Contents: Minutes of District Meetings p. 1 Annual District Meeting at , 8th February 2003 p.4 Quarterly District Meeting at the Candovers, 10th May 2003 p.7 Quarterley District Meeting at on 9th August 2003 p.9 Quarterly District Meeting at Bishopstoke on August 8th 2003

Winchester and Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers Winchester District

Minutes of the Annual District meeting held on Saturday 8th February 2003 at Hursley

Hursley bells were rung from 3pm until the service at 4.30pm. Tea and cakes were provided by the Hursley band prior to the meeting.

Chairman’s Welcome At 5.54pm Elizabeth Johnson welcomed the 52 members present, and visitors Coral Northeast, Janice Higgins and Guild Master Barry Fry, to the meeting. She thanked the Rev Roger Edwards for taking the service, Alec Fry for playing the organ, and Rita and Edna from the local congregation who assisted at the service. The local band were thanked for providing the tea.

Apologies Apologies were received from John Croft, Graham Grant and Pam Bridger.

Minutes of the last meeting The minutes of the last meeting held at Bishopstoke on the 9th November 2002, having been previously circulated, were accepted by the meeting and signed by the Chairman as an accurate record.

Matters arising Peter Clarke had prepared a list of books currently held in the District Bookstall. He had also prepared a list of books which would be held in future as specimen books. Following a brief discussion it was agreed that a district officer would hold the stock of books and take them to meetings for members to look at. Names and addresses of the suppliers of the books would also be kept for members to place their own orders. The treasurer had received some cash from sale of books at the Sparsholt course, which would be returned to Peter Clarke, who would use it to buy the sample books, and who also agreed to sell the remaining stock. Gail Cater said that it was disappointing that the District was not prepared to fund and run a proper bookstall, and suggested that the issue be reviewed in a year’s time. This was agreed by the meeting.

Election of new members Confirmation of Probationary elections , 3 Jan 2003, Marcus and Valerie Sangwine, proposed by Dave Goodwin and seconded by Ron White Broughton, 20 Jan 2003, Isobel Broome and Guillemette Nicholson, proposed by Mike Hayward and seconded by Sally Josling North Stoneham, 22 Jan 2003, Aimée and Emma Catt, proposed by Martin Kelly and seconded by Alison Martin and , 6 Feb 2003, Sue Holder, proposed by Jen Churchill and seconded by Rosemary Oakeshott New members Crawley, Patsy Morgan, proposed by Edmund Wratten and seconded by Amanda Bayford Lockerley and East Tytherley, Andrea Maddigan, proposed by Rosemary Oakeshott and seconded by Jen Churchill , Louise J Rustell, proposed by Elizabeth Johnson and seconded by Alec Fry North Stoneham, Alison and Gerard Catt, Sue Lewis, and Joan and Peter Nicholson, proposed by Alison Martin and seconded by Martin Kelly , Gary Brown, Freddie Crabbe, Jonathan Crockford, Kay Fensom, Jill Hancock, Adrian Hardman, Sarah Macdonald and Denise Parry, proposed by Maggie Wolverson and seconded by Philip Gorrod , Helen and Jonathan Daniels, and Tom Hinks, proposed by Martin Daniels and seconded by Caroline Daniels , Peter Crameri, proposed by Nora Pointer and seconded by Malcolm Harper

Presentation of Certificates Membership certificates were presented to those members who had been elected at the November District Meeting. A First Peal Certificate was presented to Brian Spurling of Kings Somborne, and First Quarter Peal certificates were presented to Rosemary Copley, Joanna Burnaby and Pamela Chrismas of Easton. Special mention was made of the fact that these three rang their first quarters together, unplanned, one practice night.

District Officers’ Reports 1.Chairman. Elizabeth Johnson read out a short report in which she thanked her fellow officers for all their support, and thanked those ringers who their time and effort helping out at towers across the district. 2.Secretary. Christine Hill’s report had been circulated at the meeting. With one small amendment, John Colliss proposed and Andrew Craddock seconded that the report be accepted. This was agreed unanimously. 3.Treasurer. Tony Smith had circulated the report at the meeting. He invited questions. Bob Cater queried the amount of cash held by the district and asked if it would get a better rate of return if loaned to the Guild BRF. Philip Gorrod proposed that the incoming committee should consider good uses for the money and report back for the next meeting. Andrew Craddock seconded this and the meeting agreed. Tony Smith proposed adoption of the accounts, seconded by Philip Carter and everyone agreed. 4.Ringing Masters. Maggie Wolverson had circulated the report by Carrie Eisenhauer and herself. She added a comment that Owslebury was not the only band to demand a special mention of their progress during the year, other bands had also done well, especially Crawley.

