Home →Archive

The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers

Minutes of the 126th Annual General Meeting, held in The Hold, Ipswich on Saturday 2nd September 2023, at 2 p.m.

The Chair was taken by The President, Simon Linford.

1. The President called on the Rev Max Drinkwater to say an opening prayer.

   The President advised members that one Society was late in providing payment. As this payment had now been received, he asked the meeting, by a show of hands, if they now had permission to speak and vote at this meeting. This was approved by the meeting.

2. Application to Affiliate. An application to affiliate had been received from The Central European Association, who confirmed that they met the criteria, and had 30 members. The President confirmed that the membership criteria for societies operating outside the British Isles was 25. Peter Scott (Yorkshire Association) mentioned that small societies are subject to a review of their procedures, including a safeguarding policy. Has the Council carried out such reviews of the Central European association. The President stated that such a review was not required, but from his knowledge, the CEA does have such policies. The application was approved by the Council.

3. Welcome to new members. The President gave a welcome to new and returning members (who are indicated in the list at the end of these minutes).

4. Apologies for absence. A number were received and are listed at the end of these minutes.

5. In Memoriam. The Secretary read the names of the following members and former members who have died since the last meeting,

   Bryan John Robert Gross, Peterborough Diocesan Guild 1993 - 1999, attended 4 meetings, died 23rd September 2022.

   Anthony James Thomas (Tony) Evans, Peterborough Diocesan Guild 1999 - 2005, attended 5 meetings, died 28th September 2022. Member of the Towers & Belfries Committee 1999 - 2002.

   Frank Thomas Blagrove, Middlesex County Association and London Diocesan Guild 1957 - 2016, attended 55 meetings, died 11th October 2022. Member of the Methods Committee 1960 - 2002 (chairman 1975 - 1978). Member of the Records Committee 1960 - 1990 and 1993 - 2008 (chairman 1963 - 1975).

   Jean Jeffery (neé Stewart), Irish Association 1953 - 1960, attended 7 meetings, died 15th October 2022.

   Albert Victor Sheppard, Sussex County Association 1963 - 1969, attended 6 meetings, died in October 2022.

   Lionel Stanley Woods, Essex Association 1959 - 1960, attended 1 meeting, died 11th November 2022.

   Eric George Henry Godfrey, Surrey Association 1978 - 1993, Honorary member 1993 - 2010, Additional member 2010 - 2011, attended 32 meetings died 17th December 2022. He held the posts of Auditor (1979 - 1997) and as an officer held the post of Treasurer (1997 - 2005). He was a member of the Administrative Committee (1997 - 2005), member of the Ringing Centres Committee 1999 - 2000, and a Director of the Millennium Grants Company which arranged lottery - funded grants for towers ahead of the Millennium.

   Eric J Hitchins, Salisbury Diocesan Guild 1969 - 1993, attended 24 meetings, died 27th December 2022.

   Peter Kemp, Middlesex County Association and London Diocesan Guild, 2012 - 2016, attended 3 meetings, died 5th January 2023. Member of the Tower Stewardship Committee 2013 - 2016.

   Donald Richard Marshall, North Wales Guild 1987 - 1993 and 1997 - 2005, attended 14 meetings, died 4th January 2023.

   Ronald Keith Russ, Middlesex County Association and London Diocesan Guild 1987 - 1993, attended 6 meetings, died 25th January 2023.

   Robert Bevis Smith, Honorary member 1969 - 1993 and 1994 - 2000, attended 28 meetings, died 3rd February 2023. He served on the Education Committee 1972 - 1978 and 1981 - 1984.

   Denis Noel Layton, University of London Society 1956 - 1966, attended 7 meetings, died 28th February 2023. Member of the Education Committee 1959 - 1963.

   Harry Poyner, Shropshire Association 1960 - 1963. Southwell Diocesan Guild 1967 - 1972, attended 7 meetings, died 11th March 2023.

   Michael John Pomeroy, Irish Association 1990 - 2002 and 2021 - 2023, attended 9 meetings, died 13th March 2023.

   Brynley Alfred Richards, Southwell Diocesan Guild 1978 - 1981 and 1984 - 2002, East Derbyshire & West Nottinghamshire Association 2014 - 2017, attended 24 meetings, died 7th May 2023.

   Roland Ferguson Eccles, Australia & New Zealand Association 1979 - 1990, attended 10 meetings, died 12th June 2023.

