I would like to start by thanking all of those I have met since taking up the post of Master last June for making me feel so welcome at district meetings, practice nights, Guild meetings or any other occasion that our paths have crossed.
I would also like to thank the outgoing principal officers and anyone else who contributed to the smooth running of the guild over the last three years, and to thank those who have taken up or agreed to stay in Guild posts.
I always feel there is a great sense of community and support across the guild and those of you who I met at the district general meetings will have heard my thoughts on the huge amount of time and effort that you all give willingly to help our learners to develop, and for your dedication to service ringing. Many of you ring not only at your own tower but also your neighbouring towers which would perhaps be silent without the support of visitors. I know that we all do it partly for self-satisfaction and the ‘buzz’ that we get from ringing anywhere, any time, but the support that I see for others is overwhelming so once more I would like to thank you all.
I was delighted to see the number of ‘firsts’ scored in ‘firsts fortnight’ last year. There seemed to be pockets of support across the Guild where there were perhaps some individuals or towers who picked up the batten and ran with it. WELL DONE to those of you who scored firsts and my thanks to those who supported this by ringing, arranging ringing or encouraging your learners to take part.
As I write this we are in the grips of the Covid-19 (Corona) virus which has already started to affect some local ringing and the work of the Guild. 2020 is likely to be a very disrupted year for both ringing and the world in general. There will be time needed to pick up the pieces of both normal life and the work of the Guild where there has been disruption.
With best wishes to you all,
Pete Jordan