Guild of Devonshire Ringers Annual General Meeting - 21st June 2025

Many thanks to Kate Marsh (Mid-Devon Branch Rep on Guild Committee) for these reports

On the hottest day of the year so far, we met at Kingskerwell for this year's AGM. Tim Bayton (Guild President) welcomed everyone and gave apologies for absence. We then stood in silence to remember the Guild members who had died over the previous year.
The officer's reports and accounts had previously been sent out, and there had been no questions or matters arising from them.

There had been a change to the financial proposals put forward at the January committee meeting. The donation to the Young Ringers had been suggested to be £1200, but they did not need this sum as they were unable to attend the Ringing World Young Ringers competition. This proposal was therefore reduced to £500 to cover the expenses of the monthly practices which we were told are very successful. All the financial proposals were agreed.

This led into the next point about reviewing the subscription amount. It had been proposed previously that the subscriptions go up to £12.50. But in light of the extra £700 not spent on the young ringers, it was agreed to leave the subscriptions at £12. This will be reviewed again at the committee meeting in January with the intention that the subscription should take account of inflation.

The election of officers progressed at pace, with most roles carried on by the present incumbent. The Guild Ringing Master serves for one year so an election is held for this post. For several years now an election is held for "Master Elect" who will be master in 12 months-time. This allows this person to prepare for their year in Office. This year current Master – Peter Bill handed over to Master Elect Wendy Gill. Russel Chamberlain proposed Rev. Jon Rose as master elect and he was duly elected.

An independent financial examiner, insurance officer and webmaster were all appointed.
The next AGM was due to be held on the 20th June 2026. But there was a proposal from the floor to change this to the 27th June, to avoid clashing with the National 12 bell competition and this was passed.

She has also provided this personal take on the day

Notes from an AGM first timer

Somehow, I had got myself onto the catering team to make the lunch at this year's AGM. This is how I found myself on a very hot day with a lovely group of people making sandwiches for what seemed like the 5,000. After chatting for a little while I realised that they were, bar one, all one family- so thanks to the Brett family (and Jenny) for a jolly morning of buttering and filling.

I did manage to sneak out for a quick ring, where I was challenged to ring something I thought was beyond my capabilities, but actually made quite a good fist of it. It is always quite terrifying for a novice like me to ring amongst the experts of the county. But I had forgotten how supportive everyone is.

I then seemed to have got myself involved with selling raffle tickets. It started by me wanting to buy some but was not able to find who was selling them. The answer to this question then turned out to be me! I did say jokingly that if I won then everybody would think the raffle had been fixed. So when I did win a bottle of Prosecco I'm sure half the room were suspicious!

I have never been known for my ability to sit still for long periods of time (especially on a hard surface) so I approach church services with some trepidation. But this service was something else. The President's choir were absolutely fabulous and sung an anthem that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. The address given by Rev Wilkie was entertaining and educational, as he went through bell ringing over time. Boy had he done his research. The hand bells were truly wonderful and held us all transfixed.

So before I knew it I was back outside on raffle ticket selling duties.

The lovely Nicola Jones, who had masterminded the catering, is generally a wonderful person. But she did almost cause an international incident when she put the jam and cream on the scones in the Cornish manner! Rodney Horder felt moved to put out an apology for this oversight.

All in all it was an exhausting but very enjoyable day. Thanks to all who put in the hours it needed to make the event such a success.
Kate Marsh