The Master David Strong, supported by the Honorary General Secretary Pam Thompson, the Honorary General Treasurer Michael Bubb and Minute Secretary Francis Mitchell, opened the meeting at 10.21 a.m. by asking Canon Barry Fry to say a prayer. He welcomed everybody, especially those attending for the first time.
The others attending were: Roger Barber, Andrew Banks, Diana Bishop, Andrew Byford, Chris Caryer, Andrew Case, John Davey, Nicky David, Barry Fry, Maureen Kelly, Peter Niblett, Ros Oakeshott, John Palk, Bruce Purvis, Mo Routh, Tessa Smith, Tony Smith, Mary Tester, Barbara Townsend.
Michael Church, Val Cleaver, Andrew Craddock, David Forder, Gill Gardner, Keith Gillings, Jon Hetherington, Margaret Paterson.
The meeting stood to remember: Charles Blackham of Winchester College, Ruth Cooper of Blackmoor, Pamela Jorgensen of Alderney, Margaret Taylor (LM) of Basingstoke.
Minutes of the meeting held on 21st November 2009 had been distributed with the agenda for this meeting.
Minute 10 second line was amended to read “the Guild’s Independent Examiner, which would … ” And in minute 14.iii, “CBR” should be “CRB”.
With these corrections, acceptance of the minutes was agreed by the meeting with no votes against. The minutes were signed by the Master as a true record.
Increase in budget bid of £25 for the Striking Competitions Committee. Chris Caryer requested an increased budget for 2010 of £50 due to increased hall hire costs. This was seconded by John Davey and agreed with no votes against.
Refurbishment of the handbells. Bruce Purvis had updated his investigations into refurbishment of the Guild handbells in a paper circulated at the meeting. Discussion on the proposed refurbishment and repair or replacement of fittings centred on the advantages of cleaning and retuning to standard pitch versus retention of the integrity of George Williams’ handbells as a historical resource used only for change ringing.
Tony Smith proposed that only the repair or replacement where needed of fittings should be undertaken. This was seconded by Barry Fry and carried.
The eventual provision of an extra bell to provide a light twelve was proposed by Bruce Purvis, seconded by Pam Thompson and carried. The meeting agreed that, if necessary, retuning of up to three bells could be carried out by agreement of the Guild’s principal Officers.
Guild Library cabinet. Bruce Purvis reported that Hugh Routh had enlarged the Guild Library cabinets by extending upwards, at no cost to the Guild. He proposed a vote of thanks to Hugh for his excellent craftsmanship, generosity to the Guild and his persistence in dealing with the Winchester cathedral authorities. This was seconded by Barbara Townsend and readily agreed. A letter of thanks would be sent to Hugh and a plaque mounted on the inside of one of the doors.
Receipt Books.
Mike Bubb reported that the Guild as a whole has sufficient receipt books at present.
It was confirmed that Ray Stone of West Meon will achieve 50 years membership in 2010.
Corroboration of Richard Sherfield’s 50 years ringing at Bentley, which had been transferred from the Guildford Diocesan Guild to our Guild, had revealed an eleven year gap when he was not a member of either guild. Life membership under the 50 year rule was therefore inapplicable.
Pam Thompson’s report had been circulated with the agenda. It was agreed with no comment.
Mike Bubb explained his report which had been circulated with the agenda. With the addition of “Expenditure” sub heading, acceptance of this report was seconded by John Davey and agreed.
Bruce Purvis’ report had been circulated with the agenda: it was seconded by Chris Caryer and agreed.
Jonathan Hetherington’s report had been circulated with the agenda. Acceptance was seconded by Roger Barber and agreed.
Roger Barber proposes acceptance of the BSC and Restoration Activity reports which had been circulated with the agenda. This was seconded by Andy Banks and agreed.
The Accounts had been received but no report was forthcoming as the convenor had resigned. A “few words” would be requested from the remaining committee members.
David Forder’s report had been circulated with the agenda. This was seconded by John Palk and accepted.
Mo Routh’s report had been circulated with the agenda and was agreed.
Chris Caryer’s report had been circulated with the agenda. This was seconded by Roger Barber and agreed.
Andrew Craddock’s report had been circulated with the agenda. It was seconded by Tony Smith and agreed.
The Guild Master thanked all officers and committee convenors for their reports.
The Trustees’ report had been circulated with the agenda for information.
Andrew Case reported on recent requests for grants: Work was complete at Shanklin and Bishops Waltham, grants had been paid. Projects were almost finished at Hannington and Portsmouth Cathedral. Work at North Stoneham would be starting soon.
New requests for grants had been received from Dummer who are deciding on options; Newnham and Portsea whose grants will be referred to the AGM.
Increase in Guild Subscriptions:
A proposal had been circulated with the Agenda, explaining the need to increase the donation to the BRF from £1.50 to £4.00, which is below inflation. There is no need to increase the amount going to the central fund. This was agreed with 2 votes against and will be put to the AGM.
The Guild Master asked to be notified by any officers not intending to stand at the elections at this year’s AGM. There will be elections for officers and committee members this year. New candidates are currently needed for:
Vice Master
Education Committee
BRF Fund Raising Committee
Minute Secretary
Feedback from the Districts on a different date to increase attendance was inconclusive. The Isle of Wight’s suggestion of an Autumn meeting was thought too late for approval of the Guild report. Portsmouth preferred a date as early as possible after publication of the Guild report to avoid weddings.
Subsequent discussion showed no consensus on the need to change the date nor the best alternative.
A National proposal to ring at 6.00 pm on St George’s Day 23rd April was presented as input for local discretion.
| Inter-Tower 6-Bell | May 15th | Swanmore | ||
| Inter-Tower 8-Bell | May 15th | Bishops Waltham | ||
| Inter-District 8-Bell | July 3rd | Bramley |
At least 3 entries are needed by two weeks before each competition for it to go ahead. It was noted that air tickets from the Channel Islands would have been bought and paid for well in advance.
15th May 2010 at Southampton Park Hotel
Mo Routh asked for ticket applications as soon as possible.
Basingstoke District will be hosting the AGM on Saturday 3 July 2010. The Channel Islands District requested good notice of arrangements and timings.
20 Nov 2010 and 12 March 2011 at St Barnabas’ Church Hall.
After discussion about when the need for separate CRB checks at several towers would actually be removed by the new transferable ISA check, John Davey, Guild Child Protection Co-ordinator was advised to maintain contact with Chris Mew of the CCCBR.
The new Inter-Tower 8-bell Striking Competition Trophy was shown to the by Chris Caryer.
The Inter-District 8-bell trophy has not got much room for future engraving. It is OK for now but it was suggested that eventually some of the old shields could be removed and stored or the trophy be mounted on a larger piece of wood.
The Guild Treasurer’s old records are being passed to the Archivist. In reply to Tony Smith’s offer of old Guild Reports, Bruce Purvis welcomed the chance to see old reports which may plug some of the gaps in the Guild archives.
Members were encouraged to keep selling “The Church Bells of the Channel Islands” to make money for the BRF. Peter Niblett suggested using EBay.
The Master closed the meeting at 12.26 pm.