   Alan Paul Standley Berry, Honorary Member 1982 - 2000, 2004 - 2007 and 2008 - 2010, Ex-officio Member 2010 - 2014, attended 21 meetings, died 11th July 2023.

   Jeanne Elizabeth Bottomley, Honorary member 1966 - 1971, attended 4 meetings, died 27th May 2023.

   David Oliver Knewstub, Australian & New Zealand Association 2002 - 2004, attended one meeting, died 10th August 2023.

   We also remember the following member, whose death has come to light recently:

   John Scott, Chester Diocesan Guild 1963 - 1966, attended 2 meetings, died 9th November 2016.

6. Minutes of the 2022 Annual General Meeting. There were no corrections noted. The meeting approved the minutes, and they were signed by The President.

7. Matters arising.

   1. John Harrison (Oxford DG) asked if there was any progress on the recognition of ringing as a performing art by the Arts Council. The President replied that this was no longer being progressed as it was not considered likely to succeed.

   2. Governance Review. Phillip Barnes (Kent County Assn) reported that the final Governance Assessment had now been completed and approved by the Executive. This is to be placed on the Council Website. The impact of the Small Societies has also been reviewed. It was felt that their admission had had a positive impact on the governance process, especially in the area of safeguarding. Jane Wilkinson (Society of Royal Cumberland Youths) asked if Council members would have sight of the review before it was published. Mr Barnes thought that this may delay the process of publication. Robert Perry (Truro DG) advised the Council that Diocesan Safeguarding Advisors have been replaced by Diocesan Safeguarding Officers, where some slightly different safeguarding processes apply.

   The President thanked Phillip Barnes and Clyde Whittaker for their work on the Governance Review.

8. Trustee Annual Report. The President introduced the Trustees Annual Report (TAR).

   1. Mary Bone (Essex Ass) asked if Section 5.6 (Safeguarding) should be updated considering all the additional work that has been completed since the paragraph was first written. The President would refer this to the Executive.

   2. The Secretary reported on changes to the membership figures in paragraph 7. As of the 26th August 2023, there were 66 affiliated societies and 2 small societies. There was a membership of 2 fellows, 14 ex-officio members, 177 representative members and 22 vacancies. There were 2 representatives from small societies.

   The meeting approved the adoption of the Trustees Annual Report

9. Accounts. These were approved by the Executive on the 26th July 2023. Fergus Stracey presented the accounts. He noted that Caroline Stockmann had resigned as an Independent Examiner, leaving Duncan Walker as the sole Independent Examiner. The Treasurer thanked Caroline for the work she had done in the past. Mr Walker has submitted an unqualified report to the Council, which is available on the Council website. The Treasurer also thanked Beryl Norris of Publications and Ian Self of the Friends of the Library for their contribution and thanked John Harrison for his work in distributing the leaflets.

   The Treasurer reported that as of 31st December 2022, the total assets of the Council were £441,667. The General Fund made a loss of £5,583, primarily as a cost of the AGM at Nottingham Trent University. Publications has returned to profit following the pandemic, and has transferred £10,000 into the General Fund for un-restricted use. No grants were paid from the Fred Dukes International Bell Fund, 15 grants were paid from the Bell Restoration fund totalling £11,450 and a grant of £2,500 was paid to the North West Ringing Course. There is no proposal to vary the affiliation fees for 2024.

   1. Fred Bone (Essex Ass) pointed out a small discrepancy between the accounts and notes for the bell restoration fund. The Treasurer acknowledged this as a typo.

   2. Anthony Lovell-Wood (Salisbury DG) asked about the figures for recent AGMs, and whether they were comparable with previous years. The Treasurer explained that recent figures were affected by the pandemic but felt last year’s figures were comparable. Mary Bone (Essex Ass) expanded on the Treasurer’s comments that recent meeting had included extra events, such as road shows and training, so it was difficult to compare with previous AGMs. It was also felt that the 2023 meeting in Ipswich was a cost-efficient event.

   The Treasurer proposed the adoption of the accounts, seconded by Kate Flavell (Surrey Ass). They were accepted by the meeting. The President thanked the Treasurer for his work during the year.

10. Executive Report for 2022/2023. The President introduced the report as printed in the meeting papers. He particularly highlighted the work of the Safeguarding team, who were now working on ringing case studies to be use in the CofE’s safeguarding training.

