General Committee Meeting - January 2022
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Published: Sunday, 09 January 2022 16:30
On a wet and windy first Saturday after the New Year, we met on Zoom. Unfortunately, our Master, Rob had work commitments and so could not attend but Jonathan ably stood in as chairman. We started by remembering Alan Baldock who sadly died just before Christmas. Alan was a Vice President, past Master, CCCBR member for Sussex, current Peal Secretary.... He has been such a big part of ringing in Sussex and beyond.
Our tasks on the Agenda were to review the various rules and regulations of the Association. We spent some time on Safeguarding. A complex and delicate topic in the safe hands of Val Clay. The message is that we all need to think carefully about our responsibilities and help those organising our meetings. We should all make ourselves aware of this topic and check with our local PCC’s to make sure we all stay within the law.
Money always crops up. We have a surplus in our general account and so no need to increase subscriptions. It remains at £8. Despite this, there are a number of Towers where members have not felt it worthwhile to renew. There is so much work done in the background by Officers of the Association. We all owe it to them to make the effort to be involved to ensure ringing continues into the future. With the renewal form this year, we are all to be asked if we could give to the Bell Restoration Fund. Members have in the past complained that this money sits there doing nothing. The BRF has been very busy in the last year or so helping projects and the fund is now almost all gone. £2 each is suggested but why not give more ? Details are on the website including how to Gift Aid. Churches are struggling generally and unlikely to give bells any priority and so we need to help where we can.
The AGM is coming up in May. We need a new Master, Peal Secretary, and Bell Restoration Fund Secretary. We also need volunteers to head the Training & Recruitment and the Communications & Events Teams. Are you able to take on any of these responsibilities? Please make contact with Rob Lane if you need to know more.
The District Secretaries reported that Christmas covid restrictions have dampened enthusiasm for actual meetings but ADM’s are being planned for February. Do try to get to a meeting if you are able. Look out for details.
A small working party is reviewing the contents and purpose of the Library. There is an Insurance cost to us plus an ongoing responsibility of looking after it. Members will be asked to consider any recommendations at the AGM.
The Committee meets again in March. Hopefully, with the longer days and better weather, we will be able to all get out and meet and get bellringing going again. Do try to get involved and support the Association.
Mark Dawkins
Trustee
Ardingly & West Hoathly - working together!
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Published: Sunday, 24 October 2021 21:22
Change to Joint Practice
Local ringers will be aware that, for some years now, our two towers have combined our practice nights by arranging to ring at each tower on alternate Thursdays. This has had a very positive effect on established and new ringers by ensuring we always have sufficient ringers to bring on new members and also to satisfy those who want to try new methods. This has also been useful in that we can more effectively help each other out with weddings and other commitments at a time when ringers are sometimes scarce, busy elsewhere or on holidays.
With winter fast approaching, accompanied by dark nights and colder, wet weather we have been considering how best to continue. As most of us are no longer working, we feel that we should change to Friday morning practices, again alternating between our towers, commencing at 10.00am and, with a break for coffee, ending at 12.00. These arrangements have been agreed with the respective Rectors and may only be affected should some other church event prevent us ringing on any one date.
This new arrangement will start on Friday, 5th November, at West Hoathly, followed by 12th November at Ardingly and so on. Our usual ringers will of course routinely be kept informed by email but it would be wise for any visitors (and you will be more than welcome) to check with either Rachel of myself before coming, just to avoid a wasted journey.
May I remind visitors to Ardingly NOT to park in Church Lane but, instead, to park in the lay-byes outside the Church Centre, 100 yards before the church itself.
Lynn Wilson (Ardingly Tower Captain)
