Patron: His Majesty The King
CHAIRMAN
Stuart Bowell, 2 Hall Road, Chilton Hall, Stowmarket, Suffolk. IP14 1TN 01449 614336 gw.sab@btinternet.com
RTCS Chairman Stuart Bowell, in formal and not so formal mode
VICE CHAIRMAN
Michael Pollitt, 60 Chamberlin Road, Norwich, NR3 3LY 01603 486997 or 07852 718342
michael.pollitt2014@gmail.com or michaelbpollitt@btinternet.com
Michael Pollitt taking notes.
SECRETARY
Mrs ‘Lyn Stilgoe, Crabbe Hall, Burnham Market, King’s Lynn, PE31 8EN 01328 738237 Jastilgoe@aol.com
TREASURER
Nik Chapman
After many years as RTCS Treasurer and Membership Secretary Richard (or Dick) Barham, (pictured left) has stood down, although he will continue to be involved in summer tours and distribution of The Round Tower.
Many thanks to Dick for his gentle style and Norfolk humour, and his hard and effective work over the years. At the AGM in May 2017 Dick was made a life Vice-president of the Society in recognition of his enormous contribution.
‘Lyn Stilgoe and Dick Barham at the start 2013 season of church tours at Hoe (left) and Dick with Michael Pollitt at East Walton August 2016 (right)
GRANTS OFFICER
Nick Wiggin, Fir Tree Cottage, High Road, Witnesham, Ipswich, Suffolk. IP6 9EX 01473 785596 nickwiggin@hotmail.com
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
Nick Wiggin, Fir Tree Cottage, Witnesham, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP6 9EX 01473 785596.
wigjter@outlook.com
Nick Wiggin and his late wife Teresa on top of a round tower
MAGAZINE EDITOR — Michael Pollitt
WEB EDITOR — Michael Pollitt
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Kate Davey
LECTURERS
Stuart Bowell at the address above.
The above officers were re-elected at the 52nd annual general meeting at the Waveney Heritage Centre, Brockdish on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
The 2026 AGM report –
1 The Chairman, Mr Stuart Bowell, welcomed the 21 people present. The Rev Philip Gray gave the opening prayers.
2 Apologies – Mrs M Butcher, Mr S Johnson, Mr & Mrs M Coates, Mr N Buckingham, Mr A Harrowven, Ms J Hanson
3 The Minutes of the 51st AGM on 10.5.2025 were agreed, proposed Rev P Gray, seconded Mrs J Holden, and signed.
4 Chairman’s review: Mr Bowell stated that this had been another sound year for the Society, with an additional “Stitch in Time” grant being introduced. Membership remains around the 500 mark and the Society is financially secure. He expressed his very sincere thanks to all who contribute to our Society in whatever way or ways. The website has been improved, and The Round Tower is an interesting, informative and, at times, a firm statement of our thoughts (ie the loss of VAT relief on church repairs). The new tour season is looked forward to, with hopefully continued good attendance, (38 attendees of members and friends at the first church this morning!) There have been a number of talks given by committee members, spreading the word and helping raise funds. Plans are in hand for a study day on October 24. He was very grateful to Mr Grant Pilcher for being independent examiner. This Review was accepted, proposed Rev P Gray, seconded Ms Bickmore.
5 The Treasurer, Mr Chapman, who thanked Mr Pilcher for examining the accounts, reported a deficit of £7,271 in the year to March 31, 2026. This was according to the plan to try to give more money in grants, dependent on the number of churches requiring help! The bank balance is healthy with £123,135.87 on deposit. The total income was £28,081.66, and expenditure £35,353.39. Mr Chapman explained various items. The financial statement was accepted, proposed Mr R Barham, seconded Mr Rowlands.
6 The Grants’ officer, Mr Nick Wiggin reported that £27,231 has been paid in grants last year. In April, Runhall (£6,000) and Repps (£1,000) received grants. Unfortunately costs rise, and the loss of VAT relief on church repairs will hit hard, with churches having to find an extra 20% to pay to the government! It is still unclear how any future scheme will work. The Society has offered grants of £47,500 (to be paid when work starts). Mr Pollitt explained a new initiative that has been started by the Norfolk Churches Trust, at the suggestion of architect Ruth Blackman, of paying for immediate small, but critical, repairs to be done when a quinquennial Inspection is being made by an architect. The Society has agreed to fund this for Round Tower Churches. This has already happened at Morningthorpe, where we paid £348 in January. The Grants Report was accepted, proposed Mrs Holden, seconded Ms Davey.
7 The Membership Secretary, Mr Wiggin reported that since April 1, 2025 34 new members have joined, and 11 have had their membership reinstated. Unfortunately we have lost several old friends over the year. The number hovers around 500 members. He appreciates those who send new postage stamps in with their subscriptions. His report was accepted, proposed by Mrs L Roy, seconded Rev P Gray.
8 Website, etc: Mr Pollitt reported that the website had been hacked twice in December, so the provider has advised putting in a new security service guarantee at £240 per annum, with a monthly review. Archive copies of the magazine are now available on line (not the newest ones, 6 month delay). He thanked Dr A Woollett for providing many copies back to 2007. A new counting system has been added and since April 2026 there have been 2,200 views! There have had to be changes to the advertised tours. On July 4, we visit Colney then RUNHALL and Wramplingham. Hopefully Beachamwell plans are now moving forward after delays for 15 months. There will be a study day at Raveningham on October 24, 2026, with Prof Sandy Heslop in the afternoon and two other speakers in the morning. Mutford now has an automatic door and is open 9.30am – 6.30pm, part of a Norfolk Churches Trust scheme to help 50 Churches. The Society may pay the cost for Round Towers.
9 Election of officers and committee: Mr Pollitt took the chair for votes for the chairman. Mr Bowell was re-elected unanimously (Rev P Gray, Ms Davey). Other posts – Vice chairman: Mr Pollitt (Ms Bickmore, Rev P Gray); Secretary: Mrs Stilgoe (Mr Barham, Mrs Roy); Treasurer: Mr Chapman ( Ms Davey, Mr Wiggin, ); Grants officer and membership secretary: Mr Wiggin (Mrs Holden, Ms Bickmore)); Editor, The Round Tower and Website: Mr Pollitt (Mrs Holden, Ms Bickmore); Committee Member Ms K Davey (Rev P Gray, Mr Wiggin). Mr Bowell opened a discussion on how to attract more committee members, and some suggestions will be followed up!
10 Independent Examiner: Mr Chapman thanked Mr Grant Pilcher for examining this year’s accounts and proposed his re-appointment, seconded by Mr Pollitt, and agreed.
11 Any other business: The Rev P Gray proposed a vote of thanks to all the committee members, which was enthusiastically agreed. Ms Bickmore wondered if it was time to raise the subscription, but the chairman felt it better to keep it on hold for the time being. The encouragement to give more than the standard rate worked well for those who could afford it.