I was privileged to be elected 22nd Guild Secretary at the AGM, hosted by the Alton & Petersfield District, who also provided an excellent BBQ. Andrew Craddock became 11th Guild Master and is well-qualified to succeed Revd Canon Barry Fry. Barry’s term as Master has provided a sense of continuity during which he has been a valuable point of reference and during which many have achieved much. At this year’s AGM Guild members will decide if they wish to limit the term a Master may serve and introduce the role of Vice-Master.
I am grateful for much help and support from my predecessor Bob Cater, Barry, the District secretaries, Andrew and others and remain somewhat apprehensive in attempting to follow in Bob’s footsteps.
During the summer ringers bade farewell to a Christchurch Priory ringer of over 40 years, a Life Member, the Guild’s previous Immediate Past Master and first lady Master, Gilian Davis. During her time as Master she visited many Towers’ practice nights and promoted the centrality of Sunday service ringing. Gilian intends to keep in touch with us from her new home in Devon.
Each District has recorded the ways it celebrated the Guild’s 125th year. Guild peals were rung to mark the anniversary including peals at Guildford, Portsmouth & Winchester cathedrals.
The Committees continue to support the Districts. Bell care and ring development has maintained the pace of recent years but the bell survey still requires more Towers’ responses. The Central Council Reps, PR Committee and DAC Bell Advisors have developed and maintained links with the Church, Guild members, ringers around the planet and non-ringers.
The magnificent Winchester Cathedral’s Leavers’ Day event in June was probably a “first” for the Exercise. This opportunity to present ringing to hundreds of young people will have generated many conversations throughout our area and beyond. The future will help us to gauge the impact Colin Cook and the Leavers’ Day team has had.
I look forward to joining as many of you as possible for our AGM at the Channel Islands’ Festival over the weekend of 2nd July.
Steve Castle