2012's activities started with the ADM held in January. The first tower of the day was Denby then on to Belper. The meeting itself was held at Duffield where we enjoyed a service, and a delicious hot meal followed by ringing.

Our February afternoon outing took us to Winshill (6), Newton Solney (3) and Repton (6). Attendance was good.

The striking competition heats were held at Marchington in March. Colin Aked again kindly agreed to be the judge for the day. Belper and Duffield entered teams for the Arthur Ashby cup and Belper for the Horsley cup. Belper won both categories.

The Association AGM was held in April. Ockbrook, Breaston and Derby St Luke were the lead in towers before the ringing, service and meeting at Allestree, where tea was provided.

May saw a joint meeting with Southern District at Ilkeston.

The Combined Towers Ringing outing took place in May. The outing started with Whatton in the Vale, moved on to East Bridgford, Balderton, Sutton on Trent and Tuxford, finishing at Sutton cum Lound. It was a well attended and enjoyable day, rounded off with a meal at the Treble Bob Pub near Barlborough.

The June evening event was held in fine weather at Mugginton. This fixture continues to be very popular: it was well attended and provided ringing for all abilities.

A number of young Central District ringers took part in the National Youth Striking Competition which was held in Birmingham. The team, the Derby Tups, achieved an A grade in the call changes category. 

In July a training event was held at Belper.

In September the Young Ringers' afternoon was well attended at the easy-going eight at West Hallam, where good progress was made by the young ringers.

The District did not field a band for October's Eight bell competition this year.

The Quarter Peal day was not as successful as previous years, with only one quarter peal of Stedman Triples recorded.

November saw a very successful visit to Loughborough and the Taylor Bell foundry, followed by a ring on the foundry bells, and a tour of the Loughborough carillon, with thirty five ringers attending from Central District.

Our final event for the year was December's Shop and Ring at Ashbourne. The bells were rung prior to the service, and advantage taken of Ashbourne Christmas market for last minute Christmas shopping.

Sadly during the year Peter Sutton, Tower captain of Mugginton, passed away. Condolences and best wishes to his family and friends.

The District continues to provide well-attended, sociable and enjoyable ringing events throughout the year. Thanks once again to all incumbents and tower captains for making bells available and to all participating ringers for making 2012's events a success.

Sue French