The CBB AGM was held at Quainton on Saturday 10th February. About 20 members braved the wintery afternoon – well done! There was ringing before the service, then a much needed tea before we retired from the very cold church (the heating system had broken) to the ‘Upper Room’ which was very cosy. The meeting covered all the normal annual business, with reports and accounts all approved. We then had the election of officers. Jan and Rachel had already let everyone know that they would be standing down from their respective posts as Ringing Master and Secretary. They were thanked for the huge amount of work that they have done for the branch, Jan in particular having been Chairman before taking over as Ringing Master. The new post holders, elected without objection, are Darren Washington as Ringing Master and Anne Pratt as Secretary. Anne made it clear that she is covering this post for a year while members think seriously about a new person for the job.
In other business:
The chairman reminded members that the George Edmans Fund is available for loans up to five hundred pounds for work on rings in the branch.
The plans for ringing through the year were distributed and a new sheet for each tower with contact details of the new officers will be available soon. The Chairman was able to update with outline details of the branch outing in April. This year we will be heading to the eastern side of London, focusing on Greenwich and walking under the Thames. Please put a note in your diaries.
The monthly ‘Improvers’ practice at Aylesbury is stopping. Aylesbury need support for learners rather than improvers, so this year we will be holding special practices on the 4th Wednesday of the month for those moving into Stedman Triples and Surprise Major. These will be held in alternate months in Haddenham and Stewkley during their normal practice nights, both towers having bands working at this level. The first of these will be at 7.30 on Wednesday 28th February at Haddenham.
Finally the training officer pointed out that there is plenty of support available in the branch if you need help at your tower, whether with handling, moving into change ringing or ringing quarter please. Please contact her direct for help.