BEDFORDSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF CHURCH BELL RINGERS

Update

Latest news and information for all towers and ringers in Bedfordshire

June 2024

Please print off a copy for your tower notice board

Association Review

Changes to the Association's Rules

Thank you to the 55 members who came to the AGM on 18 May, and to those who came along to enjoy a fun quiz evening and supper afterwards.

The proposed rule changes were passed by 43 votes to 11, with 1 abstention.
There will now be a period of transition over the next 12 months whilst we work with members to put the new structures in place, with the aim of building a more positive and sustainable future for ringing in Bedfordshire.

A timeline of how the changes will be implemented can be found here:  
https://www.bacbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DOCUMENT-J-Timeline-for-implementation-of-proposed-changes.pdf
Thank you to all those who have contributed to the long process which has enabled us to get to this point! 
 

New Calendar of Events for 2025 ...
What opportunities would you like the Association to provide for YOU?

The rule changes passed at the Bedfordshire Association of Church Bell Ringers AGM on 18 May give us the flexibility to organise a calendar of events from Feb 2025 onwards which offers a greater range of ringing, training and social activities for ALL members at ALL levels.

A suggested calendar has already been presented at meetings and can be seen here  (https://www.bacbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Doc-G-Suggested-calendar-of-events-Feb-2025-onwards.pdf). However as its name indicates, the events shown are just suggestions. We want to make sure that the events we organise are what YOU, the members want, not what we think you might want!! 

Please let us know what type of ringing, training and social events you would be most likely to support by completing this questionnaire by Weds 28 June:
https://forms.gle/8N1BYGXfxkrnQbkE7

We look forward to hearing from you! Thank you!

Forthcoming Events

As part of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, we hope that as many Bedfordshire towers as possible will Ring Out for Peace on 6 June at 6.30pm (or at a suitable time that day).

To find out more go to https://cccbr.org.uk/2024/02/03/ringing-out-for-peace/. 
Please record any performances to the BellBoard and link to the Ringing Out for Peace - 80th Anniversary of DDay Landing event:   https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/event.php?id=18605
 

Ridgman Trophy  ... A Grand Day Out!

Saturday 8 June 
at Biggleswade

This year Bedfordshire are hosting this Ten Bell Striking Competition with teams representing Associations across the Eastern Counties.
Come along to support the Bedfordshire team (who will be aiming to put the home advantage to good use by reclaiming the Trophy ... previous winners 4 times, but not since 2013!), listen to some excellent ringing, enjoy refreshments and meet friends old and new!! 

Saturday Ringing Meetings  

8 June   There’s no Biggleswade District Meeting this month because of the Ridgman 
Trophy competition being held at Biggleswade. See details above.

18 May   Caddington (6) Evening ringing 19:00 – 20:30
 

Second Saturday Training

NO handling session at Biggleswade on Saturday 8 June
Foundation skills - rounds, call changes, Plain Hunt
will be at Potton from 10.30 - 12.00 

Sign up essential for both helpers and students by emailing Chris Williams by Weds 5 June  christine.williams.bells@gmail.com  
 

Bedfordshire Young Ringers

The next practice is on
Sunday 9 June
at All Saints Campton, 14:30-16:30

Future dates - Saturday 6 July RWNYC in London (Ringing World National Youth Contest)
All Sundays 14:30 - 16:30 at All Saints Campton: 11 August, 8 Sept, 13 Oct, 10 Nov, 8 Dec

Bedfordshire Young Ringers is for all young ringers aged 18 or under, whatever your ringing experience. (Experienced tutors will be there to help!) 
Come along to ring with ringers your own age, eat cake and have fun!

For safeguarding reasons, we ask that all young ringers under the age of 18 are accompanied by an adult. Adults do not need to stay for the whole session (though you are very welcome to do so - tea, coffee and a comfortable place to sit will be available). We will need some paperwork to be completed for each young ringer the first time they attend. 

For further details please email Linda president@bacbr.org.uk
 

Surprise Major Practices

The next practice is on
Sunday 16 June 14:30-16:30
at Eaton Socon

Sign up essential by Weds 12 June please ideally via https://forms.gle/zg2CP2R3uuD9hEmG8 or email president@bacbr.org.uk

Dates for future practices, all third Sunday of alternate months: 18 August, 20 October, 15 December 
 

Bedfordshire Ringing Summer School
Tuesday 27 - Saturday 31 August
Please save the dates if you are interested in coming along either as a student or a helper. Details to follow!

Congratulations to ...

Marguerite Smith: First Quarter of Minor, rung at Clifton on 19 May.
Elizabeth A Pawley, Helen J Manktelow, Carole J Kendall, Angela Blackburn:  First peal of Pudsey S Major, rung at Campton on Sunday 19 May.

Updates from the CCCBR
Central Council of Church Bell Ringers

This month: How you can get involved in National Volunteers week. Details are here:  https://cccbr.org.uk/2024/05/18/volunteers-week/

Linda Garton
President, BACBR 
president@bacbr.org.uk

www.bacbr.org.uk

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