Because limited ringing has taken place in many branches recently, the Guild Summer Festival took on a different format this year, with no interbranch 8-bell striking competition.  We started with some open ringing then stopped to draw teams at random from the assembled ringers.  4 teams were compiled (all of whom decided to ring Grandsire Triples) and their ringing was judged by the Guild Master, Simon Dixon, with assistance from Toby Bence.

A beautiful sunny afternoon allowed plenty of opportunity to catch up with news of ringing friends who had not been seen for many months.

After the competition a short meeting was held in the hall at Thrapston. The president, Alistair Donaldson started the meeting with his own welcome and a message from one of the Guild patrons, the Bishop of Peterborough. Business included the report of the Central Council Meeting for 2021, and Bell Fund grants were awarded to Earls Barton, East Hunsbury, Pattishall and Wollaston.

A proposal was received for Alistair Donaldson to fill the new position of Safeguarding Officer which had remained vacant from the Annual Meeting. This was approved.

Margaret Buchanan

Pam Bailey