Guild Executive Bob Cater said that the Executive Committee was looking at the possibility of the whole Guild registering as a charity, and this would be discussed at the meeting in March. A query from Alec Fry about whether provision of Guild reports to members would breach charity rules was answered in the negative.

Election of District Officers The following District officers were elected to serve until the 2004 ADM: 1.Chairman: Elizabeth Johnson stated that she did not wish to stand again. She proposed Philip Gorrod, who was elected unopposed. He took the chair, thanked Elizabeth for all her work and promised to cut down on bureaucracy at meetings to allow for more ringing time. 2.Secretary: Christine Hill stated that she did not wish to stand again. Dave Goodwin was proposed by Elizabeth Johnson, seconded by Philip Gorrod and elected unopposed. 3.Treasurer: Tony Smith, proposed by Philip Gorrod and elected unopposed. 4.Ringing masters: Maggie Wolverson no longer wished to be ringing master. She was thanked for all her work, especially in creating the striking league. Carrie Eisenhauer and Andy Townsend were proposed by Philip Gorrod and elected unopposed. 5.Guild Executive Committee Representative: Wendy Ling was proposed by Philip Gorrod and elected unopposed. 6.PRO/Newsletter Editor: Dave Goodwin relinquished this post, having become secretary. He said that he had received no copy for a newsletter for several months and queried if the district wants a newsletter. Judy Bishop said people liked to read it. It was accepted that some information could go on the very good district website, but there was a need to ensure that people without computer access were not excluded Philip Gorrod said that he would do the PRO job this year and would review the position of newsletter editor during the year. 7.Social Secretary: No nominations and this post remains vacant. Many towers organise their own social events. 8.Independent Examiner: Mark Wolverson, proposed by Tony Smith, seconded by Philip Carter. The officers for 2002 were all thanked by the meeting for all their work.

Future events A proposed programme of events for 2003/4 was circulated and agreed. The date of the district practice at Winchester was corrected to August 27 th and the outing was confirmed for August 2 nd , to . Gail Cater said it was a pity that the ringing centre at Bishopstoke was not used more, apart from the education days, and Andy Townsend agreed to arrange some events there. W& P 125 th anniversary celebrations: Bob Cater asked for ideas for celebrating this event as the Exec is to consider the topic in March. None were forthcoming, and it was commented that 125 years was a fairly arbitrary number to celebrate. Ringing World Roadshow Rex Corke from the C&S district was organising a coach to go to this event on July 26 th in Lincoln. The coach would leave at 5am, returning at about 11pm, and the cost would be about £25. The secretary offered to pass on names of interested parties. Fees for funerals Judy Bishop said that Easton were being asked to ring for funerals more frequently and wondered if, and what, other towers charged for this. There was general agreement that the rules and fees for wedding ringing should be applied. Lighting and safety Following recent events at New Alresford, Elizabeth Johnson urged members to check that their towers had adequate emergency lighting and that switches were not accessible outside the tower to prevent accidents.

Any Other Business 1.The collection for the BRF raised £15.72 2.The treasurer mentioned that he had Guild badges for sale and was willing to take subscriptions from members.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 6.48pm. Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers: Winchester District

Minutes of the Quarterly District meeting held on Saturday 10 th May, 2003 at The Candovers.

In the afternoon the District Striking competitions were held at and . These were followed by tea and meeting in the village hall.

Chairman’s Welcome Philip Gorrod welcomed the 39 members, one visitor and our three judges to the meeting.

