It was great to see so many of you at the Guild AGM yesterday. I’m sorry to say that there were no other nomination for Secretary, so you’re stuck with me for another year. Thanks to Culworth branch for the arrangements and for magic-ing up the fabulous weather and an excellent tea in the marvellous (HS2 funded) village hall.



Guild AGM

In a very productive meeting, all officers were returned to their posts, with the exception of the Safeguarding Officer, where John Beresford has stepped into the role, alongside his role for his benefice. We have a vacant post for Youth Ringing officer. This is one post that doesn’t have a long history, so the incumbent could shape this as they see fit. Get in touch to discuss further.

There was a vote in favour of a change to the rules, these will be posted to the Guild website shortly once we’ve updated the Charity Commission. Thank you to the committee that undertook this, it’s not an easy task.

And the plans for the 100th anniversary were revealed. We’ve been working hard to try and provide a range of ringing and non-ringing opportunities. Events are listed on the website for 2024, we’ll have more details up soon. You can see our special logo which has been added to the footer of this mail – get used to it, you’ll be seeing a lot of it.

As to merchandise, mugs with the logo are currently available for £5 from the PRO (pro@pdg.org.uk), and clothing is available to order via the attached order form. Again, more to follow as we approach the anniversary, including calendars and a special anniversary jigsaw.

Finally, we elected Graham & Bridget Paul as Honorary Life Members of the Guild, honouring their service to ringing in the Northampton area for many years. Congratulations to both. We’ll present your certificates at a later date.



Ridgman trophy

The Guild is hosting the Ridgman Trophy on Saturday 17th June. This is a 10 bell striking competition for guilds and associations that border the Ely DA. This year it is being hosted at Towcester, with ringing from 10 to ~ 2:30 and results at about 3pm. The Towcester ringers are laying on some refreshments; bacon rolls from 9:30, tea/coffee soft drinks & cake through the day. It’s a chance to listen to what should be some good striking on an excellent ring of bells (OK, I might be a little bit biased here). And (fingers crossed) the weather gods look to be smiling on us, so should be a good day. Do pop along and support your local team.



Guild Newsletter

The Coronation edition of the Guild newsletter is now available. It can be found here: https://pdg.org.uk/newsletters/newsletter_202306.pdf and paper copies will be making their way to towers shortly. It’s an excellent record of an awful lot of ringing.

Next edition due for circulation at the Summer Festival, print deadline the end of August. Any items for inclusion to the newsletter editor, newsletter@pdg.org.uk

The newsletter editor is also looking for an assistant to help with collating the incoming news items and producing the magazine. Talk to Jonathan if you feel you can help or would want to learn more.



CCCBR news

The president’s latest blog is available here: https://cccbr.org.uk/2023/06/09/presidents-blog-80/

There’s also an appreciation of volunteers in Volunteer’s week. https://cccbr.org.uk/2023/06/09/thank-you-to-all-our-volunteers/ Ringers are invariably volunteers, some step forward and take on further responsibility, be that at tower, branch, Guild or national level. Maybe take a minute to say thank you to those people who volunteer and make your ringing life more fulfilling. Or consider how you might volunteer your time or expertise further.



Dates for the Diary

Guild 10 Bell Practice Saturday 8th July. 10:30 Rothwell.

Guild Intermediate Practice Saturday 8th July 7:30 Weedon Bec



One change and one new event. Wellingborough now start at 6:30 on Tuesday and Peterborough are socially ringing Surprise later in the month.

Wellingborough Striking contest Wilby Tuesday 13th June 6:30 Wilby

Rutland Branch 8 bell practice Thursday 15th June 7:30 Uppingham

Wellingborough Surprise Practice Saturday 17th June 10:30 Orlingbury

Daventry Branch Meeting Saturday 17th June 3:00 Whilton 6:30 Norton

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 17th June 7:30 King’s Sutton

Towcester Branch Practice Thursday 22nd June 7:30 Greens Norton

Peterborough Social Surprise Minor Practice Wednesday 28th June 7:30 Bulwick

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday 1st July 3:00 Great Oxendon, 6:00 East Farndon

Rutland Branch 6 bell practice Wednesday 5th July 7:30 Braunston Focus Surprise

Peterborough Branch 8 bell Practice Friday 7th July 7:30 Castor



Hope you have enjoyed the rather flaming June and have welcomed or dodged the rather large raindrops we had this afternoon (your opinion possibly depending on if you are a gardener or BBQ-er!).



Thanks

Helen