Seems autumn has arrived all of a sudden. Last Saturday I went for a walk in 100 Aker wood and caught the sun; this Saturday I went for walk wearing my anniversary sweatshirt and multiple layers. Time to consider digging out the rope warmers, radiators and woolly jumpers again.

Publicity materials

At the recent GMC meeting, it was suggested that it would help towers to have a range of publicity materials and case studies available to draw on. These would aim to provide ideas and approaches to different scenarios, be they a local group tower visit, an open day, recruitment drive, advertising ringing and so on. If you have something that you have used in your tower, please get in touch, we’d love to be able to share it.

Volunteers

Also at the recent GMC we discussed the output of the branch re-organisation committee. One of the actions arising was to form two committees, one to review how the Guild manages membership, the second how we manage banking and finance. We’re looking for volunteers for both of these committees, if you have something to offer, please get in touch.

Movement for Good

Benefact (formerly Ecclesiastical) are running their Movement for Good draw again in December, so there’s plenty of time to nominate the Guild for a change to win £1000. Which would make our treasurer happy. Link here for you to fill in. Previously we’ve put these grants into the Training fund. https://movementforgood.com/index.php?cn=258271&ct=heritage_arts

PDG100

This week, the first order of our anniversary jigsaw puzzles arrived – and many of them are already making their way out to purchasers. You can order your puzzle via centenary@pdg.org.uk. 500 pieces are £15 while the 1000 piece versions are £20. All details can be found here: https://pdg.org.uk/pdg-100/centenary-year-merchandise We’ll try and arrange delivery within the Guild, through the branch & tower networks, at no additional cost. Postage is an extra £3.50.

We still have some calendars, get yours while stocks last – we’re not going to re-ordering these. The calendars, feature 14 different churches across the diocese, these are £5 each.

We’re also taking expressions of interest in the events for the 100^th anniversary, mainly so we can make sure there’s enough birthday cake to go around. Mail interest to centenary@pdg.org.uk. All the events can be found on the website https://pdg.org.uk/pdg-100 and we’ll update with more details as we get closer. Posters to follow shortly.

Diocese news

In case you missed it, the next Bishop of Peterborough was announced as Bishop Debbie Sellin. She is currently Bishop of Southampton and has been acting Bishop of Winchester for the last few years. Enthronement in early 2024, we’ll keep you posted on dates. It will be a good opportunity for ringing across the diocese to welcome her. She started her ministry in children & youth work.

CCCBR news

The president’s latest blog is here: https://cccbr.org.uk/2023/10/13/presidents-blog-85/

From 2016 there were a significant number of performances rung of method using methods named for Julie McDonnell. After the recent newspaper article and report in the Ringing World there have been those calling for the CCCBR to change the names of these methods. Tina Stoecklin wants to canvass opinions on the topic, including from those who rang in these performances. https://cccbr.org.uk/2023/10/10/when-is-the-right-time-to-rename-a-method/ Get in touch with her if you have an opinion to share.

Last update I told you about the promotional videos produced by the CCCBR. One of them had a revision, and the link changed. They are both available here:

Dates for the Diary

Guild 10 bell Practice Saturday 11^th November 10:30 Higham Ferrers. This is Remembrance day and the bells will be half muffled.

Rutland Branch 8 bell practice Thursday 19^th October 7:30 Uppingham

Wellingborough Surprise Practice Saturday 21^st October 10:30 Yardley Hastings

Wellingborough Branch Practice Saturday 21^st October 7:00 Irchester

Daventry Branch Meeting Saturday 21^st October 3:00 Litchborough

Kettering: Branch Practice Saturday 21^st October 3:30 Barton Seagrave

Northampton Branch Practice Saturday 21^st October 7:00 Church Brampton

Culworth Branch Practice Saturday 21^st October 7:30 Evenley

Towcester Branch Quiz night with fish & chip supper. Saturday 28^th October 5:45 Ringing, 7:00 meeting followed by Quiz. Cold Higham.

Peterborough Branch 8 bell Practice Friday 3^rd November 7:30 Castor

Guilsborough Branch Practice Saturday 4^th November 3:00 Yelvertoft

Rutland Branch 6 bell practice Wednesday 8^th November 7:30 Braunston

See you at an event soon.

Thanks

Helen