    1. Neal Dodge (Suffolk Guild), asked about progress on the National Ringing Centre. The President responded to say that the project had become more complicated with the decision of the Churches Conservation Trust to move their offices there, and there were complex negotiations with the proposed operator of the pub. There was still a risk that the operator would want to use ‘our’ barn for a brewery, but the ringing centre was important for the CCT’s heritage outcomes.

    2. Mary Bone (Essex Assn) asked about the development of a business plan for the use of the mobile belfry. The President replied that the business plan had not changed but was actually now part of the business plan of the Mobile Belfries Trust, and was a plan that was financially robust. The President added that in his opinion the biggest problem would be towing, especially with the future use of electric vehicles.

    3. Alistair Donaldson (Peterborough DG) reported that their local Diocesan Safeguarding Officer was imposing a certification and training scheme for bell ringers over and above national guidelines. He asked what help was available from the Council in dealing with these proposals. Clyde Whittaker (Middlesex CA and London DG) replied on behalf of the Executive. He gave an update on the Council’s safeguarding team. He explained that the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team to make the training working for ringers, having issued guidance to dioceses on how the national policy should be implemented and circulated the Council’s leaflet “From Practice to Perfect”. Individual dioceses do however have considerable latitude and in 2022 the Council asked for feedback from associations on the stance taken locally. It has published a table summarising this feedback, which associations can use to inform their discussions with their own DSA/DSOs.

    4. Robert Lewis (Middlesex CA and London DG) asked if the Council had looked at policy advice in managing ringers convicted of serious sexual offences. Clyde Whittaker replied that the Council are producing a set of templates for towers/associations who feel that a safeguarding agreement may be needed. Responsibility for developing safeguarding agreements rests with the parish or diocese, and the purpose of the templates is not to supplant this role, but to assist towers in engaging with their PSO or DSA/DSO so that the content of any agreement is appropriate.

    5. Jackie Roberts (Guildford DG) said she thought that the From Practice to Perfect leaflet was excellent but felt it would have been helpful if it had been available to ringers before it was sent to DSA/DSOs.

    6. The President mentioned that a template “Code for Ringing” had been produced in consultation with a small number of societies and will be available in the near future for use by associations and towers wishing to develop their own codes.

11. Workgroup reports. Reports were available in the meeting papers.

    1. Senior Stakeholders Liaison. The President reported that whilst this Workgroup had now been wound up, the President has offered to continue this role initially on a reactive. Jane Wilkinson (SRCY) asked if this role was more effective if the contacts were concentrated through one person. The President agreed that it was not necessarily always the case, but felt that it was working well at present, and would keep a watching brief. The Council is also compiling a contacts list. John Harrison (Oxford DG) felt that the Senior Stakeholder Liaison function should still continue and should be placed somewhere in the Council’s structure. The President assured him that this was in hand.

    2. Historical and Archive Workgroup. John Harrison (Oxford DG) presented the report on behalf of Workgroup Leader Chris Ridley. Cath Colman (Suffolk DG) had joined the group. The new ringing history website is now live at: history.cccbr.org.uk. Work will continue in 2024 on the three major areas of work over the past year: relocating the CCCBR Library (see later motion) continuing development of the ringing history website, and capturing images for the pealboard database currently in pilot form. Several vacancies, including that of Library Steward, need to be filled to progress work in some areas. Michael Church (Winchester and Portsmouth DG) pointed out in the past that there had been a Peal Boards Committee of the Council and had this Committee’s records been looked at? John Harrison confirmed that he would check. Tristan Lockheart (Leeds University) asked whether vacant posts were being listed on the ‘Situations Vacant’ page on the Council’s website. The President thought they were not but would investigate. Annie Hall (Coventry DG) mentioned that Chris Mew had offered to help with the peal board database. Will Bosworth (Editor, Ringing World) asked if there were any plans to digitise more content of the library. John replied that there are no plans yet.

    3. Publications. This was presented by Philip Green (Lincoln DG). There were no questions.

    4. Public Relations. Vicki Chapman (Essex Assn) gave a summary of the recent events surrounding the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III. The Ring for the King campaign was biggest campaign the Council had ever had, with the biggest media uptake. George Perrins’ Discovering Bellringing videos were now available on the Council’s YouTube channel and freely available to use for public relations purposes by societies and towers. Allison Devine (Ladies Guild) has been nominated (subject to Executive approval) as the next Public Relations Officer. Jane Wilkinson (SRCY) congratulated Vicki Chapman and her team for all the hard work done over the past year. She asked if details of Operation London Bridge had leaked out via bell ringing. Vicki Chapman assured her that this was not the case.

