We have received the sad news that Brian Nulty has recently passed away. For many years he was a stalwart at Billingshurst where he restarted the band in 1984. He was tower captain there for many years building up a loyal and steady band. He also regularly helped out at other local towers. About five years ago he and Hilary, his wife moved to Scotland to be near their daughter.
The Eastern District Committee and Eastbourne ringers organised a fantastic day of ringing at all 4 towers in Eastbourne, ringers’ tea (including “Bob’s Buns”!), a service for those who wished to attend, and of course the meeting itself. And they even organised fantastic weather!
Congratulations to Marion Hollands (Eastern District Secretary for 25 years) and Stella Bianco (Library Custodian and then Librarian for 25 years) on being elected Honorary Life Members - very well deserved!
Congratulations to Richard Neal on being elected Association Master! Thanks to Gareth Higgs for his service as previous Master. Nick Cullen has been elected as Bell Restoration Fund Secretary - thank you! And big thanks to outgoing BRF Secretary Rob Lane for all his work for the Association over the years, in several roles. Our 2 new Trustees are David Hollands and Gareth Higgs (Colin Spencer continues). Thanks to outgoing Trustees Jonathan Franklin and Mark Dawkins.Thank you to Vicky Chase and Janice Crawford for becoming Central Council Reps (myself, Sue Gadd and David Kirkcaldy continue).
Continuing in post are Sue Gadd (Treasurer), Val Clay (Safeguarding Officer), and Steph Pendlebury (General Secretary).
Some of the Association rules needed updating to reflect changes in Central Council rules, and to clarify some wording. All the proposed changes were carried; the new version of the Rules is now available on the website (under “Resources”), and will be included in the Handbook.
Finally, thank you to everyone who came (over 50 people were in the meeting). And big thanks to Marion Hollands, Steve Pilfold and the Eastbourne ringers and helpers for their fantastic organisation and being brilliant hosts
Photos of the day are on the Sussex Bellringers Facebook page.
Steph Pendlebury (General Secretary)
140th Annual General Meeting - ringing, tea, service and meeting: Saturday 10th May 2025, Eastbourne
All welcome at the Association AGM! There will be open ringing (rounds onwards) at four different churches in Eastbourne - with plenty of people to stand behind. If you’re a novice ringer, why not come with your teacher or a more experienced ringer from your tower?
If you plan to come to any part of the day (ringing and/or tea), please fill in this form by Wednesday 7th May.
Apologies for absence and items for AOB to the General Secretary, Steph Pendlebury (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), by Saturday 3rd May, please.
Programme for the day
10.30 am - ringing at Christ Church (8, 9 cwt, spiral staircase)
11.15 am - ringing at All Saints (8, 16 cwt, spiral staircase)
1.15 pm - ringing at St Saviour & St Peter (10, 24 cwt, spiral staircase)
2.30-3.30 pm - ringing at St Mary the Virgin, Church St/Lawns Ave (8, 15 cwt, spiral staircase)
3.30 pm - service at St Mary's church
4pm ringers’ afternoon tea - Old Parsonage next door to St Mary’s church (names for tea via this form or to Ann via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Wed 7th May, please).
4.45/5 pm - Annual General Meeting (Old Parsonage): come along to have your say about what you think the Association should be doing for its members, and elect the officers.
We’re particularly keen to hear members’ ideas for how to celebrate this 140th anniversary year of the Association, and also what you think the Association should be aiming to achieve by our 150th year.
Meeting papers
The meeting papers are available online here. Please note that printed copies won’t be provided at the meeting. The papers are as follows:
Steph Pendlebury, General Secretary
Let the train take the strain and join the Western District on another Outing to London. This year on Saturday, 31 May we will be going into the East End and visiting towers in the Docklands area. It will, hopefully, include Limehouse, Poplar and the Isle of Dogs.
This will be an all day event, all by public transport!. More details to follow so watch this space!!! If you would like to come along, from whichever District, please let Janice know on 07890804339 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that we can look out for you!!
Full details will be available in due course from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
