At the October Management Committee Meeting, a proposal to provide free places for under 18 students, replacing the then subsidy of £35, and to provide £15 vouchers to be spent at the association bookstall was voted in favour by a majority of 18 to 12 against with 1 abstention.
At the Trustees Meeting, later the same month, this was overturned, on the basis that this was not providing value for money, and students may not take the course as seriously if there was no cost involved Whilst a fallout was anticipated, the reaction was unprecedented and has resulted in a number of resignations, not only from official posts, but membership of the association. The fallout has continued unabated. I have received a considerable number of emails from disgruntled members, none abusive, but some vociferous and forthright.
Yesterday (December 21st), I called a trustees meeting at short notice, as I wished this matter to be settled before the end of the year and ADM’s to be held in January.
After considerable debate, the trustees voted to rescind their decision by 9 in favour and 5 abstentions, so the original motion stands. Furthermore, the zero fees/£15 voucher applies to any under 18 student, and is not confined to Essex Association members only, as no such restriction was applied by the MC.
There was emphasis by several trustees on the importance of supporting and encouraging young ringers in any way possible, and there are now more young ringers than there has been for a considerable time.
I hope this goes some way to repairing the considerable damage that has been wrought, and we can collectively move forward. Doubtless, there will be a lively discussion at the February Management Committee Meeting.
I would like to wish every member of the Essex Association of Change Ringers a Very, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Nigel Taylor
Association Master
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