This year’s meeting of the CENTRAL COUNCIL OF CHURCH BELL RINGERS was held on 7th September in Exeter. The draft minutes were published in The Ringing World on 4th October. The minutes and recording of the127th Annual Meeting are also available on the CCCBR website together with the relevant meeting papers and the recording of the Ringing 2030 Presentation on Bells in Changing Churches. Members of The Ringing World Ltd are, by right, all those members of the Central Council who indicate a willingness to be company members before the AGM, which is held on the same day as the Council meeting.
This report includes just some key points from the meetings.
Election of Fellows Chris Mew for his work on the Central Council, for the Ringing World and in safeguarding. Barbara Wheeler for her sterling work with Publications for 35 years.
The Trustees’ Report The current Trustees are Tina Stoecklin (President), Vicki Chapman (Deputy President), Ernie de Legh-Runciman (Secretary), Fergus Stracey (Treasurer), Ian Roulstone, Clive Whittaker, Beverley Faber and Katie Lane (Ordinary Trustees). The role and duties of the workgroups were changed slightly during 2024 in the light of the Ringing 2030 Programme. Ringing for the Coronation was particularly well supported. However the national ringing centre has not proved to be viable. Much effort is focused on Ringing 2030.The Mobile Belfry is now in operation. Yellowyoyo has provided advice for rebranding of ringing which has already been used at the International Scout and Guide Jamboree in Essex. The President’s Blog continues to be successful. The Council has continued its engagement with the Church of England’s Safeguarding Training and Development team and scenarios related to bellringing are going to be included in the next edition of the “Basic Awareness” training course. The “Code for Ringing” was formally adopted by the Council in January 2024.
In the Accounts for 2023, the total assets of the Council were £419,257. However, the General Fund loss had risen to £18,712, primarily as a result of spending £16,613 for Ringing 2030. Nine grants were paid from the Bell Restoration Fund leaving a total of £33,200 in outstanding commitments. Resources Expended in 2023 exceeded Incoming Resources by £22,410.
The Executive Report. The Executive has met monthly online and held quarterly meetings with Workgroup Leads. It has also continued regular meetings with the Church Buildings Council, Historic England, Ecclesiastical Insurance, ART and The Ringing World. The Executive is of the opinion that the current affiliation fee is insufficient to sustain the current and planned work for Ringing 2030.
Historical and Archive WG. The CCCBR Library Collection has successfully been relocated to the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust and continues to be both used and added to. Subscriptions from Friends of the Library help to maintain it. Work has continued on the development of the ringing history website, capturing images for the peal board database, updating the Rolls of Honour, maintaining biographical information through obituaries and maintaining records of society badges, certificates etc.
Public Relations WG. This has been renamed “Ringing 2030 Marketing”. A short film called “What do you enjoy about Bellringing?” was produced for the CCCBR You Tube channel. Bands were also encouraged to ring for the 80th anniversary of D-Day and there was further promotion of Bell Sunday this year.
Stewardship and Management WG. This has now been split into two groups, the second one named “Ringing 2030 Environments”. Members of the Workgroups continue to respond to an assortment of enquiries from various sources, update and add to documentation.
Technical and Taxonomy WG. Reorganisation of the workgroups has resulted in the ICT team now reporting directly to the Executive as a support service. A draft report of Accepted Method Extensions is now available. The Methods and Composition Libraries continue to be maintained.
Volunteer and Leadership WG. This workgroup has been renamed “Ringing 2030 Recruitment and Development” and tasks have been adjusted to focus on that particular project. The Development Section has continued to supply and develop training posters for towers and 3D printed model bells. The North West Ringing Course is established and plans are progressing with the South West Ringing Course.
Young Ringers-Schools and Young Ringers WG. This workgroup is a merger of the former “Schools and Youth” and “Universities and Colleges” workgoups. Material supporting young people undertaking a Duke of Edinburgh Award has been developed further. An on-going project is the virtual hub for university ringing.
Technology for Ringing 2030 is a new workgroup which has been set up to create a Ringing 2030 digital platform.
Ringing 2030 Environments is another new workgroup focusing on safe and secure environments and technical and leadership training.
Publications has a new team.
Performance Analysis. Peal numbers had increased slightly to 3,629 and most peals were still of Major. The Yorkshire Association was marginally the leading affiliated society, followed closely by the Ancient Society of College Youths. Quarter peal numbers had increased by more than a thousand to 16,090, the majority being Doubles this time and again the highest number were rung in Kent.
Safeguarding, Membership, ICT, Small Societies and Public Relations continue to provide their services.
External Liaison. Simon Linford has now established an important relationship with the Association of Festival Churches and is maintaining a high profile in the Heritage Religious Buildings Alliance. It is estimated that 10 - 15% of churches might close over the next ten years.
Stewards The Bell Restoration Fund, Dove Database, Fred Dukes International Bell Fund, Carter Ringing Machine stewards continue their work.
The Touring Tower is now fully operational and is now under the wing of the Mobile Belfries Trust.
Forward Plan The President explained the “Three Pillars” of Ringing 2030 - Publicity and marketing - recruitment and development - quality environment.
Financial Update The Treasurer reported that overall there had been a £25,075 spend with Yellowyoyo which is now complete. There being no upper limit on the value the Executive can authorise, John Harrison encouraged Council Members to read Executive Reports closely and feedback responses to them.
Elections of Trustees Fergus Stracey was elected Treasurer and Peter Harrison was elected Ordinary Trustee.
Motions were carried to extend the maximum term of service of Stewards from six years to nine years and to increase the Annual Subscription to 40p per Affiliated Society member from January 2025 and £1 from January 2026.
Attendance at the meeting was 152 out of a possible 220. 41 members were absent and 27 positions were vacant.
Next Year’s Meeting will be held on Saturday 6th September hosted by the Yorkshire Association
THE RINGING WORLD LTD AGM. There was a £34K surplus this year owing to royal events. In addition to the sales of merchandise, the Company received donations and legacies amounting to £67K. There are 2300 subscribers to The Ringing World.