Photos and articles 2015-6
Ely DA AGM and Inter-District Striking Competition, Saturday 7th May 2016
The sun shone in Terrington St Clement for the Ely DA Striking competition and AGM on Saturday 7th May. It was warmer outside the church than inside, so very pleasant for those outside listening to the ringing. For the striking competition, there was a full complement of four teams entering, and the Wisbech District were congratulated on providing a band for the competition this year.
The judges were David and Katharine Salter, and the results were: Wisbech District 4th with 42 faults, Cambridge and Ely joint 2nd with 26 faults and Huntingdon were the winners with 20 faults.
At the AGM, Bruce Mew was elected as the new independent examiner and all the existing officers were re-elected, as listed in the Agenda (here). The nominated General Committee members, Bell Fund Trustees and Central Council representatives were all ratified. Bell fund grants were approved and Catherina Griffiths was ratified as an Honorary member.
Thanks to the Wisbech District for all the arrangements (including the weather), and to Geoff Grayton for the photos (click on a photo to see a larger version).
General ringing
Felicity Webster 1973-2016
From Jackie Latham, Cambridge District President:
This morning we received the sad news that Felicity passed away last night (Monday, 5th December). Many of us visited her over the last few months and those that saw her in the hospice could see that it was a good place to be at the end, both for Fliss and her family.
In her relatively short ringing career Felicity made a huge contribution to ringing at both district and association level and many of us had the great pleasure of ringing with her, and sharing in her positive and all-encompassing personality. She never stinted in her generosity of both time and encouragement to others and she will leave a huge hole in the heart of the district.
I would like on behalf of every ringer in the district and wider ringing community who knew and loved Felicity, to offer our deep sympathy to Judith, Richard and the family at what must be a truly heartbreaking time.
Service of Thanksgiving - Tuesday 20th December
Judith has asked me to let everyone know that there is to be a private family cremation, but that there will be a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Felicity to which all are welcome. This will be held at All Saints Church, Haslingfield at 2pm on Tuesday 20th December.
There will be open ringing from 1.15 before the service and the bells will also be available afterwards. At Fliss's request, please wear bright colours.
No flowers please but donations if desired to the Arthur Rank Hospice or to support the maintenance of Haslingfield bells. Details of how to donate will be available at the service.
Jackie Latham
Central Council meeting, Monday 25th May 2015
The four Central Council representatives for our Association, Philip Bailey, George Bonham, Sue Marsden and Paul Seaman, attended the Central Council meeting in Hull on Monday25th May. Paul's report on the meeting is here. Members were given the opportunity to participate more than usual, by taking part in group discussions with others from their regions. A report on these discussions, a summary of all the responses and the responses for the group discussion of the Eastern Region, which includes the Ely DA, are all available here. You can find contact details for our four CC reps here, they will all welcome feedback and are happy to answer any questions.
Ely DA AGM and Inter-district Striking Competition, Saturday 2nd May 2015
The Ely DA AGM and inter-district striking competition took place on Saturday. The striking competition was held at Bluntisham, with teams from the Huntingdon, Ely and Cambridge Districts. Huntingdon rang Grandsire Triples and were placed first with 37 faults, Ely rang Plain Bob Triples and were placed second with 49 faults, Cambridge also rang Grandsire Triples and were placed third with 71 faults. There was general ringing at Somersham, and then general and service ringing at St Ives, followed by a service at St Ives and an excellent tea in the St Ives Parish Hall. During tea, we were entertained by Ruth Bramley and Ann Biggs singing Ruth’s own song ‘Ringing the Changes’, which includes mention of Little Bastow Bob Minor and taking coils when ringing down.
After tea, and the announcement of the results of the striking competition, it was time for the AGM. Catherina Griffiths finally stood down as General Secretary, after 21 years in office, and was warmly thanked by Tom Ridgman on behalf of the Association. JoAnne Rutter was elected as the new General Secretary. Paul Seaman stood down as Peal Secretary, and Sue Marsden was elected to that post. Peter Binns will be leaving the area in July and stood down as Public Relations Officer. This post is now vacant, although Peter will continue as acting PRO for another couple of months. If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in taking on this role then please contact Tom Ridgman (chairman_at_elyda.org.uk) or JoAnne Rutter (secretary_at_elyda.org.uk).
All other officers remain in post, and contact details are shown here.
The proposed Bell Fund grants were all approved, including grants and a loan to Stretham for their augmentation to 8, and a grant to Swaffham Bulbeck for their work on improving the ringing room floor. The proposed rule changes were discussed and approved. As a result, a peal may be rung for the Ely DA which includes ringers who are not members of the Association. The new post of Quarter Peal Secretary was created, and Sheila George was elected to it. Sheila will continue to collate and report on quarter peals rung within the Ely Diocese, but now as a specific officer of the Association.
Saturday 2nd May was also the 300th anniversary of the first recorded peal, rung at St Peter Mancroft, Norwich. Two peals for the Ely DA were rung during the morning, at Fordham and at Fulbourn, to commemorate this event, to celebrate several birthdays and to welcome a new Royal Princess, whose birth was announced while the peals were being rung. Thanks to Geoff Grayton for the photos of the AGM and striking competition.