    5. Safeguarding. There were no further questions.

    6. Stewardship and Management. Alison Hodge (The Worcestershire and Districts Change Ringing Association) gave an update since May 2023. She mentioned the new online documents and asked Council members to spread the word about them. The Westley Awards are to be reviewed having been running for 5 years. Regrettably there were no applications this year for the award. Alison mentioned that the Workgroup will need a new Lead within the next year and also some new Workgroup members. Mary Bone (Essex Ass) thanked Alison for the amount of work done by the Workgroup. Tim Jones (Devon Ass) felt that there was not really a need for the Westley Award, as people “just got on with it”. Alison replied that the purpose of the Award was to encourage younger people in particular. Philip Green (Lincoln Diocesan Guild) first declared an interest as a printer of CCCBR publications, then noted that printed copies of documents were still requested by ringers. Alison replied that copies may be printed from the online information and the Group was investigating how online documents could be viewed using electronic readers and / or made available using ‘print on demand’. The Group is concerned about holding stocks of pre-printed documents that may become out of date or not provide all the information now necessary. Philip Green replied that he felt that the ‘Manual of Belfry Maintenance’ was not out of date and was an extremely valuable printed publication.

    7. Technical & Taxonomy. Tina Stoecklin presented an update, including a document (runbook) to record software, minor improvements to the website, online to print options for publications, and a market scan of association websites. First priority is to move the server that contains the CCCBR website (and other websites) to a new hosting provider, as the current one is now too expensive. Also ongoing is a task to fill out the runbook for all CCCBR-controlled software. As part of the Ringing2030 objectives, there is a need to recruit and onboard project teams for the digital projects. Tina mentioned that they would like to recruit people such as association webmaster or similar as well as other skills. Graham Jenkins (Chester DG) asked if there was a drive to push harmonisation amongst association websites. Tina explained that it was not a drive to force associations to do anything but to see what can be offered centrally to make website management easier and more consistent.

    8. Volunteering and Leadership. Paul Wotton presented the Workgroup update. The ringing survey is in progress. Momentum is also being maintained on posters, promoting decent striking and the courses (inc. the proposed new South West Course). Also, they are looking to develop a leadership course. Alistair Donaldson (Peterborough DG) mentioned that there was a shortage of helpers on the North West Course, possibly due to it being a week before the Bradfield course, and urged the organisers of new courses to steer clear of other events. Simon Dixon (Peterborough DG) asked about leadership training at a level above tower captains (e.g. at Branch and Association level). Paul replied that this would be discussed. John Harrison (Oxford DG) suggested the old Education Committee publication Getting it Right may be consulted. Elaine Scott (Yorkshire Ass) asked if thought had been given to train helpers. Paul mentioned that there was a document available.

    9. Schools and Youth Groups. Universities and Colleges Group. Ian Roulstone presented the update and discussed the creation of the University ringers’ website hub, as described in the report. The intention is to have a working site by summer 2024. They are looking for volunteers to support the creation of the hub.

    The adoption of the reports was carried.

12. Forward Plan. The President presented the Forward Plan on behalf of the Executive, referring to the documents in the meeting papers. The new ‘Three Pillars’ strategy was outlined (Publicity and Marketing, Recruitment and Development and Quality Environment). Each pillar was described in further detail. The Three Pillars in turn drive the Forward Plan, with the President-elect Tina Stoecklin having been involved in the development of the Forward Plan, including using new project management software to plan the various projects and interdependencies. There was likely to be a re-alignment of the structure of the Workgroups to match the Pillars, with a need for more recruitment of personnel into specific projects. A ringer with professional experience of strategic planning for Dioceses and Cathedrals had given input into this strategy development and had stressed the important of being able to measure progress. Tristan Lockheart (Leeds Univ) then presented details of the Ringing Survey being developed by the V&L Workgroup, including preliminary results of some beta testing with three Districts. The key themes from the survey were the need for mutual support, to provide opportunities, to work around time constraints and to be an active ringer. The President then outlined the “Business as Usual” ongoing work, which includes developing the ringing case studies for CofE safeguarding training, publishing a series of articles to explain different ringing insurance scenario series, Guidance on churches and bells at risk and the second year of the National Call Change Competition. Anthony Lovell-Wood (Salisbury DG) pointed out that in relation to the proposed conference for association Treasurers some guilds have separate Treasurers for their Bell Restoration Funds so these should also be invited. The President was aware of this. Nick Elks (Peterborough DG) felt that the Council should not be afraid to spend money to advance ringing. The President agreed with this sentiment. Mary Bone (Essex Ass) asked if the slides would be available on the website. This will be arranged. Dickon Love (Dove Steward) suggested an annual survey with a net promotor score. Will Bosworth (RW Editor) suggested that, as per a CRAG recommendation, was that the Council should employ paid staff. The Forward Plan was adopted by the Council on a show of hands.