Election of new members Confirmation of Probationary Members North Stoneham: 4 March 2003, Georgia Kelly, Proposed by Alison Martin, Seconded by Martin Kelly Twyford: 6 May 2003, Jack Mosley, Proposed by John Denham, Seconded by Jenny Richardson Confirmation of Compounding Elections 15 Feb 2003, Colin J.B. Taylor of Truro, Proposed by Roy LeMarechal, Seconded by Graham Wright, prior to a peal at St Keverne. 4 Mar 2003, David M. Wear of Bristol, Proposed by Roy LeMarechal, Seconded by Graham Wright, prior to a peal at Bishopstoke. New Associate Member : Ken Cumine, Proposed by Carrie Eisenhauer, Seconded by Bob Howland. New Ringing Members Preston Candover: Linda Gubby and Cressida Wheelwright, Proposed by Jill Parr, Seconded by Elizabeth Johnson. Romsey: John Grant, Proposed by Martin Daniels, Seconded by Caroline Daniels : Elizabeth Barrett, Proposed by Gerry Cornick, Seconded by Wally Taylor.

Minutes of the last meeting The minutes of the last meeting held at Hursley on the 8 th February 2003, having been previously circulated, were accepted by the meeting and signed by the Chairman as an accurate record.

Matters arising District Funds. Tony Smith reported it had been decided that with current interest rates it was not worth increasing the amount the District loaned to the BRF. He also clarified that the hire charge of premises used for District meeting is paid for by the District and that money collected at the meeting for teas is to cover the cost of the teas. In addition Tony stated that should the district invite people for educational purposes etc. that the District, where appropriate, could offer to pay their expenses. Peter Clarke proposed that the District should give some money to the BRF. Philip Gorrod suggested that Peter prepare a proposal for consideration at the next meeting if he wished to take it further.

PRO. Philip Gorrod said that he had got 2 articles published by the Chronicle and that we did have a good relationship with the paper. If anyone has District material which they would like to get published in this way in the future, they should contact Philip.

District Website Caroline Hayes, the District’s Webmaster, had prepared some information on the website and copies of this were available in the hall.

Conduct of future meetings If anyone has a matter which they would like raised at future District meetings, would they please discuss it with Philip Gorrod ahead of the meeting.

District Directory Tony Smith asked if people wanted him to re-issue the District Directory. The meeting overwhelmingly agreed that the Directory was very useful and should be updated.

Peals and quarter peals Dave Goodwin requested that people inform him of first peals and quarters so that he can trigger the production of a certificate. Bands should not rely on publication in the Ringing World.

Communication by email Philip Gorrod proposed that in order to speed communication and reduce postage costs, as much as possible of the District information should be distributed by email. This would require each tower to identify a central email addressee who would do the necessary distribution of the mailing to the rest of the tower members. Tony Smith expressed the view that we should be trying to raise the quality of communication with the use of graphics and colour and that electronic communication would inhibit this. Alec Fry also cautioned that elaborate colour graphics, such as the maps recently sent to the guild email distribution, took too long to transmit. Wendy Ling asked if most of the material would be on the District website anyway. Dave Goodwin agreed to send all distributions to the Webmaster. With the proviso that we would try to limit the electronic distribution to principally black and white text and simple graphics, the meeting approved the proposal. Action: all possible towers to nominate a receiving email addressee to Dave Goodwin.

Full tea at District meetings vs. tea and buns. Philip Gorrod raised the question of whether District meetings should have a full/traditional tea or just provide tea and buns or biscuits. After a short discussion the meeting agreed that with the exception of the summer meeting, which was normally accompanied by a picnic or a barbeque, a full tea was preferred.

Services at District meetings Philip Gorrod opened for discussion whether we should have a Church Service as part of District meetings. A lively debate followed with the following points being made: Carrie Eisenhauer suggested that there should be no service on Education day or Striking competition day as it made the days too long. Bob Cater pointed out that the District was part of the Diocesan Guild and to keep good relations we should have a service at meetings. Also that the yellow booklet was an excellent resource for priests to use in a variety of ways. Alec Fry suggested that with proper liaison and briefing of the priest, a service could be kept short. Gail Cater suggested that with the Carol service in December one more at the ADM was sufficient. Dave Goodwin suggested there could be a half way by asking the priest to lead prayers and grace at the meeting. After a number of votes to gauge opinion the following was decided: We would have a service at the ADM. We would not have a service at the summer meeting or the Education day meeting. The District Officers, in the light of the above points, would decide what to do at the next Striking competition day meeting. Action D.O.s to discuss prior to next competition day.

