At the Central Council’s AGM in Nottingham we elected a new Secretary and two new Ordinary Trustees.  We asked them to write a short something to introduce themselves, how they go into ringing, what they enjoy about it  and why they wanted to join the Executive of the CCCBR.  So here they are:

Ernie de Legh-Runciman – Secretary

I started ringing at Christ Church in Bootle.  I was at a scout camp, and the two leaders would not talk about anything else but ringing, so I went to see what it was all about.  That was many years ago, and I am still ringing.  I was involved for many years in the ringing scene in Liverpool (including being tower secretary and steeple keeper at a very heavy ring of 12).

15 years ago, I decided to “emigrate” and move overseas to The Isle of Man, God’s own kingdom in the middle of the Irish Sea.  We have 2 rings of bells (an 8 and a 12) and about 20 active ringers.  We may not be technically advanced in our ringing, but we have two loyal and faithful bands.  One of the enjoyable aspects of ringing on the Island is the friendship that comes with it.

Why did I agree to become Council Secretary?  I am a great believer in that anyone who becomes a Council member should contribute to the work of the Council.  I have been involved with the Council for about 20 years and have always served on a committee (I think the count is four committees).  Following my return to the Council this year (after a short break), I was asked if I was interested in the role of secretary.  Having been able to watch previous secretaries at work, I had a good idea what the job entailed, so was happy to take it on.

What do I think of the Council?  It should be there to represent all ringers, to provide them with the appropriate help and expertise to move ringing forward into the modern age, to provide support when things go wrong, and encouragement to provide ringing at all levels.

Catherine Lane – Ordinary Trustee

Why did I learn to ring?  I just liked the sound of bells and when my sons were old enough to let me out of their sight, I cycled to a 6-bell tower in Berkshire.  I was rather too-late-a-learner to become a superb ringer and splice clever stuff, conduct, compose etc.  It was daunting enough learning to handle the rope travelling at 40 miles an hour and being an older learner, I was more aware of the hazards.

I’ve lived in the Oxford Diocesan Guild for a long time and been Master since 2018. I remain a ‘jobbing ringer’, supporting the bands that need help and constantly trying to improve my own ringing.  Over the intervening years I’ve made many friends who have helped me achieve far more than I knew was possible.

I was a primary school teacher for years, and I like facilitating people to find skills and strengths that they don’t know the possess so I enjoy helping ringers feel confident and valued in the ringing community.  I am delighted when a new ringer flourishes and becomes far more accomplished that I could ever be.

I like administration and making things run smoothly and efficiently (it really must in a classroom with 41 eleven-year-olds or it descends into chaos).  But don’t expect me to play with figures –not a good idea.  To understand why, read my article in the Ringing World on Ringing and Dyscalculia; I can’t even remember which edition it’s in, there is a copy.  Somewhere.

Ringing takes up a great chunk of my time, but I enjoy a lot of other things too! Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Beverly Faber – Ordinary Trustee

As a member of the North American Guild, I learned to ring in the tower at the Melrose School, in Brewster, NY, in late 1989.  The school had been founded by the Sisters of the Community of the Holy Spirit in 1963.  Unfortunately, the school closed in 2012, and due to structural issues and financial problems, we were asked to stop ringing in 2014.  So, I am mostly ringing when I’m in England, or on long weekends in meetings around US and Canada.  Most of my ability to advance my ringing over the years has been on the “Butler Tours”, which were all over the British Isles, plus much further afar in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands.

Why do I enjoy ringing?  First, is the challenge to learn, to enhance my ability, and the interest in how the methods actually work.  As I studied Mathematics in University, and spent my career in the IT industry, the math part of it intrigued me as well.  But, the more important part of ringing is the concept of team, not only the ringing itself, but the friendship one finds from the ringing, the local tower, the wider aspect of the Guild, the Council, and the idea that you can show up anywhere in the world where there is ringing, that you are welcomed.

Finally, why did I want to want to become a Trustee?  I was looking to change “committee” back in 2018, but I was asked to help with the group for the 2019 CCCBR AGM.  I found more interest working with many different people, tasks, and value I could provide.  I thought about the possibility of that new role, so when it became an open slot for the Trustee, I was delighted to join.