The 2013 Association AGM was held at Cadoxton-juxta-Neath on Saturday 27th April
Ringing beforehand was at Cadoxton but unfortunately, due to an accident on the M4 combined with a lock-out, ringing at Aberavon wasn't possible.
In the absence of the Association Chairman, The Association Master chaired the Meeting.
Following the reading and acceptance of the Minutes from last year's AGM, in "Matters Arising" it was reported that Rebecca John (Cadoxton) had rung her first peal, two ITTS Training Courses had been held in our area and Fr John Hughes' hand-bells, which had formerly belonged to Trevor Roderick, were being refurbished and a "missing bell" replaced.
Officers' Reports:
Jonathan Lewis (Association Master) and Mike Penney (Association General Secretary) referred the Meeting to their reports in the 2012 Annual Report. Mike Penney advised that he had written to David Price to thank him for his efforts as Editor of the Annual Report following his move away from South Wales.
Fred Jackson (Association Treasurer) referred to the General Fund and Bell Restoration Fund Accounts and advised that £1,100 had been received from the 200 Club since the Accounts for 2012 were finalised. There was some discussion about the reporting of membership numbers in the report and it was decided that this would be taken forward to future Annual Reports. The Accounts were formally accepted.
Election of Officers
All Officers were re-elected en-bloc
Pip Penney reported on the proceedings of the 2012 Central Council Meeting, where there was a big focus on recruitment and retention of ringers. The next Ringing Roadshow will be at Newbury in September 2014.
Other Matters
The dates for the Pitman Trophy Striking Competition, 120th Anniversary Dinner, 2014 Annual General Meeting (Monmouth Branch) and Quiz Night were advised.
The Meeting was advised that since the Bell Restoration Fund was as large as it has ever been, the Management Committee were considering the possibility/legality of diverting revenue streams to training activity. This would be for "new money" and not for money already in the Fund.
Following the draw for the 200 Club, Steve Coleman of St Brides Major donated a trophy to be used for an eight-bell striking competition. In accepting the trophy on behalf of the Association, Jonathan Lewis considered that it would be best if the Management Committee pondered the most appropriate form of competition for which the trophy would be awarded.
The final act of the the Meeting was the presentation of a certificate to Peter Bennett of Newport Cathedral to mark his achievement in reaching (and surpassing) a total of 1000 Peals for the Association.
Photo: Peter Bennett with his Certificate
Photo: Peter Bennett's Certificate
