This year’s ADM was held at Sawley with ringing arranged for the whole afternoon at many different towers. There were quite a few visitors but numbers were low at the first few towers.  However, by the time we reached Sawley the attendance was good and we enjoyed an excellent service and tea before the meeting.

The striking contest heats were held at Overseal in March with three teams entering the call changes and two entering the method competition.  The turn-out was lower than in recent years but the extra time available was put to good use with some extra open ringing.  Netherseal went forward to the Arthur Ashby Cup and Derby Cathedral to the Horsley Cup. 

The District Quiz was once again held in Ockbrook in April with twenty nine participants in six teams enjoying a challenging but highly enjoyable and social evening.  At the half way point, there were only four points between the teams but by the end the Ockbrook team had secured a narrow lead, with Melbourne in 2nd and the previous year’s first and last place teams sharing 3rd.

In October, the district hosted the eight bell striking contest which was held in Stanton by Dale.  Ringing was also arranged for Shardlow, Castle Donington and Long Eaton during the afternoon which was followed by a service, tea and meeting.

Strictly Come Ringing was again organised for July in Brailsford with eighteen participants battling it out in three randomly formed teams.  Other district ringing meetings this year included Alvaston in February, Melbourne in June, Doveridge in August, West Hallam in September and Ockbrook in November.

Our joint Carol Service with Central district was held at Ticknall again this year with ringing before the service and mulled wine and mince pies afterwards.  I’d like to thank everyone who has organised events and provided towers and refreshments this year.

The most popular event of the year was the new Quarter Peal week inspired by and coinciding with the one in Central District.  Over the course of the week, or to be more precise nine days to take in two weekends, from 30th October to 7th November, fifty three ringers attempted seventeen quarter peals in fourteen different churches with fifteen successes. Lots of people took advantage of the opportunity to try something new and there were twelve ‘firsts’ including two first quarter peals, one first as conductor and a ‘hat-trick’ of firsts on eight for Francis Gilbert.  Thanks to everyone for taking part in this and especially to Alec Humphrey and Elizabeth Heaton for all the organisation which must have been quite a task.  I for one am definitely looking forward to doing this event again next year.