Founders Prize and Plaques Awarded at the Mansion House

February 11th 2003 was an important day for three ringing centres. Representatives of the Keele, Docklands and The Fire Ring Centres attended the annual Mansion House dinner of the Worshipful Company of Founders to receive the first three of a number of superb bronze plaques which have recently been cast by the Founders. Phil Gay accepted the 1999 plaque on behalf of the Keele Ringing Centre, Roger Booth accepted the 2000 plaque on behalf of the Docklands Ringing Centre and John Turney accepted the 2001 plaque and a cheque for £500 on behalf of the Fire Ring Centre. No doubt the plaques will grace the walls of their ringing centres for many years to come.

In the magnificent setting of The Mansion House and in the presence of The Lord Mayor of London and over 200 Founders and guests, the Master of the Worshipful Company of Founders presented the plaques. Also present were Gail Cater, Chairman of the CC Ringing Centres Committee and Eric Godfrey, CC Treasurer who have both been heavily involved in the Founders Scheme; and Robert Lewis, Editor of The Ringing World. A number of other ringers were present including a surprising number of Founders who are or have been involved in ringing. It was a very splendid occasion which none of us will ever forget.

The £500 prize is presented annually and in future years a bronze plaque will continue to be presented to the ringing centre which has made the biggest contribution towards the teaching of ringing throughout the year (though an invitation to the Mansion House won't normally be included). The competition is now in progress for the prize for 2002 so ringing centres should get their competition entries in as soon as possible for this prestigious award.

GAIL CATER