Central Council Meeting 1996: Official Report

The 99th Annual Meeting of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers (the first meeting of a new triennium) was held at the Radbrook Hall Hotel, Shrewsbury, on Monday 27th May 1996.

The meeting was opened at 9.30 a.m. by the President, Professor R. J. Johnston, who called upon the Revd. Prebendary J. G. M. Scott (Honorary Member) to lead the Council in prayer.

In his report on the Council’s membership, the Hon. Secretary, Mr. C. H. Rogers (Guildford D.G.), said that 68 societies were affiliated to the Council, with 201 representatives, and that there were nine Life Members, 23 Honorary Members and one ex officio member. Subscriptions had been received from all affiliated societies.

Apologies for absence

The Secretary reported that apologies for absence had been received from one Life Member, Miss D. E. Colgate; three Honorary Members, Messrs. A. P. S. Berry, E. Billings and W. H. Dobbie; and ten representative members, Miss A. Phillips and Messrs. P. L. Bill, D. Bleby, J. H. Gibb, A. S. Hudson, D. H. Niblett, I. V. J. Smith, M. J. Stone, J. Weaver and P. Whitehead. Apologies for absence were also given for Dr. M. J. Pomeroy and Mrs. E. S. Riley.

Alternate members were present in place of Messrs. Bleby and Whitehead (Australia and New Zealand Association) and Miss Phillips (Zimbabwe Guild).

The application from the Four Shires Guild for affiliation to the Council, which was the subject of the next agenda item, had been withdrawn.

New members

The President welcomed the following new members of the Council: Mr. J. A. Smith (Australia and New Zealand A.), Mr. D. Watson (Beverley and District S.), Mr. C. E. J. Kilgour (Cambridge U.G.), Mr. M. Dew (Coventry D.G.), Mrs. P. A. M. Halls (Derby D.A.), Mr. C. Ledgerwood-Barr (G. Devonshire Ringers), Mr. R. Grant (E. Grinstead and District G.), Mr. A. G. Semken and Mr. D. L. Sparling (Essex A.), Dr. G. Groves, Mr. I. P. Hill and Mr. M. J. Mulvey (Gloucester & Bristol D.A.), Mr. J. Morgan (Guildford D.G.), Mr. D. R. Carter and Mr. B. D. Threlfall (Hereford D.G.), Mr. N. J. Davies (Kent C.A.), Miss A. R. Willgress (Ladies G.), Mr. S. S. Meyer (Lancashire A.), Mr. J. R. Thompson (Leicester D.G.), Mrs. L. Smith (Lichfield Archdeaconry S.), Miss J. M. Corby (Lincoln D.G.), Mr. J. C. Parker (Llandaff & Monmouth D.A.), Mrs. J. Higgins (London C.A.), Miss L. MacMahon (Manchester U.G.), Mr. A. Udal (Middlesex C.A.), Mr. P. A. Trotman (N. American G.), Dr. K. W. Price (N. Wales A.), Mr. D. F. Riley (Norwich D.A.), Mr. K. R. Davenport and Mrs. P. M. Newton (Oxford D.G.), Mr. R. C. Warburton (St David’s D.G.), Mr. P. Needham (St Martin’s G.), Mrs. J. Webb and Mr. R. J. Wellen (Salisbury D.G.), Mr. D. N. Wallis and Mr. R. J. Wallis (Surrey A.), Mr. R. T. Clay (Sussex C.A.), Mr. J. Hill (Transvaal S.), Miss D. J. Couch, Mr. N. R. Mattingley, Mrs. H. L. Perry and Mr. I. P. Self (Truro D.G.), Mr. D. I. Bassford and Miss C. O’Callaghan (Univ. Bristol S.), Mr. G. Tommasi (Veronese A.), Mrs. G. Cater and the Revd B. J. Fry (Winchester & Portsmouth D.G.) and Mrs. D. M. Rhymer (Yorkshire A.). As the Secretary read out each name, the member stood briefly.

Presentation

At this point the President paid tribute to three members who were each attending their 50th Council Meeting, Mr. E. A. Barnett (Life Member), Mr. F. E. Dukes (Life Member) and Mr. H. W. Rogers (London C.A.). He then made a small presentation to them, and Mrs. V. Grossmith (Zimbabwe Guild) made a presentation to Mr. Dukes on behalf of her Guild in recognition of his work on behalf of overseas ringers.

Losses through death

Members stood in silence while the Secretary read the names of former Council members who had died since the last meeting and of two who had died prior to the last meeting but had not been remembered then:

Mr. J. T. Parsons (Lancashire A. 1992-4); Mr. C. H. Kippin (Surrey A. 1930-45 and Winchester & Portsmouth D.G. 1949-59); Mr. H. W. Barrett (Norwich D.A. 1954-77); Mr. W. B. Cartwright (Worcestershire & Districts A. 1951-84 and Life Member from 1985 until his death); Mr. H. L. Roper (Honorary Member 1960-71); Mr. A. J. Brazier (Worcestershire & Districts A. 1967-72); Mr. A. S. Baker (London C.A. 1987-9) and Mr. H. Denman (N. Nottinghamshire A. 1945 and Southwell D.G. 1946-50).

The Revd J. M. Hughes (Llandaff & Monmouth D.A.) said a prayer.

Election of Honorary Members

Nine Honorary Members would complete their three-year term at the end of the meeting, of whom one (Mr. J. D. Gallimore) had become a representative member and one (Mr. E. Billings) did not seek re-election. The other seven retiring Honorary Members and two others were proposed and seconded to fill the nine vacancies. Voting was by ballot, as required by the Rules, and the President was later able to confirm that all nine had been elected. They were: Dr. D. W. Beard, who provides valued assistance with new methods and peal compositions; Mr. M. J. Church, a Director of The Ringing World Ltd and a member of the Administrative Committee; Dr. J. C. Eisel, the Council’s Librarian; Dr. Lin Forbes, originator and one of the project coordinators of the Millennium Bells project; Mr. A. J. Frost, Chairman of the Towers and Belfries Committee; Mr. E. G. H. Godfrey, one of the Council’s Auditors; Professor R. J. Johnston, retiring President; Mr. D. J. Roberts, Chairman of the Biographies Committee; and Miss J. Sanderson, Chairman of the Library Committee and a member of the Publications Committee.

Election of Officers for 1996-1999

Mrs. Jane Wilkinson, Honorary Member and Vice-President, had been nominated for the post of President by Dr. J. C. Baldwin (Life Member), who had proposed her election as Vice-President three years ago and spoke of the value of maintaining the tradition by which the President is succeeded by the Vice-President after three years in office. After Mr. E. A. Barnett (Life Member) had seconded, the outgoing President declared Mrs. Wilkinson elected as President.

Mr. J. A. Anderson (St. Martin’s Guild) was then proposed for the position of Vice-President by Mr. R. J. Cooles (Honorary Member), who spoke of his long record of service to the St. Martin’s Guild and to St. Martin’s Church in Birmingham, of his chairmanship of the Public Relations Committee and of his leading role in setting up structures to provide advice on complaints about bells. In seconding, Mr. W. F. Moreton (Life Member) spoke of Mr. Anderson’s expertise at bowls and at chairing meetings. There being no other nomination, Mr. Anderson was thereupon declared elected as Vice-President.

After he had been proposed and seconded by his fellow Guildford D.G. representatives, Messrs. W. J. Couperthwaite and R. J. Walker, Mr. C. H. Rogers was declared elected as Honorary Secretary for the next three years.

There were two candidates for the new post of Honorary Treasurer, Mr. M. H. D. O’Callaghan (Honorary Member) and Mr. C. Ridley (Surrey A.). As profiles of both of them had recently appeared in The Ringing World, little more was said at the meeting by their proposers and seconders. Mr. O’Callaghan was proposed by Mr. C. J. Groome (Peterborough D.G.) and seconded by Dr. J. C. Baldwin (Life Member); and Mr. Ridley was proposed by Mr. C. A. Wratten (Life member) and seconded by Dr. J. C. Eisel (Honorary Member). Voting was by ballot, and Mr. O’Callaghan was subsequently declared elected.

At this point Professor Johnston vacated the chair and handed it over to the new President, Mrs. Wilkinson, together with the gavel and certain other items of property traditionally kept by the President. Mrs. Wilkinson began, by paying tribute to Professor Johnston for his very constructive presidency, during which a number of new initiatives had been undertaken by the Council for the good of ringing. She went on to thank members for her election and to speak of the honour and privilege bestowed on her. She asked members to be succinct in their contributions and expressed the hope that the meeting would finish by 6p.m., a target which was in fact met with 20 minutes to spare.

Mr. Anderson then thanked his proposer and seconder for their support and spoke briefly of the targets the Council was setting itself in connection with the year 2000.

Appointment of Stewards for 1996-1999

Only one nomination had been received for each of the four positions of Steward and, after being formally proposed and seconded, they were each declared elected. They were: Library - Dr. J. C. Eisel (Honorary Member); Carter Ringing Machine - Mr. J. A. Anderson (St Martin’s G.) and Mr. A. E. Bagworth (Honorary Member); and Rolls of Honour - Mr. A. J. Phillips (Ancient Society of College Youths).

Minutes of the last meeting

The Minutes of the 1995 Annual Meeting (published on pp. 158-9 of The Ringing World of 9th February 1996) were agreed and duly signed by the President.

Report of the Honorary Secretary and Treasurer

In proposing the adoption of the report (published on p.447 of the R.W. of 26th April), the Secretary updated the membership figures given n the second paragraph (there were now 50 new members of the Council) and added Professor Angela Newing to the list of members of the previous Council who were not returning and had been members for 15 or more years. Professor Newing had first been elected to represent the University of Bristol Society in 1975 and had subsequently been an Honorary member and had represented the Gloucester & Bristol D.A.

The report was seconded by Mr C. J. Groome (Peterborough D.G.), who added the name of Mr. E. Billings, who had been a Council member since 1962 and had given valued service to the Bell Restoration Funds Committee. Adoption of the report was thereupon agreed.

The Accounts for 1995

In presenting the Accounts (R.W. 26th April, pp.446-9) the Secretary referred to the purchase of a computer for the Library and the writing of the addendum to the Rolls of Honour, which was on display at the Council meeting, as the only significant or unusual items of expenditure. Next year the Accounts would appear in a different format, in line with the new regulations relating to Charity Accounts.

Adoption of the Accounts was subsequently seconded by Mr. D. J. Jones (Peterborough D.G.) and agreed after consideration of the Publications Account and the Friends of the Library Account in conjunction with the reports of the respective committees.

Election of Auditors

The two existing Auditors (Messrs E. G. H. Godfrey and Mr. A. G. Smith) had expressed their willingness to stand for re-election. Mr. Godfrey (Honorary Member) was accordingly proposed by Mr. R. J. Cooles (Honorary Member) and seconded by Mr. C. J. Groome (Peterborough D.G.); and Mr. Smith was proposed and seconded by his fellow Dorset C.A. representatives, Dr. D. R. Bugler and Mrs. M. E. Frost. Their election was agreed and the President thanked them for their work.

Committee reports

The meeting then proceeded to consider the reports of each of the committees and to appoint the members of the committees for the next three years. The reports had been published in The Ringing World of 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th April 1996, and the relevant page numbers are given against each. On membership, the President said that the Administrative Committee had accepted the proposals of retiring committee chairmen for the number of members to be elected to each committee and that this number would be stated in each case before nominations were sought. It was however up to the Council to decide a different number if it wished.

Peal Compositions (p.450)

After Mr. R. Bailey (Middlesex C.A.)and Dr. D. W. Beard (Honorary Member) had respectively proposed and seconded the adoption of the report, Mr. A. W. R. Wilby (Ancient Society of College Youths) proposed a motion “That the Peal Compositions Committee should discuss and agree with the Ringing World Board an annual volume of selected compositions to be supplied for publication.” This motion was seconded by Mr. H. W. Egglestone (Life Member). In reply, Mr. Bailey said that there had been some discussion with The Ringing World, but he understood that the number of compositions to be published was limited by space constraints. The R.W. Editor, Mr. D. G. Thorne (Honorary Member), explained that he wished to receive only compositions which were worth ringing and likely to be of interest to readers.

Mr. C. H. Rogers, speaking as a Guildford D.G. representative, then put forward some points which had been put to him by a member of his home tower and with which he fully agreed, namely:

(1) Publication of peal compositions in the R.W. should be selective;

(2) Reviews of compositions should be constructive and informative. They should pick out the salient points and not appear to be flippant;

(3) Composers should be asked to supply their own commentaries on compositions submitted, to assist reviewers in understanding the reasons for them; and

(4) Composers of good, worthwhile compositions who do not submit them for publication should be encouraged to do so.

Mr. Rogers also expressed disappointment at the continued delay in publishing collections of compositions, particularly Stedman Triples.

Mr. Wilby’s motion was then put to the vote and carried and the adoption of the report was agreed. Up to five members were to be elected to the committee, but six names were proposed. After a ballot the following were elected to the Committee: Messrs. R. Bailey, J. Morgan (Guildford D.G.), D. F. Morrison (N. American G.), P. Needham (St. Martin’s G.) and M. Pidd (Leeds U.S.). Mr. S. D. Pettman (Suffolk G.) was unsuccessful.

Peals Analysis (pp. 363-5)

In proposing the adoption of the report, Mr. J. D. Cheesman (Surrey A.) said that another ten 1995 peals had been published since the report had been finalised. Mr. R. J. Perry (Truro D.G.) seconded and discussion initially centred on the “peals of note” section of the report. In relation to a peal of 25,200 Grandsire Triples at Hawkeshead, Mr. F. B. Lufkin (Life Member) pointed out, that it was wrong to describe it as having “the most changes on church bells”, as there were only 5,040 possible changes in Triples. Mr. Cheesman in reply proposed that the wording should be changed to “the longest length on church bells”, and this was agreed.

Dr. B. F. Peachey (National Police G.) suggested that his Guild’s first peal of Maximus, which had been rung in 1995, should have been mentioned as a “peal of note”.

The report contained four recommendations, which were then considered. Three of them were agreed without debate, namely: exclusion from the analysis of a peal of Minimus on handbells by the Cambridge U.G.; inclusion of a peal of Doubles with 768 covering by a local band at Bishop’s Lydeard (Bath & Wells D.A.) following a major restoration; and inclusion of 13 peals of Doubles in which method and variation names had been incorrectly reported.

On the fourth recommendation, that a peal of Stedman Cinques with variable cover by the Ancient Society of College Youths should be included on grounds of technical merit, Mr. A. P. Smith (Winchester & Portsmouth D.G.) spoke against its inclusion: as Chairman of the Methods Committee, he had advised the society before it was rung that it would not conform to the Decisions on peal ringing; it was not comparable with peals with a variable hunt bell; and it was neither Cinques nor Maximus. Mr. A. W. R. Wilby (ASCY) accepted the last point, but said that the composition was designed to exploit the music on twelve bells. The peal should be accepted and the motion later on the agenda would deal with nomenclatures for the future. Mr. Cheesman added that the Peals Analysis Committee had not been unanimous in making its recommendation. The recommendation was then put to the vote and declared to be lost.

Adoption of the report, as amended, was then agreed. The Committee was to have nine members, and the following nine members, having been proposed and seconded, were duly elected: Messrs. J. D. Cheesman (Surrey A.), J. C. Martin (Oxford D.G.), P. Needham (St. Martin’s G.), D. H. Niblett (Kent C.A.), R. J. Perry (Truro D.G.), T. G. Pett (Oxford D.G.), D. R. Pettifer (Lancashire A.), and D. N. Wallis (Surrey A.) and the Revd. L. R. Pizzey (Suffolk G.).

Public Relations (p. 362-3)

Introducing the report, the committee chairman, Mr. J. A. Anderson (St. Martin’s G.), referred to two millennium projects: The Open Churches Trust had obtained the support of the Archbishops of the Church of England and the leaders of most of the other churches for a proposal that a service should be held in every place of worship in the country at 12 noon on 1st January 2000 and that prior to this service every church and chapel bell should be rung. The support of the Council had been sought for the necessary recruitment and training of ringers. Mr. Anderson said that the Council should accept this challenge, but that it would require the support of all affiliated societies. This was a very recent development and the Council’s officers had not had time to put a formal proposal to the Council on the way it should be managed. Mr. Anderson proposed that it be left in the hands of the officers to progress matters.

For the second project, an “umbrella” application to the Millennium Commission for funding for over 100 bell restoration and augmentation projects, Mr. Anderson invited Mrs. S. Bianco (Honorary Member), one of the project coordinators, to speak. Mrs. Bianco said that the application had successfully passed its first two stages; £3 million (50% of the total cost of all the individual schemes submitted) had been earmarked, but it was still in competition with other applications. A meeting had recently been held with Commission officers, who had made it clear that the Commission would need to be satisfied with the Council’s proposals for managing the project before final agreement could be given. It would be necessary to appoint a project manager, and criteria and project management guidelines had to be drawn up. Because some of the individual schemes already submitted might not meet the criteria, further schemes could still be considered if they were well advanced. A list of the schemes in hand would be published in The Ringing World.

In answer to a question, Mr. Anderson confirmed that all the matching funding would need to come from other sources and that the Council’s money would not be at risk. Later in the meeting it was reported that a Millennium Bells Project Working Party had been set up, comprising the President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Chairmen of the Bell Restoration Funds and Towers and Belfries Committees and the two Project Co-ordinators, (Mrs. S. Bianco and Dr. L. F. Forbes).

After Mr. S. J. Coleman (Honorary Member) had seconded adoption of the report and Mr. H. W. Rogers (London C.A.) had asked members to let him know if they had available for Council use any of the smaller size of Marler Hayley display panels, adoption of the report was agreed.

Ten members were to be elected to the Committee, and ten were duly proposed, seconded and elected as follows: Messrs. J. A. Anderson, F. E. Dukes (Life Member), R. G. T Morris (Veronese A.), H. W. Rogers, A. Udal (Middlesex C.A.) and D. Watson (Beverley & District S.), Mrs. S. Bianco, Mrs. W. Daw (N. Staffs A.), Dr. L. E Forbes (Honorary Member) and Miss E. St. John-Smith (Honorary Member).

Publications (p. 397)

In proposing adoption of the report, Mr. W. J. Couperthwaite (Guildford D.G.) listed four publications which had been published since the beginning of the year, namely Belfry Prayers, One Way To Teach Ringing, Method Construction and A Collection of Spliced Surprise Compositions, together with belfry warning cards and a tape cassette Listening to Ringing Live. Mr. D. J. Jones (Peterborough D.G.) seconded and commented on the increasing number of books on sale.

