The North East Region of HRGB was formed in November 1977.  As with the formation of any organisation there was a need for proactive Officers who have the time, energy and vision to undertake the range of duties which are essential to success.

Our first Secretary was Rosalind Rogerson who served with Tom Foster, founder Chairman.  Rosalind lived in Durham at the time of her election and it is  interesting to note that at a Rally, organised by Rosalind on 31st March 1979, 22 teams and 185 ringers attended.

During her time as Secretary Rosalind did not have at her disposal the many “modern day” office aids and, as she herself has reflected, all was achieved with a manual typewriter and Roneo duplicator!

A move to Sheffield meant Rosalind felt unable to continue as Secretary and she stepped down  in 1980.  The move did, however, enable her to make a significant contribution to the first National Residential Rally at Ranmoor.

Those who have known Rosalind since these early years will know of her passion for handbell ringing, her individual attention to her programme of pieces and her larger than life character.  Her flair for preparing “themed” performances has entertained and educated so many ringers over the years and her personality always shines through.

Rosalind is also a gifted arranger of handbell music, particularly for small sets of bells and the particularly unique range of bells used by the Broomhill team would provide a real challenge to other experienced musicians.  Rosalind’s arrangements always work.

We have already heard of the generosity shown by Vic Cox and the same can be said of Rosalind.,  She has contributed music to the HRGB Music Scheme and generously provided pieces of her own for use at Regional Rallies.

In a region where large handbell teams are prevalent with all the associated tables and foam it is perhaps the manner in which Broomhill Bells attend rallies.  No difficult requests for huge table areas, no vast quantity of foam.  Just one table 6 chairs – sufficient to accommodate the ringers and a place to store Rosalind’s trusted rucksack into which bells, music, stand are carried.

The Officers and Committee are delighted that Rosalind has accepted Honoured Membership of the North East Region and take this opportunity to thank her too for the support and friendship she has given to so many ringers over the years but, in particular, in the formative years of the Region.