Alan Collings nominated for Honorary Life Membership

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Published: Thursday, 30 April 2020 21:43

At the March 2020 General Committee Meeting a nomination for Alan Collings to receive Honorary Life Membership was made by Alison Everett. This was subsequently seconded by Sue Gadd. The General Committee Meeting voted to put this forward to the AGM.

The proposal was received from Alison Everett, and below she has kindly written a supporting statement:

'Alan came to Sussex 18 years ago via Surrey, originally from Devon.

He has been ringing since he was 16, over 60 years ago.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) - A Further Update

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Published: Saturday, 28 March 2020 15:11

Since I last wrote, a little over ten days ago, life in our country has been turned on its head and is now unrecognisable.

In a televised address on Monday 23rd March the Prime Minister Boris Johnson made an unprecedented peacetime speech, which introduced further restrictions on freedom of movement to slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

A few days later and we now find that Coronavirus has impressed itself upon those at the top level of Government with Boris Johnson, Matt Hancock and Chris Whitty becoming symptomatic. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has also tested positive after experiencing mild symptoms.

This only serves to remind us of why social distancing is important and needs to be adhered to. The disease is ruthless and doesn't discriminate against who it infects.

Read more: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - A Further Update

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update - Suspension of SCACR Events

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Published: Tuesday, 17 March 2020 07:29

In my message on Saturday I said that the situation regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) was evolving, and over the past twenty four hours fresh advice has been issued by the UK Government.

The latest advice, announced by Boris Johnson on Monday, seeks to introduce social distancing to help slow the spread of the virus - it is now believed that we are moving into the fast growth phase of the infection curve:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults

On Monday evening I spoke with the trustees and officers of the Association to decide the best way in which we as an association can comply with the latest advice. Unanimous agreement was reached that we should suspend all Association events until 30th April. This suspension will be reviewed regularly and may possibly have to be extended dependant on the progression of the Coronavirus pandemic.

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Bellringing and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Published: Saturday, 14 March 2020 22:55

As you will be well aware the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is starting to impact upon our day to day lives.

Both the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers and the Church of England have issued advice to help mitigate against the risk posed, the message is simple and promotes good personal hygiene.

• CCCBR advice: https://cccbr.org.uk/2020/03/12/coronavirus-covid-19/
• Church of England: https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches

At this stage it is not necessary to suspend ringing, although the following precautions should be taken:

• Wash your hands with soap & water before ringing and wash them again afterwards - or use a high alcohol content hand sanitiser if soap & water not available.
• If you cough or sneeze 'Catch It, Bin It, Kill It'. Use disposable tissues, handkerchiefs act as a breeding ground for germs.
• Avoid touching your face unless you have washed your hands.
• DO NOT spit on your hands before ringing, this is a sure fire way to spread germs.
• If you are unfortunate enough to become ill, or have come into contact with a confirmed case of Coronavirus, please stay at home - don't come to a practice, service ringing or a district meeting.
• Follow NHS advice if you are ill or need to self-isolate

Read more: Bellringing and Coronavirus (COVID-19)