The excessive snowfall at the beginning of the year caused us a few problems, with the Annual Meeting having to be relocated from Hathersage to Darley Dale, and the March meeting at Dinting Vale having to be cancelled. 32 members were able to attend the re-arranged Annual Meeting, and we will be visiting Dinting Vale in 2014.

The rest of the year proceeded without complication, although we were disappointed to have only one entry for the Striking Contest heats. Darley Dale went on to ring in the final of the Horsley Cup.

Having a longer time, at just one tower for District Meetings, has been popular, as has concentrating on towers with at least 8 bells, but it’s always difficult to predict which meetings will be well attended; some have been quiet –Wirksworth in July, and others very busy –Matlock in September. Ringing is always tailored to give everyone something appropriate, so if you have a spare seat in your car, why not bring another member to a District Meeting with you?

Early June saw a coach full of our ringers and friends venturing into Lancashire for a very enjoyable day’s ringing, ending the day in Calderdale, where the Yorkshire tail-ends at Mytholmroyd provided a furry, fun filled finale. Thanks again to the Taylor Family for continuing to organise these days out, and to Bob Dakin, our bellringing coach driver for getting us to all of the churches in perfect time.

Quarter Peal Day was at the end of November, and Gail Lilley organised ringing throughout the district to give the maximum number of ringers the chance to take part. 15 out of 20 quarters attempted were successful, including a hand-bell quarter for the first time – 1400 Kent Treble Bob Royal- as well as landmarks for quite a number of other ringers. The day finished with many of the participants gathering at the Flying Childers in Stanton for a few pints and a cob or two. We really appreciate Gail’s efforts in organising such a successful day.

We finished our programme with a Carol service, and Pie and Pea Supper, organised by Alison Rooke and the Eyam ringers. It was lovely to see so many of our ringers there, and we thank the relatively new team at Eyam for organising the event.

I will end by thanking the committee for their help during the year, the tower captains and incumbents for the use of their bells, and all of you, the members who have supported events and kept the bells ringing throughout the year.