Minutes of
Winchester District Meetings
p. 1 Annual District Meeting at Hursley, 8th February
2003
p.4 Quarterly District Meeting at the Candovers, 10th May 2003
p.7 Quarterley District Meeting at Barton Stacey on 9th August 2003
p.9 Quarterly District Meeting at Bishopstoke on November 8th 2003
Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers
Winchester District
Minutes of the Annual District meeting held on Saturday 8th February
2003 at Hursley
Hursley bells were rung from 3pm until the service at 4.30pm. Tea and
cakes were provided by the Hursley band prior to the meeting.
Chairman's Welcome
At 5.54pm Elizabeth Johnson welcomed the 52 members present, and
visitors Coral Northeast, Janice Higgins and Guild Master Barry Fry, to
the meeting. She thanked the Rev Roger Edwards for taking the service,
Alec Fry for playing the organ, and Rita and Edna from the local
congregation who assisted at the service. The local band were thanked
for providing the tea.
Apologies
Apologies were received from John Croft, Graham Grant and Pam Bridger.
Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes of the last meeting held at Bishopstoke on the 9th November
2002, having been previously circulated, were accepted by the meeting
and signed by the Chairman as an accurate record.
Matters arising
Peter Clarke had prepared a list of books currently held in the
District Bookstall. He had also prepared a list of books which would be
held in future as specimen books. Following a brief discussion it was
agreed that a district officer would hold the stock of books and take
them to meetings for members to look at. Names and addresses of the
suppliers of the books would also be kept for members to place their
own orders. The treasurer had received some cash from sale of books at
the Sparsholt course, which would be returned to Peter Clarke, who
would use it to buy the sample books, and who also agreed to sell the
remaining stock. Gail Cater said that it was disappointing that the
District was not prepared to fund and run a proper bookstall, and
suggested that the issue be reviewed in a year's time. This was agreed
by the meeting.
Election of new members
Confirmation of Probationary elections
Kings Worthy, 3 Jan 2003, Marcus and Valerie Sangwine, proposed by Dave
Goodwin and seconded by Ron White
Broughton, 20 Jan 2003, Isobel Broome and Guillemette Nicholson,
proposed by Mike Hayward and seconded by Sally Josling
North Stoneham, 22 Jan 2003, Aimée and Emma Catt, proposed by
Martin Kelly and seconded by Alison Martin
Lockerley and East Tytherley, 6 Feb 2003, Sue Holder, proposed by Jen
Churchill and seconded by Rosemary Oakeshott
New members
Crawley, Patsy Morgan, proposed by Edmund Wratten and seconded by
Amanda Bayford
Lockerley and East Tytherley, Andrea Maddigan, proposed by Rosemary
Oakeshott and seconded by Jen Churchill
New Alresford, Louise J Rustell, proposed by Elizabeth Johnson and
seconded by Alec Fry
North Stoneham, Alison and Gerard Catt, Sue Lewis, and Joan and Peter
Nicholson, proposed by Alison Martin and seconded by Martin Kelly
Owslebury, Gary Brown, Freddie Crabbe, Jonathan Crockford, Kay Fensom,
Jill Hancock, Adrian Hardman, Sarah Macdonald and Denise Parry,
proposed by Maggie Wolverson and seconded by Philip Gorrod
Romsey, Helen and Jonathan Daniels, and Tom Hinks, proposed by Martin
Daniels and seconded by Caroline Daniels
Sherfield English, Peter Crameri, proposed by Nora Pointer and seconded
by Malcolm Harper
Presentation of Certificates
Membership certificates were presented to those members who had been
elected at the November District
Meeting. A First Peal Certificate was presented to Brian Spurling of
Kings Somborne, and First Quarter
Peal certificates were presented to Rosemary Copley, Joanna Burnaby and
Pamela Chrismas of Easton. Special mention was made of the fact that
these three rang their first quarters together, unplanned, one practice
night.
District Officers' Reports
1.Chairman. Elizabeth Johnson read out a short report in which she
thanked her fellow officers for all their support, and thanked those
ringers who their time and effort helping out at towers across the
district.
2.Secretary. Christine Hill's report had been circulated at the
meeting. With one small amendment, John Colliss proposed and Andrew
Craddock seconded that the report be accepted. This was agreed
unanimously.