Mr. G. A. Halls (Derby D.A.) congratulated the committee on publishing Church Towers and Bells, a technical engineering treatise by Mr. H. M. Windsor (Coventry D.G.). It was an important work of reference for engineers and architects, but its appeal would be limited and there was bound to be a financial risk in publishing it. In fact, Mr. Couperthwaite indicated that it was selling well.

Mr. F. J. P. Bone (Essex A.) asked when the next Rung Surprise Supplement would appear.

Replying, Mr. D. E. Sibson (Society of Royal Cumberland Youths) said that the collection of Rung Surprise Methods had been completely updated by Dr. D. W. Beard (Honorary Member) and would now include first performances of methods on handbells. It would be published soon.

After the President had ascertained that there were no comments on the Publications accounts, the meeting agreed to the adoption of the report. Six members were required for the committee and the following six were proposed, seconded and elected; Messrs. W. J. Couperthwaite, A. G. Craddock (Winchester and Portsmouth D.G.), D. J. Jones and R. J. Wallis (Surrey A.), Miss J. Sanderson (Honorary Member) and Mrs. B. M. Wheeler (Durham and Newcastle D.A.).

Records (pp. 447-9)

Adoption of the report was proposed by Mr. D. E. Sibson (Society of Royal Cumberland Youths) and seconded by Mr. J. R. Mayne (Hertford C.A.). Mr. Mayne asked members to let him know of any errors in the new Rung Surprise Collection, when published, especially in first peals of standard methods on handbells. The report was then adopted without debate and the following five members were elected to the committee: Messrs. D. W. Beard (Honorary Member), F. T. Blagrove (Middlesex C.A.), J. R. Mayne, D. E. Sibson and C. A. Wratten (Life Member).

Redundant bells (pp. 397-8)

In proposing the adoption of the report, Mr. G. W. Massey (Bath and Wells D.A.) spoke of the increasing involvement of local authorities with redundant churches through their listed building control powers. Local authorities sometimes objected to diocesan plans for other uses of church buildings which included removal of the bells. Ringers should therefore be vigilant when changes in the use of redundant churches were proposed. Mr. Massey went on to pay tribute to Mr. E. A. Barnett (Life Member), who was retiring after 21 years’ service on the committee.

Dr. J. C. Baldwin (Life Member) seconded and adoption of the report was agreed without debate. The committee was due to have 11 members including the President. In the event only ten members were proposed and they were all duly elected: the President (Mrs P.M. Wilkinson), Dr. J. C. Baldwin, Professor R. J. Johnston (Honorary member), Prebendary H. G. M. Scott (Honorary Member) and Messrs. J. G. Booth (London C.A.), R. J. Cooles (Honorary member), D. J. Kelly (Bath & Wells D.A.), J. Kershaw (Lancashire A.), G. W. Massey and M. H. D. O’Callaghan (Honorary Member). A request for another member from the north of England to fill the vacancy did not result in any further nominations.

Ringing Centres (p. 398)

Introducing the report, Miss S. J. Pattenden (Society of Royal Cumberland Youths) said that the committee would continue to advise on and encourage the establishment of new ringing centres; it wished to simplify the recognition procedure and to develop the publicity side. Thanks were expressed to three retiring members of the committee, Messrs. E. Billings, R. Cater and C. J. Groome. After Mr. R. G. Booth (London C.A.) had seconded the report’s adoption, Mr. A. W. R. Wilby (Ancient Society of College Youths) said that the establishment of the committee three years ago had been an important Council initiative; he had hoped to receive a report on the results achieved in terms of new ringers trained, better retention rates, etc.; he was particularly concerned that nothing seemed to be happening at the Pimlico Ringing Centre in London; if the concept was flawed, or implementation was proving difficult, some basic questions needed to be asked.

Miss Pattenden accepted that not enough was happening, although there was some activity at Pimlico and other centres, such as Keele, were very active. She hoped for more progress in future. Miss Pattenden also agreed to a request from Mr. H. W. Rogers (London C.A.) that next year’s report should include a list of ringing centres and their activities.

Adoption of the report was agreed and seven members were proposed and seconded for the five places on the committee. After a ballot, the following were declared elected: Miss S. J. Pattenden, Miss E. St. John-Smith (Honorary Member) and Messrs. A. J. Frost (Honorary Member), P. W. Gay (N. Staffordshire A.) and A. W. R. Wilby. The unsuccessful candidates were Messrs. R. G. Booth and C. M. Povey (Worcestershire and Districts A.).

Towers and Belfries (p. 398)

In proposing the adoption of the report Mr. A. J. Frost (Honorary Member) referred to a recent Ringing World article on lightning conductors and said that a statement would be published soon on health and safety matters. In seconding, Mr. F. W. Lewis (Kent C.A.) paid tribute to Mr. Frost’s chairmanship of the committee for the past six years.

Mr. G. A. Halls (Derby D,A.) referred to the debate at the 1995 Council meeting on lightning conductors and spoke of the dangers to people and buildings from lightning strikes. He was grateful to the committee for investigating the matter and he accepted its conclusions.

After the meeting had agreed to the adoption of the report, 14 members were proposed for the 11 places on the committee. Mr. A. R. Kench (Ancient Society of College Youths) suggested that the Committee would benefit from having more members and proposed that the number of members to be elected to the committee should be increased to 14. Mr. G. E. J. A. Doughty (Middlesex C.A.) seconded and, Mr. Frost having said that he would welcome the higher number, the proposal was agreed. After the President had ascertained that there were no further nominations, the 14 nominees were duly elected, as follows:

Messrs. P. S. Bennett (Llandaff & Monmouth D.A.), R. G. Booth (London C.A.), G. A. Dawson (Southwell D.G.), A. Dempster (E. Derbys & W. Notts A.), A. J. Frost, C. Ledgerwood-Barr (G. Devonshire R.), F. W. Lewis, F. D. Mack (G. Devonshire R.), H. F. Pettifer (Sussex C.A.), C. M. Povey (Worcestershire & Districts A.), B. J. Stone (Oxford S.), J. R. Taylor (Honorary Member) and H. M. Windsor (Coventry D.G.), and Prebendary J. G. M. Scott (Honorary Member).

Bell Restoration Funds (p. 361)

The committee chairman, Mr. J. S. Barnes (Society of Royal Cumberland Youths), made two points in proposing the report’s adoption: the Manifold Trust was anxious to provide funds for restoring unringable bells but insufficient parishes with bells in that category were taking up the offer; and requests to societies for information in connection with the application to the Millennium Commission should be dealt with urgently, as time was of the essence if funding was to be secured. Mr. Barnes also expressed thanks to Mr. E. Billings for his work for the committee over many years.

After Mr. A. R. Smith (Suffolk G.) had seconded, Mr. R. J. Perry (Truro D.G.) sought clarification of the reference to a Central Council Bell Restoration Fund in the committee’s report. Mr. Barnes said that the proposal had been referred to the Administrative Committee, which had expressed reservations. At its meeting the previous day, the Bell Restoration Funds Committee had agreed to proceed with the proposal on the basis that it would provide a facility for those who wished to make legacies and donations for bell restoration to a central fund, but it would not seek to compete in an way with guild and association bell funds. A low key start was envisaged, with the possibility that it might seek to attract funds from non-ringers.

In response to questions about the views of the Administrative Committee, the Secretary quoted from the minutes of its March meeting: members had advised caution; the Bell Restoration Funds Committee was well respected around the country for its advice and support; a C.C. bell fund would inevitably be seen as a rival to local funds; if the Council were to receive a substantial sum of money for bell restoration, an organisation would be set up to deal with it, but there was no need to do so in advance; there was the likelihood of confusion between the proposed fund and the Rescue Fund for Redundant Bells; affiliated societies should be consulted and consideration should be given to using the proposed fund as a strategic reserve for local funds at times of heavy demand; and more evidence was needed that the proposed fund would attract money which would not otherwise go into ringing.

Mr. A. Udal (Middlesex C.A.) then spoke of his association’s experience in handling its part of the legacy from the late Tom Lock. In response to a suggestion from Mr. G. A. Halls (Derby D.A.), a show of hands indicated that a majority of Council members felt that the bell fund proposal should be considered further.

Adoption of the report was agreed and the following nine members were proposed, seconded and elected to fill the nine places on the committee for the next three years: Messrs. J. S. Barnes, N. Booth (Scottish A.), K. R. Davenport (Oxford D.G.), N. Johnson (Durham & Newcastle D.A.), I. H. Oram (Society of Royal Cumberland Youths) and A. R. Smith, Mrs. K. Flavell (Honorary Member), Mrs. C. A. Hardwick (Bath & Wells D.A.) and Mrs. B. A. Winter (Coventry D.G.).

At this point the President adjourned the meeting for lunch. Resumption followed the annual meeting of The Ringing World Ltd.

Biographies (p. 426)

In proposing the adoption of the report, Mr. D. J. Roberts (Honorary Member) asked new members to let him have any outstanding biography sheets and photographs. A writer had been found to maintain the tradition of writing up obituaries of deceased members in italic script.

Mr. G. A. Dawson (Southwell D.G.) seconded and Mr. J. A. Harrison (Oxford D.G.) suggested that, if the main method of updating biographies was from information appearing in The Ringing World, the result would be somewhat biased. Mr. Roberts replied that he was always pleased to receive information from other sources, particularly from the individuals themselves.

After Mr. C. M. Povey (Worcestershire & Districts A.) had pointed out that Mr. A. J. Brazier had died on 1st February 1996, adoption of the report was agreed. Five members were proposed, seconded and elected to fill the five places on the committee, as follows: Dr. J. C. Eisel (Honorary Member), Mrs. P. A. M. Halls (Derby D.A.), Mr. C. Ridley (Surrey A.), Mr. D. J. Roberts and Mr. B. D. Threlfall (Hereford D.G.).

Computer Coordination (p. 426-7)

Introducing the report, Mr. A. G. Craddock (Winchester & Portsmouth D.G.) said that the peal board database programme was now available at a cost of £1. While the committee could coordinate the database, he did not consider that it should be responsible for collating the information to be obtained. That was a task for affiliated societies. In answer to a question from Mr. N. Johnson (Durham & Newcastle A.), Mr. Craddock agreed to consider providing a list of societies and towers with information on the World Wide Web.

Mr. F. J. P. Bone (Essex A.) seconded and the adoption of the report was agreed. After six names had been proposed and seconded, Mr S. J. Coleman (Honorary Member) proposed, Mrs. S. Bianco (Honorary Member) seconded, and it was agreed, that the committee should have six members. There being no further nominations, the following were declared elected: Messrs. F. J. P. Bone, A. G. Craddock, C. E. J. Kilgour (Cambridge U.G.), J. Morgan (Guildford D.G.), P. A. Trotman (N. American G.) and D. N. Wallis (Surrey A.).

Education (pp. 427-8)

In proposing the adoption of the report, Dr. M. J. de C. Henshaw (Beverley & District S.) took the opportunity to update it in the following respects:

(1) The first Tower Captaincy course had been very successful with much positive feedback. The next course would be in Sheffield on 22-24 November 1996 and was strongly recommended for inexperienced Tower Captains.

(2) Progress with the video was slower than had been hoped, but the script had been finalised and completion was expected by the end of the year. In answer to a question about its cost, Dr. Henshaw said there was provision for expenditure of up to £1,000.

(3) The tape cassette Listening to Ringing Live and the following publications were now available: Method Construction by Wilfrid Moreton, One Way to Teach Bell Handling by Richard Pargeter and Belfry Prayers by Malcolm Tyler. Starting a Band from Scratch by Wilfrid Moreton and The Good Tower Guide would be published soon.

(4) The committee would work closely with the Public Relations Committee in planning for the recruitment and training of ringers for silent towers in time to ring on 1st January 2000.

Finally, Dr. Henshaw expressed thanks to Mrs. C. N. J. Franklin (Leicester D.G.), now retiring from the committee, for her work over many years.

Mr. R. R. Warford (Durham and Newcastle D.A.) seconded the report and Mrs. G. Cater (Winchester & Portsmouth D.G.) congratulated the committee on the Education Officers’ Conference. It had been a very worthwhile day and she hoped that the committee would develop the network of education officers.

After the meeting had agreed the adoption of the report, 15 names were proposed and seconded for the 12 places on the committee. Voting was by ballot and the following were subsequently declared elected: Mrs. G. Cater and Messrs. F. J. P. Bone (Essex A.), N. Donovan (Yorkshire A.), G. E. J. A. Doughty (Middlesex C.A.), P. W. Gay (N. Staffordshire A.), J. A. Harrison (Oxford D.G.), M. J. de C. Henshaw, F. W. Lewis (Kent C.A.), M. J. Mulvey (Gloucester & Bristol D.A.), D. G. Salter (Suffolk G.), J. F. I. Turney (Hereford D.G.) and R. R. Warford.

The unsuccessful candidates were Messrs. G. Barr (Univ. London S.), E. G. Mould (London C.A.) and A. G. Semken (Essex A.).

Library (p. 361)

After the adoption of the report had been formally proposed and seconded by Miss J. Sanderson and Dr. J. C. Eisel (both Honorary Members) respectively, Dr. B. F. Peachey (National Police Guild) suggested that the committee should take on the task of collecting the information on historic peal boards to be gained from use of the new database. Miss Sanderson agreed that the committee should accept this task.

Turning to the Friends of the Library accounts, Miss Sanderson expressed her desire to receive further subscriptions and Mr. S. C. Walters (Cambridge U.G.) again appealed to affiliated societies to become Friends.

Adoption of the report was then agreed and the following five members were proposed, seconded and elected to serve with the Librarian (Dr Eisel) on the committee: Miss J. Sanderson and Messrs. W. Butler (Oxford D.G.), F. J. P. Bone (Essex A.), C. Ridley (Surrey A.) and C. A. Wratten (Life Member).

Methods (pp. 361-2)

After Mr. A. P. Smith (Winchester & Portsmouth D.G.) had proposed and Mr. R. Bailey (Middlesex C.A.) had seconded the report’s adoption, Mr. R. E. H. Woolley (Society of Sherwood Youths) said that it was wrong to credit him with the suggestion that a four-way table of Minor methods should be produced showing all the methods in Treble Dodging Minor Methods. He had merely echoed an early suggestion to this effect made by Mr. C. K. Lewis.

The meeting agreed to the adoption of the report and to the election of the following six members who had been proposed and seconded to fill the six places on the committee: Messrs. R. Bailey, F. T. Blagrove (Middlesex C.A.), C. K. Lewis (Life Member), J. Morgan (Guildford D.G.), P. D. Niblett (Oxford U.S.) and A. P. Smith.

Administrative (pp. 446-7)

Proposing the adoption of the report, the Secretary referred to the paragraph on contact with heritage bodies and said that a further meeting had taken place towards the end of March with English Heritage and representatives of the Heritage Lottery Fund. The latter had said that 50 or 60 applications for funding for bell schemes had been received, with a big range in the quality of the applications. Applications in which all the questions had been answered in full were more likely to be successful.

On VAT, the Secretary said that no reply had yet been received from Customs and Excise to Mr. Alan Hughes’ letter of 15th January, although one had several times been promised. Meanwhile the status quo applied and the 30th September deadline still stood.

After Mr. M. J. Church (Honorary Member) had seconded the report, adoption of the report was agreed and the President adjourned the meeting for tea and to allow the newly appointed committees to elect their chairmen.

On resumption, the names of those elected were given as follows:

• Bell Restoration Funds - J. S. Barnes.
• Biographies - D. J. Roberts.
• Computer Coordination - A. G. Craddock.
• Education - M. J. de C. Henshaw.
• Library - Miss J. Sanderson
• Methods - A. P. Smith.
• Peal Compositions - R. Bailey.
• Peals Analysis - J. D. Cheesman.
• Public Relations - J. A. Anderson.
• Publications - W. J. Couperthwaite.
• Records - D. E. Sibson.
• Redundant Bells - G. W. Massey.
• Ringing Centres - P. W. Gay.
• Towers and Belfries - A. Dempster.

The President reminded members that the committee chairmen were all ex officio members of the Administrative Committee, as were the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Ringing World Ltd. (Mr H. W. Egglestone). Nominations were then invited for the 12 elected places on the committee and the following 12 members were duly proposed, seconded and elected: Dr. J. C. Baldwin (Life Member), Mrs. K. Flavell (Honorary Member), Mrs. C. A. Hardwick (Bath and Wells D.A.), Miss S. J. Pattenden (Society of Royal Cumberland Youths), and Messrs. J. Armstrong (Essex A.), M. J. Church, R. J. Cooles, A. J. Frost, R. J. Johnston (all Honorary Members), D. J. Jones (Peterborough D.G.), S. S. Meyer (Lancashire A.) and A. W. R. Wilby (Ancient Society of College Youths).

Motion

The only motion on the agenda was proposed by Mr. A. W. R. Wilby and seconded by Mr. A. R. Kench (both Ancient Society of College Youths). It was to ask the Methods Committee to consider, and recommend to the Council’s 1997 meeting, appropriate changes to the Decisions so as to permit peals in which the cover bell varies. Mr. Wilby said that ringing with a variable cover was an exciting innovation; it did not fit the Decisions as they stood; thus new wording was required to define it properly.

Mr. Kench expressed disappointment at the Council’s decision earlier in the day to exclude the 1995 peal of Variable Cover Stedman Cinques from the analysis, as a true peal had been rung and the only difficulty was with what to call it. The Council’s Decisions over the years had moved with the times, e.g. singles in Surprise and variable hunt. There was a natural resistance to change, but so long as truth were retained, other barriers could gradually be pushed aside. The present proposal could, among other things, give a new impetus to six-bell ringing. He therefore asked the Methods Committee to consider the matter and report back positively.

Several members felt that the motion as worded did not allow the Methods Committee to take the view that variable cover peals should not be permitted. Accordingly Mr. J. A. Harrison (Oxford D.G.) proposed and Mr. B. D. Threlfall (Hereford D.G.) seconded an amendment that “the Methods Committee be asked to consider and, if appropriate, recommend …”. Mr. R. B. Smith (Honorary Member) pointed out that that would allow the Methods Committee not to report back at all; it was for the Council to decide next year whether or not to amend the Decisions. The amendment was then put to the vote and lost.