District Practices Carrie Eisenhauer reported that this year District practices had been poorly attended. The Ringing Masters had decided to introduce a special method for each practice but emphasized that this was not exclusively the method that would be rung. Any question to Carrie please.

Guild Executive Wendy Ling reported on the Guild Executive committee held in March. Main points were: It was decided not to register the whole guild as a charity. The 2004 AGM, will be moved to the date of the 125 th anniversary, 26 June. It is also hoped to organise a peal to be rung at Winchester Cathedral.

Quarter Peal ‘Week’ Will be the fortnight 22 nd June to 6 th July. Wendy Ling will get in touch with all towers nearer the date. Can any conductors who are willing to help please get in touch with Wendy. Action: All willing conductors to get in touch with Wendy Ling.

Striking Competition Results Rounds and Call changes Position Tower Drawn Faults 1 Hursley 1 34 2 Romsey 2 66 Methods Position Tower Method Drawn Time Faults 1 Hursley Plain Bob 5 4 3m34 48 2 Winchester A Cambridge S 6 2 3m30 63 3 New Alresford Plain Bob 5 1 3m33 109 4 Winchester Girls Plain Bob 5 5 3m 43 145 Unplaced Winchester Boys Plain Bob 5 3 Unplaced Lower Plain Bob 5 6

Philip Gorrod thanked the judges; Chris Caryer for the rounds and call changes, David and Margaret Forder for the methods competition.

Striking League Andrew Townsend gave the results of the District Striking League: Division 2 First equal New Alresford First equal Winchester B 3rd equal Lockerley 3rd equal Sparsholt Division 1 First equal Winchester Cathedral First equal Hursley 3rd Bishopstoke 4th Romsey All interested parties are invited to an informal meeting at the Ship at Owslebury after the District practice on June 16. The Hampshire Chronicle has agreed to publish next season’s results.

Future Events June 16 District Practice at Owslebury , July 10 District Practice at East Tytherley District outing Aug 2 to Guildford. Names to Graham Wright please.

AOB Tony Smith. Collection for the BRF raised £17.30. Reminder to pay any subscriptions still outstanding. He has badges at £2. He presented his apologies for the next meeting. Andrew Townsend On the second Tuesday of each month there will be a quarter peal rung at . Names of those interested to Andrew. Again at Micheldever on 15 July there will be an advanced Minor practice. Method Norwich. Names of those interested to Andrew. Peter Clarke has many books for sale. Peter Hill Reminder that Hursley’s Quiz Night is Sat 17 May. They are also holding an Auction of Promises on Sat 7 June. Catalogues from Peter for £1.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 5.40pm.

Winchester and Portsmouth Guild of Church Bell Ringers: Winchester District

Minutes of the Quarterly District Meeting held on Saturday 9th August 2003 at Barton Stacey

Ringing took place between 3 and 4 pm after which members enjoyed a picnic in the churchyard with drinks provided by the local ringers, and the meeting was held in the churchyard before further ringing took place until 6 pm.

Chairman’s welcome Philip Gorrod welcomed 20 ringers (including 2 from Portsmouth District) and thanked Gerry Cornick, Wally Taylor and Mike Wright for providing drinks and Maggie Wolverson for acting as Ringing Master.

Election of New Members New ringing member: Lockerley and East Tytherley: Sue Holder, proposed by Rosemary Oakeshott, seconded by Jen Churchill Confirmation of Probationary Members New Alresford: Paul Beresford, proposed by Elizabeth Johnson, seconded by Alec Fry. Kings Somborne: Darren Pearson and Samuel Pearson, both proposed by Graham Wright, seconded by Sue Spurling.

Minutes of the last meeting Minutes of the last meeting held at The Candovers, having been previously circulated, were accepted by the meeting and signed by the chairman as an accurate record.

Matters arising Striking League The chairman summarised the meeting at Owslebury on 16 June. To encourage other towers Winchester Cathedral and Hursley had agreed to nominate eight ringers from each other’s tower who would not be eligible to compete except as ‘guest’ ringers. Full details of the divisions have yet to be finalised. Communication by email The chairman encouraged towers to nominate an email recipient to speed up communication, but towers could still elect to receive copy by post. It would be possible to receive by email AND post if towers specifically requested this.

