Fast away the old year passes… As 2025 draws to a close, this is often a time for reflection and for setting new challenges for the forthcoming year. Perhaps this might include a ringing challenge?
As ever, the Christmas period is a very busy time for us with additional services very often being laid on in the lead up to Christmas Day and, for some towers, the additional tradition of ringing in the New Year. I was pleased to receive an email earlier this month with an update on the Governments plan to identify and list examples of cultural heritage based on the traditions that have formed part of our national heritage for generations. Surely, the English style of change ringing is one that should be included in this list? It has formed part of this country’s soundscape for centuries and certainly deserves to be recognised. The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers are currently compiling a submission to support the inclusion of change ringing as an example of living heritage thar forms part of the rich tapestry of UK culture.
One thing that I omitted to mention from the General Committee meeting in November was that the Association recently received a bequest of £50000 for the Bell Restoration Fund from the estate of the late Mary Andrews of Bexley, a former Vice-President of the KCACR and a longstanding secretary of the Lewisham District. This will enable us to continue to support projects across the Association to help maintain and improve the bell installations within our area of operation.
The operation of the Bell Restoration Fund is the responsibility of its trustees who are the Chairman, General Secretary and Treasurer of the KCACR. As I said in my previous Words from the Chair, both myself and Joanne Pohl will not be standing for re-election to these posts at the AGM on the 6th April. Although not stipulated in the Association rules, the role of Chairman traditionally lasts for a three year term and I am now serving in my fourth year as Chairman. Due to other factors, Joanne has also found it necessary to relinquish the post of General Secretary so we do need to find replacements for both positions.
Please do not hesitate to contact myself or Joanne should you want to find out more about either of these roles.
I would like to remind you that we are arranging anr ART M1 training course at SS Peter and Paul, Ash by Wrotham in the Lewisham District on Saturday, 7th February. This course is aimed at those who are either involved in teaching bell handling or who would like to learn how to teach bell handling and aged 14 or older. You should also have sufficiently good bell control to be able to inspire confidence in others and an ability to comfortably raise and lower a bell. The course itself will offer a mix of practical activities and discussions.
There are still a few places left so if you are interested in signing up for this course, please visit https://events.bellringing.org/en/events/courses/eaching-course-module-1-ash-by-wrotham-kent The course costs £30 to attend although the KCACR will refund this. Details of how to do this will be given at the course, Additionally, attendees will need to bring their own lunch. There will be a £5.00 tower donation and donations would also be welcome for light refreshments.
Another idea that we are contemplating is a meeting for tower captains. We are looking at early May for this event and are likely to hold it in the Rochester District. It is aimed at all tower captains and we hope to discuss and share aspects of good practice as well as some of the current issues and requirements that may need to be met by tower captains. Further details will follow but please do make others aware that this will be going ahead.
As 2025 draws to a close, it only remains for me to wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year. Perhaps this will be a year where you could set a ringing challenge as a resolution for 2026?
Neil Jones
KCACR Chairman