Do we stand still, or do we move forward? Ringing, and the traditions and constraints of ringing do not stand still, and we must move with them. There has been a lot of discussion in the Ringing press recently on the topic of Belfry Reform. Our Guild was born out of the late nineteenth century reform movement, and some have suggested that ringers might need to be subject to further reform. But times are now different, and the activity of ringing is to a large extent allied to the services of the Church, although a lot goes on that might be described as “secular” ringing, what ever that means.
The situation today is that ringers tend not to lock their incumbent out of the tower, so they may consume beer and have a convivial evening of entertainment. They tend to try to advance their own ringing, the ringing of their towers, and be involved in the wider world of ringing. Most ringers expect to ring for Sunday services, although not all attend those services. That is how things are. The belfry has become an all-welcoming environment, where those who have faith or have no faith can meet on equal terms, and enjoy that camaraderie evident among ringers today.
Our Guild consists of its members, you and me, and it has been a pleasure for me to meet so many of you during the recent round of Annual District Meetings. There are officers and structures designed to assist and help all Guild members, and these are listed in the Guild Directory. Our “welcome leaflet” for new members is now available, and lists a wider range of resources.
Although our Guild’s Objects are couched in the language of nineteenth century belfry reform, the Guild’s structures and services are continually being updated and enhanced to make them relevant to today’s needs. Change is a part of life which we must all embrace.
Above all, enjoy all that you do in ringing, and be ambitious for yourself, your tower, your District, and the Exercise in general.
David Strong