As I write this message, we are coming out of the Covid pandemic measures which have seriously hit us all in one way or another, but in particular through restrictions on ringing and the social aspect that goes hand in hand with it. With things are seemingly returning to somewhat normal life, ringing seems in the most part to have returned to near normal at last with tower practices and district events taking place.
The pandemic has also sadly resulted in the loss of some members through death, or members deciding that enough is enough and it was time to hang up their sallie due to age or illness. Some younger new recruits who, having been forced into looking for alternative entertainment have also drifted away.
In general it seems that the losses have not overall been as severe as some expected and fortunately we are also seeing strong gains in new recruits post lockdown. There are some excellent training programs going on around the Guild and training hubs are springing up in support of this. I would personally like to welcome all new recruits to the Guild and to thank those who are giving up their time to make this happen.
Whilst on lockdown, it is heart warming to see the numerous ways that the Members of the Guild found ways to work with the regulations to keep ringing, and the ringing community active and flourishing. Many towers started weekly video chat sessions instead of their practice to exchange news and generally keep in touch, sometimes holding regular quizzes to keep the brain cells ticking over, online annual dinners with each household preparing their own food but eating together virtually. We also benefited from outdoor events such as socially distanced walks, cycle rides and picnics with fellow ringers.
Some started using online ringing platforms to keep on top of our method ringing, or to help our learners develop new method and in particular listening and rhythm skills. We saw performances on handbells, with the ringers socially distanced in gardens wrapped up warm against the cold. In towers we saw ringing on every other bell if far enough apart for services, and a few quarter peals or performances by family bubbles who were lucky enough to have enough to man the ropes. Christmas saw handbells rung outside churches to welcome the congregation and we continued to find ways to mark special occasions, such as the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and the 75th anniversary of VE day. All of these things point towards a strong and healthy foundation to the Guild Membership which we should all be proud of.
You will also notice that this issue of the Guild report is unusually a biennial report instead of the usual annual report following a decision by the Principal Officers, as there was little to report from a Guild perspective due to the pandemic.
The episcopal oversight of the Channel Islands will shortly be transferred from the Winchester Diocese to the Salisbury Diocese. The ringers of the Channel Islands District considered this matter fully and took a democratic vote to move from the W&P to the Salisbury Guild. The final date for the move has not been set but it is likely to be very soon. I am sure you will join me in wishing all of our friends in the Channel Islands the very best for the future.
With the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee coming up this year it gives us an ideal opportunity to continue to support our fellow ringers and most importantly, enjoy your own ringing over the coming year.
With best wishes to you all,
Pete Jordan