First posted: 23 March 2020

Ringing in Australia and New Zealand - a Message from the ANZAB President

The following message was sent to members for whom we have an email address.

I have deliberately not written to everyone about COVID-19 as by the time I would have said anything it would have been out-of-date. In fact the wording of this email has changed several times as further announcements have been made.

The added difficulty is that ANZAB covers two nations with different policies, and even for Australia the decision state-by-state (including the ACT) can differ from the national recommendations.

However, over the weekend both countries have started to shut things down. As I write this, New Zealand has already gone from Level 2 to Level 3 restrictions, and will go to Level 4 on Thursday. Australia is closing more and more areas. Already there is a ban on indoor places of worship.

Therefore, if you haven't already decided to cancel ringing activities, it seems that now is the time to do so.

The CCCBR sent out a statement last Monday, and its wording now applies to us.

I know some churches are asking for practice nights to continue, but I suggest that bands seriously consider if this is wise. Given New Zealand's new restrictions this can't even be entertained as an idea anymore. Australia might not be far behind.

Please do call or message your ringing family during these times and make sure they are okay. We want to make sure everyone is ready to go back ringing when it is suitable - whenever that is. I'm sure by then we'll all be eager to ring again!

I will write more about this in the next issue of Ringing Towers, including an update about the AGM and Ringing Festival. Meanwhile, please keep an eye on the ANZAB website for the latest information.

Regards
Peter Harrison
ANZAB President
23 March 2020

latest first

2024

Gender-based statistics update - 22 April

Training Quarter Peals - 16 April

Stedman Peal - The whole thing was risky! - 11 April

First open peal at St Patrick's Melbourne - 11 April

Macarthur Region Tour - 9 April

12-bell Weekend, Hobart - 6 April

Surprise Major Weekend in Adelaide - 29 March

Advanced Ringing Weekend in Victoria - 25 March

Ringing School (Intermediate) Bundaberg - 22 March