What a month! Four Annual Divisional meetings and ............. In my last Musings I wrote: “The ADMs start tomorrow so I hope that you will be considering joining one of the Vision Teams.” Well I think it is fair to say, in general, that apathy reigned at the meetings. However, there were some volunteers after the meetings which is encouraging. (Since starting my Musings Alan has had a phone call to say that three people volunteered after the Eastern Division meeting. Well done!) If the Association is to move forward, what is needed is enthusiasm and vibrancy. Don’t let any spark, however small, evaporate. There are a number of hubs emerging which is promising.

How often when we lose a ringer do we feel that all the time spent in teaching has been wasted? I was really pleased at the Northern ADM to be able to welcome a “new” member, Gary, and present him with his certificate. At the same time I also welcomed his partner, Caroline, who had been enthused by Gary’s Mum, a ringer at Hailsham. Gary learnt to ring at Hailsham before going off to college some years ago. You never know when or where some who has left your tower or you taught to ring will return. I feel that any time in teaching is never wasted.

Yesterday, whilst the sun was shining I was able to remove a few weeds from a border and to harvest carrots and parsnips which have been languishing in some very soggy soil. I have been and bought some lamb and to celebrate St David’s Day I will prepare Welsh Cawl so that after the Committee Meeting on 1st March I will have something warm and comforting to look forward to!

On Tuesday I visited Seaford’s practice. The hub system is working well in this part of Sussex. Some of the ringers had gone off to Alfriston to enhance their knowledge of Plain Bob and Grandsire Doubles whilst the rest of the band stayed “at home” for an evening of Plain Hunt on five. A very fruitful evening was enjoyed.

On a personal note, Alan and I became proud great grandparents to Elsie Rose born on February 1st. Elsie and her parents live nearby so we are looking forward to spending a fair amount of time with her. We have just arrived back from a lovely walk along Eastbourne seafront and even managed to sit outside in the sunshine and have a light lunch. Life’s stresses just washed away for three hours. No, we didn’t argue as to who would push the pram. We took in in turns!

I look forward to hearing how the Hubs are progressing and am sure that there are some more people who have the necessary expertise and enthusiasm to make up the Teams. The more members that volunteer the less work for everyone.

Christine Baldock