13. Financial Update. The Treasurer presented this item. There are currently two small societies, whose subs will be reduced to £10/annum. £8,613 has been paid to YellowYoYo over the past two years, with some more expenditure in the future. £4,370 was paid for the production of the Discovering Bellringing videos, paid from the unspent Ringing Remembers grant, leaving a balance of £11,236 of those monies. The Council is holding £8,013 in donations to the Mobile Belfry, and a request had been received to transfer a further tranche to the Mobile Belfries Trust. This will be discussed at the next Executive meeting. £900 was paid to ART for admin support for the Ring for the King project. Amazon Smile have discontinued their charity donations and 31:8 safeguarding support is now available to affiliated societies (access information via the Council’s website. Microsoft did offer £2600/annum support for website hosting, which has now been withdrawn. An alternative has been identified at a cost of £660/annum. The outline of the 2024 budget is in the meeting papers.

    It was anticipated that there will be some spending from reserves required, which will include for Ringing 2030, the move of the library, new Rolls of Honour book, printing of publications, the South West ringing course and the National Ringing Centre. A budget will be compiled in Autum 2024. The Council holds at present cash reserves of £199,889. The reserves policy is to hold £75,000, which leaves an available reserve of approximately £125,000 available. There were no questions.

14. Elections of Trustees.

    1. President. Tina Stoecklin, proposed by Linda Garton (Bedfordshire Ass), seconded by Dorothy Hall (Oxford Soc). Tina was elected unopposed.

    2. Deputy President. Vicki Chapman, proposed by David Smith (ANZAB), seconded by Mary Bone (Essex Ass). Vicki was elected unopposed.

    3. Ordinary Trustee. Alison Hodge, proposed by Rhona McEune (Beverley & District Soc), seconded by Chris Povey (Four Shires Guild) and Ian Roulstone, proposed by Paul Flavell (Surrey Ass), seconded by Phillip Barnes (Kent County Ass) were nominated. The voting, after a paper ballot, was Ian Roulstone 60 votes, Alison Hodge 59 votes, with 8 abstentions/spoilt papers. Ian was declared elected.

15. Election of Independent Examiners. Two candidates were proposed. Duncan Walker, nominated by Mary Bone (Essex Ass), seconded by Jackie Roberts (Guildford DG) and Tim Payne, nominated by James Kirkcaldy (Devonshire Guild), seconded by Charlotte Boyce (Devonshire Guild). As there were no further nominations, Duncan and Tim were declared elected.

16. Motions

    1. Motion A. Jim Benner (Guild of Railway Ringers) proposed, seconded by Ernie de Legh-Runciman (Ex-Officio):

       • The Annual Subscription of each registered Small Society shall be £10.

       Tristan Lockheart (Leeds Uni) asked if we were setting this fee too low? Jim Benner pointed out that this was in line with the change of the affiliation fees in 2022. The motion was carried, with one vote against and two abstentions.

    2. Motion B. David Kirkcaldy (Sussex County Assn) proposed, seconded by Kate Flavell (Surrey Assn):

       • The number of Representative Members to which each Affiliated Society is entitled under Rule 5.4 shall be based on its Society Membership as follows:

         a) Society Membership up to 200 members = one Representative Member
         b) Society Membership 201 - 400 members = two Representative Members
         c) Society Membership over 400 members = three Representative Members

       David Kirkcaldy (Sussex Ass) introduced the motion, which was in line with the CRAG reform process. The President outlined the process he would follow for proceeding with the motion to allow fair debate, which might include some indicative votes. The President then asked for a show of hands for all those who needed to hear the arguments for and against reduction before being able to make up their minds. The show of hands indicated a considerable number.

