Although there were fewer peals rung this year, the trend continues for more resident members to ring in the peals. Congratulations to the four first pealers this year, double the 2012 number: Giles Lacey and Christopher Dullage at Hartington, Matthew Beardsall at Belper and James Wheeler at Attenborough. Let's see if we double the number again in 2014. Following in the steps of Jane Boden, Gordon and Pat Halls, Anthony Cotton rang his 1,000th peal, at Derby Cathedral, which was his 501st for the Association. Peter Dickinson rang his 600th peal and Philip Hudson rang his 2,000th peal since retirement from work. Simon Humphrey rang his 1,250th tower bell peal and later in the year completed peals at 500 different locations. Bob Smith rang his 1,900th peal as conductor. Dad and daughter rang their first Royal and first on ten respectively. Congratulations to Andrew and Emily Hall for the peal at Chesterfield. Cathy Potter rang her first of Superlative Major and Linda Pelc rang her first Pudsey Major and also of Triples. Graham Hayward and Richard Angrave rang their first Surprise Royal in hand. Richard Taylor rang his first of Doubles... 41 Spliced Surprise Minor seems to be in vogue at the moment and the Association rang two such peals. This did not beat the current Minor record for the Association which is in 73 methods and was rung at Fairfield in 1958. The average age of the 1958 band was 16 1/2 years and included Bob Smith. An innovative composition of 6 difficult methods was also rung, composed by Thomas Perrins. This was the first time ‘Perrins 6’ had been rung on tower bells. The methods are Cambridge, Superlative, Bellfast, Bristoll, Glazgow and London. The first peal on the refurbished bells at Shirland was accomplished, and very nice they are too. In May the Belper band celebrated the enthronement of the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury and remembered Arnold Morley with a peal on the fifth anniversary of his last peal. There were a few occasions this year when ringers needed to be elected as Association members before peals. Please can organisers and conductors ensure that membership is confirmed promptly afterwards. Anthony Cotton Peal Fees Peal fees are currently charged at 50p per rope. They should be sent to the Peal Secretary, with details of the date, place and method rung. Please forward this as soon as possible after the peal has been rung, and this is particularly important if the peal was rung at the end of the year. Thank you. |
Annual Report > 2013 Annual Report >