A second amendment was then proposed by Miss S. J. Pattenden (Society of Royal Cumberland Youths) and seconded by Mr. C. J. Groome (Peterborough D.G.) that “the Methods Committee be asked to consider and advise the Council’s 1997 meeting of appropriate changes …”. Messrs. Wilby and Kench indicated that they were content with this amendment, which was then put to the vote and carried.

Before the substantive motion was put to the vote, Mr. A. P. Smith (Winchester & Portsmouth D.G.) said that the Methods Committee was pleased to accept the motion. However, any change to the Decisions would not be retrospective and he foresaw problems with variable cover Triples. He urged members to vote against, but, when the motion as amended was put to the vote, it was carried by a substantial majority.

Report of the Stewards of the Carter Ringing Machine (p. 398)

Proposing adoption of the report, Mr. A. E. Bagworth (Honorary Member) said that Mr. W. H. Dobbie had replaced certain parts of the machine last summer and further maintenance and renewal of parts had been undertaken at the Birmingham Science Museum. He was grateful to Mr. Barry Ward and the Director of the Museum for their interest. The machine was now more reliable as a result of the work that had been undertaken.

Mr. Bagworth went on to say that Mr. Dobbie, who had not sought re-election as a Steward of the Machine, had first became involved with it in 1966 and in 1968 had rung peals of Spliced Surprise Major and Bristol Maximus on it. He expressed thanks to Mr. Dobbie for all his work for the Machine and wished him well for the future. These sentiments were echoed by all present and the Secretary was instructed to write to Mr. Dobbie in these terms.

Mr. J. A. Anderson (St Martin’s Guild) seconded the report and its adoption was agreed.

Report of the Steward of the Rolls of Honour (p. 398)

The adoption of the report was proposed by the Steward, Mr. A. J. Phillips, and seconded by Mr. A. N. Stubbs (both Ancient Society of College Youths). Mr. R. J. Perry (Truro D.G.) expressed the thanks of his Guild to the Steward for the addition of the names of Truro D.G. members who fell in the First World War. The extra sheet had been exceptionally well written. Adoption of the report was then agreed.

Rescue Fund for Redundant Bells (p. 399)

In proposing the adoption of the report and accounts, the Secretary to the Fund (Mr R. J. Cooles, Honorary Member) explained the position with regard to repayment of the Fund’s loan for the purchase of the former bells of St. Martin’s, Birmingham. Loans from individuals had been repaid and loans from societies would be repaid soon. St. Helen’s, Escrick, Charitable Trust was expected to complete its payment for the bells during 1997. Mr. M. H. D. O’Callaghan (Honorary Member) seconded, and adoption of the report and accounts was agreed without debate.

Future meetings

At the President’s invitation, Mr. G. B. Bonham (Ely D.A.) spoke about the arrangements for the 1997 meeting to be held in Cambridge. Ms J. Thompson (Irish A.) then spoke about the 1998 meeting to be held in Dublin and asked members to fill in and return the questionnaire which had been circulated. In answer to a question, she confirmed that the meeting would be held on the Monday and that a sightseeing tour on that day was proposed for non-members.

The Secretary reported that an invitation from the Lincoln D.G. for the 1999 meeting had already been accepted and that invitations for future years had been received as follows:

• 2000 - Suffolk Guild.
• 2001 - Lancashire Association.
• 2002 - Norwich D.A.
• 2003 - North Wales Association.
• 2004 - Essex Association.
• 2006 - Leicester D.G.

Attendances

The Secretary reported that 57 societies were fully represented and 11 partly represented, with a total of 189 representative members present. Possibly for the first time no societies had not been represented. With eight Life Members, 20 Honorary Members and one ex officio member present, the total attendance of 218 was well in excess of the highest number present at any previous meeting.

Other business

Mrs. S. Bianco (Honorary Member) said that she had stationery available for the use of committees.

Mr. C. J. Groome (Peterborough D.G.) asked that in future, when the President announced the results of ballots for elections, the number of votes cast for each candidate should be given. It was agreed that the Administrative Committee should consider this request.

A request from Miss C. O’Callaghan (Univ. Bristol S.), that new members should be provided with a brief description of the work of each committee and the qualities sought for membership, was referred to the Administrative Committee.

The President then sought the Council’s agreement that the ballot papers should now be destroyed, and this was given.

Vote of thanks

The President then moved a comprehensive vote of thanks to all those involved in the Council’s visit to Shrewsbury: to the officers and members of the Shropshire Association for their superb organisation, and in particular to those who had acted so efficiently as tellers; to everyone involved in the Sunday evening reception, and in particular to the Mayor of Shrewsbury, the Bishop of Shrewsbury and the Ringing Master of the Shropshire Association for their welcome; to the Bishop of Shrewsbury and the Archdeacon of Salop for their part in the songs of praise service in the redundant church of St. Mary’s, Shrewsbury, and to the lesson readers and organist; to Dr. J. C. Baldwin for taking the Holy Communion service that morning; to Mr. and Mrs. Dixon, the owners of Home Farm, Attingham Park, for allowing its use for the exhibition of portable mini-rings; to the incumbents, church-wardens and ringers of churches who hive made their bells available over the weekend; and to many others who had contributed to the success of the meeting. The motion was accepted with applause.

Mr. H. W. Rogers (London C.A.) then moved a vote of thanks to the Council’s Officers and in particular to the outgoing President and the new President for their conduct of the meeting. This motion was also accepted with applause.

The President declared the meeting closed at 5.37 p.m.

The Ringing World, July 19, 1996, pages 733 to 737

Bell Restoration Funds Committee

The Committee met three times during 1995, in February at Southwark, in May at Salisbury and in October at Peterborough.

Grants

We continue to provide administrative support to the Manifold Trust, which in 1995 gave thirteen grants totalling £31,500. The average grant of £2,423 represents significant assistance to the parishes concerned. The Committee continues to be surprised by the time some parishes take to accept offers of grant and to provide information needed to process their applications. We continue to monitor progress with uncompleted schemes which have received offers of assistance from the fund held by the Council, the principal source of this fund being the Tom Lock Bequest. Only two of the original schemes remain to be completed, and one scheme has lapsed, allowing further schemes to be helped.

Surveys

The triennial survey of Bell Restoration Funds was completed during the year and results were despatched to societies. Information from the survey was also published in The Ringing World. It was noted that 15 societies now have full charity registration compared with nine three years ago. Further work has been done on the survey of three and four bell towers, and there are now some 2,553 towers on the listing. Further updating will take place and it is intended that the lists will be sent to Guild Secretaries during 1996 for verification.

The Millennium

We have been involved in the application to the Millennium Fund, although the bulk of the administrative and preparation work has been carried out by Lin Forbes and Stella Bianco. There is a good geographical spread of applicants. The first stage application was accepted and the second stage application submitted by the due date of 12th February 1996. Provided that this is successful, the full application is due to be submitted by 30th April 1996. A progress report will be made to the Council. It is proposed that, if successful, the project will be managed by a Millennium Working Party of the Council. The working party will consist of the President, the Secretary, and the Treasurer of the Council, the Chairman of the Bell Restoration Funds Committee, the Chairman of the Towers and Belfries Committee, Lin Forbes and Stella Bianco.

Central Council Bell Restoration Fund

A proposal, submitted by Kate Flavell, for a Central Council Bell Restoration Fund has been considered and submitted to the Administrative Committee. The aim of the fund would be to provide a further form of support for parishes undertaking bell restoration projects. Initially it is anticipated that the income of the fund would derive from donations and legacies from ringers. The fund would not be in competition with society funds, but would be seen as a complementary facility. Further work will be required during 1996 on a constitution, administration arrangements and terms of reference.

Funder Finder

Up to Mid 1995 some £30,000 in grants had been promised for bell restoration as a result of information obtained through Funder Finder. We continue to respond to enquiries for information about charities which might be approached. This information is provided from the Funder Finder database, to which the Council subscribes.

Dissemination of Information

During 1995 advice and information was provided to a large number of parishes. Various articles and reports have appeared in The Ringing World. The booklet “Bell Restoration Funds”, which was largely out of date, was withdrawn from sale during 1995. The booklet “Organising a Bell Restoration Project” also contains some out of date information and is being updated. We have been awaiting developments with the VAT issue before completing the update.

Charities

We responded to the Charity Commission’s 47 page draft guidance leaflet “Charities and the Retention of Income Reserves”, commenting that the proposed general rule limiting reserves to two years’ budgeted expenditure was inappropriate for bell restoration funds.

J. S. BARNES (Chairman)
E. BILLINGS
N. BOOTH
N. A. JOHNSON
I. H. ORAM
JACKIE ROBERTS
A. R. SMITH
BEVERLEY WINTER

Library Committee

The level of usage of the Library has been maintained and 54 items were borrowed as well as photocopies being supplied on the usual wide range of subjects. A number of service sheets for dedication services have been given to the library, and have already proved very useful. As well as providing an archive, there have been three enquiries during the year for examples of such service sheets. The videos were also quite popular. Although most of our work is naturally for ringers, we have provided information to other enquirers such as the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

The Library continues to grow as we try to obtain a copy of everything that is published which is appropriate, and we are grateful to those authors who have donated copies of their books to the Library. This is greatly appreciated and means that our funds can be stretched further. Of course, it is not necessary to be an author: we are particularly grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Massey for their gift of a first edition of the Letterpress of Standard Methods. A few membership certificates (both filled in and blank) and badges have come in, and we hope to build up the collections.

The collection of Guild and Association annual reports also grows and we have received 35 current reports this year. Gaps continue to be filled (although the rate of completion is slowing because of the difficulty in obtaining older reports) and it has been possible to bind our set of Leicester Guild reports and finish binding our Norwich D.A. reports. We still have many duplicate reports to dispose of: there are some older ones as well as those for more recent years. Ask Dr. Eisel for the list.

The general condition of the stock is good, but we need to continue spending money on conservation to maintain that standard. That is where the support of the Friends of the Library is so welcome. 56 individuals paid subscriptions for 1995 (40 in 1994) and 20 Corporate members in 1995 (19 in 1994). Bill Butler’s efforts were most rewarding, and Clarke Walters’ words were also effective. 11 Corporate members did not pay during 1995: perhaps they were unnerved because the Friends’ Newsletter appeared in the Spring instead of the Autumn? With their Newsletter the Friends also received the first “Essays for the Friends”, a new series of short articles.

A long-standing ambition was achieved in November when the Library at last acquired its own computer, printer and all the necessary bits and pieces. There were some problems before all was successfully (and inexpensively) converted from the old to the new, but this has saved much troublesome keying-in. We look forward to greater compatibility and flexibility, and in due course the electronic Library Catalogue, so that certain enquiries can be answered much more comprehensively. Fred Bone is working on that.

Another ambition is closer to being realised as the necessary permissions have been obtained for the conversion of microfilm to microfiche, and we will be looking at costs and techniques.

There were more visitors to the Library in 1995, with 19 signatures in the book. A small group was arranged to visit as part of the Hereford Ringing Course and this was extremely successful. Indeed, the Library was listed a one of the attractions of the Hereford Course. Such publicity can only do good for the Library and bring it to the attention of more ringers, as does the display advertisement in The Ringing World. All the Committee members have worked hard to improve the Library’s resources, and we thank the Officers of the Council, the Friends of the Library, and many kind donors for their support.

JEAN SANDERSON (Chairman)
J. C. EISEL (Steward/Librarian)
F. J. P. BONE
W. F. BUTLER
C. A. WRATTEN

Methods Committee

The committee met formally twice during the year, in Winchester on 5 March and in Whitchurch on 3 December (RW p.31).

Corrections and amendments to our publications to the end of 1995 appeared in The Ringing World of 26 January 1996 (p.110) and free up-to-date leaflets of Corrections and Amendments are always available from the Chairman on receipt of a stamped addressed envelope.

The new edition of John Fidler’s Method splicing: practical hints was published in May and a review appeared in The Ringing World of 23 February 1996 (p.215). Camera-ready copy for the second edition of Treble Dodging Minor Methods was passed to the Publications Committee in March.

We were pleased that our motion to Council, amending the Decisions to cover the extension of principles, was carried with very few members voting against and we believe that this was, at least in part, due to providing an opportunity for those interested to comment before the proposals were finalised.

Collections of Treble Place and Hybrid methods and a specification of the tabular format used for the method collections were added to the publications available on the Ringers’ Bulletin Board and paper copies may by obtained from the Chairman. All the Committee’s material is now also maintained on the SunSITE Northern Europe Archive at Imperial College and is available for file transfer (ftp://sunsite.doc.ic.ac.uk/recreation/change-ringers/central-council/methods-committee) or World Wide Web access (http://www.doc.ic.ac.uk/~rb/ringing.html).

The Decisions of Council, 1992 published by the Methods Committee was been superseded by The Rules and Decisions of Council, 1995 published by the Administrative Committee.

Following a suggestion from Robin Woolley we are investigating the feasibility of a Four-way table of Minor methods wall chart showing all the methods in Treble Dodging Minor Methods.

We are particularly grateful to Cyril Wratten for information about Treble Dodging Minor methods and to Julian Morgan, who helped the Committee in a variety of ways, including routinely copying files from the Ringers’ Bulletin Board to the SunSITE Archive.

As usual, we have been happy to provide advice to other Council committees and to answer many enquiries from home and abroad by post, telephone and electronic mail about methods and method names.

Marcus Sherwood ceased to be a member of Council during 1995 having served on the Methods Committee for 20 years and as Chairman from 1978 to 1985. We would like to record our appreciation of his work on behalf of the Committee.

A. P. SMITH (Chairman)
R. BAILEY
F. T. BLAGROVE
C. K. LEWIS
P. D. NIBLETT

Public relations advisory group

Meetings of the Group have been stimulating affairs generating ideas faster than they can be implemented. The millennium has given focus to future work and ideas for generating publicity at that time: also a major campaign to start new bands in silent towers is beginning to take shape.

After several years of successful leadership Steven Coleman stood down as Chairman in February and was replaced by John Anderson. John Illingworth resigned during the year due to pressure of other work. His position was not filled because of the close proximity of the triennial elections. John has made a major contribution to the work of the group over the last six years and his absence is sorely missed. The Group was also sorry to hear that Alison Hodge will not be seeking re-election at the next triennium. Alison’s work, particularly in connection with church liaison, will be a great loss.

International

Despite having to spend long spells in hospital and being immobile for much of the year, Fred Dukes was able to continue his invaluable international work and attend all of the Group’s meetings, one in atrocious weather conditions. The exercise is undoubtedly blessed with having such a determined and capable character to fill this demanding role. Fred will be attending his 50th consecutive Council meeting this year.

Fred’s detailed international report will appear separately in The Ringing World.

George Morris again maintained liaison with Europe.

Complaints working group

The Group was formed by the Council in 1994 and reports to the Administrative Committee. The founder members: Alison Hodge, Bob Cooles, Alan Frost and John Anderson were reinforced during the year by the recruitment of Roger Tompsett, a noise consultant, and Robert Wood, an Environmental Health Officer.

The Council open meeting at Salisbury gave the Group the opportunity to present the results of a survey amongst ringers which had identified the magnitude of the problem and the way complaints had been dealt with in the past. The meeting was well attended and the dialogue with Council members helped in formulating the Guidance note “Dealing with Complaints about bells” published on the front page of The Ringing World of 27th October and widely circulated.

The note provided guidance of a general nature and it was recognised that each complaint would be unique to the church in question. To provide individual local support a national team of 18 Complaints Advisers was established and became operational towards the end of the year. Attention is drawn to this service by the weekly publication of a helpline telephone number in The Ringing World. Training has been provided for Advisers and they are able to refer difficult problems to a panel of consultants consisting of Bob Cooles (legal), Alan Frost (sound control), Roger Tompsett (noise) and Robert Wood (environmental health). The work is co-ordinated by John Anderson and reported to the Council by PRAG.

Although the group was not properly established until late in the year and Advisers had not been trained, advice was given to several churches during the year and all problems satisfactorily resolved. Advisers have also undertaken to distribute cards suitable for ringing room notice boards which summarize the advice given in the “guidelines”.

One piece of work remains outstanding from the Group, that of producing a code of practice suitable for use by everyone associated with ensuring the acceptability of church bell ringing. The code is being drafted by Roger Tompsett and will be offered to the Administrative Committee for discussion at its Spring meeting.

Millennium bells project

Stella Bianco has been working with Lin Forbes (a ringer from Long Clawson, Leics.) since March 1995 to produce an “umbrella” bid for commemorative bells and restoration projects to the value of £6m. The first round application was submitted in December and the second round bid is to be made in February.

Exhibitions

The Group now has seven sets of display boards and a record 50 calls for their use was made during the year, despite the fact that several are on semi-permanent loan The boards are designed to appeal to the general public and give simple important headline messages with photographs all mounted on high quality free standing metal frames. Demands for 1996 are very heavy and early booking, particularly for the summer months, is advised. Harold Rogers manages this valuable service as he has done for the last 15 years. The Council meeting at Shrewsbury will also be Harold’s 50th. The Public Relations Advisory Group is very privileged to include amongst their number two such members as Harold (79) and Fred Dukes (84) who form the very backbone of the group and work quietly and diligently throughout the year.

Seminars

Unfortunately only one of the four regional seminars organised during the year actually took place. The first two were cancelled through lack of support and the last one was postponed while the organisers reconsidered the content. The seminar held at Taunton however was very successful with 18 delegates in attendance.

The postponed seminar has been revamped and is entitled “Sharing Good Practice”. This will be a national event to be held at Southwark Cathedral in October 1996 and will again be sponsored by The Ringing World.

A “Ringing World Roadshow” will be established in 1997. This will be an all day event open to all ringers and their families without the need to book and at no cost. Opportunities will be available for ringers to get help and advice on such topics as training, recruitment, maintenance, fund raising, public relations, complaints etc. It is hoped that the Council Officers will be represented, the Editor of the Ringing World will be in attendance and vendors of ringing books, bells, bellropes, peal board writers, muffle makers etc., will display their wares. Seminars on topical issues will take place throughout the day and open ringing will be available in nearby towers. The “roadshow” is Stella Bianco’s idea, developed and presented to the Board of The Ringing World by Steve Coleman. The Board has agreed to sponsor the event subject to conditions.

George Morris ran a seminar for clergy at Malvern and is planning others.

Communication

The media was monitored throughout the year by Stella Bianco, who drew the attention of the Group to issues requiring attention and passed information to The Ringing World for publication. Stella also acted as secretary dealing with much of the correspondence.