3.Treasurer. Tony Smith had circulated the report at the meeting. He
invited questions. Bob Cater queried the amount of cash held by the
district and asked if it would get a better rate of return if loaned to
the Guild BRF. Philip Gorrod proposed that the incoming committee
should consider good uses for the money and report back for the next
meeting. Andrew Craddock seconded this and the meeting agreed. Tony
Smith proposed adoption of the accounts, seconded by Philip Carter and
everyone agreed.
4.Ringing Masters. Maggie Wolverson had circulated the report by Carrie
Eisenhauer and herself. She added a comment that Owslebury was not the
only band to demand a special mention of their progress during the
year, other bands had also done well, especially Crawley.
Guild Executive
Bob Cater said that the Executive Committee was looking at the
possibility of the whole Guild registering as a charity, and this would
be discussed at the meeting in March. A query from Alec Fry about
whether provision of Guild reports to members would breach charity
rules was answered in the negative.
Election of District Officers
The following District officers were elected to serve until the 2004
ADM:
1. Chairman: Elizabeth Johnson stated that she did not wish to stand
again. She proposed Philip Gorrod, who was elected unopposed. He took
the chair, thanked Elizabeth for all her work and promised to cut down
on bureaucracy at meetings to allow for more ringing time.
2. Secretary: Christine Hill stated that she did not wish to stand
again. Dave Goodwin was proposed by Elizabeth Johnson, seconded by
Philip Gorrod and elected unopposed.
3. Treasurer: Tony Smith, proposed by Philip Gorrod and elected
unopposed.
4. Ringing masters: Maggie Wolverson no longer wished to be ringing
master. She was thanked for all her
work, especially in creating the striking league. Carrie Eisenhauer and
Andy Townsend were proposed by Philip Gorrod and elected unopposed.
5. Guild Executive Committee Representative: Wendy Ling was proposed by
Philip Gorrod and elected unopposed.
6. PRO/Newsletter Editor: Dave Goodwin relinquished this post, having
become secretary. He said that he had received no copy for a newsletter
for several months and queried if the district wants a newsletter.
Judy Bishop said people liked to read it. It was accepted that some
information could go on the very good district website, but there was a
need to ensure that people without computer access were not excluded
Philip Gorrod said that he would do the PRO job this year and would
review the position of newsletter editor during the year.
7. Social Secretary: No nominations and this post remains vacant. Many
towers organise their own social events.
8. Independent Examiner: Mark Wolverson, proposed by Tony Smith,
seconded by Philip Carter. The officers for 2002 were all thanked by
the meeting for all their work.
Future events
A proposed programme of events for 2003/4 was circulated and agreed.
The date of the district practice at Winchester was corrected to August
27 th and the outing was confirmed for August 2 nd , to Guildford. Gail
Cater said it was a pity that the ringing centre at Bishopstoke was not
used more, apart from the education days, and Andy Townsend agreed to
arrange some events there.
W& P 125 th anniversary celebrations: Bob Cater asked for ideas for
celebrating this event as the Exec is to consider the topic in March.
None were forthcoming, and it was commented that 125 years was a fairly
arbitrary number to celebrate.
Ringing World Roadshow Rex Corke from the C&S district was
organising a coach to go to this event on July 26 th in Lincoln. The
coach would leave Ringwood at 5am, returning at about 11pm, and the
cost would be about £25. The secretary offered to pass on
names of interested parties.
Fees for funerals Judy Bishop said that Easton were being asked to ring
for funerals more frequently and wondered if, and what, other towers
charged for this. There was general agreement that the rules and fees
for wedding ringing should be applied.
Lighting and safety Following recent events at New Alresford, Elizabeth
Johnson urged members to check that their towers had adequate emergency
lighting and that switches were not accessible outside the tower to
prevent accidents.
Any Other Business
1.The collection for the BRF raised £15.72
2.The treasurer mentioned that he had Guild badges for sale and was
willing to take subscriptions from members.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 6.48pm.
Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers:
Winchester District
Minutes of the Quarterly District meeting held on Saturday 10th May,
2003 at The Candovers.
In the afternoon the District Striking competitions were held at Brown
Candover and Preston Candover.
These were followed by tea and meeting in the Swarraton village hall.
Chairman's Welcome
Philip Gorrod welcomed the 39 members, one visitor and our three judges
to the meeting.
Election of new members
Confirmation of Probationary Members
North Stoneham: 4 March 2003, Georgia Kelly, Proposed by Alison Martin,
Seconded by Martin Kelly
Twyford: 6 May 2003, Jack Mosley, Proposed by John Denham, Seconded by
Jenny Richardson
Confirmation of Compounding Elections
15 Feb 2003, Colin J.B. Taylor of Truro, Proposed by Roy LeMarechal,
Seconded by Graham Wright, prior to a peal at St Keverne.
