The Guild Master - Rachael Barber, supported by Vice-Master - Peter Niblett, Hon. Gen. Treasurer - Robin Milford and Minute Secretary - Tony Smith, opened the meeting at 3 p.m. and Barry Fry said a prayer. The Master welcomed those present and thanked the Winchester District for making the arrangements, Micki Nadal, Roger Booth and the organising team, Elizabeth Johnson and the New Alresford band and Alison Wood and the Ropley band for the refreshments, the Rev’d Bryce Fletcher for taking the service, the Striking Competition committee for organising the competition that morning, the judges, and Trisha Shannon for staffing the Ringing World stand (applause).
John Harrison and James Moynihan from Wokingham had judged the Inter-District 8-bell Striking Competition at New Alresford that morning. The following results had been announced and certificates presented to the team captains.
| Position | District | Method | Peal speed | Faults | Drawn | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Portsmouth | Grandsire Triples | 3h | 13 | 6th | |||||
| 2nd | Basingstoke | Grandsire Triples | 2h58 | 15 | 3rd | |||||
| 3rd | Christchurch & Southampton | Cambridge Surprise Major | 2h45 | 21 | 5th | |||||
| 4th | Winchester 1 | Grandsire Triples | 3h10 | 23 | 7th | |||||
| 5th | Alton & Petersfield | Grandsire Triples | 2h48 | 31 | 2nd | |||||
| 6th | Winchester 2 | Call changes | 35 | 1st | ||||||
| 7th | Isle of Wight | Grandsire Triples | 3h5 | 64 | 4th |
The Master presented the trophy to David Mattingley representing the winning team (applause).
The following 96 members attended: Jessica Lloyd (Arreton), Ben Constant, Adam Greenley and Margaret Smith (All Saints, Basingstoke), Lynne, Pete & Greg Jordan, and Stephen Lutener (St. Michael, Basingstoke), Katryn Eagland (Bentworth), Clare Carpenter and Richard Mamby (Bishop&s Waltham), Ann, Roy & Steph LeMarechal, Helen McCormack and Graham Wright (Bishopstoke), Sally Beech, Carol & David Cooper, and Jan Goodyear (Blackmoor), Wendy Smart (Botley), Claire & Ian Roulstone (Bramley), Julia Brunt (Bramshott), Barry Fry (Brockenhurst), Ros Brandwood (Burghclere), Viv & Graham Nobbs (Carisbrooke), Mark Esbester (Catherington), Terry Freemantle and Robin Milford (Curdridge), Kirsten Cousens (Droxford), Stephen Hough (Eling), Ellen & Roger Barber (Hawkley), Lucy & Mike Hopkins Till (Highclere), Andrew Craddock, Tessa & Tony Smith, and Pam & Richard Thompson (Hursley), Charlotte & Jonathan Smith (Kings Worthy), John Palk (Lockerley), Roger Booth, Rob Hatch, Jessica Hay, Elizabeth Johnson and Sue Smith (New Alresford), Frazer Hyde (Newton Valence), Christine & David Holmes (Overton), Francesco Greenslade, Rebecca Restall, Christine Rushton, Jason Wedley and Caroline Welsh (Petersfield), Ian Carey and David Mattingley (Portsmouth Cathedral), Jennifer & Nigel Herriott (Romsey), Jason Clements, Jo & Stella Kenny, and Rodney Skinner (Ropley), Joseph Sharp (Rotherwick), Rachael Barber, Elaine Barnett, Nicholas James, and Gill & Jarvis Ranson (Selborne), Alex Blissett (Sherborne St. John), Caroline & Martin Daniels (Sherfield English), Dan Graham and Steve Castle (Southampton), Mo & Hugh Routh (Steep), Micki Nadal (Stockbridge), Charlotte & Edd Colliss (Swanmore), Edwina Carpenter (Upham), Lucy & Michael Church (Upton Grey), Peter Niblett (Whitchurch), John Colliss, Marion Daniell, Bruce Purvis and Jean Whewell (Winchester Cathedral), Christine Knights-Whittome (Wonston), Jeremy Barnett, Alan Buswell, John Croft and Andy Ingram (Unattached), Tim Jackson (Compounding).
Apologies for absence had been received from Tony Jewell (St. Lawrence, Alton), Susan Turner (Amport), Richard Paxford (Andover), Harry & Simon Poyser (Bentley), Julia Day (Bentworth), Kim Matthews (Sacred Heart, Bournemouth), Frances Warwick (Cheriton), Lindsay Cawte (Easton), Norman Powers (East Woodhay), Heather Galley (New Alresford), Fiona Harvey (Petersfield), Martin Barnes (Rotherwick), Andrew Glover (Romsey), Paul Robinson and Anne Deegan (Ryde), Caroline Fairley and Jill Fuller (Winchester Cathedral).
