St Martin's
Guild of Bell Ringers for the Diocese of
Birmingham
Henry
Johnson Dinner 2004
116th ANNUAL HENRY
JOHNSON COMMEMORATION DINNER.
This year’s dinner held on
Saturday 28th February was Sarah Vernon’s first as
Dinner Secretary. She made excellent arrangements by way of seating,
food and alcoholic refreshment. The Dinner was again held at The
Banqueting Suite at the Birmingham Council House. The venue is
unsurpassable by way of proportions and grandeur. The bar area is
adjacent to the dining area which is roomy and comfortable.
The chairman Simon Linford, was
accompanied by his fiancée Eleanor Kippin. Simon is Senior
Steward of the College Youths and a former Cannock ringer. He
managed, without difficulty to keep the proceedings running smoothly
and everyone in order.
John Sentamu the new Bishop of
Birmingham and his wife Margaret attended for the first time. The
Bishop thought of bringing his bongo drums to mark his first
appearance but had second thoughts at the last minute, thinking that
bellringers might prefer handbells instead!
Visiting clergy included The Dean of
Birmingham Cathedral, The Very Rev Gordon Mursell, Father Robert
Warren, Rector of St Laurence Northfield and his wife. Ringing
visitors were from York, London, Leicester and Towcester.
Following the proposal of H.M The
Queen, those present stood in silence to the memory of John McDonald.
The Church was proposed by David Baverstock. David is a member of the
band at St Paul’s Cathedral. He is studying theology at King’s
College London and is a part time verger at St George in the East, Stepney. He knew the Bishop through his work at
Stepney.
The new Bishop, John Sentamu was
Suffragan Bishop of Stepney before coming to Birmingham. He was a
lawyer prior to entering the church and trained for the Ministry at
Queen’s College, Birmingham. Following his speech, two leads of
Littleport Little Surprise 16 was rung faultlessly on handbells by
David and Rod Pipe, Richard Grimmett, Michael Wilby, David Hull,
Frances Dodds, Paul Carless and Tony Daw.
Jonathan Healy in proposing the Guests
and Visitors, said that his first ringers dinner was at Nottingham
University and he went with Paul Bibilo. He said he was not told to
take a suit. You can imagine what happened when he had to borrow a
jacket and trousers because there are not too many people as tall as
Jonathan! Apparently this did not spoil the evening. He then went on
to welcome the Guests and Visitors.
Alison Edmonds responded to Jonathan,
saying how welcoming Birmingham ringers were when she first came to
Birmingham. She then proposed the prosperity of the St Martin’s
Guild. Alison who is from York, stole our then Ringing Master David
Hull from Birmingham when they were married. David moved to York.
Birmingham ringers have now forgiven her!
Cecilia Pipe in replying to Alison,
mentioned the achievements of The St Martin’s Guild in the12
Bell Competition, the Tewkesbury Shield Contest and the local Guild
competitions. This is the first time that Alison and Cecilia have
made speeches at a dinner. In spite of this, the content and
deliveries of their speeches were excellent.
The Health of the Chairman was
proposed by John Warboys. John mentioned that Simon Linford had got
as far as Senior Steward of the College Youths before work took him
to Jersey. He came back to Britain occasionally to keep in practice
with challenging ringing. Now that he is back, he is now Senior
Steward again and will be Master of the College Youths next year.
John presented Simon with a ringing book entitled, Belfry Life in
Birmingham. The Recollections of John Day.
Much socialising with old friends was
done after the speeches. Thanks must go to Sarah Vernon who organised
the dinner and the catering staff for the excellent meal and service.
The 2005 Dinner which will be the 250th
year of the St Martin’s Guild, will be held at the Banqueting
Suite at the Birmingham Council House on Sat 26th February
2005. Early booking is highly recommended as a sell out of tickets
for this special dinner in such a wonderful setting is anticipated.
M.A.E
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