2009 AGM Review

The Annual General Meeting took place on the 16th May at Stewkley. This year the hosts were the Central Bucks Branch.

After a well attended service at St Michael, Stewkley, everyone adjourned to the village hall for a fine tea

The AGM itself then followed

There were changes to the ODG Rules that each member should be aware of and these were:

• Distinguished Membership
• Subscription date change

Distinguished Membership

The current situation, following the Guild AGM on 16th May 2009, is that no new Honorary Ringing Members can be elected. Those who are currently Honorary Members will remain as such.

In its place Distinguished Membership can be awarded to a Resident Ringing Member of the Guild who has been a member for at least 30 years and given meritorious service to the branch or Guild.

The process for this is as below:

• Complete a Nomination Form (which can be downloaded and printed here, or it can be requested from the Honorary General Secretary) and get it signed by 2 members of the Guild
• Send the form to the Honorary General Secretary by 31st March to be considered for that year's AGM
• Applications will be considered and approved by the Master, Deputy Master, and Honorary General Secretary, at a meeting sometime between 1st April and the AGM.
• A list of those approved will be read out at the AGM for ratification. Those to be ratified will be notified in advance.
• A Certificate will be prepared for each one, and presented at AGM to those present.

Guidelines for Distinguished Membership:

1. Minimum of 30 years' total membership
2. Holding branch and/or guild office for a significant time
3. Involvement in guild activities (meetings, festivals, courses, striking competitions) in an organisational capacity.

A person so elected will still be required to pay an annual subscription.

Subscription Rule Change

A motion was passed whereby any member whose subscription remains unpaid by the 31st March in the year in which it is due will cease to be a member of the Guild. Please see section 8 of the ODG rules for the full details.