MINUTES OF THE BRANCH QUARTERLY MEETING AT ST MARY’S, ROSTHERNE ON SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2003

The Chairman, Christine Broadley, thanked Canon Rogers, vicar of St Mary’s and the organist Denis Robinson for officiating at the service. She congratulated Cheadle on winning the 8-bell Striking Contest.

Denis Mottershead remarked on the inspirational address that Canon Rogers had given - very pro-bells!

Elaine Barber apologised for the lack of facilities at Rostherne which meant they could not provide a tea.

These were received from Sue and Matt Dyson.

The minutes of the previous meeting, having been previously circulated were confirmed. Proposed by Peter Dyson and seconded by David Friend.

Peter Dyson gave a summary of his ideas for the under 18s Ring and Bowl which he stressed was strictly for under 18s. The Ringing Masters would be asked to run the ringing. The Branch agreed to allocate £100 from Branch funds for this event.

The Guild 6-bell Striking Contest was discussed and ideas for a tower and venue for socialising afterwards were invited.

A comment had been made about the lack of social events but it was pointed out that these were very rarely well supported.

The Programme was proposed by Peter Dyson and seconded by Derek Smith and approved.

Christine Broadley showed print-outs from the site and invited comments in time for the Branch Committee meeting to be held on 10th November to discuss the way forward with the website. It was decided by the meeting to create the post of Branch Webmaster at the AGM.

Denis Mottershead had requested an addition to the agenda as he wanted to propose two Branch members as Vice Presidents of the Branch and Guild respectively. A discussion on this topic followed from which the general opinion was that such important propositions should appear on the agenda with the name of the proposer and seconder. The general feeling was that there should be some criteria against which the people being proposed for the honour could be judged. This was to ensure that the person truly merited the honour. It was thought that there was no great urgency for this and it was left to the Committee to decide on a policy and put it to the membership.

Denis said that he would not pursue his proposition at this meeting but would be interested to see what took place at the AGM.

The Chairman reminded the meeting that the Branch needed a Vice Chairman who would be prepared to take over as chairman when her term of office was over. She asked the membership for suggestions. Peter Broadbent also announced that, after nearly ten years as Branch Secretary, he would be looking to stand down at the AGM so a successor to him would be required.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 6:00. Thirteen members were present.

Ringing continued in the evening at Great Budworth - the first time the Branch had used an out-of-Branch tower for a meeting.