GUILDFORD GUILD NEWSLETTERIssue 2001:1 | ||
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New Vice-President Elected
At the Guild AGM of 10th March John Couperthwaite was proposed and elected a Vice President of the Guildford Diocesan Guild of Bell Ringers. Beryl Norris, in proposing John, on behalf of the Guild Executive Committee, said
After a round of applause John accepted the appointment and went on to say: "Thank you for the kind words. I never thought of myself as a Vice President and I was very surprised when I was approached by Beryl some time ago. I am very pleased and I have always spent a lot of time ringing devoting my ringing to the Guild rather than anywhere else. I feel I owe the Guild a lot more than it owes me. I have been associated with three first class peal bands over the years and we have for many years been leaders in Spliced Major peals, particularly Spliced Surprise Major. I have enjoyed all of this and I cannot remember an office (position in the district or Guild), which I have not reluctantly given up. Most important of all I have made a lot of friends, a lot are here and a lot sadly aren't here, and rung all over the world with them. So thank you for that and while I am standing here it would not be right to sit down before thanking people who have given me a lot of help. The Guild and District officers for keeping me on the straight and narrow, and certainly a lot of other people who have given me a lot of help and advice and support. Except for my wife, Judy, I would not be standing here. I regard this honour not just for me but an honour for her. So, Master, thank you very much. I am very conscious of the honour and I am delighted to be a Vice President. I don't know what a Vice President does, but I am reluctant to take advice from at least two of the Vice Presidents! But I will continue to do whatever I can to help the Guild along. Thank you very much." | ||
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What do you get for your subscription? PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE This insurance policy is for £1,000,000 and covers the officers, members and pupils of the Guildford Diocesan Guild against being sued for losses or damage caused by negligence on the part of the Guild or members. Activities include: Ringing, instructing, inspecting or doing any work of any description on towers and/or bells and/or their fittings and framework and other associated activities. With so much litigation nowadays, the Guild felt it had no option but to try and protect members who may not have such cover under their household insurance policies. Please note: Although the insurance includes member to member liability, it excludes damage to property being worked upon. It also excludes major restoration projects. If your tower is undertaking such a project it is necessary to obtain separate cover! Personal accident insurance This insurance policy was taken out to cover members carrying out inspections of churches, bells and fittings and includes members helping with bell maintenance work, including helping bell founders carrying out rehanging of bells. The Guild Executive has just increased the benefits to: -
Please note: There is an age limit for this insurance, of 16 years to 65 years only. We have been unable to get the upper age increased, as the insurers will not accept liability for over 65's! Further details available from the Guild Secretary. | ||
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The Guild Library
The Guildford Guild Library is currently in the crypt of Cathedral, and is one of the most comprehensive of its type in the country. One can find copies of most ringing-related books and publications, together with all years of the Ringing World (except 1984). The Library is always expanding, and the Guild Library Committee is looking to use a cabinet donated to St Nicolas, Guildford, for storing some of the more topical and recent books. This is subject to permission being granted from the St Nicolas bellringers, and would be of use if the proposed ringing centre goes ahead there. Most books can be borrowed at any time from the Library, however some of the more historical material, together with the Bell News and Ringing Worlds can only be viewed at the Library. Some of the books to be purchased this year will include the new Dove's Guide and the series of books provided for learners by Steve Coleman. If you wish to use the Library, please contact Michael. Your Library Committee consists of: Michael Bryant, Sally Schupke, Yvonne Eloie, Malcolm Loveday and Ivan Saunders. | ||
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BRF Sales
The new 3rd edition of Towers and Bells around Guildford was launched at the Ringing World Roadshow on 31st March. If you haven't got your Guild tea towel yet please order quickly as stocks are now limited. See the e-shop page for pictures and more information. All orders to Sally Schupke. Cheques payable to SA Schupke District Round Ups Guildford Over the past few months Richard Farmer and a team of helpers have been negotiating, checking, testing and trying out the three bells at Alfold, which fell silent just before the Great War. The initial findings have been very promising. The locals are extremely keen and would like to see the bells augmented to 6 in due course. Leatherhead The Leatherhead District were very pleased to host this years Guild AGM. 'Soundbow', the Leatherhead District's first newsletter has just been issued, advertising forthcoming training events, including change ringing on handbells on 5th May. They are looking for experienced handbell ringers to act as trainers. If you are able to help please contact Roger Tompsett.
No contributions have been received from the Chertsey or Farnham Districts.
Guild Calendar
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The new gift aid
As part of the Getting Britain Giving measures announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer last year changes were made to the Gift Aid Scheme. The basic points of the new scheme are as follows:
The Guild would like to reclaim the tax on that part of your subscription that goes directly to the Bell Restoration Fund (currently £4). This could increase the income to the BRF by as much as £500 a year. If you pay a subscription and also pay tax please consider completing the Gift Aid Declaration below. It can be returned to me directly or via any District or Guild Officer. Alternatively you can e-mail Jackie Roberts with your name (forename, initials and surname), and address, including your postcode.
If you are excused payment of the subscription, please consider using this form to make
a donation to the BRF on which we may reclaim the tax.
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