I mentioned as I was writing the Master’s Mutterings for the last edition of Soundbow, that our Sussex Young Ringers were looking forward to going to Birmingham to take part in the Ringing World National Youth Contest. William wrote an excellent piece for the same edition, although it now seems a long time ago. Last year we entered 2 teams for the competition in London, but there were so many entries that this year only one team from each Guild or Association could enter. Our Sussex Young Ringers rang Grandsire Triples (the only team to do so) and were placed 3rd overall, but 2nd for the method competition.

Congratulations and many thanks to all the team, and many thanks to Sandra Alford for being the responsible adult for the day.

Of course, our Young Ringers were not the only ones to do well. Another team, consisting of more mature ringers from across Sussex entered and won the Essex Trophy 10 bell Striking Contest held at Hertford on September 9th, with the method for the day being Superlative Royal. Many thanks and congratulations to all the band consisting of Jeremy Alford – Team Leader (Warnham), Sandra Alford (Warnham), Simon Alford (Warnham), Caroline House (Brighton), David Perkins (East Grinstead), David Kirkcaldy (Steyning), Jonathan Spencer (Lindfield), Stephen Beckingham (Laughton), Alan Pink (St Leonards on Sea), Simon Meyer (Shipley).

Sussex has been asked to host the Essex Competition next year, so although I won’t be Master then, there is a lot of preparation to do beforehand, and most of it will have to be in place by February 2018

Earlier in the year, I sent out an e-mail to all persons in half of the Sussex towers, requesting help with the administration of OUR Association. Julie Quinn from Cuckfield is prepared to take minutes at all the 4 main meetings (2 x General committee, AGM and Finance), and Mike Foster has agreed to edit the Association report / handbook. I am pleased to say that other volunteers have come forward to help Sue Gadd with the Treasurer’s responsibilities. Many thanks to those who volunteered. If there comes a time when there are more “Situations Vacant” I shall send out to the second half of the Association first, hoping for as good a response as I got from the first half.

Although as I write this, we are only in October, before we know it, Christmas will be upon us, and then it will be February with all my Saturdays being taken up by chairing the 4 individual District Meetings. I am bringing this up now, as it is time for the District Secretaries to decide if they wish to stand again, and to ask people to be on their committees. Don’t forget that it is also the duty of each District to nominate persons to sit on the General Committee, but obviously, don’t forget to ask their permission first.

The Association rules state that a Master may only hold the position for a maximum of 3 years, and at the AGM in May, my 3-year term of office will be up. So, you also have to think of someone to ask if he/she is prepared to take over as Master from May 12th 2018. Any and all nominations should be brought to your District Meeting [February 2018].

That’s all for now, Happy Christmas to every one of you, and keep ringing.

Graham Hills