The Essex Association of Change Ringers President: The Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Chelmsford

Welcome to the web site of the Essex Association of Change Ringers

Founded at Writtle, near Chelmsford, in 1879 the Association predates the Diocese of Chelmsford by some 35 years. Its boundaries are those of the old county of Essex prior to 1st April 1965. With a membership of over 1000, the Association is committed to the furtherance of the work of the Church by ringing bells, promoting bells and bell ringers, and keeping the bells of Essex churches ringing. This is achieved by giving help and advice in the maintenance of bell installations, by making grants available for restoration and improvement projects, and by offering opportunities for training and advancement in 'method ringing'.

 

Looking to the Future

It is now just over six months since the 'Looking to the Future' project started, and I would like to express my sincere thanks to everybody who has participated. All of the District Representatives have said how welcome they were made at all the towers they visited. Many members at a large number of towers put a great deal of time and effort into answering the two questionnaires, and some bands put aside their whole practice night to get involved and put forward their views. There are still a few responses to be gathered, but the main focus from now on is to start to use all the information and feedback that has been gathered.

Your Looking to the Future working party met on Sunday 31 May to start their work of drawing up practical recommendations for the October Committee meeting on how the Association can improve the support it gives to ringers and towers in Essex. The minutes of this meeting are now on the Looking to the Future page. The working party will continue to meet regularly, and updates will be posted to keep everybody informed of progress.

Once again my thanks for all of your input into this initiative.

BRIAN MEADS