4 Mar 2003, David M. Wear of Bristol, Proposed by Roy LeMarechal,
Seconded by Graham Wright, prior to a peal at Bishopstoke.
New Associate Member
Headbourne Worthy: Ken Cumine, Proposed by Carrie Eisenhauer, Seconded
by Bob Howland.
New Ringing Members
Preston Candover: Linda Gubby and Cressida Wheelwright, Proposed by
Jill Parr, Seconded by Elizabeth Johnson.
Romsey: John Grant, Proposed by Martin Daniels, Seconded by Caroline
Daniels
Wonston: Elizabeth Barrett, Proposed by Gerry Cornick, Seconded by
Wally Taylor.
Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes of the last meeting held at Hursley on the 8 th February
2003, having been previously circulated, were accepted by the meeting
and signed by the Chairman as an accurate record.
Matters arising
District Funds.
Tony Smith reported it had been decided that with current interest
rates it was not worth increasing the amount the District loaned to the
BRF. He also clarified that the hire charge of premises used for
District meeting is paid for by the District and that money collected
at the meeting for teas is to cover the cost of the teas. In addition
Tony stated that should the district invite people for educational
purposes etc. that the District, where appropriate, could offer to pay
their expenses.
Peter Clarke proposed that the District should give some money to the
BRF. Philip Gorrod suggested that Peter prepare a proposal for
consideration at the next meeting if he wished to take it further.
PRO.
Philip Gorrod said that he had got 2 articles published by the
Hampshire Chronicle and that we did have a good relationship with the
paper. If anyone has District material which they would like to get
published in this way in the future, they should contact Philip.
District Website
Caroline Hayes, the District's Webmaster, had prepared some information
on the website and copies of this were available in the hall.
Conduct of future meetings
If anyone has a matter which they would like raised at future District
meetings, would they please discuss it with Philip Gorrod ahead of the
meeting.
District Directory
Tony Smith asked if people wanted him to re-issue the District
Directory. The meeting overwhelmingly agreed that the Directory was
very useful and should be updated.
Peals and quarter peals
Dave Goodwin requested that people inform him of first peals and
quarters so that he can trigger the production of a certificate. Bands
should not rely on publication in the Ringing World.
Communication by email
Philip Gorrod proposed that in order to speed communication and reduce
postage costs, as much as possible of the District information should
be distributed by email. This would require each tower to identify a
central email addressee who would do the necessary distribution of the
mailing to the rest of the tower members. Tony Smith expressed the view
that we should be trying to raise the quality of communication with the
use of graphics and colour and that electronic communication would
inhibit this. Alec Fry also cautioned that elaborate colour graphics,
such as the maps recently sent to the guild email distribution, took
too long to transmit. Wendy Ling asked if most of the material would be
on the District website anyway. Dave Goodwin agreed to send all
distributions to the Webmaster.
With the proviso that we would try to limit the electronic distribution
to principally black and white text and simple graphics, the meeting
approved the proposal.
Action: all possible towers to nominate a receiving email addressee to
Dave Goodwin.
Full tea at District meetings
vs. tea and buns.
Philip Gorrod raised the question of whether District meetings should
have a full/traditional tea or just provide tea and buns or biscuits.
After a short discussion the meeting agreed that with the exception of
the summer meeting, which was normally accompanied by a picnic or a
barbeque, a full tea was preferred.
Services at District meetings
Philip Gorrod opened for discussion whether we should have a Church
Service as part of District meetings. A lively debate followed with the
following points being made: Carrie Eisenhauer suggested that there
should be no service on Education day or Striking competition day as it
made the days too long.
Bob Cater pointed out that the District was part of the Diocesan Guild
and to keep good relations we should have a service at meetings. Also
that the yellow booklet was an excellent resource for priests to use in
a variety of ways.
Alec Fry suggested that with proper liaison and briefing of the priest,
a service could be kept short.
Gail Cater suggested that with the Carol service in December one more
at the ADM was sufficient.
Dave Goodwin suggested there could be a half way by asking the priest
to lead prayers and grace at the meeting.
After a number of votes to gauge opinion the following was decided:
We would have a service at the ADM.
We would not have a service at the summer meeting or the Education day
meeting.
The District Officers, in the light of the above points, would decide
what to do at the next Striking competition day meeting.
Action D.O.s to discuss prior to next competition day.