The meeting remembered members: David Atkins (Alverstoke), Tony Ayres (New Alresford), Alan Bentley (Ringwood), John Gresswell (Hawkley), Colin Hares (Amport), Derek Jackson (LM) (Eling), Maggie Johnson (Hawkley), Graeme Keel (Bentley), Gwen Mackrell (LM) (Chesterfield, formerly of Eling and St. Lawrence, Alton), David Parry (Ryde), Alan Price (LM) (Surrey, formerly of Romsey and Lockerley), Chas Seamons (Selborne) and Bill Webb (East Woodhay); and former members: John Bolt (Christchurch), Angela Brown (Chale and Brighstone), Jill Burry (St. Lawrence, Alton, and Upton Grey), Hilary Coles (née Brown) (Chale), Mike Hayward (Broughton and Romsey), Chris Kippin (St. Michael, Southampton and Ellisfield), John A Nundy (Catherington), Canon Gary Philbrick (Hursley, Fawley, Southampton and Fordingbridge), Kate Rogers (Wonston), Jack Shovel (Silchester), Roger Simons (Petersfield), Sonia C Tucker (Winchester Cathedral), Adrian Tumber (Southampton), Cressida Wheelwright (Brown Candover), Geoffrey Whitear (Micheldever) and Pauline Wood (St. Mary Bourne). Barry Fry said a prayer.
The minutes of the 2024 AGM at Swanmore were adopted on the proposition of Christine Knights-Whittome, seconded by Terry Freemantle, and signed by the Master as a true record.
There were no matters arising.
Roger Barber (Hawkley), Carol Cooper (Blackmoor), David Lay (Sopley) and Graham Nobbs (Carisbrooke) had completed fifty years’ ringing membership of the Guild. The Master presented Carol and Graham with their Life Membership certificates (applause).
The Vice-Master had prepared a slide presentation with highlights from the reports printed in the Annual Report for 2024 and Handbook for 2025 and distributed with the Agenda. Edwina Carpenter thanked the Guild and Belfry Stewardship Committee for the grant to Upham. Ian Roulstone asked the Youth Ringing Committee how they were doing in terms of retention and recommended the Young Ringers Hub, organised by the CCCBR Young Ringers for Ringing 2030 workgroup, for ringers from school age to age 30. The Reports were adopted en bloc on the proposition of Edwina Carpenter, seconded by Clare Carpenter.
The report and accounts had been independently examined and agreed by the Trustees.
Barry Fry said the Trustees met earlier that day and a new grant application had been received from St. Mary’s, Overton. The project was to rehang the 8 bells with new fittings in the existing frame, new headstocks on 1 & 2, reposition clock hammers, replacement louvres and sound attenuation; cost £98,314 inc VAT. PCC approved, faculty now obtained and go-ahead given. It was noted that the PCC and local ringers were covering a large part of the cost, including a generous donation by David and Christine Holmes. The Trustees proposed a grant of £5,000. This was seconded by Adam Greenley and agreed.
Roger Booth was disappointed that a supplementary grant application from Ropley had not been considered. Barry said that it would be considered in November when the appropriate forms with necessary supporting quotations and documentation had been received.
There were no comments on Mike Hopkins Till’s comprehensive report (see Appendix)
The Master proposed and Andy Ingram seconded, on behalf of the Executive Committee, that a new Guild committee be created, specifically that “Youth Ringing Committee” be added as rule 9.b.v and the following Terms of Reference as rule 10.e.
To encourage and promote youth ringing within the Guild; to arrange regular practice and events for young ringers under the age of 19 within the Guild area, providing youth ringers an opportunity to ring with people their own age; to coordinate, when appropriate, participation in national and regional youth ringing events, such as the Ringing World National Youth Contest and the South East England Youth Contest.
The rule change was approved by the required majority.
Adam Greenley proposed, on behalf of All Saints’, Basingstoke, and Greg Jordan seconded that the Guild contribute to the cost of installing a training bell at All Saints’, Basingstoke.
A supporting paper had been distributed. The principal officers suggested a grant of £500 from the Central Fund. Mark Esbester proposed and Lynne Jordan seconded that the grant should be £1,000. Both the amendment and the substantive motion were passed.