TV coverage was limited this year, but was well produced and generally gave a favourable impression. The programme from Westminster Abbey shown over Christmas was viewed by a large audience, though coverage of the bells was more limited than had been hoped.

Radio coverage was more extensive and in particular the response to the Council Open Meeting on complaints kept John Anderson busy doing interviews, some live, for a week. It was generally agreed that ringers had been presented as being reasonable and co-operative in their handling of complaints.

David Thorne, Emma St. John-Smith, Steve Coleman and John Anderson dealt with the many requests from journalists, either responding personally or directing them to those more conversant with the subject.

Alison Hodge wrote an article for the Church of England Newspaper and Steven Coleman wrote one for Active Life. Steven is also in the process of updating the entry on bells in Groves Dictionary of Music.

A poster for display in ringing chambers which meets international safety standards and warns of the danger of bells has been designed by Alison Hodge and is currently being printed via the Publications Committee.

Bellringing Video Competition

Twelve entries were received for this competition which was won by the team from Kalamazoo, USA. The video was shown during the lunch break at the Salisbury Council meeting. The five finalists were: Honolulu, Zimbabwe, Lower Beeding, Barford and Frensham.

Future

An ambitious target currently on the drawing board is a plan to mobilise the whole exercise to train bands in towers currently silent, in time to ring for the millennium.

J. A. ANDERSON (Chairman)
STELLA BIANCO
S. J. COLEMAN
F. E. DUKES
ALISON HODGE
A. J. ILLINGWORTH
R. G. T. MORRIS
H. W. ROGERS
EMMA ST. JOHN-SMITH
D. G. THORNE

Peals Analysis Committee

Introduction

We have recorded a total of 5,217 peals rung in 1995, of which 4,784 were on tower bells and 433 on handbells. This is the second highest number of peals rung in a year, being 123 less than the revised record total of 5,340 for 1994. The principal increases compared with 1994 are in peals of Minor (+61) and Royal (+45), but these were overshadowed by a decrease in peals of Major (-217).

The Oxford Diocesan Guild was again the leading society, with 378 peals, followed by the Lancashire Association (248) and the Leicester Diocesan Guild (232).

The Committee met once during the year, to finalise records for 1995 and to agree the format of the report. We are again grateful for the assistance provided by the Chairmen of the Computer Co-ordination Committee and the Methods Committee. We also thank David Dearnley for providing information on the leading peal towers for 1994 and 1995 and this year we have received valuable assistance from William Hall, who has independently performed an analysis of the 1995 peals and verified our data.

Corrections to the 1994 Analysis

Changes to the 1994 peal totals are listed below. Except where stated, they refer to tower bell peals.

• Australia & NZ A.B.: Major (handbells) +1
• Bedfordshire A.: Minor -1
• Carlisle D.G.: Minor +1
• S. R. Cumberland Youths: Royal -1
• Durham & Newcastle D.A.: Major -1
• Ely D.A.: Maximus +1
• Glos & Bristol D.A.: Cinques -1
• Guildford D.G.: Major -1
• N. American G.: Triples +1
• Norwich D.A.: Doubles -1
• Peterborough D.G.: Major +1
• Non-affiliated S: Maximus -1; Caters +1
• Non-Association: Major +2

Revised totals for 1994 are: tower bells 4,875; handbells 465; total 5,340.

Peals not complying with the Decisions on Peal Ringing

1. A peal of Plain Bob Minimus rung by the Cambridge University Guild on handbells at Cambridge on 15th October does not comply with Decision (D) B.5, which requires that peals of Minimus shall be rung on tower bells only. We recommend that it be not accepted, and have not included it in this analysis.

2. A peal of Doubles in 3 methods and 1 variation, with 768 covering, rung by the Bath and Wells Diocesan Association at Bishop’s Lydeard on 22nd January does not comply with Decision (D) B.1, which requires that peals of Doubles shall be rung on five bells or on six bells with the tenor as cover. This was the first peal on the bells after major restoration of the tower and bells. The conductor has explained that it was felt appropriate that this should be rung on the full eight bells and should include as many of the local band who had worked hard on the restoration as possible. As some were unable to ring a peal of Triples, it was decided to ring Doubles with 768 covering. Having regard to the local circumstances, we recommend that it be accepted and have included it in this analysis.

3. A peal of Stedman Cinques, with variable cover, rung by the Ancient Society of College Youths at St Mary-le-Bow on 24th May does not comply with Decision (D) B.2, which requires that peals of Cinques shall be rung on eleven bells or on twelve bells with the tenor as cover.

   This peal had a regular 12-part composition, with each bell as cover for 420 changes, specially composed to explore different types of music for future developments in 12-bell ringing. The Council may choose to include in the Analysis a peal which does not comply with its Decisions if it considers that the technical implications of the performance merit its inclusion. We would not wish to discourage genuine attempts to make technical advances, and so we recommend that it be accepted and have included it in this analysis as a peal of Stedman Cinques.

4. Thirteen peals of Doubles do not comply with Decision (D) C.4 in that the reports did not correctly state the number and names of all methods and variations separately. We recommend that all these peals be accepted, subject to correction of the numbers of methods and variations as appropriate.

Peals of note

We consider the following peals to be worthy of special mention, and we congratulate those who took part:

• Cambridge U.G. - Waterloo, Stedman Triples (first with bobs only).
• Hertford C.A. - Thorley, Plain Bob Minor (four first pealers).
• Lancashire A. - Hawkshead, 25,200 Grandsire Triples (the most changes on church bells).
• Oxford D.G. - Ducklington, Doubles (3 methods) (four first pealers, local band).
• Suffolk G. - Pakenham, Doubles (3 methods) (four first pealers).
• Surrey A. - Clapham Common, Doubles (2 methods) (four first pealers and first as conductor).
• St. James G. - Leighton Buzzard, 10,560 Rigel Surprise Maximus (silent and non-conducted).
• St. James G. - Lyme Regis, 20,000 Spliced Surprise Royal (7 methods) (longest Royal and Spliced Surprise on tower bells).
• Non-Association - Fishtoft, Plain Bob Doubles (four first pealers).

First pealers and firsts as conductor

There were 328 first pealers in 1995 (352 in 1994) and 40 firsts as conductor (50 in 1994). 53 people rang their first peal for the 50th anniversary of VE Day.

Breakdown of peals by number of bells and comparison with 1994

Methods

Numbers of peals rung in the more popular methods are set out below. Figures for 1994 appear in brackets.

“Single S” means the total rung in single Surprise methods other than those listed separately.

Towers (1994)

The following 70 towers had ten or more peals in 1994:

Landmarks reached during 1994 included 1,500 peals at Birmingham Cathedral, 600 at Birmingham (St. Martin), Leicester Cathedral, Maidstone (All SS), Rotherham & Trumpington, and 500 at Nottingham (St. Peter) & Thatcham.

Towers (1995)

The following 71 towers had ten or more peals in 1995:

The leading societies

The following societies rang more than 150 peals:

The Norwich Diocesan Association and the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths have joined this list this year, replacing the Chester Diocesan Guild and the Gloucester and Bristol Diocesan Association. The Chester Diocesan Guild retains its position as the leading society for handbell peals, with 71. Altogether, 22 societies rang more than 100 peals in 1995 (as in 1994).

D. H. NIBLETT (Chairman)
P. R. J. BARNES
J. D. CHEESMAN
J. R. MARTIN
R. J. PERRY
T. G. PETT
D. R. PETTIFOR
L. R. PIZZEY

The Ringing World, April 5, 1996, pages 361 to 365

Publications Committee

During the year five new publications were produced and marketed. They were Church Towers and Bells, an engineering treatise; Listen to Ringing, a tape cassette; A Collection of Plain Methods, 2nd Edition; Method Splicing and Rung Surprise Supplement (to end 1994). It proved necessary to order a further stock of Listen to Ringing in mid year.

Nine books were reprinted: Beginner’s Handbook; A Tutor’s Handbook; Towards Better Striking; Will You Call a Touch Please, Bob; Towers and Bells Handbook; A Handbook of Composition; Raising and Lowering; the Recruiting Leaflet; and Rung Surprise Supplement (to end 1993).

Two titles, Bell Restoration Funds and CC Decisions (updated 1992), were withdrawn from sale.

We now offer 52 different titles for sale. Two years ago the total was 40 titles.

Sales in 1995, at 13,025, were 21% higher than in 1994. This was attributable mainly to sales of Change Ringing History, Vol 3. The gross profit margin was increased slightly and an excess of income over expenditure of £1,833 is reported. Expenses were broadly in line with those for 1994, other than work for the Council and “sundries”. The “sundries” were almost wholly the cost of design of new covers for the paperback publications. Stock write-off is a further provision against older items for which the current stock is higher than sales expected in the foreseeable future. This is part of a continuing process to ensure that the carrying value of the stock is reasonable.

Stock value at 31 December 1995 remained high. This reflects the fact that we now carry stocks of 5 major hardbacks, one of which was reprinted during the year. Costs of printing and paper rose quite sharply during 1995 with the consequence that newer publications are relatively higher in price. The cash balance of £9,118 is sufficient for immediate purposes, but will have to be built up before further hardbacks can be financed.

Jeremy Pratt leaves the Committee and the Council at the end of the triennium. He has masterminded our financial affairs with great expertise for a long period and the Committee wishes to record its grateful thanks to him for his work.

W. J. COUPERTHWAITE (Chairman)
A. G. CRADDOCK
D. J. JONES
J. R. PRATT
JEAN SANDERSON
BARBARA WHEELER

Committee for redundant bells

The total of churches declared redundant under the Pastoral Measure 1968 and its 1983 successor has now reached 1510, with 43 being declared during 1995. This slight increase over 1994, when 34 churches were declared redundant, is not seen by the Church Commissioners as significant, but rather as in line with the predictions of a few years ago.

When a church becomes redundant, the Ecclesiastical Exemption, by which Church rather than State planning rules apply, ceases. At the end of 1994 a new Planning Policy Guidance note, Planning and the Historic Environment, was issued. This strengthens controls on the conversion and alteration of listed buildings, and has implications for redundant churches considered for conversion to another use. The logical outcome might be that more churches would go to the Churches Conservation Trust: but the Trust’s resources are strictly limited. The Guidance note also establishes that the Trust’s churches, though they remain consecrated buildings, come under secular planning controls. Several Trust churches have rings of bells with satisfactory arrangements for the ringing of them: of course, too, there are ringers on the Trust’s staff. Time will tell how this latest Guidance note will affect them; and, as well, bells in churches considered for alternative use. Last year too, we reported concern at a possible increase in the number of Non Statutory Enquiries, called by the Secretary of State on an application to demolish a listed church. 1995 has fortunately seen no such Enquiries. The response of the Bishop of London to the Templeman Report seems happily to rule out the prospect of many homeless bells in the City of London.

In 1995 the Committee was involved with some 32 cases, including one enquiry for a ring of bells, five for bells for augmentations, and 15 for bells for use as singles or replacements. Ten enquiries for single bells came from overseas, from places ranging from Malaysia and the Solomon Islands to Lithuania and Bosnia. Enquiries have covered many Christian denominations, and secular use as well.

While there is some reason for satisfaction with the co-operation and awareness between ringers and those who dispose of bells from redundant churches, we are a little concerned at the increasing involvement, much but not all good, of Government and Government bodies. Though not wishing to be thought Matildas, we hope that ringers everywhere will remain aware of the possibility not, perhaps, of fire, but certainly of problems.

Last year’s Council meeting hoped that Committee reports would carry indications of future plans. Obviously it would be invidious for any Committee to try to bind its successor: but we see the way forward for the Committee as one of continuing to forge links with the Church authorities centrally, as the Associations do at Diocesan level. We hope, too, that the Committee will continue to refine its ways of gathering and distributing information: modern technology, as David Kelly’s spreadsheets have shown, has much to offer.

We remain, as always grateful to the Church Commissioners and the Council for the Care of Churches for their help and interest. We hope that Mr Ranald Clouston understands how very much we value his kindness in providing copies of his notes for the Council for the Care of Churches: it is greatly appreciated.

Teddy Barnett has told us that he intends to retire from the Committee at the Central Council meeting. His calm wisdom and depth of experience have greatly helped our deliberations, and we lose him regretfully but with great gratitude, not least for his work as Chairman of the Rescue Fund Committee.

G. W. MASSEY (Chairman)
J. C. BALDWIN
E. A. BARNETT
R. G. BOOTH
R. J. COOLES
R. J. JOHNSTON
D. J. KELLY
J. KERSHAW
M. H. D. O’CALLAGHAN
J. G. M. SCOTT
JANE WILKINSON

Ringing Centres Committee

The Committee met three times during 1995, holding one of the meetings in Liverpool where members of the Merseyside Bell Restoration Group joined us. This meeting included a visit to the proposed ringing centre at St Luke’s Church and members of the committee were able to provide encouragement and advice on certain aspects of the project.

Whilst no new centres applied for Central Council recognition, several centres were established during the year and there are two more listed in the new issue of the Training Directory, which has again been put together in conjunction with the Education Committee. The directory was available well before Christmas this time.

The Millennium has aroused a certain amount of interest in ringing, including specific interest in ringing centres. One ringing centre enquiry has been passed on to those preparing the application to the Millennium Fund.

A representative of the Committee attended the Central Council seminar in Taunton and spoke about Ringing Centres.

Inevitably the composition of the Committee will change, but in 1996 it is hoped to continue the work of following up and advising on new ringing centres, to simplify the procedure for Central Council recognition and to produce the Training Directory again.

STEPHANIE PATTENDEN (Chairman)
E. BILLINGS
R. G. BOOTH
R. CATER
A. J. FROST
C. J. GROOME
P. W. GAY

Towers and Belfries Committee

During 1995, Committee members dealt with some 80 cases as well as talking part in seminars on four topics and meeting formally in the spring and autumn.

At the request of the Winchester and Portsmouth Guild, and with credit to their good organisation, a very successful one-day course for bell advisers was held around Alresford in April. “Health and Safety in Bell Towers” and “Sound Control” were topics for the very well attended seminar organised by this Committee in October. Annette Hall, HM Inspector of Health and Safety and a bellringer, led on her subject and Roger Tompsett, Sound Consultant and bellringer gave valuable general advice on sound control. Several members of the Committee were invited by the Council for the Care of Churches to a seminar in November which reviewed the working of the latest Code of Practice.

The safety of bellringers when metal bell-frames are connected to lightning conductors was raised at the 1995 Council meeting. This has been researched and discussed by members of the Committee; their advice to the Council is that churches and bellframes should be protected by lightning conductors installed, tested and kept in good order according to the latest British Standard Code of Practice 6651 (1992).

Many cases dealt with by the Committee are of a general nature, involving minor or major overhauls of bells, but some trends are worth noting. Advice on sound control is now being requested more frequently. Corrosion of metal frames and foundation beams, especially near the sea, can be very severe and enhanced corrosion protection measures in design and maintenance are becoming more necessary. Welding of cracked old bells is now much more widely undertaken.

The Committee’s publications seem much in demand, the 1990 edition of the Towers and Bells Handbook and the 1991 Schedule of Regular Maintenance both now having been reprinted. Guidelines on procedure for work to bells and bell equipment entitled Tower Changes were produced during the year and the Guidelines for a Do-It-Yourself Project is currently being revised.

A further seminar for bell advisers is planned for 1996 and the Committee would be very willing to conduct more seminars on health and safety or on other topics which Guilds or Associations may request.

A. J. FROST (Chairman)
P. S. BENNETT
R. G. BOOTH
G. A. DAWSON
A. DEMPSTER
F. W. LEWIS
F. D. MACK
J. G. M. SCOTT
B. J. STONE
J. R. TAYLOR
H. M. WINDSOR

John Carter Ringing Machine

The machine was moved in July from Birmingham Science Museum to West Peckham, Kent, to Walter Dobbie’s house for a few days to investigate further and correct some mechanical faults that had developed. These were rectified so that courses of Orion and Bristol Maximus were rung. At that time it was not possible to service fully the electrical circuits which operate the bells, but they are currently being attended to at the museum.

Insurance cover for the transport of the machine to Kent was arranged with the Council’s Insurers.

A. E. BAGWORTH (Steward)
W. H. DOBBIE (Steward)

The Rolls of Honour

The addendum to The Rolls of Honour containing the names of the members of the Truro Diocesan Guild who fell in the First World War has been completed at a cost of £75. The calligraphy is beautiful and matches perfectly with that in the rest of The Memorial Book. The Rolls are held in The Memorial Oak Case in the Bell Tower of St Paul’s Cathedral and a page is turned every Sunday. The Rolls can be viewed on Sundays, practice nights, or at any other time by arrangement.

A. J.PHILLIPS (Steward)

The Ringing World Ltd.
Chairman’s Report

The retirement of Bob Cooles as a Director was announced at the 1995 annual General meeting. Put into the perspective of his demanding professional career, his commitments to his family, his local church and diocese, his enthusiastic involvement in ringing through so many aspects of the Council and of his home association, we are indebted to Bob for the time and interest which he has so willingly given as a Director of The Ringing World for the past 11 years. We are also grateful that he continues to be available to the Board and the Editor for advice and assistance when needed.

Following my invitation to Council members to apply for the vacancy, the Board was pleased to invite Mrs Maureen Frost of the Dorset County Association to fill the position and she attended her first Board meeting in November.

Since the reorganisation of the publishing arrangements in late 1994 and early 1995, the year has seen a steady settling down of the new system and we are grateful to David Thorne and Anne Carpenter for the way in which they have managed this very smooth transition. Our thanks are also due to Anne for the development and management of the e-mail facility, which has proved helpful to many of our contributors.

The Ringing World Diary was, as in the previous year, down on numbers sold compared with earlier years. Whilst the Diary contributed to the overall profit of the paper, this reduction in sales is disappointing and we will be addressing this matter with regard to the 1997 Diary.

The Board believes that the current Ringing World provides better value for money than at any time in its long history. We are publishing more pages than ever before and our Editor is producing, week in week out, a first rate journal which is interesting, informative and highly readable. The paper is in good financial health and we have now held the price for over two years. Unfortunately, the gradual decline in sales as seen over the past decade continues and the Board remains very aware of the need for active promotion of The Ringing World. We cannot do this alone and we ask all Council members in particular and our readers in general to continue introducing the journal to non-subscribers.

Our thanks go to the many who support us, our contributors, those who send in donations, our advertisers and those who make use of the notices pages. Mostly though, our thanks go to all those who continue to buy the paper and whose support and goodwill is critical to the continued existence of The Ringing World.

