SOCIAL COMMITTEE

The 2008 Guild Dinner was held on the 17th May at the Alton House Hotel. After enjoying pre-dinner drinks, with many trying their hand at the Bishopstoke Campanile mini-ring which had been specially installed for the evening on the garden terrace, 101 members and guests sat down to an excellent 3 course meal at tables decorated with flowers and balloons.

The Master, David Strong, welcomed all the visitors and guests, and thanked Sue Craddock and her assistants for organising the event and Graham Wright for lending his campanile. This was followed by a course of Grandsire Triples rung on handbells by John Croft, James Croft, Margaret Chapman and Andrew Craddock. After the meal the Master opened the formal proceedings by proposing the loyal toast, and then introduced the evening’s speakers. Kate Flavell, of the Surrey Association and Chair of the Central Council Bell Restoration Committee, spoke of the varied and important work done by members of the Central Council committees, noting that W&P representatives played active roles on these. She then proposed a toast to the Winchester and Portsmouth Guild. Tony Smith replied on behalf of our Guild, considering the rationale behind the formation of the Central Council, and suggested that all of today’s ringers should think about what they might do to assist the Central Council in its efforts to address current issues within the exercise.

The evening continued after the speeches in more casual vein, with much lively chatter as diners moved between groups, renewing friendships and making new ones, aided no doubt by refreshment from the bar, which remained open until 11.30pm.

Maureen Routh