West Lindsey Branch AGM, 21st January 2012

Another nice day for an AGM. Unfortunately I was late getting to it, since I had a wedding to ring for. None the less I arrived at St. Andrew's, Kirton in Lindsey, just in time for the service.

The Reverend Kathy Colwell was presiding and preached and excellent sermon based on the lesson from Paul's letter to the Colossians, on how bellringing is all about teamwork, loyalty and committment and how these attributes can be translated in to all aspects of one's life. The organ was played by Roger Lord of the Northern Branch.

After the service we all moved to the Methodist Church Hall over at Messingham for the tea. In fact the word "tea" didn't really do it justice. "Banquet" would have been a more fitting description. After some tea and coffee we were presented with a baked potato and then the choice of Chilli, Beef Stew, Lasagne or a Chicken Casserole, plus Coleslaw, Cheese and Salad. I was a bit worried, because I hadn't booked a tea, but I need not have worried, because there was plenty.

Once we had consumed this there was dessert. Apple pie, Trifle, Black Forest Gateau, Ice Cream, Fruit Salad, followed by more tea and coffee.

The members queue for their tea
 
Left to Right: Sue Faull, Janet Clarke
Revd Rhys Prosser & Revd Steph Prosser

Once the tea was over, the branch officers made their way onto the stage at the back of the hall to commence the AGM.

The Reverend Rhys Prosser opened the meeting with a minute's silence and then a prayer for those members of the West Lindsey Branch that had passed away in the previous year. After the apologies for absence the minutes for the last AGM were approved.

The Ringing Master Mrs. Janet Clarke gave her report which was very encouraging and then the Treasurer, Mrs. Susan Faull gave her report, which indicated that takings were down somewhat this year. Mr. Ian Till then gave a comprehensive report on the Guild Committee meetings and then we moved on to the election of officers.

The President (Revd. Rhys Prosser) and the Secretary (Revd. Stephanie Prosser) were both unable to continue in their present roles. This was because they were now having to take on further parishes (including Stow), which would leave them little time for guild and branch activities. Mrs. Susan Faull also indicated that she was not intending to continue as Treasurer, as she had only taken it on as a "caretaker" role.

Mr. Melvyn Rose was elected President and Mrs. Tracy Black was elected Secretary. Mrs. Mary Brown was elected to the position of Treasurer. Mr. Rae Todd was unable to continue as one of the Junior Member Representatives, so this left just one, Mr. Philip Scarf. All other posts remained as before apart from committee members. The new list officers is therefore as follows.

President: Melvyn Rose
Treasurer: Mary Brown
Secretary: Tracey Black
Ringing Master: Janet Clarke
Asst. Ringing Master: Alison Elwess
Branch Webmaster: Patience Thody
Junior Member Rep: Philip Scarf
Fund Raising Rep: Susan Faull
Guild Committee Rep: Ian Till
Committee members: Pam Cooke, Joy Till & Sue Faull
Auditor: Richard Hall

The meeting then moved onto the election of new members. 9 new members were admitted, 2 of these being junior members.

The branch webmaster (Patience Thody) gave her report which indicated that the branch website was really beginning to take shape with many branch members submitting articles for inclusion on the website.

The diary of events for 2012 was discussed and in general was accepted, with some minor amendments.

The Ratification of Grants was briefly discussed with 2 towers benefiting from donations from branch funds.

Mr. Stephen Clarke gave the vote of thanks, before the Revd Rhys Prosser led the members in a closing prayer and The Grace.

The meeting having concluded, members moved over to the church for some ringing on the excellent little six at the Church of the Holy Trinity, Messingham, where a range of ringing took place until 9:00pm.

Ringing at Messingham
Ringing at Messingham

This was a very successful and well attended meeting. Many thanks to the Incumbents and ringers of the local towers and all the others who worked hard to make it an enjoyable evening, especially the ladies who did the food.

Jonathan Clark (webmaster)