The Master proposed those people who had formed the provisional committee, viz. Andy Ingram, Rachael Barber, John Maddams, Amy Robertson and the Safeguarding Officer (ex officio). Roger Barber seconded and the proposal was agreed.
Peter Niblett proposed by Michael Church and seconded by David Holmes. Michael spoke of Peter’s contribution to the Exercise and the Guild. The retiring Master invested the new Master with the Master’s Badge (applause) but remained in the chair until the end of the meeting.
Andy Ingram proposed by Margaret Smith and seconded by Judy Sparling.
Alex Blissett proposed by Adam Greenley and seconded by Greg Jordan.
Robin Milford proposed by Liz Manship and seconded by John Murrell.
Tony Smith proposed by Edd Colliss and seconded by Clare Carpenter.
Martin Daniels proposed by Caroline Daniels and seconded by Dan Graham.
Bruce Purvis proposed by Bevis Clarke-Smith and seconded by Tony Smith.
Lizzie Colliss proposed by Barry Fry and seconded by Clare Carpenter.
Viv Nobbs proposed by Micki Nadal and seconded by Clare Carpenter.
Dan Graham proposed by Peter Niblett and seconded by Micki Nadal, and Adam Greenley proposed by Andy Ingram and seconded by David Mattingley. The candidates made personal statements and retired. Following discussion, Adam Greenley was elected on a show of hands. Clare Carpenter proposed a vote of thanks to Dan for his work over the past three years (applause).
Michael Church proposed by Mark Esbester and seconded by Roger Barber. Mike Hopkins Till proposed by Pete Jordan and seconded by John Palk. Greg Jordan proposed by Margaret Smith and seconded by David Holmes. There are two vacancies.
Matt Donnelly proposed by Roger Barber and seconded by Tony Smith.
David Mattingley proposed by Barry Fry and seconded by Robin Milford.
Barry Fry proposed by Julie Hodkin and seconded by Steve Castle.
| 5th July 2025 | RWNYC - Birmingham | |
| 13th September 2025 | Essex Trophy - Basingstoke | |
| 20th September 2025 | Inter-Tower 8-bell striking competition | |
| 4th October 2025 | Novices’ striking competition | |
| 11th October 2025 | Education course - Double Oxford Bob Minor, Eling | |
| 15th November 2025 | Executive Committee Meeting | |
| 22nd November 2025 | Education course - Call changes/ basic calling of PB5 and G5 |
Saturday 13th June 2026 in the Christchurch and Southampton District.
Marion Daniell described a scheme for a Training Hub based at St. John the Baptist, Winchester.
Christine Knights-Whittome said that it had been about eighteen months since the last order for Guild garments. There was a minimum order of twenty-five and anyone interested should contact her.
Barry Fry asked that all retiring and new BRF Trustees meet immediately after the AGM.
Michael Church thanked the retiring Master for all her work over the past three years (sustained applause).
There being no further business, the Master closed the meeting at 4.33 p.m.
This year’s meeting of the CENTRAL COUNCIL OF CHURCH BELL RINGERS was held on 7th September in Exeter. The draft minutes were published in The Ringing World on 4th October. The minutes and recording of the 127th Annual Meeting are also available on the CCCBR website together with the relevant meeting papers and the recording of the Ringing 2030 Presentation on Bells in Changing Churches. Members of The Ringing World Ltd are, by right, all those members of the Central Council who indicate a willingness to be company members before the AGM, which is held on the same day as the Council meeting.
This report includes just some key points from the meetings.
Election of Fellows Chris Mew for his work on the Central Council, for the Ringing World and in safeguarding. Barbara Wheeler for her sterling work with Publications for 35 years.
The Trustees’ Report The current Trustees are Tina Stoecklin (President), Vicki Chapman (Deputy President), Ernie de Legh-Runciman (Secretary), Fergus Stracey (Treasurer), Ian Roulstone, Clive Whittaker, Beverley Faber and Katie Lane (Ordinary Trustees). The role and duties of the workgroups were changed slightly during 2024 in the light of the Ringing 2030 Programme. Ringing for the Coronation was particularly well supported. However the national ringing centre has not proved to be viable. Much effort is focused on Ringing 2030.The Mobile Belfry is now in operation. Yellowyoyo has provided advice for rebranding of ringing which has already been used at the International Scout and Guide Jamboree in Essex. The President’s Blog continues to be successful. The Council has continued its engagement with the Church of England’s Safeguarding Training and Development team and scenarios related to bellringing are going to be included in the next edition of the “Basic Awareness” training course. The “Code for Ringing” was formally adopted by the Council in January 2024.
