This is my 20th Newsletter. The first of that run, number 122, appeared in October 2009, the Guild’s centenary year. That issue was put together in a very big hurry, to get it out in the minimum acceptable time prior the AGM. It had 12 pages of well-spaced wording in large-ish font size. The font is now smaller and the wording has tighter spacing. The layout has stabilised. There are now 14 pages as a norm, and this regularly increases to 16 pages and on one occasion 18. This all means there is either much more going on in the Guild, or more is being reported; or both. Whichever: it is all to the Guild’s good and keeps it in the ringing spotlight nationally. Keep the information coming in. However, as mentioned last time, I would like more reports/submissions from the eastern-southern parts of the area.
The Old Minute Book’s entry this time is worth reading. There is a lot of archive information about the First World War being published at the moment, but here is our own local account by our own ringing forebears. The Minute Book provides amazing snap-shots in time.
Chris Seers’ account of the April Mid-week tour is a sheer delight to read. You can feel what he’s describing. I’d not thought of rings of bells having culinary parallels before, although I have to admit to thinking some rings have ‘colour’ in their sound; and with the music of certain methods, too (the glory of Bristol Major, for instance). Thanks Chris; I hope you will rise to putting your fingers on the keys again.
It should be noted that the Mid-week tours 300th tour is due soon, in October. To say this activity of the Guild has been successful is a profound understatement. I believe there have been only two months when a tour has not occurred (Feb 1991 and March 2001). The first tour, organised by Tony Brazier, was on October 19th 1989. Twenty-five years and one month later I believe there are plans to return to the general area of that first tour, north-west Worcestershire, for the anniversary.
Dear Rob Harvey gives us another birthday to celebrate, his 96th. The ringing celebrations have been with quarter peals in the past, but this year Nick Allsopp felt it should be a peal, so arranged one. Happily it was successful. Does this mean that peals will be the order of the day from now on? Just keep going, Rob.
The AGM this year has moved from the second Saturday in October to the third Saturday (the 18th). Why? The second Saturday seems always, for some reason, to be crowded with ringing events. The third
Saturday is not so crowded. By sheer coincidence, the AGM this year is the exact 105th anniversary of the founding of the Guild, on October 18th 1909. Perhaps we could mark the importance of this date at the AGM by remembering those pioneer ringers (particularly Walter Large) and clerics of vision of 105 years ago.
Lastly, yes, the 2014 AGM is upon us. There is always the chance that posts will be vacated, which can happen for a number of reasons. You will find a proposals form attached to this Newsletter, which is to propose someone – or yourself – for a particular post. The Guild cannot function properly without people to run it. Please consider whether you can give the Guild some time. It is considered a successful little Guild - please help it stay that way. And someone can take over from me if they wish – just let me know, day or night!
Chris Povey, (Caretaker) Editor
(The views expressed in this Newsletter are not necessarily the views of the Four Shires Guild or its Committee. The Guild endorses no products or manufacturers advertised within the Newsletter – but would not allow such advertisements where the goods or services are knowingly questionable.)