       • David Smith (ANZAB) felt that the reasons that CRAG proposed a reduction may not be valid now. He suggested proxy voting to reduce the need for all reps to attend. But he thought the Council needs more ambassadors to spread the word of the Council. He also pointed out that Council Members were a rich source of talent and noted that the number of people needed to implement our forward plans would increase.

       • Peter Scott (Yorkshire Ass) endorsed David Smith’s comments. He noted that a CRAG theme was to increase the Council’s relationship with ringers across the country.

       • Phillip Barnes (Kent County Ass) gave a resume of the CRAG vision. He felt that the modern Council had reinvented itself, but still felt that the main purpose of the Council to scrutinise the work of the Executive was not being fully done. However, he felt that Council Representatives were not doing a good job in representing the Council to their members. He also would like to see suggestions of some form of ringing festival, incorporating the Council meeting, re-investigated.

       • Tristan Lockheart (Leeds Uni) had not yet seen a plan as to how we will recruit Workgroup members with a reduction in the number of Reps. He also felt that a reduction in Reps would cut down the opportunities for younger ringers to get involved with the Council.

       • David Parfrey (Bath and Wells DA) liked the idea of a ringing festival. He thought that the reduction of members may be in danger of setting up a closed society. He suggested changing the term ‘Representative Members’ to ‘Representatives’.

       • Annie Hall (Coventry DG) felt that during covid the Council was absolutely invaluable to ringing. She is delighted to see the number of newer younger representative members. To reduce the membership numbers would be a mistake.

       • Geoff Horritt (Hertfordshire County Ass) felt that all the CRAG changes made so far has been beneficial to the Council. But he felt that a reduction of Reps would not be of benefit. He felt that a reduction of Reps would cause difficulties in communication with grass roots ringers.

       • Peter Harrison (ANZAB) liked the idea of a ringing festival. He felt that a reduction of representative members would cause problems of representation of overseas societies.

       • Nick Elks (Peterborough DG) asked if reduced representative meeting would be open to non-rep observers.

       • Clyde Whittaker (Middlesex CA and London DG) pointed out that attendance at Council meetings had dropped by about 30% over the past 20 years, together with a reduction of the length of the meeting. He pointed out that this motion was not being put forward by the Executive, but as something the Executive felt the Council should vote on. He pointed out that CRAG did not ask for a reduction of size, but suggested the Council look at it. He added that the Council needed to decide what sort of Council meeting we need, and whether a reduction of the number of Reps risked cutting off the green shoots of new members.

       • Philip Green (Lincoln DG) was against the proposal, due the geographical size of some associations.

       • Jane Wilkinson (SRCY) thought that the reduction of Reps was a retrograde step.

       • John Harrison (Oxford DG) felt that opting for the status quo missed the opportunity to rethink how the Council operated and its relationship with other ringers.

       The President put the motion to the vote. 35 voted in favour of the motion, a larger majority against the motion and 8 abstentions. The President concluded that as a two thirds majority was needed to pass a rule change, this had not been met and the motion had been defeated.

    3. Motion C Phillip Barnes (Kent County Ass) proposed, and Beverly Faber (NAGCR) seconded:

       • The Council endorses the paper from the Workgroup Leader of the Historical & Archive Workgroup exploring the options for future siting of the Council Library and supports the migration of the Library to the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust on such commercial terms as the Council Trustees may negotiate and agree.

       In proposing the motion, Phillip Barnes (Kent County Ass) explained why the Executive came to the decision to support the motion. Enid Roberts (ANZAB) spoke in favour of the motion. Robert Perry (Truro DG) asked about security of tenure and legal advice, He was assured this was in hand. Andrew Wilby (ASCY) declared he was a Trustee of the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust. He then said the Loughborough building was in a period of major restoration (supported by the National Lottery). They are expanding their collections, and the Council’s library is very welcome.

       The Council voted in favour of the motion, with none against and no abstentions.

17. Future Meeting. The 2024 meeting will be hosted by The Devonshire Guild on 7th September 2025, and an invitation has been received from the Yorkshire Association for 2025.

