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Election of Officers
All Officers being prepared to stand again, and there being no other nominations, all were re-elected 'en block'
[* NB Keith Field had taken over Geoff Holding's role]

Tower Captain's Report
Nicola stated that there had been another year of continuous improvement and, when visiting other towers with 'her' ringers she was really proud of their standard when set against other towers.
There had been individuals running evening practices - which had developed their confidence considerably. Some people are starting to conduct ringing and were calling.
Five ringers had progressed to the point of competence for Quarter Peals. Carole asked the significance of setting this as a 'challenge' or 'stepping-stone' to progress, and a lively debate ensued.
The idea of organising a dedicated Quarter Peal practice night before such Peal attempts was suggested and agreed.
Nicola was delighted to see the latest Peal Board in place (04/01/2003), together with the 'Year 2000' photograph.

Secretary's Report
There had been an increase in the number of Weddings for which we had rung, together with many more Visiting Bands including the tower in their outings - all of whom had reported most favourably on the tower's condition, its facilities and the quality and performance of the bells themselves. The school had been most accomodating in this matter and had asked to liaise about a visit to the tower in the coming Spring. This was greeted enthusiastically - since it would help awaken an interest in ringing in both children and parents.

Treasurer's Report
A healthy Balance Sheet was circulated which showed £1,129.03 in the Staffordshire B.S. a/c.
This led to the suggestion of our funds underpinning i) the Giles night celebration ii) the possibility of a social night in January (to include partners). Harry agreed to ask Rupert Boden about vacancies at The Talbot in January.

Tower Keeper's Report
Keith said that the bells were in first class shape but that the belfrey required some cleaning - which he would undertake.
Given the state of the existing Muffles it was proposed (MG) and seconded (CH) that new should be purchased - Keith to advise.
The location/number/state of the alternative set of ropes was questioned. Keith would investigate and report back. It was noted that sufficient funds for contingencies/replacements would need to be retained in the account.
Thanks were expressed to Keith for his work on our behalf.

A.O.B.
The level of Rope Fees (static for 2/3 years) was raised by HG and it was generally agreed that Visiting Bands would be asked to donate  "£10 - minimum",  that Quarter Peal charges were to rise to £10, and that the charge for Full Peals would be £4 per rope. These charges would apply to all new bookings and that we would honour all present commitments at the 'old' range of charges, as had already been agreed.
Ringers were reminded of the Vicar's reminder that Christmas Day services were 'as normal' and the times were no different to usual (8:45 to 9:30).

A vote of thanks was proposed to Nicola and to Richard for the work that they had undertaken in training us all for the past year.

Tower Captain's Report
Development of Ringing Skills
Very encouraging, all the team is now ringing Plain Hunt on at least 5, and ringers are beginning to recognise when striking is inaccurate. Some very good ringing has been heard for weddings over the summer.
Some ringers are beginning to Treble to other methods and to move inside to Bob Doubles
Achievements
i)    1st peal on bells finally rung on 4th Jan. 2003 - Plain Bob Major with Richard and Nicola form our Tower.
ii)    1st quarter peals from David and Harry - well done. Both rang Tenor to Plain Bob Doubles
iii)    another quarter peal planned for 30th Nov 2003- to include 3 local members
Past Year
i)    Several Training Days had been hosted at Chaddesley
ii)    St. Mary's, Kidderminster had practiced here during the re-furbishment of their bells
iii)    Branch Outing had been attended by several of our team
Visiting Bands
Special thanks to Harry for organising and (with Margaret) attending and admitting these ringers MDF still to do his peal.
Future Training Opportunities
i)    Hilary Rose would concentrate on Bob Doubles next Feb (2004) at Nicola's request
ii)    All encouraged to take advantage of ringing elsewhere - for experience

Nicola concluded by saying that the team had the potential to make quarter Peals for Sunday Services; and would like to see a Quarter Peal by Chaddesley ringers within a couple of years.

Tower Keeper's Report
Awaited

Treasurer's Report
A healthy balance of £1,428.46

Election of Officers

1. Tower Captain    -    Nicola
2. Tower Keeper(s)    -    Geoff was happy to stand again; with Keith as a Second; and with Harry as Asistant
3. Tower Secretary    -    Harry (assisted by Margaret)
4. Tower Treasurer(s)    -    Jean and Pam - with Carole as 3rd Signatory
5. PPC Rep                        -    Christine

Nicola thanked the officers for their work and help. David replied with thanks for the work put into our teaching by Nicola.

Tower / Bell Refurbishment
Carole suggested that we check that we have the paint and the tools to redecorate and attend to the Ringing Chamber.
Also, a request to obtain cushions for the benches

A.O.B.
Isle presented with a prize from the '300' club.
Nicola circulated a leaflet for Peal Boards - and a quote was to be obtained for the Peal following refurbishment of the bells.
Jean confirmed that Harry would design a certificate from the tower expressing thanks for the donation which paid for the new carpet and tower redecoration.
David asked about ringing on more than one Sunday a month. Nicola asked for volunteers to organise same.

