South Norfolk Bellringers

Twenty two members and friends met in the tower at Pulham Market for an afternoon of ringing, which ranged from Bob Triples to Surprise Major (one lead of Cambridge!) with a sprinkling of Grandsire, Stedman, a touch of Cambridge Minor and Norwich, and a course of Ipswich Surprise.

Rev’d Norman Steer led us in Worship and we enjoyed an excellent tea (£2 each) in the Memorial Hall.

Tea was followed at 5.45 by the quarterly meeting.

1. The chairman, David Hillier, welcomed us, and thanked Rev’d Norman for the service, the Pulham Ringers for the use of their bells and the tea. The meeting also thanked David Hillier for playing the organ.
2. Eleven Southern Branch towers were represented at the meeting, and there were two unattached members. Apologies were received from Grant Pilcher, Brenda and Peter Ellenger, Ted and Sheila Curson, Gordon and Lindy Ellis, Jane and Chris Palmer, Briony Davies, George and Rosemary Bennett, Tony Baines, and Delia Golding.

3. Minutes of the last meeting were agreed and signed as a correct record, with the amendment of the date to 20^th November 2011 (not August).
4. Matters Arising:

Jubilee Ringing – members have been asked to ring in as many towers as possible over the Jubilee weekend. Betty Baines said it would be good if we could ring a quarter at most of the towers, and have at least rounds and call changes in all the towers of the branch. Plans for the ringing should be submitted to Dawn, and it is hoped that all towers who ring will receive an official certificate on which they can list the names of the ringers. A list of the ringing will be sent to Buckingham Palace, and for publication in the Ringing World. It was suggested that we make a big thing of this, and use the associated publicity to try to recruit new ringers.

1. Two new members were proposed for Carleton Rode. Alan and Linda Hewison were proposed by Christine Hales, seconded by Cath Gorrod and approved by the meeting.
2. Standing committee report was circulated with the agenda.

The branch committee met after the practice at Scole. Proposals for the year were coming together, though we still needed to hear back for confirmation of some events. Details will be in the next Clapper Talk. There was discussion regarding recruitment of ringers, and a suggestion that as well as raising the profile at church events we should target those who learnt to ring some time ago to see if they can be welcomed back into ringing circles.

1. Ringers’ fees. The question of fees for funerals had been raised with the chairman. Betty Baines explained the policy at Diss – for ringers, or for church members ringers were usually asked if they would ring, and did so without charge. For other funerals the PCC charged as for a wedding. Brian Carr said they were asked from time to time and were usually happy to give their services free as it was likely to be for someone they knew. The general feeling was that it was a matter for individual bands, clergy and PCCs to decide, but it was good to know what arrangements others had.
2. Communications. Gale Hodgkinson gave notice that the host for the website would be putting up their charges considerably so that the present site would cease to function on 30^th April, and she was actively seeking a new host. Adrian Edwards suggested that we put a notice to that effect on the current website, and give the new address as soon as it is available. There was general discussion of possibilities, and the secretary agreed to pursue the matter with the Diocesan Communications Officer. It was noted that for local members e-mails and Facebook are good means of quick communication. The website was particularly useful for planning outings, and checking details of meetings, as well as providing a forum for news items.
3. Forthcoming events
1. Training day 3^rd March, there has been a last minute surge of bookings. Dawn Pullan (Association Ringing Master) said details of towers and helpers should be out this weekend.
2. Practice meetings 17^th March East Harling 2-4pm is still to be confirmed, also 21^st April Great Ellingham 2-4pm now 7 – 8.30
3. Quarter Peal week 8^th April to 15^th April - Dawn Pullan and Betty Baines encouraged towers to persuade learners to try for a quarter as an excellent way of consolidating a method.
4. Association AGM – Southern Branch at Woodton 5^th May. Brooke and Saxlingham are still to be confirmed. 2.45 Woodton ringing, 3.45 Woodton service, 4.30 Tea in Woodton Village Hall – Monica will let Gale know what help is needed in the way of sandwiches, quiches, pastries, cakes, so that towers can be circulated with requests. Towers were encouraged to put in teams for the 6-bell striking competition as it is in our branch.
4. Date and venue of next Quarterly Meeting: Saturday 19^th May. Shelfanger Ringing 2.30pm Service 4pm. Tea and meeting in Shelfanger Village Hall. The hall will be free, but members will be asked for sandwiches, quiches pastries and cakes. Winfarthing Ringing 6.30pm to 8pm.
5. Any Other Business
1. Raffle tickets are available for the AGM draw. Prizes are needed from the Southern Branch. It was suggested that each active tower be encouraged to provide one prize.
2. Julie Wren encouraged members to buy Marmalade in aid of Redenhall tower.
3. David Hillier advertised the CD of Bells across the Waveney (£10)
4. Seats are available on the Long Stratton trip to Whitechapel. Elisabeth Spry noted that the Jubilee bells were due to be cast just before that, and should be on view during the visit.

There being no other business, the meeting closed at 6.40pm