The Chairman, Christine Broadley, thanked the rector of St George’s, The Rev Alan Bell and the organist David Scott Thomas for officiating at the service. She also thanked the local ringers for the use of the bells and providing an excellent tea.

The Chairman gave a summary of items discussed at a recent Committee Meeting. The Committee had decided to increase the number of Committee meetings to at least four a year with possible sub-committee meetings to discuss such issues as training needs, social events, quarter peals and the web site. Not only the Committee but other interested parties could be involved in these discussions. In the short term the Committee had thought about how to increase attendance at quarterly meetings.The Chairman asked for the views of the members on these topics and what areas people would like the Committee to direct their efforts to.

The Chairman publicised the Bored with the Box Tour on Saturday 27th December, details of which will be circulated round the Branch and drew the attention of the members to the Young Ringers’ Service Ringing at the Cathedral on Sunday 29th February 2004.

With reference to the Ringing World Calendar for 2006 2 or 3 photographs of towers in this Branch will be required or something unusual or interesting connected with the tower. The Chairman asked anyone who would like their tower to be featured on the calendar and could commit to selling 50 copies to let her know.

Peter Broadbent mentioned that he had received an email from Taxal advising that it was the centenary of their bells in May 2004and adding that people may be interested in adding ideas or suggestions or even ringing Taxal Delight.

Apologies were received from Derek Smith, Christine and David Earl, Andrew Mays, Stephen Hughes and Edward Marchbank.

The minutes, having been previously circulated, were confirmed. Proposed by Peter Dyson and seconded by Clive Calton.

The website was not discussed at the Committee Meeting as had been intended.

The Secretary presented his report which was accepted.

Neil Lomas reported that he had paid a visit to Birtle in Cheshire which had a chiming ring of hemispherical bells. He advised that the ropes needed renewing.

Peter Dyson had been to St Thomas High Lane where there was also a hemispherical ring hung for chiming. These were in good order. Peter gave the incumbent Plain Hunt and a few other things to ring. He had also visited Pott Shrigley which were OK and Meerbrook near Roughtown where a new church is being built. He recommended a small cupola to house the existing small single bell.

All the existing officers with the exception of Derek Smith as Branch Representative and the addition of Alan McFall as Vice Chairman and David Friend as Branch Webmaster were elected en bloc. Proposed by Andrew Mayes and seconded by Peter Dyson.

The Ringing Masters are to be added to the list of Branch Representatives.

Matthew Dyson will assist with the website.

Roy Harrison, Stewart Kirk and Shelley Smith, all of Prestbury, were elected members of the Guild. Proposed by Clive Calton and seconded by Trevor Marchbank.

Christine Broadley gave the Committee’s views on the procedure for nomination which was that written nominations were to be sent to the Committee via the Branch Secretary for consideration. Reasons for the nomination should be included. There should be a seconder. Denis Mottershead said that it was the intensity of the service to the Branch that was the main thing.

Neil Lomas reported that the work on the church at Wilmslow had been completed and Wednesday evening practices had resumed. He encouraged people to visit them.

The meeting closed at 6:50. Ringing continued at St Mary’s Stockport.