In proposing the toast to The Church, Master, Paul Carless praised the efforts which the City Clergy put into maintaining good relations with their bellringers and tower masters. He noted in this context that the incumbent at St Mary-le-Bow kept a bookstall near the porch which included a tome rejoicing in the title of ‘Living with Mark’. Perhaps there was indeed room for two Gods at Bow! In response The Revd Dr Peter Mullen, Rector of St Michael, Cornhill and St Sepulchre commented that in his experience bellringers were much easier to get on with than organists – the difference between an organist and a terrorist: one can negotiate with the latter!

David Pipe proposed the toast to the Society. He suggested that the good health of the organisation was plain for all to see. The officers on the top table were all in the ‘prime of their lives’. The Society had performed well in the National Twelve Bell Contest and peal ringing activities were stronger than ever. Thanks were particularly due to Tony Kench for his dedicated work in organising attempts over the past five years.

The Secretary, Phil Rogers, said in his response how good it was to see the Pipe family so strongly represented. He paid tribute to Andrew Stubbs in his role as Toastmaster, utilising to the full a clear head, strong pair of lungs and bottomless pit of tact and diplomacy. Phil touched on some notable events of the year, including a most enjoyable ‘informal dinner’ in March, a highly successful tour of Canada and a creditable performance in the 12 Bell (likened to playing cricket against Pakistan at Lahore without the inducements). The results of the rehanging operation on the bells of St. Paul’s Cathedral were now eagerly awaited, this being the first major work on the installation for over 40 years. It had been a good year for recruitment, with 43 new members elected. Sadly there had also been many losses through death. Phil thanked Dickon Love for his hard work in creating a most effective website.

During an interlude in the speeches three faultless leads of Ariel were rung on handbells. Junior Steward Chris Pickford then proposed a toast to The Guests. He said the Society was particularly pleased to welcome the new Rector of St Giles, Cripplegate, Revd Kate Rubens. He was pleased to note that Kate had ‘ringing in her blood’ – her late grandfather, Harry Rumens of Walthamstow, was elected to the Society in 1909 and clocked up over 60 years’ membership. Chris also extended a warm welcome to Canon John Halliburton and to Heather Kippin who was representing the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths.