Welcome to this first communication from me! I plan to be in touch in this way when there are items to pass on to branches. Please cascade this down through towers to ringers as appropriate.
First World War Commemoration
I know that many of you are participating in events in your local communities, by ringing the bells either half-muffled or open, on 3rd and 4th August. This commemoration is one of those occasions when bells are wanted and have an important role to play. The minister at one of the churches where I ring said: “The thing about the bells is that they are heard throughout the village, and would hopefully bring to everyone’s awareness the significance of the occasion, more than a service in Church.” Do be aware of other events over the next four years and offer your ringing services to your communities.
Farewell to Bishop John
As most of you will know, Bishop John leaves the Diocese in the autumn. He is Patron of the ODG and I will be writing to him with the best wishes of the Guild for his retirement. The Diocese is holding a “Grand Day Out” in Oxford on Saturday 20th September, and I am arranging a quarter peal at St Thomas’, Oxford, that day as a farewell complement to the bishop. The Deputy Master is arranging a peal at Olney and I guess that other ringing is being arranged around the Guild.
Do think about ringing a quarter sometime around the time of the Bishop’s departure. Please let me know (either before or after the event) and I will send the details to the Bishop AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER.
Your Branch
I as Master would very much like to visit all branches and am happy to receive notices of special events or practices. My email address is at the bottom.
May I also remind branch officers to invite principal Guild Officers and the Steward for your branch, to your meetings. Their details can be found on the Guild website www.odg.org.uk.
With best wishes,
Hilarie