District Practices
Carrie Eisenhauer reported that this year District practices had been
poorly attended. The Ringing Masters had decided to introduce a special
method for each practice but emphasized that this was not exclusively
the method that would be rung. Any question to Carrie please.
Guild Executive
Wendy Ling reported on the Guild Executive committee held in March.
Main points were:
It was decided not to register the whole guild as a charity.
The 2004 AGM, will be moved to the date of the 125 th anniversary, 26
June. It is also hoped to
organise a peal to be rung at Winchester Cathedral.
Quarter Peal 'Week'
Will be the fortnight 22nd June to 6th July. Wendy Ling will get in
touch with all towers nearer the date. Can any conductors who are
willing to help please get in touch with Wendy.
Action: All willing conductors to get in touch with Wendy Ling.
Striking Competition Results
Rounds and Call changes
1 Hursley drawn 1 34
faults
2 Romsey drawn 2 66 faults
Methods
1 Hursley
Plain Bob 5
drawn 4 3m34secs 48
faults
2 Winchester A Cambridge S
6 drawn 2 3m30
63 faults
3 New Alresford Plain Bob
5 drawn 1 3m33
109 faults
4 Winchester Girls Plain Bob
5 drawn 5 3m 43
145 faults
Unplaced Winchester Boys Plain Bob
5 drawn 3
Unplaced Lower Test Valley Plain Bob
5
drawn 6
Philip Gorrod thanked the judges; Chris Caryer for the rounds and call
changes, David and Margaret
Forder for the methods competition.
Striking League
Andrew Townsend gave the results of the District Striking League:
Division 2
First equal New Alresford
First equal Winchester B
3rd equal Lockerley
3rd equal Sparsholt
Division 1
First equal Winchester Cathedral
First equal Hursley
3rd Bishopstoke
4th Romsey
All interested parties are invited to an informal meeting at the Ship
at Owslebury after the District practice on June 16. The Hampshire
Chronicle has agreed to publish next season's results.
Future Events
June 16 District Practice at Owslebury , July 10 District Practice at
East Tytherley
District outing Aug 2 to Guildford. Names to Graham Wright please.
AOB
Tony Smith. Collection for the BRF raised £17.30. Reminder to pay
any subscriptions still outstanding.
He has badges at £2. He presented his apologies for the next
meeting.
Andrew Townsend On the second Tuesday of each month there will be a
quarter peal rung at Micheldever. Names of those interested to Andrew.
Again at Micheldever on 15 July there will be an advanced Minor
practice. Method Norwich. Names of those interested to Andrew.
Peter Clarke has many books for sale.
Peter Hill Reminder that Hursley's Quiz Night is Sat 17 May. They are
also holding an Auction of Promises on Sat 7 June. Catalogues from
Peter for £1.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 5.40pm.
Winchester and Portsmouth Guild of Church Bell Ringers: Winchester
District
Minutes of the Quarterly District Meeting held on Saturday 9th August
2003 at Barton Stacey
Ringing took place between 3 and 4 pm after which members enjoyed a
picnic in the churchyard with drinks provided by the local ringers, and
the meeting was held in the churchyard before further ringing took
place until 6 pm.
Chairman's welcome
Philip Gorrod welcomed 20 ringers (including 2 from Portsmouth
District) and thanked Gerry Cornick, Wally Taylor and Mike Wright for
providing drinks and Maggie Wolverson for acting as Ringing Master.
Election of New Members
New ringing member:
Lockerley and East Tytherley: Sue Holder, proposed by Rosemary
Oakeshott, seconded by Jen Churchill
Confirmation of Probationary Members
New Alresford: Paul Beresford, proposed by Elizabeth Johnson, seconded
by Alec Fry.
Kings Somborne: Darren Pearson and Samuel Pearson, both proposed by
Graham Wright, seconded by Sue Spurling.
Minutes of the last meeting
Minutes of the last meeting held at The Candovers, having been
previously circulated, were accepted by the meeting and signed by the
chairman as an accurate record.
Matters arising
Striking League
The chairman summarised the meeting at Owslebury on 16 June. To
encourage other towers Winchester Cathedral and Hursley had agreed to
nominate eight ringers from each other's tower who would not be
eligible to compete except as 'guest' ringers. Full details of
the divisions have yet to be finalised.
Communication by email
The chairman encouraged towers to nominate an email recipient to speed
up communication, but towers could still elect to receive copy by
post. It would be possible to receive by email AND post if towers
specifically requested this.
