent | |
| Fully represented | 47 | 141 | - |
| Partly represented | 18 | 41 | 22 |
| Not represented | 1 | - | 1 |
| 66 | 182 | 23 | |
| Life Members | 5 | 4 | |
| Honorary Members | 14 | 3 | |
| 201 | 30 | ||
The Ringing World, July 30, 2004, pages 729 to 735, corrections July 22, 2005, pages 689 to 690