In the Accounts for 2023, the total assets of the Council were £419,257. However, the General Fund loss had risen to £18,712, primarily as a result of spending £16,613 for Ringing 2030. Nine grants were paid from the Bell Restoration Fund leaving a total of £33,200 in outstanding commitments. Resources Expended in 2023 exceeded Incoming Resources by £22,410.
The Executive Report. The Executive has met monthly online and held quarterly meetings with Workgroup Leads. It has also continued regular meetings with the Church Buildings Council, Historic England, Ecclesiastical Insurance, ART and The Ringing World. The Executive is of the opinion that the current affiliation fee is insufficient to sustain the current and planned work for Ringing 2030.
Historical and Archive WG. The CCCBR Library Collection has successfully been relocated to the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust and continues to be both used and added to. Subscriptions from Friends of the Library help to maintain it. Work has continued on the development of the ringing history website, capturing images for the peal board database, updating the Rolls of Honour, maintaining biographical information through obituaries and maintaining records of society badges, certificates etc.
Public Relations WG. This has been renamed “Ringing 2030 Marketing”. A short film called “What do you enjoy about Bellringing?” was produced for the CCCBR You Tube channel. Bands were also encouraged to ring for the 80th anniversary of D-Day and there was further promotion of Bell Sunday this year.
Stewardship and Management WG. This has now been split into two groups, the second one named “Ringing 2030 Environments”. Members of the Workgroups continue to respond to an assortment of enquiries from various sources, update and add to documentation.
Technical and Taxonomy WG. Reorganisation of the workgroups has resulted in the ICT team now reporting directly to the Executive as a support service. A draft report of Accepted Method Extensions is now available. The Methods and Composition Libraries continue to be maintained.
Volunteer and Leadership WG. This workgroup has been renamed “Ringing 2030 Recruitment and Development” and tasks have been adjusted to focus on that particular project. The Development Section has continued to supply and develop training posters for towers and 3D printed model bells. The North West Ringing Course is established and plans are progressing with the South West Ringing Course.
Young Ringers-Schools and Young Ringers WG. This workgroup is a merger of the former “Schools and Youth” and “Universities and Colleges” workgoups. Material supporting young people undertaking a Duke of Edinburgh Award has been developed further. An on-going project is the virtual hub for university ringing.
Technology for Ringing 2030 is a new workgroup which has been set up to create a Ringing 2030 digital platform.
Ringing 2030 Environments is another new workgroup focusing on safe and secure environments and technical and leadership training.
Publications has a new team.
Performance Analysis. Peal numbers had increased slightly to 3,629 and most peals were still of Major. The Yorkshire Association was marginally the leading affiliated society, followed closely by the Ancient Society of College Youths. Quarter peal numbers had increased by more than a thousand to 16,090, the majority being Doubles this time and again the highest number were rung in Kent.
Safeguarding, Membership, ICT, Small Societies and Public Relations continue to provide their services.
External Liaison. Simon Linford has now established an important relationship with the Association of Festival Churches and is maintaining a high profile in the Heritage Religious Buildings Alliance. It is estimated that 10 - 15% of churches might close over the next ten years.
Stewards The Bell Restoration Fund, Dove Database, Fred Dukes International Bell Fund, Carter Ringing Machine stewards continue their work.
The Touring Tower is now fully operational and is now under the wing of the Mobile Belfries Trust.
Forward Plan The President explained the “Three Pillars” of Ringing 2030 - Publicity and marketing - recruitment and development - quality environment.
Financial Update The Treasurer reported that overall there had been a £25,075 spend with Yellowyoyo which is now complete. There being no upper limit on the value the Executive can authorise, John Harrison encouraged Council Members to read Executive Reports closely and feedback responses to them.
Elections of Trustees Fergus Stracey was elected Treasurer and Peter Harrison was elected Ordinary Trustee.
Motions were carried to extend the maximum term of service of Stewards from six years to nine years and to increase the Annual Subscription to 40p per Affiliated Society member from January 2025 and £1 from January 2026.
Attendance at the meeting was 152 out of a possible 220. 41 members were absent and 27 positions were vacant.
Next Year’s Meeting will be held on Saturday 6th September hosted by the Yorkshire Association
THE RINGING WORLD LTD AGM. There was a £34K surplus this year owing to royal events. In addition to the sales of merchandise, the Company received donations and legacies amounting to £67K. There are 2300 subscribers to The Ringing World.