Trustees Annual Report 2025
This annual report serves three main purposes. Firstly, it provides a summary of the year’s activities. While these events are reported more fully and promptly in the quarterly Guild Matters , this report offers an overview of the year as a whole. Secondly, it brings together essential information about the Guild, functioning as a practical handbook. Thirdly, and most importantly, it fulfils the trustees’ responsibility as a registered charity to report publicly on our operations.
In general, the Guild’s elected officers act as trustees and together form the Executive Committee. They also serve as trustees of the separate Bell Repair Fund (BRF) charity. Owing to the close relationship between the two charities, this single report covers the work of both organisations, and separate meetings for each charity are not held.
The year 2025 has brought a complete change in Trustees. Our sincere thanks go to Mike Chester, who has just concluded his third term as President. Thanks also to Steve Tibbetts who has been Guild Ringing master for a number of years.
Claire Tosh has been appointed as Treasurer, and Christine Homer has kindly taken on the role of Guild Ringing Master. Joy Pluckrose, one of our past Presidents, has stepped into the position of General Secretary, succeeding Annie Hall after 13 years in the role and enabling Annie to take up the Presidency. For the first time in our 118 years history, the Guild now has an all-female Board of Trustees.
Guild membership, as measured by those paying subscriptions during the year, has decreased slightly this year, which is a steady pattern, only bucking the trend in 2024. I am sure we will see a change again this year as 2026 will be the first year we have introduced payment through membermojo. Like many territorial societies, the move to electronic payment helps reduce volunteer time and enables the Guild to keep up to date with GDPR. For many established members, I know this change may not be welcome but like most territorial Guilds we do need to move with the times.
Guild’s paying membership in 2025 was split thus:-
| District | Senior | Junior | Total | Towers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coventry District | 108 | 8 | 116 | 15 |
| Rugby District | 79 | 6 | 85 | 12 |
| Warwick District | 247 | 8 | 255 | 43 |
| Unattached | 6 | 1 | 7 | |
| __ | ||||
| Totals | 440 | 23 | 463 | 70 |
There are also 7 active life members resident within the Guild taking the resident membership to 470. Thanks go again to Gerald Trevor and Alison Collins for their invaluable help in the collecting and recording of your subscriptions over the last 12 months. After many years of service, Gerald has decided to retire. He will be assisting Matthew Tosh in ensuring the move to membermojo is as smooth as possible. Thank you, Gerald. If you have not paid your subscription for 2026 by the time you read this (adults £10; juniors £2), please do log on and make the payment electronically. Officers are happy to take cash or cheques and make the payments on your behalf and the system will send a receipt.
This year, the unrestricted general fund recorded a deficit of £4,257 after transfers to the Bell Repair Fund. In addition, £4,000 was spent from designated funds. At the AGM, it was agreed to transfer a
further £5,000 from the general fund to the Bell Repair Fund. Taking this agreed transfer into account, the Guild recorded an overall surplus of £743.
The new training bells, funded by the Jill Roberts legacy, are being installed progressively. During the year, installations were completed at Rugby and Allesley. Harbury’s installation took place in early 2026, and the final set is due to be installed in Walsgrave in March 2026.
The Guild’s total reserves now stand at £18,497, of which £8,209 is held in designated funds and £10,288 in the general fund. The general fund balance is approximately equivalent to four years’ income. The Trustees will continue to monitor income levels, but current reserves are considered sufficient for the Guild.
Thanks must go to Sarah Thomas for examining this year’s Guild and Bell Repair Fund accounts, her second year in the role.
The Guild Bell Repair Fund income for the year surpassed £34,270 mainly due to income from the Phil Faulks’ Memorial Bell Repair Fund. Expenditure was about £24,160 giving us a surplus of nearly £10,000 over the year. During the year we donated sums of money to 4 different churches for various improvements to their rings of bells. Following the rules change, where it was agreed to give interim payments, Clifford Chambers was the first to benefit from the change with great success. Grants were given to:
| Clifford Chambers | £17,500 |
|---|---|
| Tredington | £1,500 |
| Lighthorne | £5,000 |
| Newbold on Avon | £160 |
The Guild Bell Repair Fund now has reserves of £43,642. While there are three major projects in the pipeline, no funds are currently allocated. We are currently looking at allocating up to 50% of the cost towards a project, subject to members approval. Our ability to do this is almost entirely to the Phil Faulks’ Fund that we can make such commitments. The very nature of the Fund means that the donations it makes to churches vary from year to year according to repairs, maintenance issues, and enhancements that occur and qualify for support. The donations made from the Fund vary from a few hundred pounds to several thousand according to the work needed. In simple terms with over 100 towers with bells in the Guild the Fund at the end of 2025 is equivalent to just over £400 per tower. The Trustees regard the current level of reserves as adequate. They are being proactive in using the money effectively by donating to churches having bell maintenance reports whilst still being receptive to funding any maintenance needed on bells/fittings; and augmentations to existing rings.