H. W. EGGLESTONE

Rescue Fund for Redundant Bells

No serious enquiries were made in the year for the Fund’s assistance. The increasing concern on conservation issues and more rigorous Faculty procedures has perhaps meant that the risk of summary destruction of rings of bells is lessening.

The scheme for rehanging the old St. Martin’s, Birmingham, bells at Escrick is proceeding and repayment of the Rescue Fund’s deposit to secure the bells has been partially achieved; sufficient to enable all individuals providing loans to be repaid. Under the instalment arrangements agreed the deposit is to be completely repaid during 1996.

It has been a great relief to see the project coming to a conclusion and as in previous years we must thank those providing loans for their patient and loyal support.

R. J. COOLES (Hon. Secretary)

The Ringing World, April 12, 1996, pages 397 to 399

Biographies Committee

The following members and past members of the Council have died since the 1995 meeting.

• John Thomas Parsons. Represented the Lancashire Association 1992-1994. Died 9 June 1995. He attended 2 meetings.

• Charles H. Kippin. Represented the Surrey Association 1930-1945, the Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Guild 1949-1959. Died 16 June 1995. He attended 20 Meetings.

• Henry William Barrett. Represented the Norwich Diocesan Association, 1954-1977. Died 24 June 1995. He attended 21 meetings.

• William B. Cartwright. Represented the Worcestershire and Districts Association 1951-1984, and was a Life Member until his death from 1985. Died 28 August 1995. He attended 36 meetings.

• Henry Leslie Roper. Honorary Member 1960-1971, Died on or near 16 September 1995. He attended 11 meetings.

• Anthony J. Brazier. Represented the Worcestershire and Districts Association 1967-1972. Died on or near 3 February 1996. He attended 4 meetings.

• Further to the last report. Antony S. Baker. Represented the London County Association 1987-1989. Died 24th March 1995. He attended 3 meetings.

• Harold Denman. Represented the North Nottinghamshire Association 1945, and the Southwell Diocesan Guild 1946-1950. Died 20 May 1995. He did not attend any meetings.

The joint venture between the Library and Biographies Committee to create a database for all obituaries that have appeared in The Ringing World, spearheaded by John Eisel and Chris Ridley, mentioned in last year’s report, is now complete. The records contain details of over 8000 deceased ringers for the period 1911-1995 and gives, amongst other things, the R.W. references of these obituaries for quick access.

George Dawson continues to do excellent work for the Committee by furnishing the Chairman, on a regular basis, with R.W. cuttings relevant to the biographies of Council Members. It is by this method that records are up-dated on such items as peal ringing milestones, positions in civic life and change of residence or tower.

Since the names and addresses of Chairmen of C.C. Committees have been included in the Ringing World Diary, more applications have been received for information on present and past members of the Council. In the main, material required is fairly easily extracted from the biographical records held and telephoned or posted by return to the enquirer.

A new biographies sheet has been designed and will be issued with the Central Council papers for the first meeting of the new Triennium in the hope that these can be completed and handed together with a photograph to the chairman of this Committee at the meeting. Hopefully, this will reduce the number of biography sheets which have failed to be completed over the years.

The committee wish to report, with great anticipation, that Messrs. Edwin A. Barnett, Frederick E. Dukes and Harold W. Rogers will each be attending their 50th Council meeting at Shrewsbury and, in so doing, this illustrious trio will set an all-time record of Council attendances. In the case of Mr. Dukes this will be his 50th consecutive meeting, beating the previous record set by the Rev. G. F Coleridge. The attendance of Mr. C. Kenneth Lewis at Shrewsbury will see him with 49 consecutive meetings, whilst Mr. Frank Lufkin will also register 49 meetings.

It is some time since the formal obituaries of deceased members have been written up in italic script. All those previously done have been photographed and the photographs on micro film have been deposited in the Library, thus adding to the security and long term safety of these valuable records. The new committee should undertake this work during the new triennium including the micro filming of the finished scripts.

D. J. ROBERTS (Chairman)
G. A. DAWSON
J. C. EISEL
C. RIDLEY

Computer Coordination Committee

The Committee held two meetings during 1995 to agree objectives and review progress. However, most of the work of the Committee is done by individuals collaborating with each other by means of electronic mail.

The Committee depends enormously on its team of advisers and helpers. In particular, we would like to thank Simon Feather, Alex Hunt, Graham John, Ian McCallion, Julian Morgan, Frank Price and Philip Saddleton for the many hours that they have spent on Committee work.

Software catalogue

The Software Catalogue continues to be a useful mechanism for informing the Exercise about what software is available for a variety of different types of computer. The Catalogue consists of a 12 page A5 leaflet and can be obtained from the Committee Chairman upon receipt of an A5 stamped addressed envelope.

Computer demonstration

The Committee arranged a demonstration of ringing related computer hardware and software at the 1995 Council meeting at Salisbury. This was well received by the visitors to the exhibition and the various demonstrators reported buoyant sales.

Ringers Bulletin Board

155 ringers have taken advantage of the facilities of the Ringers Bulletin Board over the last twelve months. This is a significant increase on the number for 1994 and reflects the growing number of home computer users in the Exercise.

The Bulletin Board is used by ringers as a low cost means of communicating and transferring data between each other. Various ringing software packages and method libraries can be downloaded from the Bulletin Board. During 1995, there were around 3500 calls to the Bulletin Board, 3000 messages sent and 2000 files downloaded.

The Central Council pays for the electricity costs of the Bulletin Board’s 24 hour/365 days a year operation. However, special thanks must be given to Ian McCallion who is the “Sysop” and handles the day to day running of the system. The Ringers Bulletin Board can be accessed on 01794 514754. Use 8 bit, no parity, 1 stop bit at speeds up to 14.4K.

Ian is hoping to be able to provide Internet email facilities to the Bulletin Board. If implemented this will enable users to be able to communicate with any of the tens of million internet users around the world. However such facilities don’t come free and it will be necessary to charge an annual fee of around ten pounds to those wishing to have Internet email.

Although not the responsibility of the Council, the Change-Ringers mailing list on the Internet provides a lively forum for discussion about ringing and ringers. Many thanks to Ken Olum of M.I.T. for providing this service.

Several guilds and towers are now present on the World Wide Web. The culture and technology of the Internet does not require an organisation to coordinate the activities of its users. However, after correspondence with the Data Protection Registrar’s office, we have provided some guidance on the inclusion of individual’s details on Web pages. In short: get their written permission before publishing.

Felstead Database

This is the project to computerise the late Canon Felstead’s records of every tower bell peal that has been rung. The project is a collaboration with the Peals Analysis Committee. Software to capture the information from the Felstead cards has been developed and is undergoing usability testing. It may be possible to demonstrate the system at the Council meeting in Shrewsbury. The information recorded on Canon Felstead’s cards is fairly minimal. There are one or more cards per tower and the detail of each peal is limited to date and method rung.

The actual entering of data from the Felstead cards onto computer will require a large number of volunteers. We are encouraged by the number of people expressing an interest in the project and who have indicated that they would be prepared to help enter the data.

However, we recognise that our systems need to be 100% correct before we ask for volunteers - they are unlikely to want to repeat the exercise if we get it wrong.

Peals Database

This is a more ambitious project than Felstead. Its objective is the creation of a peals database which includes full details of every peal (tower and hand) recognised by the Council. The peals database is still at an early stage of planning but we are encouraged by the number of ringers indicating support for the idea and offering to help set it up. We are grateful to Chris Ridley who attended our last meeting to provide a link with the Biographies Committee and its data.

Peals Analysis

The Committee has worked closely with the Peals Analysis Committee to cross check peal statistics for 1995. Our hope was that the automatic collection of electronic peal reports from The Ringing World peal setters would mean that the manual procedures used by the PAC would be a thing of the past. However, the current means of acquiring peal reports is not ideal as they are received prior to editing at The Ringing World. Nevertheless the cross checking of peal statistics has proved beneficial to both the Computer Coordination and, Peals Analysis Committees. Alex Hunt and Philip Saddleton have helped enormously in validating data. We are also indebted to Anne Carpenter, Simon Feather, Frank Price and David Thorne for supplying the original peal report data.

Ringing World

The Committee introduced a mechanism for ringers to email peal reports to The Ringing World. Once the procedure was found to be practicable, it operation was taken over by Anne Carpenter of The Ringing World.

The preparation of the so called Leading Peal Ringers list is a spin off of the electronic capture of peal reports. Whilst some ringers may doubt the value of such a list, it does provide a useful additional cross check on the accuracy of the peal information that is on the database. Thanks are due to those ringers who supplied their peal totals to enable us to validate the data. In a few cases, we have been able to identify peals that have been rung but apparently not yet submitted to The Ringing World.

Historic Peal Boards Database

A simple program to capture details of historic peal boards has been developed and is being tested. Copies of the program should be available at the 1996 Council Meeting. It is hoped that information captured by this program will be of use with the peals database.

Peals Compositions Database

Following a Committee meeting with Roger Bailey, who has since supplied a large number of compositions, we have begun work on a database of machine processable peal compositions. When implemented, users should be able to find out if a composition has already been composed before or, given a particular method, to find the most suitable composition and so on. This project is being undertaken by Graham John and Julian Morgan.

Correspondence

The Chairman receives an average of two or three letters a week from ringers asking for information about computers and ringing. Most of these can be “answered” by returning a copy of the Software Catalogue. However, replies to letters which arrive without a stamped addressed envelope can take a long time and sometimes get mislaid completely.

A. G. CRADDOCK (Chairman)
P. Q. ARMITAGE
F. J. P. BONE
J. D. CHEESMAN
B. N. TROWBRIDGE

Education Committee

At the beginning of this triennium the Education Committee was increased from eight to twelve members, which was a sensible course of action given the number of projects in which the Committee is involved. Unfortunately, the committee has not been up to full strength for most of the three years for various reasons. Two members, Norman Mattingley (Chairman) and Marcus Sherwood, had to step down which left a gap, but we were pleased to welcome Paul Seaman and Frank Lewis as their replacements. John Turney also had to leave the committee after one year, but we were glad that he was once more able to join us for the third year. Michael Henshaw was elected Chairman when Norman left, and a new post of committee Secretary was created, which Ron Warford has filled. Carol Franklin has continued to deal with administration of the course. Overall we feel that the Committee should continue at the present number of twelve members.

During the triennium the Committee has put much effort into clearing the backlog of projects outstanding from previous years, and has initiated several new ones into the bargain. Major areas of work have been with publications, courses and seminars, and the teaching video; we have also responded to numerous enquiries for advice about matters related to bell ringing Education.

Central Council Course 1995 and Development of New Course

The residential course returned for its second year to Isle College, Wisbech in 1995, and we are very grateful to our hosts the Ely D.A. for all the hard work they put in. 39 students attended and covered methods ranging from Plain Hunt to Surprise Major in complexity; there was a group each for Tower Management and Maintenance. This is to be the last course run on the traditional format, at least for the time being; the Committee have thoroughly reviewed the course and reached the conclusion, not without some heartache, that the time has come for a change. An assessment of the areas in which the Council’s committee may make the most significant and worthwhile impact has led us to conclude that we should concentrate on the needs of Tower Captains. In 1996 the CC Education Committee Tower Captaincy course will be launched in Cirencester and Sheffield. Thank you to all the associations which have hosted the course since 1979, to the tutors and helpers who have supported it (some for many of those years), and the students who have attended. It should be noted that the committee is not withdrawing from participation in general ringing courses, and will welcome invitations to assist any association which is running one. This assistance may be with providing expertise, equipment and advice on all aspects of running such courses.

The new Tower Captaincy course is to be run in Cirencester in February and Sheffield in November. It is a weekend course offering a choice of learning about teaching bell handling, teaching change ringing (call changes and method ringing modules are run) and tower maintenance. We are grateful to the Towers and Belfries Committee for collaborating with us on this venture. It is intended to run the course twice a year, at the same locations on fixed dates in subsequent years.

Seminars and Courses

During 1995 the Committee have participated in four one-day seminars and courses, and in more than 20 during the triennium as a whole. A portfolio of seminars on specific subjects which we feel to be most in demand has been assembled during 1995 and we offer seminars on request covering “Listening Skills”, “Using Simulators”, “Tower Management”, “Teaching Bell Handling”, “Teaching Elementary Method Ringing” and we are developing one on “Rhythm and Ropesight”. These Seminars may be tailored to meet specific guild requirements, and we have been very pleased to be invited by one association to run a series of four.

Video

Progress on the video to demonstrate the teaching of bell handling is slow but steady. The structure and format has been agreed and the final drafts of the script and camera plot are in hand. The next stage involves the running of several dry runs before deploying the cameras, lights and a film crew.

Education Officers’ Conference

The first Education Officers’ conference was a particular highlight of the year; this was attended by 43 people representing 23 guilds. Delegates were treated to excellent presentations from Phil Gay and Paul Seaman, and guest speakers Catherine Lewis, Adrian Semken, Pam Copson, covering issues such as the role of Education Officer, Bell Club and training standards. The conference proved a useful opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences regarding education issues and a particular point to come out of the day was a desire to develop a network for Education officers - a project which the Committee will attempt to facilitate. We are continuing to build up a database of Education Officers, a list of whom appear in the Training Directory.

It has been decided (based on feedback) that it would be worthwhile running a similar Education Officers’ conference in 1996, and to this end three regional conferences are planned. It is hoped that this will allow people unable to travel long distances to a national conference to attend. Preparations are under way for the regional conferences which will be in Yorkshire (28th September), Bristol (26th October), and Hertfordshire (19th October).

Publications

The Training Directory was well received during 1995, and the updated directory for 1996 has been published in conjunction with the Ringing Centres Committee. This includes information on courses, ringing centres, Educationo Officers and specific Education Committee services.

The Beginners’ Handbook reappeared early in the year with new photographic material supplied by the Education Committee. The Tutors’ Handbook was revised and completely reprocessed under the auspices of this committee early in the year and was republished in January 1996. These two books have been a worrying omission from the Council’s list of publications for some time.

Two new books One Way to Teach Bell Handling, written by Richard Pargeter and Belfry Prayers, written by Malcolm Tyler have been passed by this Committee for publication. These will be very worthwhile additions to the Council’s list of titles. We are very grateful to both authors and also to Hayden Charles for their work on these books. John Harrison has produced a leaflet entitled Ringing Jargon Made Easy which is ready for publication; this is aimed at beginners to help them understand some of the language we all take for granted, dealing with terms related to bell handling. It is anticipated that this will be followed up by further leaflets dealing with other aspects of ringing. Method Construction - An Introduction, by Wilfrid Moreton, is in the final stages of completion at the year end, and we are grateful to the author and the Rev. David Brooks for their efforts on this book.

Other publications in the pipeline are Another Eight, Learning Methods, Starting a Band from Scratch and The Good Tower Guide (formerly called the Tower Reference Manual). This is a book containing a wide variety of information for reference in the tower; a draft version for pilot study will be completed during 1996.

During the Triennium the Committee has written or overseen six publications, with three more imminent and four progressing well.

Simulators

The Council’s three sets of simulator equipment have all been more or less continuously in use throughout the year. Once again, users have fallen into three broad categories; (a) individual bands, many of which are considering purchasing equipment of their own and wish to assess potential benefits, (b) organisers of courses, who use the equipment both to provide facilities for supervised individual practice and also, increasingly to enable one ring of bells to be used more or less continuously throughout a course, (c) members of the Education Committee, for use at training events.

The Cummins simulator required a significant repair during the year, and the Committee is grateful to Peter Cummins for undertaking the work at well below the commercial rate, although he no longer manufactures simulators.

M. J. deC. HENSHAW (Chairman)
G. S. BARR
F. J. P. BONE
N. DONOVAN
G. E. J. A. DOUGHTY
CAROL N. J. FRANKLIN
P. W. GAY
J. A. HARRISON
F. W. LEWIS
P. A. SEAMAN
J. F. I. TURNEY
R. R. WARFORD

The Ringing World, April 12, 1996, pages 426 to 428

Administrative Committee

Since the 1995 Council meeting the Committee has met twice in London, in October and March. The arrangements for the 1996 Council meeting were discussed and agreed, and the following other matters were considered:

(1) The representation of societies on the Council - When the Council in 1993 agreed to major changes in the rules relating to the representation of societies on the Council, transitional arrangements were also agreed whereby the Administrative Committee were to review all currently affiliated societies against the newly agreed criteria for affiliation. This review has taken place. One society, the Universities Association, itself recognised that it did not qualify for continued affiliation and it is therefore no longer represented. The other 68 societies all provided satisfactory evidence that they meet the criteria for continued affiliation. Fourteen societies are eligible for an additional representative and one society (the Oxford D.G.) for two more. Two societies have lost one representative.

(2) Honorary membership - The number of honorary members is restricted to 24 by the Council’s rules and the desirability of increasing that number was canvassed. It was decided not to recommend any change, especially as it is open to committees (under Rule 14(vi)) to appoint advisers who are not Council members.

(3) Application for affiliation - The Committee reviewed the application of the Four Shires Guild for affiliation to the Council. There was no doubt that the Guild met the criteria for affiliation and it was agreed that the Council should consider the application, subject to the Guild so requesting at its annual meeting on 27th April.

(4) The format and audit of charity accounts - The new regulations came into force on 1st March 1996 for financial years beginning on or after that date. There have been delays in the publication by the Charities Commission of guidance notes, which in some respects are still not complete. Thus the working party appointed by the Committee to advise the Council on the implications of the new requirements for its own accounts and to provide general advice on the matter for affiliated societies has only met very recently. It will report to the October 1996 meeting of the Committee and will publish advice for affiliated societies in due course in The Ringing World.

(5) Contact with heritage bodies - The Council’s officers have maintained contact with English Heritage in order to provide a channel of communication in cases where the interests of conservation and those of ringing might be at variance, although it is pleasing to report that no new such cases have been brought to the Council’s attention this year. At the 1995 Council meeting it was suggested that contact should also be made with the Welsh heritage body, CADW. The four Welsh societies affiliated to the Council were asked to inform the Secretary of any issues which could usefully be raised with CADW on their behalf, but none have yet emerged.

(6) Regional Seminars - It is regrettable that three of the four regional seminars planned for the summer of 1995 had to be cancelled due to lack of support. However that held at Taunton on 15th July was deemed to be a success and it is believed that the societies represented there benefited from it. A national seminar sponsored by The Ringing World is to be held in London on 12th October 1996 under the heading “Sharing good practice”. It is hoped that it will be well supported.