18. Any Other Business

    1. The attendance figures for the meeting were:

       	Voting Societies	Representative Members
       		Present	Absent
       Fully represented	24	58	-
       Partly represented	33	75	36
       Not represented	10	-	8
       	67	133	44
       	Small Societies	Members
       		Present	Absent
       Fully represented	1	1	-
       Not represented	1	-	1
       	2	1	1
       Fellows		2	-
       Ex-officio Members		8	6
       		144	51

       (Archivist’s note: The above table contains more detail than the official minutes to aid comparison with earlier years.)

    2. Linda Garton (Bedfordshire Ass) said that her association was undertaking a review of their structure and asked whether it might be possible for next year’s meeting weekend to include some form of networking/brainstorming event on association structures.

    3. Mary Bone (Essex Ass) thanked the Executive for all their work in the past year.

    4. The President thanked the team for organising the event, and declared the meeting closed at 5.55 p.m.

    Attendance:

    The following members of The Council were present at the meeting, having indicated their attendance by signing the role:

    Fellows: Alan Frost, David Kelly.
    Ex-officio (non-voting): Ernie de Legh-Runciman**, Alan Glover, Catherine Lane*, Simon Linford, Dickon Love**, Alan Regin, Fergus Stracey, Paul Wotton.
    Ancient Society of College Youths: Richard Allton, Andrew Wilby.
    Australian & New Zealand Association: Peter Harrison, Enid Roberts*, David Smith.
    Bath & Wells Diocesan Association: Matthew Higby, David Parfrey.
    Bedfordshire Association: Patrick Albon, Linda Garton, Richard Horne.
    Beverley & District Society: Rosina Baxter, James Blackburn.
    Cambridge University Guild: David Richards, Richard Smith.
    Carlisle Diocesan Guild: Jayden Milby*.
    Chester Diocesan Guild: Carole Hallam, Graham Jenkins#, Peter Wilkinson.
    Coventry Diocesan Guild: Annie Hall, John Newbold, Tracey Newbold, Joy Pluckrose.
    Derby Diocesan Association: Andrew Hall, Susan Hall.
    Devon Association: Tim Jones.
    Durham & Newcastle Diocesan Association: Howard Smith, Barbara Wheeler.
    Durham University Society: Phil Hughes.
    Ely Diocesan Association: Philip Bailey, Lynne Hughes**, Sue Marsden, Daniel Stevens.
    Essex Association: Fred Bone, Mary Bone**, Vicki Chapman, Martin Jones.
    Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association: Bob Blanden*.
    Guild of Clerical Ringers: Revd Max Drinkwater*.
    Guild of Devonshire Ringers: Charlotte Boyce*, Barbara Hemsley*, James Kirkcaldy, Alena Wardle.
    Guildford Diocesan Guild: Jackie Roberts.
    Hereford Diocesan Guild: Revd Anthony Ellis, Abi Pugh.
    Hertford County Association: Stuart Brant, Tony Crowther, Geoff Horritt, Margaret Horritt.
    Irish Association: Niamh Hickey*, Don McLean.
    Kent County Association: Phillip Barnes, Neil Jones*, Alexander Runting*, Stephanie Runting*.
    Ladies Guild: Allison Devine, Rhiannon Pugh, Elizabeth Smith.
    Lancashire Association: Beth Ingham, Andrew Kayll, Simon Percy*.
    Leeds University Society: Tristan Lockheart.
    Leicester Diocesan Guild: Sally Brown*, Carol Franklin, Steve Millington.
    Lichfield & Walsall Archdeaconry Society: Stephen Askew, David Towell.
    Lincoln Diocesan Guild: Philip Green, Chris Turner.
    Liverpool University Society: Martyn Bristow.
    Llandaff & Monmouth Diocesan Association: Andrew Phillips*, Helen Phillips.
    Middlesex County Association & London Diocesan Guild: Sonia Field, Robert Lewis, Clyde Whittaker.
    North American Guild: Eileen Butler, Beverly Faber, Christian Haller.
    North Wales Association: Harvey Plows*.
    Norwich Diocesan Association: Raymond Harwood, Mary Jones*.
    Oxford Diocesan Guild: John Harrison, Lucy Hopkins Till, Graham John, Alan Marchbank, Tim Pett.
    Oxford Society: Dorothy Hall.
    Oxford University Society: Craig Robertson.
    Peterborough Diocesan Guild: Simon Dixon, Alistair Donaldson*, Nick Elks.
    St Agatha Guild: Anne Bray.
    St Martin’s Guild: Richard Andrew, James Ramsbottom.
    Salisbury Diocesan Guild: Robert Crighton, Anthony Lovell-Wood.
    Scottish Association: Tina Stoecklin.
    Shropshire Association: Paul Lewis, Ann Williams.
    Society of Royal Cumberland Youths: Ian Roulstone, Jane Wilkinson.
    South African Guild: James Champion.
    Southwell and Nottingham Diocesan Guild: Jim Crabtree, Chris Glenton.
    Suffolk Guild: Chris Birkby, Cath Colman, Neal Dodge.
    Surrey Association: Kate Flavell, Paul Flavell, Noel Gibbin, Jason Hughes.
    Sussex County Association: Sue Gadd, David Kirkcaldy, Rob Lane, Stephanie Pendlebury.
    Truro Diocesan Guild: Robert Perry, Ian Self.
    University of Bristol Society: Elva Ainsworth**.
    Veronese Association: David Roskelly.
    Welsh Colleges Society: Rhiannon Meredith*.
    Winchester & Portsmouth Diocesan Guild: Rachael Barber*, Michael Church, Mike Hopkins Till, Nick James*.
    Worcestershire & Districts Association: Alison Hodge, James Mort, Chris Tennant, Elizabeth Tennant*.
    Yorkshire Association: Barrie Dove, Simon Plows, Elaine Scott, Peter Scott, Andrew Slade*.
    Guild of Railway Ringers: Jim Benner.

