At the Annual General Meeting held in June 2023, the Swanton Morley Bell Ringers approved the Tower Constitution. To read or download a copy please click the link below.
We believe that if someone makes a positive and active contribution to life at our tower they should be able to become a member of the band regardless of how long they've been ringing or if they ring somewhere else regularly. We wanted to make those who are learning or who visit our tower regularly through out the year feel part of the band whilst at the same time acknowledging those who have made Swanton Morley their home tower.
As a result of this, the Swanton Morley Bell Ringers have three types of membership available to those wishing to be part of the band
To become a Swanton Morley Ringer or Swanton Morley Young Ringer, you must be able to ring at least rounds independently in a safe and controlled manner.
On top of this you must regularly attend the practice nights at Swanton Morley. You must also be prepared to ring for outside of the practice nights at the tower for things such as services or important events.
Swaton Morley Ringers are entitled to stand for office, vote on key decisions including the spending of Tower Funds and in the election of officers as well as have access to the mailing list and members groups.
Cygnet ringers and Cygnet young ringers is for those just starting on their ringing journey and are being taught at Swanton Morley how to bell handle by one of our Handling Instructors.
Anyone who learns to ring at All Saints will automatically entitled to be a members.
Cygnet members are unable to stand for office, but are entitled to vote on decisions such as spending and the election of officers.
Once a ringer can ring rounds independently they become a Swanton Morley Ringer
Those ringers who attend the practice regularly throughout the year but not regularly enough to become a full member are entitled to become Associate Ringers.
This gives them access to our mailing list, group chats as well as attend tower meetings however they do not have any entitlement to vote.
Honorary member are elected by the band in recognition of one of the following:
> a ringer who has been an active member of the tower but it no longer able to ring
>a non-ringer whose support of the band has gone above and beyond.
> any persons who the Swanton Morley Ringers feel is worthy of the recognition
For more information on becoming a member please visit our Become a member page or get in contact using the form on our contact us page.
We have recently introduced a small membership fee to help cover the costs associated with keeping the bells in good order as well as the teaching materials and resources. There is a small box in the tower into which individual ringers may make a small donation but this is in no way compulsory and is down to each individual ringer.