(7) Complaints about bells - The working group set up by the Committee in 1994 has continued its good work. It was agreed that for budgeting and administrative purposes it should come under the auspices of the Public Relations Committee and a report of its activities in 1995 appears in that Committee’s report.

(8) VAT on bells and bellframes - The Council’s officers have joined with the bellfounders in challenging the interpretation by Customs and Excise of new VAT regulations to the effect that zero-rating should no longer apply to new bells and new bell-frames. Together with representatives of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry and Taylors of Loughborough, the Vice-President and Secretary attended a meeting with Customs and Excise in December at which the issue was discussed at length. The upshot was that there was to be an exchange of correspondence on the subject and that, meanwhile, Customs would delay the operation of any change in VAT liability on church bells until 1st October 1996. The views of the bellfounders and ringers were set out in a letter dated 15th January 1996 from Mr Alan Hughes of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry. By the end of March no substantive reply had been received.

(9) Proposal for a CC Bell Restoration Fund - The Committee’s views were sought by the Bell Restoration Funds Committee on its proposal to set up a Central Council Bell Restoration Fund. We were concerned that such a fund would be seen as a rival to guild and association bell funds, even though that was not the intention, and advised consultation with affiliated societies before taking the matter further.

(10) CC Information Leaflet - The Committee has agreed to the production of a leaflet which will provide a source of information for both ringers and non-ringers about the Council and its work. It will be finalised when the names of the officers and committee chairmen for the new triennium are known and will be made available free of charge.

REPORT OF THE HONORARY AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL COUNCIL OF CHURCH BELL RINGERS

The financial statements for the year ended 31 December 1995 on pages 2 and 3 have been compiled from the books and records of the Council and we confirm that they are in accordance therewith.

The market value of the Council’s Library is not reflected in these accounts. During 1995 it was insured for £40,000

Honorary Secretary and Treasurer

Membership - As stated in the report of the Administrative Committee, fifteen societies are entitled to one, or in one case two, more Central Council representatives as a result of the changes to the rules relating to the representation of societies on the Council and two societies to fewer representatives. Four societies have decided not to elect the full number to which they are entitled and the Universities Association is no longer affiliated. The net result is that at the start of the new triennium there are 201 representative members, representing 68 societies, and a total membership of 234. Last year numbers were 189, 69 and 222 respectively.

Of the 197 names of representative members which had been notified to me by Easter, 149 (75%) were members of the previous Council (of whom two are representing a different society and one was an honorary member) and 48 are new members (of whom 8 have been members at some time in the past).

Of the 36 members of the previous Council who are not returning, I should like to make special mention of ten who have been members for 15 or more years: Philip Gray (ANZAB) elected 1957; John Jelley (Leicester DG) 1963; the Revd Malcolm Melville (Universities A) 1969; David Sloman (Essex A) 1972; Reginald Powell (Hereford DG) 1972; Andrew Brock (East Grinstead & DG) 1975; William Jackson (North American G) 1978; Robert Cater (Winchester & Portsmouth DG) 1978; Clare Higby (Ladies Guild) 1981; and Philip Tremain (Truro DG) 1981. To these and all others not returning I should like to express thanks for their services to the Council and for the contributions they have made whether as members of committees or in debate at Council meetings.

Accounts - Financially 1995 was a relatively uneventful year. As predicted in my report for 1994, income from investments increased a little during 1995. Committee expenditure also rose and in total was somewhat closer to the estimates given at the beginning of the year, whereas administration costs fell as a result of lower charges for the Council meeting and less expenditure on stationery. The single most significant item of expenditure was the long-awaited purchase of a computer for the Library.

A total of £2,500 was paid out from the Tom Lock bequest and other bell fund money held by the Council to six parishes for bell restoration. A donation to the Council’s bell fund was received in memory of Mr R. S. Payne, of Norwich.

The accounts for 1996 will show higher income from affiliation fees arising from the increase to £10 per representative agreed last year and they will also appear in a new format, in line with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting by Charities. This will be a task for whoever is elected to the new post of Treasurer.

C. H. ROGERS

Records Committee

D. E. SIBSON (Chairman)
F. T. BLAGROVE
D. J. BUCKLEY
J. R. MAYNE
C. A. WRATTEN

The Ringing World, April 19, 1996, pages 446 to 449

Peal Compositions Committee

As a result of reorganising the activities of the Committee early in the year, it was discovered that the backlog of compositions submitted for publication in The Ringing World was rather larger than realised, consequently our main activity during the year has been directed towards reducing this. During the 12 months to April, we have proved and reviewed 196 compositions, and set them in camera-ready form for publication. Of these, 103 (53 Major, 23 Maximus, 16 Royal, 9 Triples and 1 each of Cinques and Sixteen) have so far appeared in print. The ready availability of peal-proving software has greatly reduced the number of false compositions submitted; however this does not absolve the Committee from its duty to prove everything, and as usual a number of false peals were identified. To assist with this exacting and time-consuming work, the Committee has been expanded by co-opting Don Morrison and Stephen Pettman; we have also recruited a number of other volunteers, and I am especially grateful to David House, Glenn Taylor, Mark Liebenrood and Ian Fielding for their help over the year.

The fluctuating rate at which compositions are submitted makes it very difficult to predict whether it will ever be possible to return to a situation where there is no backlog, and in particular whether the goal of publishing all submissions in The Ringing World remains achievable. Until 1993 submission and publication rates both averaged around 100 compositions per annum, with a small fluctuating backlog, in 1994 the situation changed radically with a publication shortfall (of around 30) and a huge increase in submissions (to 250); during 1995 a further 150 were received. Thus in spite of the increased processing rate, the backlog has risen considerably (from about 50 to 250), although we would expect this to fall if submission rates did not increase further. Unfortunately, the rate of publication has remained static during the year, and competing demands for space in The Ringing World mean that this situation is unlikely to improve in the foreseeable future. It seems inevitable therefore that a radical rethink of peal publication policy will be required, and we shall naturally look to Council for guidance in formulating this.

Unsurprisingly the emphasis on Ringing World publication has had a severe impact on collections in preparation, and although Stedman Triples and General-Purpose Surprise Major are essentially complete, considerable work is still required to produce final camera-ready copy. Personal commitments on the part of their compilers have meant that the proposed new editions of Compositions in the Popular Major Methods and Ten and Twelve Bell Compositions have also been delayed, and we are seeking volunteers to take over these projects. On a happier note, the first draft of Spliced Surprise has now been completed, and with almost 600 compositions (including many never before published), promises to set new standards of completeness. Many thanks are due to Roddy Horton for the huge amount of work he has put into this project over the last three years.

Finally, the Committee continues as usual to answer inquiries from members of the Exercise on compositional matters.

R. BAILEY (Chairman)
P. R. J. BARNES
D. W. BEARD
M. J. de C. HENSHAW
D. F. MORRISON
S. D. PETTMAN
M. PIDD

The Ringing World, April 19, 1996, page 450

International Liaison Report for 1995

by Fred E. Dukes

Part 1 of 4

Introduction

This is my last report for the current session of the Central Council. Whether I will be the author of future Reports will depend upon the triennial elections at the council meeting in Shrewsbury on 27th May next.

When that meeting takes place, I will (D.V.) be a few days into my 85th year and although willing to serve the Council and the Public Relations Advisory Group for a further period, I am dependent upon the election results - as are all Committee members - to continue to be of service to the exercise.

This Report is based on appropriate references which have appeared in The Ringing World, The Clapper, Ringing Towers, Look-to, from Zimbabwe, S.A. Ringing Circle from South Africa and Notiziario from Italy, together with Press media cuttings kindly sent to me by PROs, and many others, also from the contents of letters received.

Central Council meeting

It was very creditable that every affiliated Society from abroad was represented at the 1995 Council meeting held in Wilton during the U.K. Spring Holiday period. The only bellringing area not represented was Kilifi, in Kenya, who unfortunately do not qualify for affiliation. Hopefully, a way will be found to bring them into the fold in the not too distant future. A possible solution was the establishment of an Associate membership class, but the council a few years ago rejected it. Therefore societies like Kilifi, and those existing who fall below the membership levels may not continue their affiliation to the Council until their numbers returned to give them full status again, must remain in limbo. It has been my aim that every tower throughout the world should be associated with the Council and I trust that ere long, the Council will see its way, to welcome Kilifi, a very isolated tower into our midst.

The usual International display was organised in very cramped conditions in the back passage from the car park to the H.Q. Hotel in Salisbury. A number of people using the front entrance did not see the display, which included press items, photographs, magazine articles, relating to ringing in America, Australia, Canada, Italy, Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

At the Council meeting itself, the winning Video of the six finalists, namely the entry from Kalamazoo in Michigan, was shown to a spellbound audience during the lunch-hour break. Of the six finalists, there were three from overseas, the other two were Honolulu and Zimbabwe.

Communications

International “Newsletters” were circulated on three occasions in 1995. These letters are much appreciated and welcomed judging by the references to them in correspondence received from all parts beyond the shores of the British Isles. Copies are sent to the editors of ringing publications, the Secretaries of Affiliated societies, as well as to Kenya, all known PROs, and some very remote towers.

Kit Almy, the Editor of The Clapper includes these newsletters in full in the issue of The Clapper after receipt, whilst Esther Perrins, Editor of Ringing Towers includes extracts, or the entire letter, depending on the space available. To these we extend our appreciation for their kindness in this matter.

The object of such communications is to let those concerned with bell-ringing know that we do remember them in their efforts to maintain ringing in their areas, and to treat them as equals in the great family of bellringers worldwide.

David Thorne, editor of The Ringing World too, includes news items in the International sphere, and hardly a week goes by but there is something from afar. Unfortunately, The Ringing World is not read or seen by many towers, and there are relatively few subscribers out there. The International newsletters help in a small way to fill the gaps in communications with the “home front”.

Along with the dispatch of the newsletters, personal notes, or letters are sent, and very many friends have been made thereby and all on a first name basis. The writer appreciates the newsy letters from all parts of the world, as well as the Christmas cards with the names of individual members of the respective towers. Such communications make the work of International Liaison well worth while.

Similar experiences are welcomed by George Morris who works very closely with the Italian ringing sphere, ably assisted and abetted by his interpreter, John Gallimore.

Ringing courses

At the Hereford Course, there were three Canadian and two American “students”. By all accounts they benefited from their experience there.

At the Essex Ringing Course, there were four ringers from Honolulu, who were made very welcome, so much so, that their photographs appeared in The Ringing World.

During the annual general meeting weekend of the Zimbabwe Guild, there were three theory sessions - a) Plain Hunting, b) Stedman and c) Surfleet Surprise.

In America, Eileen Butler organised a ringing course, in connection with the North American Guild’s annual meeting in Boston, There were sessions dealing with instruction for the less-experienced and on Surprise Major, with practices on the Boston bells.

Hingham tower held their third ringing course at the Local Adult Education centre. It is as a result of these courses of eight weeks each, that the current band of ringers has been built to ten plus.

The Ringing Courses which took place at the Three Towers Festival held this year at Little Rock had sessions for beginners and experienced ringers and were operated during the Saturday of the Festival when methods up to Cambridge Surprise Major were practised.

In October, Washington Cathedral held their annual beginners bell-handling course, which yielded four recruits this year.

Charleston and Raleigh towers benefited from intensive training courses over six days led by four experts from Oxford led by Bill Butler, who “pushed on” beginners to ring Plain Bob, from Doubles up to Major. Charleston were also given “the works” by Alan Regin’s party.

The ANZAB annual general meeting was held in Sydney, during which the opportunity of running ringing courses was taken, one of which was especially for learners.

Robert Walters spent two weeks in Goulburn to provide intensive training to local ringers. He gave talks to the local community groups to present an awareness of bellringing.

The regular Italian - English cultural exchanges are now on a three-year cycle - Italy, U.K. and one free. The 1995 exchange took place in Verona and Vicenza areas. There was a full programme arranged by A.S.C.S.V. guild aimed to teach the English a “thing or two” about the Veronese system of ringing. The visitors tested what they had learned by ringing the bells of Costernano.

In New Zealand, the Auckland and Hamilton bellringers get together monthly on a Saturday for Surprise method practices, as well as for general ringing at their towers on alternate months.

These Ringing and Training courses, and we trust there are many more we are not aware of, must be encouraged so that less experienced ringers can advance in and practice bell control and methods of change ringing with more experienced ringers. By so doing greater interest in ringing should evolve and perhaps, those attending the courses may be in a position to encourage and instruct the members of their home tower.

Peal and quarter peals

The attached Table gives details of the number of peals and quarter peals rung in the respective areas during 1995, and which were recorded in The Ringing World, The Clapper, Ringing Towers and S.A. Ringing Circle up to and including 1st March 1996.

In accordance with usage, there will probably be some further details of “quarters” and perhaps peals, appearing in later issues of the above journals. In that event, the figures shown for 1995, would normally been amended and shown in brackets, in the Report for the current year. The 1994 figures have been amended and are shown in brackets in the attached table.

This year those who rang their first peal and their first quarter peal were recorded, and the list is rather long, so the statistics will be confined to numbers as follows:

Included in the latter category we mention, Mary Townsend, of Australia who conducted her first peal of Plain Bob Triples, John Boutland who conducted his first peal at Gardenvale, Australia, Devena Harris, called her first quarter-peal at Perth, and 15 year-old Carrolyn Lewis conducted her first quarter of Plain Bob Doubles in Grahamstown with mainly a junior band. Eileen Butler, entered the conducting field with a quarter-peal at Philadelphia in May.

Notable performances during the year, were first peals in the following methods ever rung:

• Prospect Surprise Major at Prospect, Australia.
• MacKillop Delight Royal at St. Mary’s Sydney.
• Grahamstown Surprise Major at Grahamstown, S Africa.
• Kaatstad Surprise Major at Woodstock, Cape Town.
• Potomac Surprise Major at Washington Old Post Office Building.

There were also claims of firsts by all in the methods:

• Quabbs Surprise Major at Boston Advent.
• Old Surprise Royal at St. Andrew’s, Sydney.
• Ystraedwg Surprise Major at St. Mary’s, Sydney.
• Northamptonshire Surprise Major at St. Mary’s, Sydney.

In addition to the above peals, Zimbabwe, rang their first quarter-peal of Surfleet Surprise Minor, being first by all of the Harare Cathedral band.

There were two quarter-peals in Honolulu, in each were three who rang their first quarter and were all locals. The locals rang barefoot, whilst the visitors wore sandals. The temperature was up to 90° F.

There were unfortunate incidents recorded when peals were being rung. In Hobart, the locals were ringing a peal and after about two hours a lorry back-fired outside of the tower, which upset the band, resulting in two bells crossing-over. After permission was given by the Historic Places trust in Wellington, New Zealand, the ringers having travelled long distances started the peal at Old St. Paul’s but after ringing almost to completion, they were forced to stop because the City Council Noise Control officer arrived with an order to stop ringing for 72 hours, as a result of the number of complaints received from offices and residents nearby. With only 20 minutes to go, it was a very big disappointment to the team who had travelled so far and had the necessary permission to ring these bells. It is understood that had the City Council been advised, a different ending to the peal might have occurred, and no Order aught have been necessary.

The Malvern Link ringers scored a quarter-peal at Mistrorighi tower, and it was their longest length rung in that country.

A band which called itself the Society of Oriental and African Scholars, scored the first peal ever rung in Namibia in hand and was one of 3 Minor methods.

During the year, the first ever peal was rung at St George’s Cathedral, Grahamstown, since the installation of the bells in 1879.

First peals were rung at the following new towers, and towers which were the receipt of augmentations:

• Stella Maris, Sullivan’s Island, USA. Plain Bob Triples.
• Albury, NSW. Grandsire Triples. Recently augmented to eight.
• Gardenvale, Victoria, Australia. Plain Bob Minor.
• Goulburn Cathedral, Australia, Grandsire Caters, on recently augmented ten.

There was according to a report in The Clapper, a new ring of 20 bells installed on the barge “Great Paul” and that the dedication peal was in the method “Cinnamon Raison Double Court Double Royal”. The details of the peal have not to date been published. It is understood that these details await acceptability of the method and the circumstances under which the peal was rung. It has not been included in the above Table (see also “Augmentations, New Rings etc.” Section in Part 2).

No doubt the ringers at Birmingham are hoping to barge in and ring a peal on the 20 bells - they are after all unexpectedly free on Saturday June 29th - Ed.

Several Surprise methods outside of the Standard Eight range were rung to peals and quarter-peals, but the vast majority of attempts were in the six bell category in the Plain Methods which would indicate advancement in change-ringing, with a number of “firsts” in methods. It is observed that some of those who rang in this category a few years back, are now ringing the more advanced methods. All to the good!

Miscellaneous

Italy: An Italian ringer commented in The Ringing World, about the English obsession for punctuality. For example, at Malvern Link the clock in the ringing room is now “locked” to the National Physical Laboratory in Rugby. It advances and retards the summer time automatically.

At Savignano on the River Rubicon, a ring of eight bells in F hung for Veronese ringing was discovered, there is no band of ringers there, but a local lad is looking after them with enthusiasm.

New Zealand: The World Vision for Life 40 hour famine takes place very year in New Zealand, 1995 was the 20th year since the famine began, and to mark that anniversary, the seven towers in New Zealand were asked to ring a quarter peal each, on 24th March. Three quarters however were rung.

Julia Edge from Stoke-on-Trent paid a tribute to the Vicar of Papanui, Rev. David Pickering during her month long holiday in the country, and about the tremendous welcome she received at the towers she visited.

The Ringing World, April 5, 1996, pages 350 to 351

International Liaison Report for 1995

by Fred E. Dukes

Part 2 of 4

Meetings

Sydney was the venue for the Annual Ringing Festival of A.N.Z.A.B. Included in the event was the Annual General Meeting of the Association, as well as such satellite functions as a dinner, striking competition, ringers service, and of course sessions for beginners, learners and Surprise ringers. At the meeting David Knewstub, of Perth was elected President, and Mary Townsend, replaced Jennifer Murphy as General Secretary.

In Western Australia, the WA. branch of A.N.Z.A.B. held its annual meeting in York, during which a striking contest was held and won by a Dept. of Environment team.

The Zimbabwe Guild held its annual meeting in February in Harare, and the half-yearly meeting in Kwe Kwe. At the latter event a number of children were given their first lessons, but a quarter-peal attempt failed.