Future Diary dates
9  Nov - Remembrance Sunday
19 - 20 - Nativity Play
21 Dec - Giles night
25 Dec - Christmas ringing

St Cassian's Bell Ringers    AGM Meeting 14th Nov 2001    Minutes
Present:
Nicola Beaumont, Harry Grove, Carole Hislop, Jean Beaumont, Keith Field, Margaret Grove, Pam Cummins, Gill Aitken, Richard Beaumont, Geoffrey Holding.
Apologies:
Christine Hickman-Smith, David Hickman-Smith, Alex Morgan, Alan Beaumont.
Election of Officers:

All the above Officers received the unanimous approval of the meeting.

Format of Ringing:
Practice Nights – Wednesday 7.45pm – 9pm   All who want to come will be made most welcome

Sunday Ringing – 1st Sunday of each month (a.m.) 

Full Peals – existing rules to remain - 

Quarter (¼) Peals – Visiting bands [Existing rules]

All the above existing rules and amendments to the Format of Ringing were agreed.
Peal fee - which the team felt was reasonable – but Nicola was to check what other towers charged.
NOTE: When peal fee charges have been checked, a brief meeting would be held to ratify the charges which would then be displayed on the board in the ringing chamber (and copies made available to those enquiring about ringing Peals).

Nicola thought the Ringing Chamber was "Looking Good" and thanked to everyone for their contributions.
She enquired whether all the necessary work been done on bells 6 & 7 Were they approved for ringing the Peal on 8th Dec ? ... Geoffrey & Harry to ensure this is complete by 8th Dec.
Blind: the one already bought needed to be installed. ... This matter was still under review, and Geoffrey and Richard would ensure attention.

AOB
Nicola gave a warm welcome to Keith – our new ringer.
She went on to note how well the tower had done during the year;

Carole relayed a message from Christine .. "who sent her best wishes and hoped we had an enjoyable meeting."
Richard thanked Nicola for her work during the previous year.

Minutes of the Meeting 25th October 2000

Election of Officers

Tower Captain
RPB informed the meeting it was his intention to stand down as Tower Captain. Christine asked to be recorded everyone's thanks for his patience and bravery in teaching so many to learn at once. Richard then proposed Nicky as Tower Captain, this was unanimously carried.
Tower Keepers
These are currently Geoffrey and Stefan. Having ascertained their willingness to continue in office, the meeting unanimously re-elected them.
Tower Secretary
Heather had asked to stand down from this role. Carole was nominated to succeed and unanimously elected.
PCC Rep
This is a new role and some discussion centred first over what the role actually entailed. It was agreed that this was a liaison role between the PCC and the ringers. It was not a statement that we required a position on the PCC. Christine was nominated and unanimously elected. It was agreed that Richard would write to the PCC outlining this role and Christine's involvement.
Treasurer
Currently this is Jean and Pam with the secretary as the third signatory. On the assumption that Pam was happy to continue, Jean and Pam were re-elected and instructed to arrange for the bank mandate to be changed to include Carole and remove Heather.
Publicity Officer
Again this is a new role and some discussion took place over the creation of this position. Many of those in village have found themselves being asked what is happening with regard to the bells and felt the need for one person to collate news/events relating to the bells. Margaret ( and Harry!) was nominated and unanimously elected. It was further agreed that apart from regular articles in the Parish Magazine we would try to put notices up in The Lych Gate and various village shops ie Jukes and Banks.

The Way Forward

The Re-Dedication
Richard briefly explained the reason and format of the rededication. Nicky was trying to get in touch with John Cox to identify whether anything has been done as yet and if not to prompt things along.

Future Format of Ringing

Practice Nights
This was agreed by the meeting to continue as Wednesday evenings with a start time of 7.30 for 7.45. The 7.30 start is aimed at one to one practice before the main ringing gets started.
Sunday
This was agreed to remain as the first Sunday in the month with additional Sundays to tie in with specific major services. In time the aim is to increase the number of Sunday services but probably staying with morning services.

Peals
After much debate the following rules were agreed.
a) One per Calendar Quarter
b) Only on Saturdays and to be finished by 7pm
c) Weddings to take precedence therefore leading to the possibility of last minute cancellation.
d) Notice of intention to ring a peal to be at least 1st of previous month to allow publication in Parish Magazine
e) Contribution required to rope fund – Nicky to identify the norm.
Quarter Peals
The following rules were agreed for quarter peals
a) Only on Sundays in time for evensong ( service at 6.30pm)
b) Must allow at least one member of the local band the opportunity to ring

Redecoration/Refurbishment of Tower
Given the problems regarding the cupboard, it was agreed that we would not rush to do anything in the tower just yet and would wait for all the inspections to be complete.

Any Other Business

Letter of Thanks
It was agreed Richard should write a letter of thanks to the PCC regarding the bells and the work done on them.
Muffs
We will need these for the Remembrance Sunday service. It was agreed that Geoffrey should find out the cost of some new easifit muffles.
Ropes/Spike
Geoffrey and Stefan between them have the spare ropes and the centre spike. Again these to be returned in due course.
Money Box
This was located in the clock room. Christine volunteered to take it home and strip the orange paint from it. Once cleaned it will then be reaffixed to the wall on the left of the doorway as you exit.
Chaddesley Sweatshirt
Suggestion raised of a Chaddesley sweatshirt. Nicky, in her absence, was volunteered to investigate as she arranged the branch one.
Celebration Party
Jean and Alan kindly volunteered their home for a celebration party sometime the second week of December. Everyone to check their diaries for next week.