Ring out the old, ring in the new. Ring, happy bells, across the snow.

So said Alfred, Lord Tennyson in his poem ‘Ring Out Wild Bells’. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a single flake of snow in Sussex last night as we bade farewell to 2019, indeed much of the county is still sodden from the incessant rain of recent weeks.

I hope that if you stayed up late to ring out the old and ring in the new you enjoyed it. Ringing for New Year always tends to be a good social occasion, slightly more relaxed and a chance to enjoy each other’s company. Those listening outside the tower are always grateful to hear bells ringing to celebrate the New Year.

As a new year and new decade dawns it gives us a chance to reflect on the achievements we have made together, time also to think about when we could have done things a little differently.

What did you or your tower achieve? Where do you aspire to be this time next year? I’m sure that we all have our own goals to work towards within ringing, as a team we can make them a reality.

2020 could be the year you decide to play an active part in helping our association be fit for a new decade of ringing. There are several vacancies that will need to be filled this year, in order that we can continue to support ringing within Sussex. None of these require previous experience, just an open mind and a willingness to help others. We have a great team who will be there to guide you every step of the way. If you would like to get stuck in and help make a difference, please speak to your District Secretary or any Association Officer. The Annual District Meetings take place in February, nominations for vacant posts and those about to be vacated will be taken there. Check out the district newsletters here for details of the ADMs and who’s who https://www.scacr.org/news-events/newsletters

It’s not just formal roles either that we need to be mindful of. Supporting district events, and those across the wider association, is hugely important. Why not make a New Year’s resolution to go to an event in another district this year?

Wherever you ring in 2020, I hope you do so in good company, with more ringers than you had last year, and fewer than you will have next year. On behalf of the Officers of the Association and your Central Council Representatives, I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year!

Rob Lane
Master - Sussex County Association of Change Ringers