Johannesburg was the location for the South African Guild’s annual event during the weekend of 22-23 July. Professor Colin Lewis, of Grahamstown was elected Guild Chairman, and Dick Holmes of Cape Town became Hon. Secretary. At the meeting a Technical Committee was established for the purpose of investigating the possibility of having more rings of bells in the country. The 1st April was the date of the Transvaal’s Guild’s half-yearly ringing festival during which two quarter-peals were successfully rung. Their business meeting took place in Parktown in May.

There was plenty of activity over in America. As well as the frequent meetings arranged in the Mid-Atlantic and New England areas, there were of course the “big” events, Philadelphia held its Equinox celebrations from 24-26 March, which is primarily the annual Spring dinner, when they are joined by several visitors from other towers, for plenty of ringing as well as enjoying the dinner. Philadelphia also held its annual birthday party on 10 June and it was attended by ringers from Princess Anne, Washington, Burlington, Newcastle, Brewster and Kent. It was a happy and sociable occasion, with quarter-peals being scored.

The North American Guild went to Boston for the Annual General Meeting, which attracted about 80 members from 25 towers on the 25-27 August. “Side-shows” included ringing courses, plenty of ringing at Boston, Hingham and Groton towers, as well as Service ringing. The meeting itself was held in MIT, Cambridge on the Saturday, when an important amendment was proposed, whereby the current rule of qualification for membership, would be changed to facilitate any ringer to join the Guild as a full member. At present the membership is limited to change-ringers.

The Three Towers Festival was held in Little Rock in April, and there were 322 ringers representing ten towers in attendance.

Reading the reports of the several meetings held, it is evident that those who attend do enjoy themselves, in spite of some basic accommodation facilities! There are excellent ringing facilities when ringers do their best to help others, meals are an important side of such events, and then of course, there is the serious side, that of business meetings. Long may such sociability and seriousness last for the good of bellringing in general. Tributes must be paid to the keen ringers who travel long distances to support tower events and the various meetings. Most fly or drive depending on the distance to travel, But can anybody beat the experience of John and Mary Townsend, of Claremont, W. Australia, who drove in their 4WD and camping trailer across Australia from west to east, virtually, non-stop in five days, and averaging 800km per day! They were making a tour of the northern part of the continent, and just dropped off in Sydney for the A.N.Z.A.B. A.G.M. and to see some relations. After the meeting they travelled along the North coast back to Perth.

Personalities

It was with regret that we learned of the deaths of the following ringers:

• Brian Blackshaw, who did so much for ringing in Durban and Cape Town, died of cancer, just two months after his wife passed away, in England. He had been with her, and remained in U.K. Brian was the first Hon. Secretary and Treasurer of the South African Guild.

• Jim Richardson, also of Durban, passed away unexpectedly.

• From Washington the death of David Brown a long time member of the Cathedral band, died from cardiac arrest and very many tributes were paid to this kindly and devoted friend of American ringers.

• John Parsons of Brewster and Kent towers died unexpectedly in June and many tributes were paid to him.

• Another faithful ringer Willard G. Creighton of Newcastle Society was a staunch supporter of the Immanuel Society, and was for many years the Tower Steeplekeeper Willard died during the year and very many tributes were paid to him in the various ringing publications.

• Italy lost a great bellringer in the person of Guiseppe Zaninu. He began ringing at the age of 12 years, and was 60 when he passed away. He worked to improve ringing to competition standards and he was responsible for having some rings of bells augmented.

• Marco Tosin of Vicenza, at the age of 31 was killed in an accident. He is a great loss to Italian ringing, since he tuned many bells and was an expert musician.

• Kevin McCarthy of Hamilton, New Zealand died at the age of 58. Before going to Hamilton he was a ringer at Coleshill in the U.K. As a tribute to his memory quarter-peals were rung simultaneously in both New Zealand, and Coleshill.

Congratulations must be accorded to Pleasance Purser, who as the representative of the bellringers of Wellington Cathedral, New Zealand, was presented to H.M. Queen Elizabeth II when she visited the Cathedral during her New Zealand visit. Pleasance although the last in the line of those to be presented, was in fact given more time than others to talk with the Queen.

Best wishes are extended to John and Marjorie Hill, of Parktown who retired and emigrated from Transvaal to the U.K. in June. John was the main thrust in the building up of St George’s band, and the Transvaal Guild.

There may be others worthy of mention, but we do not appear to have seen any recorded evidence of them, apologies if anybody has been left out and we assure them that there is no intentional omission.

Augmentations, New Rings, Restorations

The provision of additional bells continued in 1995. These are outlined in the various country sections hereunder:

North America: The new ring of eight bells in Stella Maris RC Church, Sullivans Island off Charleston, SC was completed and the first peal on them was on 25 June after the Mass to mark the 150th anniversary of the church.

Good news comes from St James’s Episcopal Church, Dallas, within formation that three bells of the proposed ring of six have been ordered from Taylor’s of Loughborough, that is the Treble, No. 4 and the Tenor. Hopefully within a year the remaining three bells will be ordered.

It has been reported that Roland Perschen, a founder-member of the North American Guild, has given a ring of eight bells to the village Pewaukee, Wisconsin, in memory of his parents. The bells with a Tenor of about 1,050lbs are the product of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, London and they were scheduled to be delivered before the seaway and lakes froze over at Christmas time. The tower to accommodate the bells has been designed, but construction work will not commence until the bells are on site.

News comes from Washington D.C. that the World’s first ring of 20 bells were cast by Howard, Howard and Fine Inc. and that a tower and river barge were designed and constructed by Butz & Sons, to accommodate the ring of bells. They were erected in the tower in such an orientation that when the bells were rung there was no apparent swaying of the barge in the water. The bells weigh from a 1¼ cwts Treble to a 28½ cwts Tenor, and the total weight of the bells is calculated to be about 10½ long tons.

The bells are the gift of Myron Hugankiss, of Myron’s New York Bagels, (a branch is in London) in memory of his mother, Amanda and the ring is known as “Amanda Hugankiss Memorial Peal”. Both Myron’s father and mother were keen ringers in the London area during the 1930s and 1940s, and Myron was taught to ring by his mother, In fact, he is reported as having rung the Memorial bells whilst the barge was on its maiden voyage to Washington.

The 65 feet long barge, with a 35 feet beam, must have a Captain with a Pilot’s Licence (not aircraft) and it is understood that a number of Washington D.C. ringers are in training with a view to attaining the necessary status. One of their retired members who holds such a Licence acts as Captain.

In the Clapper Myron issued in an Open Letter an invitation to ringers everywhere to come to Washington to ring these bells. The barge is named “Great Paul”.

I am grateful to Theresa M. Rice and Joseph Fickus, for their assistance in the preparation of the above report about the Bagel Barge Bells.

St James’s Church, Marietta, Georgia, is to be the recipient of a new ring of eight bells Tenor 5¼cwts, cast by Whitechapel Foundry, and they were, in fact, delivered to the site in Mid-December, and should be ringing before the end of January 1996.

Over in Canada, better news about the installation of the ring of 12 bells in St James’s Cathedral, Toronto, when a boost was given to the scheme with the launch of the official appeal for donations. The projected date of installation was estimated to be during late 1996.

South Africa: Glad news from Grahamstown, that two treble bells have been donated and casting is by Whitechapel Bell Foundry, to fill the two spaces left in the new bell frame, and give St George’s Cathedral its ring of ten bells.

There was disappointment when it was learned that the proposed ring of bells for Blomfontein Cathedral had been shelved in favour of the Cathedral organ project. Hopefully, the bells project will surface again ere long.

Italy: Several new towers have been reported with rings of bells working on the Veronese system. They are at Bergamo, Brescia, Cremona, and Mantua in Lombardy; Forli, and Reggio Emilia in Emilia Romagna; Chieti in Abruzzo; in Rome itself and at Trento.

Australia: The back four bells of a new ring of eight were installed in St John’s Church, Wagga Wagga and were Blessed in November They are available for open-ringing.

At the Griffin Cathedral of St Alban the Martyr, the bell frame to accommodate a ring of six bells was constructed and the bells installed in October.

The bells were cast for the new ring at Armidale Cathedral, NSW. The bell frame is in situ, awaiting the delivery of the bells. It is expected that these eight bells will be installed early in 1996.

Good progress is being made at St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Adelaide and completion of the tower is anticipated to be early 1996, so that the 13 bells can be installed. They consist of the seven bells ex-St Mary’s Basilica, Sydney, an additional six bells to form the ring, plus the original Cathedral bell by Murphy of Dublin 1866 which weighs 2,700kgs.

Information has come to band that a redundant bell from a R.C. Church in Manchester has been purchased to form part of a new ring of six bells for a tower in Canberra. More definite information is awaited about this project.

Progress has been made in regard to the ring of six bells at St Hilda’s College, Mosman Park, Perth. It was hoped that these bells would be ringing before the end of the year. (In fact they are now installed and ringing). The aim was to have them ringing for the launch of the school centenary year at the end of January 1996.

Rockingham Civic Centre new ring of six was expected to be ringing before the end of the year. It is encouraging to note that two more bells have been ordered to augment the original six to an eight bell ring.

Korea: Early in the year, a letter appeared in The Ringing World, seeking information about the ring of five bells installed there after the end of World War II. An interesting letter was received from Mr L. J. Baldock of Eastbourne along with a photograph which showed Sapper Peter Minchin, of Swindon and Sapper Derek Hooper of Yeovil, securing the then four bells in the bell frame. Beyond that helpful information no further details are to hand yet.

Noise Control: Progress with the completion of the installation of the bells in St Hilda’s College, Perth, depended on necessary permission coming from the Minister of the Environment and therefore the bells could not be erected until the authorities gave their approval. On the 29 December the Western Australia Government Gazette published an exemption allowing the existing three towers, of Perth, Claremont and York to continue the ringing of their bells without hindrance. But, any new rings in towers where the sound emission is over 55dB, will risk prosecution if they ring longer than 10 minutes specified for the duration of the ringing at any time, and for only two times a day, and no more than eight times a month or 12 times in two months. The Instrument is subject to Parliamentary confirmation.

Rockingham Civic Centre, was subjected to outcries in the local Press about the proposed installation of a ring of bells and accused of misuse of Council funds. The outcries eventually died down, because of the height and remoteness of the tower from residential property and an assurance about the lightness of the bells. Now people are asking how soon will it be before the bells are ringing.

Miscellaneous

Kenya: reports from ringers who visited Kilifi, St Thomas’s Church, where they rang and met the local ringers, were photographed with the locals, and said that there was great progress in training and recruiting ringers. On their own they can manage to ring Plain Hunt on six bells. The visitors helped with the training and their help was much appreciated.

U.S.A.: When President Clinton attended a memorial service in Washington Cathedral for the late Senator Fulbright, the ringers were subjected to severe searches by the security police, in spite of their being invited to ring for the service.

Charleston have implemented an idea for keeping their bell-ropes from shrinking and damp in the humid conditions. The rope ends are placed in plastic bags, in which silica-gel or other drying substances are placed. Silica is recommended because it can be rejuvenated by drying in an oven!

Stella Maris and Charleston ringers are endeavouring to start a “Ringers ferry” on Sundays, to facilitate the Charleston ringers in rushing back and forth between the two towers. The Ferry would shorten the journey between the towers.

The Ringing World, May 3, 1996, pages 475 to 476

International Liaison Report for 1995

by Fred E. Dukes

Part 3 of 4

Publicity and Public Relations

There were many recorded references about bells and bell-ringing on TV, Radio, in the Press and in Magazines from most areas. Such presentations, are, of course, all for the good of bellringing, they are usually sought after by the media concerned and the resultant publicity must be for the betterment of public relations. On the other hand, some complaints have been ventilated in the Press and others were made direct to the towers where appropriate. Happily in most cases compromises were reached and the bells - as they should - continue to ring. The Public Relations Advisory Group is concerned about possible complaints and have considered how they might be dealt with. They have issued some advice on the subject and are hoping to issue directives in dealing with complaints. It is incumbent on all ringers to ensure that the bells are rung for Church Services and for practices, but at the same time they should also have consideration for those who hear the bells ringing, by having a good standard of ringing, announcing the intentions for long ringing sessions and that they do not ring at unreasonable times.

During 1995, the main items of publicity about bellringing are given hereunder country by country:-

Canada: St James’s Cathedral, Toronto, publicised their intention to proceed with the proposed installation of a ring of 12 bells by officially announcing an appeal for donations towards the project. In “Organ Alternatives” a concert under the heading “Pipes A Peal” was organised to raise funds towards the Fund for the Bells. It included a short article about the bells and ringing.

The Anvil, the Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria, BC, magazine, had a photograph on the front cover of the ringers ringing the bells and it had a two-page article featuring the bells and bellringing, by Bernard Crook. Over 100 visitors climbed the 72 steps to the Cathedral Ringing Room to witness the Old Year being rung-out and the New Year rung-in. This event was advertised by Victoria’s “First Night” organisation. In December, there were visits from CHEK TV, and reporters from CBC Radio Station, and the Times Colonist to record bellringing, interviews, etc., so that the Cathedral bells, bellringing and interviews could be featured through these media over the Christmas and New Year period. Interviews were recorded of Faith Magwood, Mike Simpson and David Oliver. C Fax Radio recorded the bells ringing which hit the airwaves at midnight on New Year’s Eve. The Cathedral ringers designed and displayed an A4 poster with the title “Welcome to the Belfry” and it gives the times of Service and practice ringing.

The British Columbia Diocesan Post presented a photograph of the Cathedral bells and an article by Bernard Crook about the repair work undertaken on the bellframe and the bells, as a voluntary effort by the ringers themselves. Times Colonist reported on the repainting of the bell frame and included a photograph of the bells and the frame being prepared for painting. In a later issue, it showed the frame and fittings gleaming in new paint of different colours, together with an account of the voluntary work undertaken.

Italy: The mobile tower of bells belonging to the Verona Association was used extensively to promote interest in bell-ringing at Festivals throughout Venice, Padua, Trento, etc. as reported in ASCSV publication Notiziario.

Zimbabwe: A camera crew from the Zimbabwe TV station filmed ringing in Harare Cathedral in connection with a church music programme. The resultant production was seen at the start of the 8.00am Sunday Religious Programme.

Australia: The National Trust of Australia asked that the bells in every town be rung during the Heritage Week in April to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Trust. A further request was made for the bells to be rung for the 50th anniversary of VE day and VJ day.

Readers of Claremont’s Monthly Parish Magazine Freshwater Bay Anglican were bombarded with articles about bellringing, with the aim of recruitment of learners. The ringers of Claremont and Perth were invited to join the “Anglican EXPO” in St George’s Cathedral, Perth. They put on a display of ringing items and press cuttings. They had a message. “It takes eight ringers to ring the bells”. Tours to the belfry were arranged and over 100 persons took advantage of learning something about the bells and how they are rung. There were videos and leaflets about our art were distributed. The Sunday Times featured Suzanne Biddles of Perth, and included a photograph of the Cathedral bells with ringers at the ropes. In another issue, Glyn Geen was written about and seen with handbells up amongst the Cathedral bells. The Golden Jubilee of the National Trust was celebrated by a quarter-peal at St George’s Cathedral, Perth and was well reported in the local press, along with some photographs.

Mrs Rosemary Short (Maths Teacher) had an article published in St Hilda’s School, Magazine under the title “The Bells are Ringing”. Post publicised the fact that the Minister for the Environment, Peter Foss was changing the Law to permit St Hilda’s School, Mosman Park, bells to be rung. He said that the community should accept a noisier society and accept the ringing of bells.

The Australia Way the flight magazine of Qantas Airline, had an article about St Francis Xavier (RC) Cathedral, Adelaide. It mentioned the proposed ring of 13 bells being provided for the new tower and showed a photograph of some of the bells at present in the Cathedral. Also seen is a photograph of the tower enveloped in scaffolding.

The Mercury (Hobart) published a photograph of the six ringers of Holy Trinity Church before the peal attempt and included a note about the ringers and the peal. An Adult Education Information session held at St David’s Cathedral, Hobart was well attended, but very few recruits accrued, even though those who attended went away talking about he subject of bell-ringing. The Dursley Gazette told the story about William Champion, who was banished from Dursley to Australia, and who made good in Hobart. He presented the ring of eight bells to Holy Trinity Church.

ABC TV broadcasts BBC Praise on Sundays and often it includes bells being rung. Those who listen to this programme are very appreciative of the bells being included.

The Bells Committee of St John’s Church, Wagga Wagga, provided an opportunity for talks, demonstrations and general P.R. following the Blessing of the new bells for the church.

Ringing at St Pius X, Heidelberg, received some publicity on 1NR FM Victoria, when Brian Reed was interviewed about how bell-ringing is performed. The Heidelberg handbell ringers were out and about again at Christmas playing Carols and Christmas music at two shopping centres of Warringal and Heidelberg. On Christmas Eve, they played at Christmas Mass and accompanied the Heidelberg Youth Brass Band for “Silent Night”.

An Open Day at St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, thanks to the efforts of Richard Laing, was well publicised in the media, which included Melbourne Anglican, Progress Press, Herald Sun, ABC Radio, The Good Weekend. The Times included an article about the Stedman Peals with Bobs only. A photographer from the Progress Press made sure that ringers and ringing were immortalised.

Enid Roberts wrote an article for Ringing Towers about the power of the press and mentioned factual presentations in Good Weekend of the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age about ringing at St Paul’s, Melbourne, and mentioned the A.N.Z.A.B. weekend in Sydney. She gave her name and telephone number which resulted in ten calls about bellringing from other media not wishing to be left out, thus, the Sunday Telegraph included a photograph and an article about ringing at St Mary’s Basilica, Sydney, and the Australian Post interviewed ladies, and took their photographs at St Mary’s, during the A.N.Z.A.B. Festival. Enid was interviewed for 2CN (Canberra) Breakfast Show with St Mary’s Cathedral bells ringing as a background, and for further afield and so as not to be left out, FM Japan interviewed her for “Tokyo To-day” the Morning Show (audience 4 million!) with the bells of St Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney ringing behind the scenes. This interview was in English, and was translated into Japanese for “The Show”.

A photograph of Chris and Claire O’Mahony, along with their daughter beside a bell set for ringing, appeared in the Sunday Telegraph. There was also a note about a peal attempt of a new method MacKillop Delight Royal, in relation to the beatification of Mary MacKillop.