Recent events District outing Graham Wright was thanked for a most enjoyable and successful outing to Bradford on Avon the previous Saturday. Striking Competitions John Colliss was congratulated on winning the inter-district 8-bell competition on 5 July (he was the only member of the band present) Guild AGM The Guild needs a new secretary to replace Bob Cater. Although this would be a hard task members were urged to consider nominating a suitable candidate. Quarter peal fortnight Wendy Ling’s organisation ensured that a good number of quarters were rung. Details had been sent to the Ringing World.

Ringing Master Succession Carrie Eisenhauer has indicated that she did not wish to stand for re-election in February and members were urged to consider nominating a suitable candidate, or, if interested in the job themselves, to speak to the Chairman or existing Ringing Masters without commitment.

Future events a. Tower reps meeting on 16 November at Carrie Eisenhauer’s house b. Carol service at Crawley on 6 December c. Education Day at Bishopstoke/North Stoneham on 8 November. Application forms for this were distributed.

AOB Wendy Ling was taking over the District Website from Caroline Hayes Caroline Fairley and Laurence Wolf (Cheriton) had augmented to four by the addition of a new treble. Maggie Wolverson got stung by a bee but restrained her language admirably. Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Guild of Church Bell Ringers Winchester District

Minutes of the Quarterly District meeting held on Saturday 8th November 2003 at Bishopstoke.

In the afternoon the District Education day was held. A session on Bob calling was held at North Stoneham, while at Bishopstoke students were taught Plain Hunt on higher numbers. Tea was provided by the Bishopstoke band prior to the meeting.

Chairman’s Welcome Philip Gorrod welcomed the 25 members and two visitors to the meeting. He also thanked the Bishopstoke band for providing the tea.

Minutes of the last meeting The minutes of the last meeting held at Barton Stacey on Saturday the 9th August 2003, having been previously circulated, were accepted by the meeting and signed by the Chairman as an accurate record. There were no matters arising.

Election of new members Confirmation of Probationary Members Owslebury: 13 October 2003, Laura Wheeler, Proposed by Philip Gorrod, Seconded by Sarah Macdonald.

New Ringing Members 14 October 2003: Paul Bradford of Bitterne Park, Proposed by Roy LeMarechal, Seconded by Jonathan Hetherington.

Presentation of Certificates Membership certificates were presented to a number of members who had been elected at previous meetings. First quarter certificates had been prepared for Thomas Hinks and Heather Harris but as these were not available at the meeting they will be posted to Christine Hill who agreed to pass them on.

Education day Philip Gorrod thanked the organisers of the education day and the tutors, Christine Hill and Roy LeMarechal. As the session at North Stoneham had been curtailed he suggested that perhaps this could be finished some other time at a different location. (Action Philip Gorrod.)

Striking league Philip Gorrod outlined the arrangements for this years striking league: Division 1 teams. Bishopstoke, New Alresford, Winchester boys, Winchester girls. Division 2 teams. Sparsholt, Easton, Lower Test Valley, Kings Somborne In division 1 both teams to ring 120 of Plain Bob Doubles, and in division 2 at least 4 minutes of call changes, unless both teams agree to ring something else. Reminder -- the home band arranges judges and agrees a date with the away band. There will be a list of available judges. A full set of rules will be available on the website. Caroline Fairley pointed out that there had been a division 3 competition last year which was won by Cheriton but which is not recorded on the website. (Action Wendy Ling )

Future events Carol Service Wendy Ling reported that arrangements were well advanced and it looked as though it will be a good evening. Mulled wine etc. will be provided after the service. There was a small choir and if there were others who would like to be a part of that please contact Wendy. ADM Feb 2004 This will be on Saturday 14th February. Philip Gorrod informed the meeting that Carrie Eisenhauer will be standing down at the ADM and asked people to think about a replacement. Tony Smith pointed out that all officers stand down at every ADM and some were willing to be re-elected. Guild 125 th anniversary Bob Cater raised the question of the District marking this anniversary. The meeting reaffirmed a previous decision that there were no plans to do anything specific at the District level. Tower representatives meeting Philip Gorrod reminded the meeting that this will be on Sunday 16 th November, 7.00p.m., at his house. He encouraged towers to send a representative Website Wendy Ling asked for material for the District website and encouraged people to promote the site around the District.

AOB Tony Smith reported that the collection at the meeting for the BRF had raised £27.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 5.20p.m.