News from the 2021 Exeter Branch AGM at Lapford
On Saturday 20th November 2021, 25 Exeter Branch members and friends met at St Thomas of Canterbury church in Lapford for the Branch’s AGM. We started at 2pm with ringing on the ground floor ring of 6 bells, which included touches of Grandsire Doubles, Plain Bob Minor and Cambridge Minor – Our thanks go to Peter Richards for running this practice. While waiting for a turn to ring and in the short time before the AGM we were treated to a large selection of delicious cakes and a cup of tea to warm us through – Thank you to the local Lapford ringers for hosting the event and making us so welcome.
The meeting started at 3:15pm and all committee positions were filled with the exception of the Bells Advisor, Publicity Officer and Deputy Ringing Master. However, since the meeting I am pleased to report that Michael Cannon has been successfully elected into the position of Bells Advisor, which happened at the Branch 10-bell practice at St Marks on 1st December. The 2022 committee now stands as Richard Johnson (Chair), Peter Richards (Ringing Master), Steph Hills (Treasurer), Rob and Lucy Neal (Secretaries), Alice Holden (Education Officer), Wendy Gill (GDR General Committee Member) and Michael Cannon (Bells Advisor).
Exeter branch officer contact details
We ended with a church service, which we were fortunate enough to have led by Lesley Phillips-Cannon. Lesley is a licensed Lay Minister and is not a ringer herself, but is well know to many in the branch with her husband, Michael Cannon, being a member of the branch through Heavitree. The service included organ music from Amy Hurlock and handbell ringing from Ian Campbell, Alice Holden, Peter Richards, Andrew Digby and Mike Wigney.
Following the service, several members headed on to Exeter Cathedral for its monthly open practice. This finished off a very enjoyable afternoon which had contributions from many people. Thank you to everyone for coming.
Rob Neal (Branch Secretary)