Recent events
District outing
Graham Wright was thanked for a most enjoyable and successful outing to
Bradford on Avon the previous Saturday.
Striking Competitions
John Colliss was congratulated on winning the inter-district 8-bell
competition on 5 July (he was the only member of the band present)
Guild AGM
The Guild needs a new secretary to replace Bob Cater. Although
this would be a hard task members were urged to consider nominating a
suitable candidate.
Quarter peal fortnight
Wendy Ling's organisation ensured that a good number of quarters were
rung. Details had been sent to the Ringing World.
Ringing Master Succession
Carrie Eisenhauer has indicated that she did not wish to stand for
re-election in February and members were urged to consider nominating a
suitable candidate, or, if interested in the job themselves, to speak
to the Chairman or existing Ringing Masters without commitment.
Future events
a. Tower reps meeting on 16 November at Carrie Eisenhauer's house
b. Carol service at Crawley on 6 December
c. Education Day at Bishopstoke/North Stoneham on 8 November.
Application forms for this were distributed.
AOB
Wendy Ling was taking over the District Website from Caroline Hayes
Caroline Fairley and Laurence Wolf (Cheriton) had augmented to four by
the addition of a new treble.
Maggie Wolverson got stung by a bee but restrained her language
admirably.
top
Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers
Winchester District
Minutes of the Quarterly District meeting held on Saturday 8th November
2003 at Bishopstoke.
In the afternoon the District Education day was held. A session
on Bob calling was held at North Stoneham, while at Bishopstoke
students were taught Plain Hunt on higher numbers.
Tea was provided by the Bishopstoke band prior to the meeting.
Chairman's Welcome
Philip Gorrod welcomed the 25 members and two visitors to the
meeting. He also thanked the Bishopstoke band for providing the
tea.
Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes of the last meeting held at Barton Stacey on Saturday the
9th August 2003, having been previously circulated, were accepted by
the meeting and signed by the Chairman as an accurate record.
There were no matters arising.
Election of new members
Confirmation of Probationary Members
Owslebury: 13 October 2003, Laura Wheeler, Proposed by Philip
Gorrod, Seconded by Sarah Macdonald.
New Ringing Members
14 October 2003: Paul Bradford of Bitterne Park, Proposed by Roy
LeMarechal, Seconded by Jonathan Hetherington.
Presentation of Certificates
Membership certificates were presented to a number of members who had
been elected at previous meetings. First quarter certificates had
been prepared for Thomas Hinks and Heather Harris but as these were not
available at the meeting they will be posted to Christine Hill who
agreed to pass them on.
Education day
Philip Gorrod thanked the organisers of the education day and the
tutors, Christine Hill and Roy LeMarechal. As the session at
North Stoneham had been curtailed he suggested that perhaps this could
be finished some other time at a different location.
(Action Philip Gorrod.)
Striking league
Philip Gorrod outlined the arrangements for this years striking league:
Division 1 teams. Bishopstoke, New Alresford, Winchester boys,
Winchester girls.
Division 2 teams. Sparsholt, Easton, Lower Test Valley, Kings
Somborne
In division 1 both teams to ring 120 of Plain Bob Doubles, and in
division 2 at least 4 minutes of call changes, unless both teams agree
to ring something else.
Reminder -- the home band arranges judges and agrees a date with
the away band. There will be a list of available judges.
A full set of rules will be available on the website.
Caroline Fairley pointed out that there had been a division 3
competition last year which was won by Cheriton but which is not
recorded on the website. (Action Wendy Ling )
Future events
Carol Service
Wendy Ling reported that arrangements were well advanced and it looked
as though it will be a good evening. Mulled wine etc. will
be provided after the service. There was a small choir and if
there were others who would like to be a part of that please contact
Wendy.
ADM Feb 2004
This will be on Saturday 14th February. Philip Gorrod
informed the meeting that Carrie Eisenhauer will be standing down at
the ADM and asked people to think about a replacement. Tony Smith
pointed out that all officers stand down at every ADM and some were
willing to be re-elected.
Guild 125 th anniversary
Bob Cater raised the question of the District marking this
anniversary. The meeting reaffirmed a previous decision that
there were no plans to do anything specific at the District level.
Tower representatives meeting
Philip Gorrod reminded the meeting that this will be on Sunday 16
th November, 7.00p.m., at his house. He encouraged towers
to send a representative
Website
Wendy Ling asked for material for the District website and encouraged
people to promote the site around the District.
AOB
Tony Smith reported that the collection at the meeting for the BRF had
raised £27.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 5.20p.m.