Glorious weather saw an increased attendance at the Annual General Meeting in July, and our thanks go to the Isle of Wight District, and all who came along, for making such a successful day. Guild events are an important opportunity for ringers to meet socially, and to influence future decisions; it is to be hoped that in the year ahead, more members will decide to both take part, and to contribute, to this network of support. The Guild AGM in 2012 is being hosted by the Alton and Petersfield District on the 7th July, so please put the date in your diaries!
As is traditional, the Guild Inter-District 8-Bell Striking Competition was held at Ryde on the morning of the AGM, being hotly contested by three teams, with the Winchester District narrowly winning the trophy. We were also pleased to award Honorary Life membership of the Guild to Jill Taylor, Ryde ringer and former Isle of Wight Ringing Master, upon achieving 50 years membership.
In May, the Annual Guild Dinner was held at a new venue, the Holiday Inn, Winchester, and was also organised by a new Social Committee. The event proved very successful, with speeches by the new Bishop of Portsmouth, and Ian Carey, Tower Captain of Portsmouth Cathedral, and was enjoyed by all who attended. Following on from this success, the Guild Dinner will once again be held at the Holiday Inn this year.
New Guild merchandise orders were taken and placed, for sweatshirts, polo shirts, and badges, with many Districts now taking part in the traditional presentation of badges to all new members.
One important date in the 2011 calendar was the Change Ringing for the Future conference at Wellesbourne in November, to which the Guild sent four representatives, including a young delegate, Kieran Downer from Brading. Much discussion has followed on from this conference in all areas, and the Guild is working towards setting up a report and framework for future guidance. The key themes seemed to be the need to engage and challenge young ringers, to emphasize the positive benefits of ringing, to ensure excellent teaching, and above all, to give them a voice.
What better way to engage ringers both young and old than in the year ahead, when ringing is a central note in the national celebrations for both the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and the Olympic Games. This year, your local church becomes part of a wider community, and I wish you all fellowship and joy within your communities, your District and your Guild, as we all come together in celebration.
Clare Griffiths