The Guild continues to take its commitment to the wider community very seriously. Ringing has always marked moments of national and local significance, and 2025 was no exception. In May, towers across the county rang to commemorate VE Day +80, honouring the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe. Later in August, we rang again for VJ Day +80, marking the end of the war in the Far East.
Throughout the Guild, bands joined civic commemorations, church services, and community gatherings, with bells sounding from town centres and village towers alike. In places such as Warwickshire’s historic market towns and rural parishes, the ringing formed part of a shared act of remembrance, connecting present-day communities with the events of 1945. These occasions demonstrated not only the Guild’s musical tradition but also its ongoing role in civic life, ensuring that significant national anniversaries are marked with dignity and a strong sense of local participation.
The Guild Working Party was established to review the workings of the Guild. The introduction of membermojo was one of the principal recommendations. These are to provide focus and direction in four key areas of activity: Ringing Together; Training and Recruitment; Tower and Bell Maintenance; and Stakeholder Management. Together, these strands are intended to strengthen both our internal life as a Guild and our outward-facing relationships.
Encouragingly, work has already gained real momentum in the first three areas. Under Ringing Together , efforts have centred on increasing opportunities for shared ringing, supporting bands, and fostering stronger connections between towers. Up-ward to 8 and 10 bell ringing practices have proved popular. The Training and Recruitment strand has begun developing a clearer pathway for learners and teachers alike. Training has continued to be a key focus in 2025 with Training Hubs now running at Kineton; Lighthorne; Leek Wootton; Stretton on Dunsmore; and Tysoe. The success of any training relies on the dedication of many volunteers who give their time so willingly to not only run the sessions but also to help by sharing their experience and ‘know how’.
Successful striking competitions were held at Snitterfield in March and Alcester in September. We were delighted to be given a new cup for the 8 bell district winner. This was given by Revd Dr Julian Davey and presented by him to the winning team, Coventry at the annual carol service.
Raising and maintaining ringing standards remains a central priority for the Guild. Every time bells are rung, it is a public act — heard well beyond the tower — and part of the living cultural heritage of this country. We therefore carry a responsibility to ensure that what we produce reflects care, skill and musical integrity.
To support this, regular Surprise Major practices are held, providing an opportunity for more experienced ringers to refine their technique, develop consistency, and build confidence in more demanding methods. These practices not only strengthen individual ability but also contribute to the overall quality of ringing heard across the Guild.
The Guild social in January was held at Clifton on Dunsmore and a great lunch enjoyed by all who attended. The July Outing to was to Northampton. Many of us travelled by train and walked between the four churches.
The Youth Team now have a fixed home, Harbury, and practise on the second Sunday of the month. This year they entered a Midlands striking competition as well at travelling to Birmingham for the Ringing World National Youth competition. Two bands were entered and congratulations to George, Josh, Lucas, Henry, Liam and Alfie for winning their competition. They are a credit to themselves and to the teachers who have worked so hard to help them progress.
The Guild’s “New for November” initiative certainly caught the imagination of members with many “firsts” recorded. A summary of the “Firsts” can be found later in the Annual Report. A successful Carol service was held at Salford Priors.
In closing, the Guild is delighted to share that the new Bishop of Coventry, the Right Reverend Sophie Jelley, has graciously agreed to become our Patron. Her acceptance is a great honour and a source of encouragement to us all. Bishop Sophie’s evident commitment to faith, community, and compassionate leadership resonates deeply with the values at the heart of our Guild.
