Tribute to Claire Higby from the Ladies Guild of Changeringers 1941-2007
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- Category: Tribute Page
- Published on Tuesday, 24 March 2009 19:07
- Written by Janet Stevenson
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A good turnout of members at Clare's funeral reflects the esteem in which she was held
Clare Higby was a believer in the value of the Ladies Guild of Change Ringers and never failed to promote its work wherever she went. She was National President for the three years 1980 – 1982, National Secretary for 6 years from 1997 to 2003 and also one of the elected Central Council representatives for the Guild from 1980 - 1995. Clare was an officer of the western district in the 70s and early 80s and always a concerned member of the national committee. It was during her presidency that the rules of the Guild were completely revised. Because she held office within the Guild for so many years she was very knowledgeable, and also wise and approachable, so members felt fully consulted about the changes which she introduced. In 1997 at the dinner to mark the 85th anniversary of the Guild she spoke movingly about the way that ‘many of the aims of the Guild set out by the founders had been achieved ... to a level beyond their wildest dreams ...' But she encouraged further work saying ‘we cannot afford to be complacent…as long as bells remain silent on Sunday mornings and as long as there are ringers desirous of progressing in the art of change ringing’. These were sentiments typical of Clare’s own dedication to ringing and developing the skills of others. She added her musical skills to the services at the AGMs and last played the organ for us in June of this year.
She also spread the message worldwide wherever she went to ring. In 1999 she volunteered to act as Overseas Liaison Officer for the Ladies Guild and recruited four members from New Zealand and Australia while on a ringing tour of the southern hemisphere. It is sad that her much looked forward to return visit down under this autumn will not now take place.
At home Clare was elected repeatedly to represent the Guild on the Central Council from 1980 to 1995 and was never afraid to speak up in their defence as for example in 1991 when rationalisation of the Central Council membership was being discussed.
Clare was a tireless worker for ringing and gave selflessly of her time and energy to the Ladies Guild. The national shock at her sudden death is reflected by the way in which the districts of the guild have all organized memorial quarter peals within the last month to show their appreciation of all that she did for us and by the large number of members who travelled to attend her funeral at Chilcompton where ten of them rang a beautifully struck course of Grandsire caters for her.
Janet Stevenson
National President