Since my last Mutterings, those of us on the Central Council, or who were part of the CRAG (Council Review Action Group) travelled to Edinburgh for the Annual Meeting. Of course the main item on the Agenda was the proposals from the CRAG team. For those of you who don’t already know, all of the motions were passed, and now for this coming year, the Central Council will have to work with the old format whilst starting to implement the new.
Chris Mew, President of the Central Council stepped down this year, to be replaced by Chris O’Mahony who has been the Vice President. There was a vote for the new Vice President between David Kirkcaldy from Steyning and Peter Wilkinson from Cheshire (not Westbourne). Congratulations to David on winning the vote, and now being the Central Council’s new Vice President.
On our way north to the CC meeting, we met up with Marion Hollands ringing tour around York for a couple of days. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and stayed near York after the others had returned to Sussex, this meant that we were able to go to Ripon Cathedral, and join in their practice. We were made very welcome, and in fact I don’t think either of us sat out all evening.
As I write this, our Young Ringers are looking forward to their trip to Birmingham this coming weekend. There they will be taking part in the Ringing World National Youth Contest, hoping to beat the Bedford team. The result for the previous 2 years has been Bedford 1st, Sussex 2nd. Good luck to them all. No doubt there will be a "Stop Press" for the result somewhere in the Summer 2017 edition of Soundbow.
I am pleased to say that Jonathan Spencer from Lindfield has taken on the role of "Membership Co-ordinator", one of the secretary's previous jobs. We now just need someone to take minutes at the meetings (AGM, 2 General Committees and Finance). Editing the Annual Report / Handbook ready for printing is another job that needs to be undertaken. Sue Gadd our Treasurer is also looking for help. She needs someone to look after the Association's Insurance, and someone to help with the Gift Aid and Small Donations Schemes.
Graham Hills
