MINUTES
OF THE BRANCH AGM AT MACCLESFIELD ON SATURDAY 27TH NOVEMBER 2004
The Chairman, Christine Broadley, welcomed to the
meeting Peter Robson, the Guild Master. She thanked the Ven Richard Gillings,
Branch President, the Rev Michael Douglas, vicar and John Beasley, organist for
officiating at the service. She also thanked the local ringers for the use of
Christchurch and St Michael’s bells and for providing an excellent tea.
Christine thanked the members of the committee for all
the work they had done during the year: Kevin Rogers for organising the Branch
Trip and Open Day and arranging a judge for the 8 bell Striking Contest. She
thanked George Lee for performing that duty. She also thanked Peter Dyson for
organising the young ringers’ events, the two Ringing Masters, Alan McFall and
Trevor Marchbank, Clive Calton for ensuring that St Mary’s Stockport bells are
kept going, David Friend the Webmaster, Peter Broadbent, Branch Secretary and
Christine Osbaldiston, Branch Treasurer. She thanked all the members for
attending meetings and keeping the bells of the Branch going.
Apologies were received from Andrew Regan, Peter Pugh,
Stephen Hughes, Rebecca Glen and Frances Hibbert.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and
confirmed.
The question of when to start the Branch Practice at
Norbury was brought up. It was decided to start it on Thursday 2nd December at
7:45.
The problems at Chapel-en-le-Frith were noted but it
was felt that the Branch would not be able to help.
Peter Dyson reported that, at the request of the vicar
of Rainow who had heard about Bollington bells, he and Neil Lomas had visited
the tower to do a feasibility study. They had concluded that Bollington bells
were too heavy for the tower but suggested to the vicar that a light six would
be feasible. As he had heard nothing from the vicar following the visit, Peter
wrote to him a few weeks ago but he has heard nothing from him.
Alan McFall had agreed to take over as Branch
Treasurer. This was proposed by Muriel Schofield and seconded by Andrew Mayes.
Confirmed.
Simeon Farrington had agreed to take on the post of
Vice Chairman. This was proposed by Peter Broadbent and seconded by Bill Hall.
Confirmed.
George Lee had agreed to join the Branch Committee.
Proposed by Clive Calton and seconded by Peter Dyson. Confirmed.
The remainder of the officers who were carrying on from
last year were elected en bloc. Proposed by Denis Mottershead and seconded by
Simeon Farrington. Confirmed.
Rosana Jacot from Sutton and Rebecca Dyson from Poynton
were proposed by Peter Dyson and seconded by David Friend. Confirmed.
Programme for 2005
This had been presented at the previous meeting and
agreed then. The Chairman encouraged people to start thinking about the Quarter
Peal week. Alan McFall agreed to co-ordinate it. All quarters are to be sent to
Alan for submission to the Ringing World en bloc.
Social events had fallen by the wayside due to lack of
support.
The Chairman encouraged people to inform the Committee
of any other activities they would like to see included in future programmes.
Simeon Farrington publicised the Guild Yahoo Group
which had been set up some time ago to enable all members (those who had
computers and were “on line”) to communicate with one another for whatever
reason. It was available for people to start discussion groups about ringing
topics, to ask questions and get ideas. Simeon brought the item up as it needed
more publicity. He emphasised that it was not meant to compete with any other
communications medium.
There being no further business the meeting closed at
7:00pm. Thirty-two members signed the Attendance Book. Evening ringing continued
on the twelve at St Michael’s.