AGM OF CHANNEL ISLANDS BRANCH, 4TH OCTOBER 2026 3PM ON ZOOM.
Welcome to the Meeting.
Helen welcomed all to the Meeting and was pleased to see at least someone from each island and indeed each church. Attendees were : Jennifer Hill, Helen McGregor, Becky Harrison, Jane Le Conte, Peter Bevis, Justin Read, Louise Read, William Read, Nicky David, John David, Beverley Sproats, Graham Sproats, Frederica Kirkpatrick, Helen Green, Jean Collier, Rachel McCutcheon, Anne Le Cheminant, Will le Ray and Diane Brock.
Apologies for Absence
Tim Clark, Tim Knight, Christine Harris, Tim Wainwright, Vivian Vibert, Mike Bubb, Ian Wood, June Bannister, Anne Dorey.
A moment to stand and remember former ringers of the Branch. (Peter Gallienne and Robbi Sherwood) It was agreed that we had done this at the last meeting in April and didn’t need to be done again.
Review of the minutes of the last meeting. Nicky David (ND) was unsure if the minutes from the last AGM had been available on CI Bells, Peter Bevis assured her they had been there a year but Aprils Spring Meeting hadn’t been uploaded. It was agreed that those and these minutes would go on asap.
Matters arising. There were no matters arising.
Declaration of AOB. ND had sent in about not having an April Meeting online, this was agreed to be a good idea, she did raise the idea of 5mins on the 8bell day to remember people who had died, new members and reminders of the next meeting day. Helen McG brought forward next years meeting dates for AOB.
Reports :
Ringing Master, Justin: Branch practices are very well attended and this demonstrates the quality of the ringing particularly at the April Branch practice, talking to other branches they are very impressed by our quality of ringing when we all get together. As far as the youths are concerned I would like to integrate them a bit more into the SDGR potentially through the Ringing World Youth Striking competition. Will need support from all islands in making this happen, the youth travel fund may be needed to be used to support this plus some of our other funds to facilitate this.
A special mention to Duncan Loweth for his 40 peals in August and also his help in organising hawkear and EC as a venue for the 6 bell competition. Apologies for those who didn’t get to ring everything on the day but we did our best!
John David raised the point that in previous post of RM in the UK there was a focus on each towers efforts and challenges in ringing. Not just achievements but also where help is required. Justin took this on board and agreed that this probably needed looking into more.
Jane Le Conte raised the point that the travel fund for ringers might have to change the rules to allow youths to be more supported in this endeavour as there were rules about it only being used for Branch activities rather than all ringing events. It was agreed that this was put in place to stop ringers spending the fund on ringing holidays and could certainly be used for a youth event in the UK.
Treasurer. Becky had already sent round the report and the accounts but updated us that there is £5000 in the account, £600 of which is in the Youth travel fund.
John David raised the question of whether we give money to the LEBRF as we used to give money to the W&P restoration fund, Jennifer Hill reminded him that when we switched to the SDGR it agreed that we wouldn’t contribute nor ask for help from the fund.
A chance for proposed new committee members to speak about why they should be elected. Helen Green introduced herself as the only person standing for secretary, she rings at St Peters Guernsey and is looking forward to taking on the role.
Election of officers : Chairman : Helen McGregor, RM: Justin Read, Website : Peter Bevis, Treasurer: Rebecca Harrison all happy to stand again. Secretary: Jennifer Hill standing down. Helen Green was elected as the secretary. Proposed by Jennifer Hill and seconded by all members.
Election of New Members. Bryanna Cowley – Forest (junior Member), Jack Endersby – TC
AOB. Next meeting dates, these will be the 8 Bell in Alderney in April and 6 bell in Jersey in September. It was agreed that the dates would be decided by the committee before Christmas when the ferry schedule has hopefully been released allowing members form all islands to participate. The question of who to judge hawkear vs human was raised. It would save potentially £500 to do hawkear. It was decided when we knew the date and potentially the number of people attending whether we would invite a judge to be an extra couple of ringers to hopefully improve ringing both at an advanced level and at a more learner level. It was deemed to be a good idea to allow for extra pairs of hands however potentially a cost saver to use hawkear particularly with how expensive travel to Alderney is.
Helen closed the Meeting thanking Duncan again for all his efforts organising the 6 bell, Rebecca Harrison thanked Jennifer Hill for all her work as secretary.