The year got off to a good start with a well-attended ADM at Eckington where we had four new members, and two new committee members.

February saw a very cold and snowy meeting at Pleasley and Scarcliffe, unfortunately there is no heating in the tiny ringing chamber at Pleasley, possibly not the best time of year to visit!!

In March the striking contest heats were held at Beighton, seven teams entered including a young ringers’ team. Old Whittington went on to the final of the Horsley Cup, and Old Brampton for the Arthur Ashby Cup.

April’s meeting was at Clowne, nice to meet some of the local ringers there and encourage them to attend district events.

May Day was our usual outing, this time to Charnwood Forest in Leicestershire. An excellent day out was enjoyed with some good bells and some good ringing, including Cambridge Royal and five spliced Surprise Major.

In June we met twice, a Saturday meeting at Morton and Ashover, and a BBQ and social event at Eckington, which was very enjoyable despite the summer weather trying to spoil things.

July was busy with ringing for the Olympic torch, Bolsover rang as the torch passed, and also the Crooked Spire in Chesterfield where Five Rings Triples was rung.

In August it was our turn to host the joint meeting with the Sheffield Branch, which was held at Eckington. A new venture in August, a ‘fun’ striking contest at Tibshelf, with a non-ringer as the judge. It was very interesting to hear her comments!

September was one of our busiest meetings, at Pentrich and Ripley; lots of visitors swelled the numbers. We also visited Shirland in September for the first meeting since the re-hanging of the bells.

In October we joined the local practice at Pinxton, unfortunately, none of the local ringers were able to ring with us, but we enjoyed some Double Norwich on these challenging bells.

November was another good, well-attended meeting at Old Whittington and Dronfield. There was a good variety of ringing and nice to see some learners too.

In December we decided to try a district carol service, the venue for this was Barlborough. A very enjoyable service was followed by delicious mince pies. Thanks to Rev. Steve Short for putting the order of service together and taking the service.

We also continued our theme of visiting local practice nights, including visits to Tibshelf, Creswell and North Wingfield.

Unfortunately, Old Brampton lost two members during the year, Stanley Margereson died in February, he was tower captain there for over 30 years, and a former Old Brampton ringer Paul Wallis died in March.

Congratulations to Emily Hall, who rang her first peal in 2012, and also to those who rang their first quarter peal.

Finally, as I resign as secretary this year, I would like to thank the committee and district for their support and assistance over the past four years, especially Sue Hall for producing the posters for district events.

Anne Westman