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RNGB 2011 AGM Outing
Saturday 5th March 2011 saw some 30 members and friends gather in Berkshire for the 33rd AGM of the Guild, with some travelling considerable distances to join us. The weather was cool and cloudy, and as we all know, ringing chambers/churches can be quite cold at this time of year. Our first tower was Englefield, a very pleasant, easy-going 8. The Englefield estate is owned by Richard Benyon, the MP for W Berkshire, currently Fisheries Minister. The next tower was Burghfield, a rather challenging 6, especially the treble! Method ringing was kept to doubles. We all joined together for our lunch at the Royal Oak in Shinfield, which was very enjoyable, meeting and talking over old times: the chandeliers were swinging! The first tower after lunch was at Stratfield Mortimer, a fine-going 11½ cwt 8. Here the usual Grandsire, Stedman and Yorkshire came round, also some Single Oxford Bob Triples. Our last tower of the day was at Swallowfield, a ground floor ring of 6. The usual minor and doubles methods were rung. The structural wooden beams of the tower and church roof came in for some splendid constructive comments, especially from those ex-artificers who have some shipwright’s knowledge. Our AGM Service was taken in Swallowfield church by Rev Chris Leslie. All members were cajoled to sitting in the front pews, and enjoyed some lusty singing, especially of the Naval Hymn. Tea was in the Swallowfield Parish Hall with everyone bringing a savoury and a cake. It was to the usual standard of a ringers’ tea and all was consumed. The Annual General Meeting went very smoothly under the guidance of our President, Commodore Joe Kidd, during which a minute’s silence was held for Commander Tim Watt – one of the founder members of the RNGB – and for Rosemary Pidgeon, a loyal supporter of the Guild. The Trafalgar Weekend (October 21st -23rd) has been arranged to be in the York area this year. Finally we want to thank the Incumbents for the use of their bells and the local ringers who met us, plus our Honorary General Secretary, Bill Skilleter, for arranging a very successful day. TW
Members of the Royal Naval Guild of Bellringers at the AGM.
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