South Africa: The new Master of the Ancient Society of College Youths, was press-ganged by Emma St. John Smith, Press Officer, Westminster Abbey, into giving an interview for a Radio Station S A FM 104-107 “Life Styles” programme, based in Durban. The interview covered a wide range of bellringing topics. Having advised the Durban ringers of the broadcast, a letter was received to say that it was well received by the Durban ringers as an excellent PR exercise, and the broadcast was taped for posterity.

Grocott’s Mail Grahamstown had ringing features in a few issues, one which dealt with St George’s Cathedral bells, another covered change-ringing and a photograph was included of Professor Colin Lewis duly robed at a presentation of Rhodes University Awards. In December there were two photographs of Alan Regin’s Peal band, who rang the first peal on the Cathedral bells. Also included were notes about the bells.

New Zealand: During the Dunedin City Festival, there were Open Evenings at the Otago Church tower, during which visitors were made very welcome.

As a result of an approach by Sally Green to Air New Zealand, Pacific Way, the magazine of the Airline, provided a five page feature with coloured photographs of Auckland bellringers, and bell ringing, as well as the written word. St Matthew’s, Auckland have had at least three TV1 and TV3 appearances, two were for the start of “World Vision 40 hour Famine” for which the local ringers rang a quarter-peal. Another station, not to be outdone, interviewed Denis Green and Adrian Malton from Essex and they were given three and a half minutes airing with good shots of ringing including the bells ringing in slow motion and a close-up of the Diagrams book contents. The bells were also heard on advertisement slots, in connection with the Restoration Fund appeal for St Matthew’s Church, Auckland repairs.

Hamilton City Council asked for the bells of St Peter’s Cathedral to be rung on ANZAC Day to coincide with the Dawn Service held at the Cenotaph. Later, another request was made for the bells to be rung on VE Day. Good publicity followed in the local press along with photographs of the bellringers. Further, the local TV crew visited the tower and filmed the ringing as well as interviewing John Neal, a bell-ringer for the past 50 years.

United States of America: During the Three Towers Festival held in Little Rock this year, a film crew from LR. TV (KATN Channel 7) made a feature story about the Festival which was used as a segment in the “Spirit of Arkansas” programme. It showed the bells in action as well as the ringers ringing the bells, and interviews with them.

Boston, Advent Church bells again accompanied the Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture during the 4th July concert.

The Metropolitan Press gave two full pages of notes and photographs about ringing at Washington Cathedral, and at the Old Post Office building.

Kalamazoo local radio presented a piece about Stetson College bells, bell-ringing in general and particularly about their youngest change-ringer, the 13 year old Eleanore Chadderson. The College produced an A4 sheet - Campus Crossroads - which highlighted Eleanore’s ringing activities and her keenness. It also paid tribute to Jeff Smith, who did so much for bellringing at the College. It also said it is the only college which offers a regular programme in change-ringing. Kalamazoo, Hometown & Portage Gazette also carried an article about Eleanore Chadderson along with her picture. Seventeen magazine also featured Eleanore with her photograph.

The Hapless ringing party who visited America, managed to get their photograph into a major suburban paper at Hingham.

Chet Ham of Boston was to be seen in his hometown (Warwick RI) local paper, with the caption “Bing Bong”. This accompanied an article about change-ringing under the title “Look to, trouble’s going, she’s gone!”

Newcastle tower, was the venue for a mid-Atlantic meeting, when members of the general public were allocated times to ascend the tower to see the bellringing and to hear something about the bells and ringing. In June, the tower held an Open House for people living within earshot of the bells as a parish outreach event. They expected some recruits as a result of these efforts.

Noise Pollution: After ringing for the regatta at Hobart, the ringers were confronted by a woman who complained about the ringing. Eventually, after hearing what the ringers had to say, she asked that in future a note be dropped into her letterbox when such ringing is to be carried out for similar events.

Old St Paul’s, Wellington, N.Z. were permitted to be rung to a peal, by the Historic Places Trust. All went well until about 20 minutes were left to complete the peal, when the Noise Control Officer was forced to take action to stop the ringing because of the numerous complaints about the duration of the ringing. He banned ringing of the bells for 72 hours. Later it was revealed that if the City Council had been advised locally, of the date and duration of ringing, they might have been able to placate the objectors.

Due to complaints about the noise from bell ringing at Beechworth, Australia, the Rector of Albury gave permission for the Beechworth ringers to practise on Albury Church bells for extended practice and worthwhile coaching on Saturdays.

Mention has been made about Grahamstown of the Grocotts Mail reference to the peals. In the same issue the “New Year” correspondent was somewhat critical, when he (she) said “the church bells in our venerable Cathedral are beginning to be a venerable pain in the neck” after some critical remarks, the piece concluded with “Give us some peace”.

Perhaps some comfort may be obtained from the proposed action of the Minister for the Environment, Western Australia, Peter Foss, who proposed to change the Law to permit St Hilda’s bells to be rung. He told the Post that the community should accept a noisier society, and accept the sound of church bells, and the calls to the faithful coming from mosques.

The immediate past-President of ANZAB, Gordon Connon, offered some sound advice when he said with regard to noise and sound control “Noise nuisance complaints must be treated seriously, but objectively, particularly avoiding panic measures such as curtailment of ringing, which could be an admission of guilt and thus reduce the scope of later negotiations”.

Miscellaneous

Australia: During the re-building of St Matthew’s Church, Albury, two stained glass windows were presented by the Bellringer’s Guild. It consists of four panels:

(i) The Society Foundation window (16/5/1991)

(ii) St Dunstan

(iii) Whitechapel Medallion with details of the weights and names of the eight bells

(iv) Taylor Bell Foundry stamp with the inscription and weight of the Glastonbury bell.

Ian Hunt of Trade Services picked up the Best Small Business Award. Ian and his wife Mary ring at St Peter’s Church, Ballarat.

On St Hilda’s Day, the staff, members, old pupils, and present girls, rang the eight bells of Perth Cathedral. In all seven pupils, four old scholars, and two staff ringers took part in this event. The ages ranged from “the cradle” up to 91!

South Africa: Megan Cowie (19) has completed her theory and practice examinations to qualify for the Certificate in change-ringing at Rhodes University and she is the first undergraduate to do so. She took part in a successful quarter-peal at Grahamstown Cathedral.

In Transvaal, Assistant Priest, Patricia Lane learned to ring in St George’s, Parktown, but no sooner than she was proving to be a useful ringer, she was appointed Rector of Belgravia. The Parktown ringers devote the last Tuesday of each month to ringing special methods - Cambridge, Yorkshire, Kent, Stedman etc.

The Ringing World, May 10, 1996, pages 488 to 489

International Liaison Report for 1995

By Fred E. Dukes

Part 4 of 4

Publications

The usual publications of International interest appeared as regular as clockwork. They were The Ringing World, The Clapper, and Ringing Towers. Others came from Italy Notiziario; Zimbabwe Look-to and the South African S.A. Ringing Circle.

The publicity given to International affairs by David Thorne, is very welcome and much appreciated. The Editors of The Clapper and Ringing Towers deserve great credit for producing very high standard publications which contain much interesting news about what goes on in their respective areas, and for some interesting articles mostly of an educational domain.

Esther Perrins of Ringing Towers was joined by her husband Bill, as Joint Editor replacing Andrew Goodyer, who stepped down a level to take over Bill’s previous workload.

Kit Almy, succeeded Elizabeth Wein, on her resignation after a year in office, when she became engaged to be married to Tim Gatland, and her pending emigration to the U.K.

Kit Almy, seems to have adopted the International newsletter as the “page 3” feature in The Clapper, and we are grateful to her for publishing them in full when they arrive in time for the “next” issue.

Esther Perrins, either includes the entire “newsletter” or extracts from it, where space is available to her to do so.

When one picks up each issue of The Clapper and Ringing Towers it is virtually impossible to put them down until the last word has been read! Such are the interesting journals coming from their hands, and they must be supported in their tasks, and thanks are tendered to them for keeping the exercise so much alive. An article “The Blessing” by Ann Tillman, which appeared first in the Clapper was included in the Christmas issue of The Ringing World.

Look-to came out in December, and over two pages were given over to the “comings and goings” of individual members of the Zimbabwe Guild as well as to the activities of the Guild. To “Bob and Sally” gratitude for an interesting issue.

S A Ringing Circle originally appeared about three or four times a year and was produced by each tower in turn. Only one issue came to hand in 1995, and it had up-to-date news of the Guild’s activities. It was, however, decided at the Guild annual general meeting that the General Secretary, should be responsible for the regular productions in the future.

The Italian Verona Society, published Notiziario as an A5 booklet. It came out at Easter and included Easter greetings, an etching of Verona Cathedral, news about new teams who joined the Association, and named the towers which had had their bells augmented. The only item written in English, was a report from George Morris, reporting on the annual meeting held in the previous November. So that the Italians could know what he was saying, a translation was provided beside his Report.

In each issue of the Clapper, a page is given over to Council Publications, as well as those of the North American Guild. They are all obtainable through the Guild Book Service, via Bruce Butler. Cassettes are also included, and the entire list consists of 85 items.

St George’s, Perth Society has issued a pamphlet on “The Bells of St George’s Cathedral”. It contains an outline history of the bells, with their details, notes about ringing, recruitment, and change-ringing. A valuable and concise piece of publicity.

Tours

Some towers in Australia organised tours and outings. Wangaratta went to Melbourne and rang at all the towers there. This event was organised by Elizabeth Rossell. Paramatta ringers did the rounds of Burwood, Darling Point and Sydney. Burwood decided Yass and Goulburn would be their destinations, where they rang two quarter-peals, rang for Sunday Services and had some Grandsire Caters at Goulburn after service. Melbourne Societies visited Wangaratta, Albury and Beechworth. They gave assistance to the local ringers who were less-experienced with bell-handling and plain hunting.

The Hapless party of Australians, went to Canada and the USA, for a “biggish” tour, during which they scored ten peals and rang five quarter peals.

America, too, had its quota of visiting parties. As well as the Hapless tour, the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths made their first tour of the Western Hemisphere; they rang seven peals in Washington, Philadelphia, New York and Boston areas. A party organised by Martin Fellows, from the U.K. toured Canada and the U.S.A. during the back end of August. Smaller parties, such as the Oxford Society led by Bill Butler and Alan Regin’s party assisted the less experienced towers with concentrated sessions to help them advance in method ringing as well as with bell handling.

In the reverse direction, the students of the National Cathedral School, Washington, crossed the Atlantic to tour Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England. They were under the care of Rick Dirksen, Theresa Rice, John Wells and Quilla Roth. Bruce and Eileen Butler, took a party to South Wales, Somerset and Devon.

The annual visit to Quebec, consisted of 16 ringers who rang at both towers. They had a most enjoyable time with the local ringers.

Auckland Society in New Zealand, organised an enjoyable tour of all seven active towers in both Islands.

Kalamazoo ringers visited Riverside, Chicago for the first time to ring the EXPO bells.

In British Columbia, the two towers of Victoria and Vancouver, joined forces in Victoria, for ringing and amongst other things a barbecue. In all there were 17 participants.

The Italian exchange this year was to Italy, when the English were the first foreign team to compete in the Ringing Contest. They were able to beat Italian teams, by coming third to last out of 11 teams competing! They were pleased with this result, since they are not used to the Veronese style of ringing. The team consisting mainly of Malvern ringers scored a quarter-peal at Mistrorighi, of Plain Bob Minor.

St James’s Guild in December travelled to South Africa, and rang Peals at every tower in the country. They also “hopped over” into Zimbabwe, during a weekend to claim a peal at each tower there.

The roaming bellringers Shirley and Andrew Bolton, formerly of Transvaal, wrote about their tour of the world and their experiences in Africa, Australia, New Zealand, U.S.A. and Canada all in a period of seven months, before finally “dropping anchor” in “old” South Wales.

As well as the organised tours, quite a number of individual ringers travelled out of their own countries, to the U.K., U.S.A., Canada, Hawaii, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, etc. From reports they were made most welcome wherever they went and in some cases special ringing was organised, such as peals and quarter peals. In return, many of them were able to assist with good and wholesome instruction as appropriate. In Honolulu, visiting bellringers are made so welcome that a house is available to accommodate them free-of-charge, in return for advice and assistance in progressing in method ringing. Such exchanges can only be for the good of the Exercise in general, to both the visitor and the visited.

Recruitment

It is very encouraging to read from most, areas that recruits to bellringing are being trained to ring the bells, especially where new rings of bells are being installed. In these cases adjacent towers undertake the tasks of teaching ringers who will constitute the bands of ringers in the new places. St Michael’s, Charleston SC, trained the ringers to man the new bells of Stella Maris and Claremont taught the pupils of St Hilda’s School to form the band to ring their bells when installed at the school chapel. Individual ringers too travel long distances to teach people to be ready to ring the bells of their respective towers.

However, all does not appear to be well with the exercise, when it is necessary to be recruiting learners in established towers. In almost every case mention is made of learners making, progress, which could mean that a similar number, or more, established ringers have lapsed, some for good, others may be for a period of years.

During the 15 years that I have been International Liaison, a total of about 800 bellringers are recorded at present as having lapsed their membership of affiliated societies. That is an average of 52 per annum. Quite a number of them re-appear later but the above total does not include them, if still active at present. The estimated total number of active ringers throughout the world, excluding the British Isles and Italy, is just over 1,000, which means that an average of 5% of those registered will have lapsed by the time the records are next up-dated on a yearly basis. Against that loss there may be 5% or 6% new names registered as newcomers. The situation, thanks to the efforts of the stalwarts of the exercise everywhere is like a bath with the plug pulled, and the tap left full on, and the level of the water in the bath being maintained fairly well. The conclusion, one can draw, from this situation is that most towers are continually recruiting and teaching ringers - some towers have permanent special beginners practices - which of course, hampers good progress in the standard and advancement of ringing. There are exceptions particularly in America, Australia and New Zealand, where change-ringing methods up to Surprise are being rung from a more than average number of ringers who are available.

There are a number of towers, which do not have a full quota of ringers and dependence is placed on nearby towers, if any, to enable all the bells to be rung.

This subject of the loss of ringers and recruitment is one of concern to the officers of societies and various steps are being taken in an effort to get the public at large interested in becoming ringers, by personal contact, open days, adult education, local brochures and leaflets, advertising in the press and parish magazines, etc. Some educational colleges with rings of bells which were in previous years literally overflowing with student ringers are now silent or have very few local ringers.

As the new millennium starting with 2001 approaches, suggestions have been made for special efforts to ensure that every tower with a ring of bells has a full quota of its own ringers. In the meantime, bellringers everywhere might consider what can be done to eliminate the annual loss of ringers and to ensure that recruits to bellringing are retained by maintaining interest, encouragement and giving special times to teaching, social activities, etc.

It is encouraging to note that new bands of ringers have been formed and joined the Veronese Association.

In Hobart, an Adult Education Information evening was held in St David’s Cathedral, with large attendances, but very few of them were interested in taking up bellringing.

An Open Day in St Peter’s Cathedral, Adelaide resulted in a new crop of recruits. The Cathedral ringers also trained a team of ringers for the new ring in St Francis Xavier’s R.C. Cathedral. Both Prospect and Walkerville report gaining some learners.

Three of the learners from Griffith Cathedral, attended at Wangaratta during the Melbourne Ringers visit, and they received tuition from Melbourne experts.

Mary Townsend, of Claremont, has her hands full teaching the pupils of her old school, St Hilda’s, Perth, to form a ready made team to ring the new bells of the School chapel. There is of to course an incentive for the pupils to make good, since they are taking bellringing for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award!

Over in York, Eleanor Weekes is doing her best to recruit ringers by running a commercial on the local Radio. She made the front page of the local newspaper, with a photograph of herself with Tony Pal, along with the feature on ringing.

Open Days seem to have had some successes in recruiting ringers, such was the case at Geelong, Melbourne, Goulburn in Australia.

Adult Education classes at both Hingham, U.S.A., and Hobart, Tas., have had some success.

Reports from several towers, show that recruits are making progress, namely at Little Rock, Washington in U.S.A., Paramatta, Brisbane in Australia, Papanui and Auckland in New Zealand, Malavacona in Italy, Maryborough (QLD), Grahamstown in South Africa, Victoria in British Columbia. We are sure there are many other towers in the same position.

Miscellaneous

Zimbabwe: An interesting story was told about Harry Earle, a self-taught ringer at Kwe Kwe, when there were four bells. He eventually taught four locals to ring and he had the bells augmented to the present six. He was admitted to Holy Orders and posted in Natal. When he was in Grahamstown for his grand-daughter’s graduation he took the opportunity of ringing Plain Bob Triples at St George’s Cathedral. Harry Earle did much to further the cause of bell-ringing in Africa.

Canada: Mike Simpson, is contributing an interesting series of historical accounts of bellringing in the Canadian towers. Vancouver was the first tower to be dealt with during the year. Others will follow in 1996 et seq.

Victoria tower have non-ringing visitors at virtually every ringing session. They had two choirs each more than 50 strong, to see the ringing before they sang at their respective services in the Cathedral.

Thanks

George Morris, for the European Liaison, has been most co-operative in working with Italian affairs, and has kept the writer up-to-date about the activities as reported in this Report. I am very grateful to George for his support and help.

Then there are the Editors, who work so hard to ensure their readers get a fair presentation of news from their respective areas. David Thorne, Editor of The Ringing World ensures that International snippets and reports are included for the benefit of readers everywhere who subscribe to the weekly journal.

Esther Perrins ably aided and abetted by husband, Bill, and supported by Andrew Goodyear, work very hard to turn out Ringing Towers on time every two months, a marvellous achievement for people who do the job for the love of it. Kit Almy, Editor of The Clapper fell into the job at the start of the year, and very quickly assumed full activity to turn out a publication of as high a standard as if she had been years on the job. To these good people our gratitude and heartfelt thanks for work very well done.

Bellringers everywhere deserve our recognition for what they do by ringing the bells regularly, ensure that the bell installations are kept in good ringing order.

There are those who devote a lot of time teaching learners and give instruction in method ringing and bell control, and as necessary travel long distances to help others. The Public Relations Officers whose responsibilities are inform the public, and see that bells are publicised at every opportunity, are also deserving of our gratitude.

To one and all a sincere Thank You.

FRED E. DUKES,
International Liaison.

22 Acorn Way,
Wheaton Hall,
Drogheda, Co. Louth,
Ireland.
Telephone (0)41-42470.

The Ringing World, May 17, 1996, pages 523 to 524