2014 ADM was held in January. The first tower of the day was Horsley, followed by Belper St Peter’s and the campanile. The meeting itself was held at Duffield where we enjoyed a service, a delicious hot meal and ringing after.

The Horsley and Arthur Ashby cup heats were held on March 9th at Brailsford. Two teams entered for each contest. The Arthur Ashby heat was won by the Duffield/Muggington team, while the Horsley cup was won by Belper.

An open practice was held at Osmaston in May.

A joint Central and Southern district event, the Strictly Come Ringing striking contest, was held in June at Brailsford, and attended by a number of Central ringers.

The Horsley and Arthur Ashby cup was judged by Paul and Kate Flavell, with Old Brampton winning the Arthur Ashby Cup and Old Whittinghton winning the Horsley Cup.

The Derbyshire District again entered a team, the Derbyshire Dingers, into the Ringing World National Youth Contest, which was held in Worcester. This year the team entered the method ringing category, with 4 of the team being Central ringers. The standard of ringing was very good, and it was an exciting and edge of the seat event.

In September a young ringers event was held at West Hallam. This was well attended with young ringers from a number of towers attending.

The Association Meeting and 8-bell competition were held in October at Netherseal. Central District entered a team which came second.

The Central quarter peal day was held in November and three quarter peals were recorded: Plain Bob Major at Duffield, Grandsire and Plain Bob Doubles at Ashbourne and St Clements College Bob and Plain Bob Minor at Mugginton.

Our final event for the year was December's Shop and Ring at Ashbourne. Ringers and families from Belper, Duffield, Muggington and other towers, arrived for this festive ring following a spectacular lantern procession. This is becoming a well established event and one that I hope will become part of Christmas tradition for Central ringers and their families.

New to the ringing calendar for 2014, the monthly 8 bell surprise practice has been welcomed by many Central ringers. It has provided the opportunity for many to develop or re-develop, in many cases, their skills in major methods such as Cambridge, and Double Norwich Court Bob.

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 2014's events a success.