CHESTER DIOCESAN GUILD OF CHURCH BELL RINGERS:
WIRRAL BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
18th NOVEMBER 2000 AT PORT SUNLIGHT.

Present: Rev Malcolm Shapland (Vice-President) - elected to chair the meeting in absence of the President, Mr. Peter Wilkinson (Guild Ringing Master) and 30 members representing 10 towers.

Apologies for absence: Rev. Jim Florance (on Sabbatical), Susan Costello, George Phillips, Dave Hocker, Jean and Vyvyan Barclay, Bernard Lewis, David Taylor, Arthur Winn, Hazel Bailey and Phil Whitfield.

Minutes of AGM held 27th November 1999: Copy of the minutes was circulated via the web site. Agreed minutes be taken as read, then accepted, whereupon the Vice-President signed the Minute Book.

Statement of Accounts: The Treasurer commented on the statement, copies pre-circulated, which now complies with the requirements of the Charities Commission. Following various queries from the floor it was agreed the accounts be accepted. It was also proposed and agreed that two more authorising signatories be included on the Branch account, namely the Secretary and Ringing Master, with any two signatures required for authorisation of payments.

Secretary's Report: was presented with reference to attendance at meetings and hosting of the Guild Half-Yearly Meeting at Eastham, and the use of the Wirral Branch Website and email as a valuable means of communication. The Chairman thanked the Secretary for his work throughout the year.

Ringing Master’s Report: was presented with reference to the successful Ring-in 2000, but shortfalls for Sunday Service Ringing. The R.M. conveyed the thanks of Rock Ferry to the meeting for our support to their project.

Provisional Programme for 2001: Subject to final confirmation from some churches, the provisional programme was accepted by the meeting except that it was noted that the proposed date for the outing may prove problematical because of weddings. Committee to consider and review.

Branch Officers: The following nominations for 2001 were proposed en bloc.
President: Rev Jim Florance (2nd year). Chairman: Mr A. J. Martin. Secretary: Mr P.F. Humphreys.
Treasurer: (& Press Officer): C. Eden. Ringing Master: R. T. J. Tinkler. Hon. Accounts Examiner: Mr W. Harrison.
Committee: The Chairman, Ringing Master, Secretary and Treasurer, Sharon Williams, Peter Robson and Anne Travers.
Guild Committee Representatives: Chairman, Ringing Master, Secretary and, outside the meeting, Janet Jones.

New members: Matthew Tickle and Stephen Triggs (both of Oxton) were accepted into membership.

Tommy Rogers' Memorial Prize: For significant progress and major contributions to Branch and Guild events, the award, in the form of a book (Atlas of Bells) was presented to Eastham.

Guild Report input: Towers were urged to confirm detail for Guild Report by end of November.

Safety: Guidance notes now available on the Branch Website.

Freeman of the Guild: The Guild Ringing Master was invited to present his proposal on this new grade of membership. Following brief discussion, it was agreed the Branch support this proposal.

Guild Dinner 2001: The Guild proposed to hold a dinner next year. This would not be an annual event.

Correspondence: Various items of correspondence were presented by the Secretary.

Next Meeting: Names for Pub Evening Meal, preceded by ringing at Oxton, required now by Alec Martin.

Any Other Business:
Gift Aid: The Treasurer urged taxpayers to 'Gift Aid' their subscriptions and any donations.
Christmas Cards: Charmian Eastwood had produced 'Ringing' Christmas Cards, profits to Branch BRF.
Birthday: During the year Alex Martin had rung a peal (London Royal) on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
Memorial: A query was raised concerning the proposed Banky Pemberton Memorial Window at Bidston.

Votes of Thanks: The Ringing Master proposed a vote of thanks to Port Sunlight, including the catering team, for hosting the meeting. The meeting closed at 8.00 p.m. with ringing continuing until 9.00 p.m.