President - Noel Gibbin

SUGCR Master 1985

SUGCR Vice Master 1984

Ringing has been a huge part of my life since I learnt to ring at Guildford Cathedral at the age of 8. Since then I have rung at Oatlands, Epsom and now Caterham, all in Surrey, where I have been tower captain for too many years. I am also currently the Master of the Surrey Association. I was at Southampton University from 83 to 87, studying Civil Engineering and I was Master in 1985. I met my ringing wife, Susan (nee Morrision) through SUGCR, and now have two ringing daughters (what are the chances of that), one of whom also joined SUGCR. The ringing family and connection with the SUGCR is completed by a brother, Michael, SUGCR Master (1984)! Although not a prolific peal ringer, I do seem to have rung and conducted more than most for the SUGCR (but nothing too complicated like Grandsire or Stedman).

I am delighted and honoured to be President of SUGCR for 2020 to 2023 and look forward to supporting and ringing with them through this time. 

Master - Thomas Wilding

Hi, I'm Thomas, and I'm studying maths at the University of Southampton. I started ringing 11 years ago, but since moving to Southampton, my ringing has progressed really quickly. I love being a part of this society as people have helped me improve quickly in a short amount of time, but it's also a really fun group to be part of. I was welcomed really quickl and we have lots of fun outside of ringing too! Whether you've done this before or are simply curious to see what it's all about, let me encourage you to come to one of our practices, it will be a great time!

Vice Master - Joshua Watkins

Hi, I’m Josh, vice-master for 2020. I’m a first year medical student here at the University of Southampton, so after spending most of my days studying at the hospital it is a welcome release to come ringing in and around the city. I’ve been ringing for 7 and a half years and am pleased to say that moving to Soton has accelerated my learning and added to my love of ringing. I have quarter, peal (a little, grudgingly, they tell me I get a choice in the matter... but do I really? No.) and teaching experience both from ringing at home in Suffolk and now from university. I look forward to playing the best role I can in this society, and look forward to much more ringing!

Secretary - Matthew Ellis

I started bell ringing in 2015 at my local church in Bristol. Since joining SUGCR my ringing has come on leaps and bounds, or perhaps rounds and call changes (haha, get it?). I particularly enjoy uni ringing, because they're a great bunch of people and so helpful teaching you new things whatever level you're at!

Treasurer - Edward Longman

Hi, I'm Ed. I'm reading Electrical and Electronic Engineering, although not many books are involved! I learned to ring at local churches and look forward to going back to my home church to be part of them and ring with them. Being part of the Guild at the Uni has seen me go from someone quite timid with bells and unsure of what to do, to progressing very quickly with the help over the years.

Having help from other students has been invaluable as they are patient as they often still remember their learning stages. The friendliness of all here is fantastic and I hope anyone that joins us feels the same. Do contact me or anyone else on the committee if you are coming to Southampton!

Social Secretary - Clare Merivale

Hi, I’m Clare, I’m a music student from Essex, and I started bellringing about 10 years ago. My time bellringing with SUGCR has been the most fun I’ve had, and it has really boosted my enthusiasm for ringing. It has become a really important part of my life because it is nice doing something you enjoy with people your age.

I would really encourage you to either start bellringing or to continue because it is great fun, and everyone is very friendly and welcoming. Alongside bellringing, we also have a lot of socials as a group of friends. Come along to one of our practices, and a lot of fun is guaranteed!