As usual the Guild silverware and other trophies were on display (and were polished up by my own fair hands.
In past years they have looked a bit tarnished. Not this year! Ed).
The Annual Dinner once again took place on the first Saturday in February (this year the 7th) at the White Hart Royal Hotel in Moreton-in-Marsh. There had been some discussions at previous Committee meetings about whether this event should be moved out of Moreton for a change, but the majority thought Moreton was central to the area, and, just as importantly (perhaps more so), the Guild originated in Moreton and therefore its spiritual home.
We were once again allowed the large upper room, which we have had in the past. There were members there who had regularly attended in the past, and some who were new to the experience. Sylvia and Paul Smith decided to bring their campervan to the Moreton camp site, so were able to walk to and from the venue and not have to worry about drinking and driving: a clever solution!
Our Speaker was the irrepressible and eloquent Michael Uphill, who is well-known in ringing circles. Having heard him speak at the College Youths Dinner a few years back, our smaller gathering did not deter him. He had investigated the Guild before coming and said kind words about it. He seemed to think our Newsletter was a very good production (which was pleasing! Ed). He has recently written a book in ‘deliciously gossipy’ style about his ringing experiences as a long-term member of the London County Association. The book is called ‘Tales from the London County Crypt’ and is a good read, judging by the parts that were published in The Ringing World. Mike donated a copy as a prize for the raffle.
The Dinner always finishes with the presentation of the trophies to the various winners throughout the previous 12 months. The winners this time were:
| The Newing Shield | Moreton 'A' team |
| The Spencer Jones Cup | Wellesbourne |
| The Ringing Master's Merit Award | Moreton 'B' team |
| The Minnie Mouse (Minimus) Award | The Committee Team |
The Brazier Trophy event did not run this year.
Richard L-S accepting the Newing Shield from, appropriately,
Peter Newing on behalf of Moreton "A" team.
Michael Dane accepts the Spencer Jones Cup on behalf of the Wellesbourne team.
David Adams accepting the Ringing Master's Merit Award on behalf of Moreton "B" team.
Chris Povey accepting the Minnie Mouse trophy on behalf of "The Committee" team.
The evening finished with the raffle, which raised just over £100.
A quarter peal was rung prior to the Dinner, the details of which are:
Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos, 7th Feb, 1260 Grandsire Triples: Simon Adams 1, Jeanette Davy 2, Jane Gilbert 3, Nick Allsopp 4, Michael Haynes 5, Len Morley 6, Richard Lewis-Skeath (C) 7, Rob Stansbury 8.
CMP