Four Shires Guild of Bell Ringers

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Editorial

Firstly, an apology: to Mrs Chris Seers, whose report of the April Mid-week tour appeared in the last Newsletter (July). Why the apology? Because I referred to Chris as "he". One might say that, in my particular case, the error was somewhat understandable. Nonetheless, it's sackcloth and ashes. So, what about compensation? Well, Chris, you have my full permission to refer to me as ‘she' should you feel moved to do so – but that permission is only granted to you in case others feel similarly empowered… I'm delighted to say Chris has provided another of her lovely reports. It's well worth reading. Please keep writing them, Chris!

This issue has had a large number of contributors, submitting a lot of copy, for which I thank them all. It's made a bumper issue again. Wonderful! I apologise for the many references to Evesham Bell Tower this time, but many things have happened.

There will be a number of vacancies to be filled at the AGM this year. Sophia is standing down as Ringing Master, and Andrew Gunn has indicated his wish to stand down as Hon. Secretary. Patrick Wooster has vacated the post of Guild Chaplain. The Guild continues – and successfully, too – because of input given by volunteers in the various posts. I believe it's a happy ship, so please consider joining the crew when the vacancies are considered on October 18th. Please don't stay away to avoid any chance of being pulled in, because that would be a shame; and please don't hide behind the pillars if you do come! The Guild needs YOU.

The Notes of the last Committee meeting record 12 new members. It is good to see, that some of them are attending Guild events already; and one, "Roger de Flaedenburg", has contributed an article (and previous articles, too). Welcome to you all.

Hearty congratulations to Roland Merrick (1st peal) and Matthew Kemble (1st as conductor) at Offenham on September 13th (see Around the towers).

Lastly, my youngest son was married to Kathryn (our first daughter-in-law) at Wormington on September 20th. Wormington Church doesn't feature in Dove's Guide to Ringing Towers, because it has a 5cwt ring of 1! What does one do in these cases? A solution was devised: handbells! Helen and I, and Kathryn and Dom, are very grateful to Freda Cleaver, Martin and Claire Penny, and Matthew Kemble for doing the bizz on the day, both before and after the ceremony. I managed to ‘augment' to 10 for a very brief spell before being whisked off to the reception. My own set of bells was used, still sparkly after refurbishment work a few years back. Here is a photo of that very select band:

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.)