Annie Hall, (President), Joy Pluckrose (General Secretary), Claire Tosh (Treasurer) & Christine Homer (Ringing Master)
The Coventry Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers Charity Number 517977
Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025
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Unrestricted Designated Total Funds Total Funds
Funds 2025 Funds 2025 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Income
Subscriptions
Coventry 1,076 - 1,076 992
Rugby 794 - 794 808
Warwick 2,492 - 2,492 2,516
Unattached 60 - 60 110
Late/Early - - - 50
Non-resident 10 - 10 10
-
Total subscription income 4,432 4,432 4,486
Donations 310 - 310 94
Report Advert - - - 50
Bulding Society Interest 480 - 480 105
Other income 22 - 22 -
Total income 5,244 - 5,244 4,735
Expenditure
Officers' expenses 624 - 624 180
Membership administration costs 95 - 95 -
Central Council subscriptions 188 - 188 90
Annual report 267 - 267 271
PR, website, etc 120 - 120 -
Training 280 - 280 100
Youth Team 242 - 242 601
Purchase of replacement stays 60 - 60
-
Donations - Training Bells - Jill Roberts Legacy 4,000 4,000 4,000
Liabilities/Maintenance insurance 394 - 394 427
Total expenditure 2,270 4,000 6,270 5,669
Surplus/Deficit prior to transfers 2,974 (4,000) (1,026) (934)
-
Transfer of subs to Bell Repair Fund (2,231) (2,231) (2,215)
- -
Transfer to Bell Repair Fund (5,000) (5,000)
Surplus/(Deficit) for the year (4,257) (4,000) (8,257) (3,149)
Total funds brought forward 1 January 14,545 12,209 26,754 29,903
Total funds carried forward 31 December 10,288 8,209 18,497 26,754
Funds breakdown
General Fund 10,288 - 10,288 14,545
Churches Conservation Trust Fund - 936 936 936
-
Jill Roberts Legacy 5,673 5,673 9,673
Youth Team - 1,600 1,600 1,600
Total Funds at 31 December 10,288 8,209 18,497 26,754
Statement of Assets at 31 December
Coventry Building Society 2,409 8,209 10,618 10,138
Cash at Bank and in Hand 7,888 - 7,888 16,535
- -
Cash held by Stripe 1,223 1,223
Prepayment 100 - 100 -
Ringing World Credit 81 81 81
Current Assets 11,701 8,209 19,910 26,754
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Sundry Creditors 60 - 60 -
- -
Subscriptions in advance (net of Stripe fees) 1,353 1,353
Current Liabilities 1,413 - 1,413 -
Net Assets 10,288 8,209 18,497 26,754
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The accounts were approved and authorised for isssue by the Trustees on 22 March 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:
Claire Tosh Sarah Thomas Trustee and Treasurer
Independent Examiner
The Coventry Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers Bell Repair Fund Charity Number 502576 Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025
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Total Funds Total Funds
2025 2024
£ £
Income
Subcsriptions from Coventry Diocesan Guild of Churc 2,231 2,215
-
Transfer from Coventry Diocesan Guild of Church Bellr 5,000
Coventry Diocesan Trustees - Philip Faulks Memorial B 25,008 24,424
Donations from PCC affiliation scheme 241 246
Draw Club - 961
Surplus from Guild events and sales 72 268
Buidling society interest 1,718 452
Total income 34,270 28,566
Expenditure
Donations - St Helens 17,500 -
-
Donations - Tredington - St Gregory 1,500
-
Donations - Lighthorne 5,000
Donations - Newbold on Avon 160 -
-
Donations - 2023 (5) 69,868
Maintenance inspections - 126
Total expenditure 24,160 69,994
Surplus/(Deficit) for the year 10,110 (41,428)
Total funds brought forward 1 January 33,532 74,960
Total funds carried forward 31 December 43,642 33,532
Statement of Assets at 31 December
Coventry Building Society 33,019 31,301
Cash at Bank and in Hand 10,623 2,231
Net assets 43,642 33,532
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The accounts were approved and authorised for isssue by the Trustees on 22 March 2026
Claire Tosh
Sarah Thomas Independent Examiner
Trustee and Treasurer
Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of The Coventry Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers and of The Coventry Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers Bell Repair Fund
I report to the Trustees on my examina�on of the accounts of The Coventry Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers and of The Coventry Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers Bell Repair Fund for the year ended 31[st] December 2025.
Responsibili�es and basis of the report:
As the Charity’s Trustees, you are responsible for the prepara�on of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Chari�es Act 2011 (‘the Act’)
I report in respect of my examina�on of the accounts carried out under sec�on 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examina�on I have followed the applicable direc�ons given by the Charity Commission under Sec�on 145 (5) (b) of the Act.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
a�en�on in connec�on with the examina�on giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
(i) Accoun�ng records were not kept in respect of the trust as required by sec�on 130 of the Act; or
-
(ii) The accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
(iii) The accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Chari�es (Accounts and Reports) Regula�ons 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a ma�er considered as part of an independent examina�on.
I have no concerns and have come across no other ma�ers in connec�on with the examina�on to which a�en�on should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Sarah Thomas, FCCA March 2026