    Apologies were received from:

    Ex-officio (non-voting): Tim Jackson, David Mattingley, Allen Nunley, Ian Oram, Christopher Ridley.
    Ancient Society of College Youths: Colin Newman.
    Barrow & District Society: Rhona McEune.
    Bath & Wells Diocesan Association: Michael Hansford, Charles Pipe-Wolferstan.
    Carlisle Diocesan Guild: Duncan Walker.
    Chester Diocesan Guild: Tom Nestor.
    Derby Diocesan Association: Glen Fiddy, Gill Hughes.
    East Derby & West Nottinghamshire Association: Edward Sterland.
    Four Shires Guild: Chris Povey.
    Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association: Mark Davies, Simon Edwards, Derek Harbottle, Richard While.
    Guildford Diocesan Guild: John Couperthwaite, Deb Margason-Baker*.
    Kent County Association: Caroline Stockmann.
    Lancashire Association: Sam Brook, Cate Gardner.
    Lichfield & Walsall Archdeaconry Society: Stuart Hutchieson.
    Lincoln Diocesan Guild: Chris Sharp.
    Llandaff & Monmouth Diocesan Association: Matthew Turner.
    Middlesex County Association & London Diocesan Guild: Hans Rashbrook*.
    North Wales Association: Beverley Furniss.
    Norwich Diocesan Association: Jo Belsten*.
    Society of Royal Cumberland Youths: Joseph Waters*.
    Southwell and Nottingham Diocesan Guild: Graham Hayward.
    Sussex County Association: Philip Pawley.
    Truro Diocesan Guild: Hayley Young.
    Veronese Association: Michele Giovanni Cambareri.

    The following societies were not represented, and no apologies were presented:

    Central European Association, Dorset County Association, National Police Guild, North Staffordshire Association, St David’s Diocesan Guild, Swansea & Brecon Diocesan Guild, University of London Society, Lilliputters Guild

    KEY * - New member, # - returning member, ** - Existing member transferring to new role

ERNIE DE LEGH-RUNCIMAN
Secretary, Central Council of Church Bell Ringers

The Ringing World, 6 October 2023, pages 976 to 980

(Archivist’s note: also absent were Paul Jopp (Ex-officio), Paul Feast (Bath & Wells Diocesan Association), Joanne Tucker (Devon Association), Gareth Down (Dorset County Association), Helen Fuller-Whelan (National Police Guild), John Hall (North Staffordshire Association), David Westerman (Peterborough Diocesan Guild), Chris Hughes (St David’s Diocesan Guild), Max Knight, Julian Newman and Vicki Rowse (Salisbury Diocesan Guild), Derek Sibson (Society of Royal Cumberland Youths), Anne Sladen (Southwell and Nottingham Diocesan Guild), Patrick Wheeler (University of Bristol Society), Toby Hibbert (University of London Society), Allan Yalden (Winchester & Portsmouth Diocesan Guild) and Molly Smith (Lilliputters Guild))