There is a healthy financial situation and it is hoped that this will enable us to invest in promoting bell ringing and provide training and development. I have noted the number of voices expressing concern that too few young people are taking up bell ringing. More promotion of bell ringing is needed and this has to be backed up by good ongoing training and a happy social situation in towers, meetings and outings.

With the support of Jane Boden and my wife Joy, leaflets on bell care and bell ringing were distributed to churchwardens at the archdeacons’ warden citation services throughout the Diocese in May 2013. A year after introducing the amendments to the constitutions of the Association and its Bell Repair Fund and all seems to be going smoothly thanks to everyone involved carefully reviewing the changes before implementation.I hope that our recently purchased Wombel will get well used in 2014 and in subsequent years. It is available so don’t let it gather dust.

In March I added to the Best Practice Guidance Notes some survey information on the setting of ringers fees for weddings. Later I circulated notes on financial regulations as they might affect ringers and tower funds. This is in the wake of new demands from H.M. Revenue and Customs and the Charity Commissioners. Both bodies are looking to ensure adequate audit trails and reduce the opportunities for theft and fraud. This is an ongoing issue so it will be interesting to see how tightly PCC treasurers seek enforce changes to current practice over fees and funds.

Corrections and changes to the printed report