The year began with a well-attended Annual meeting at Brassington, and continued with meetings covering as much of our area as possible. Most meetings were well attended, and it’s always good to see new faces and ringers from the host tower, as well as the ‘old faithfuls’. Welcome to all of the new members who have joined us through the year. We hope you too will become ‘old faithfuls’.

The Striking Contest heats were held at Elton, whom we must thank for lovely cakes and tea! Congratulations to all of the teams who entered and thank you to Simon Reading, who was a very constructive judge. Stanton went through to the final of the Arthur Ashby Cup, and Darley Dale, the Horsley Cup.

The highlight of the summer is always the District Outing, most ably organised by the Taylor family. This year we were a little closer to home, exploring parts of Leicestershire and Rutland- King’s Norton, Church Langton, Uppingham, Oakham and Ashby Folville. The towers were well chosen and varied, but the outstanding moment for those who witnessed it, must have been the ring-down at King’s Norton, led by Richard Taylor. On the last pull, Richard’s rope broke, depositing him on the ringing-room floor. Unfortunately the moment was not captured on anyone’s mobile phone!

Many thanks to the Taylors for organising the day out, and to Robert Dakin, the bell-ringing coach driver for getting us to the towers on time and for making the day so easy for his passengers.

Sadly, the bells at Dinting Vale are out of commission at the moment, so in August we ventured again across the county boundary, this time to Mottram in Longendale, always a favourite tower.

Autumn means Quarter Peal Day, and once more we thank Gail Lilley, who took on the task of organising the day. Eight out of twelve quarters were successful, but one of the losses was due to a lock out. A superb quarter of Bristol Surprise Major was rung on the back eight at Youlgreave, but perhaps the most remarkable achievement was at Bamford, where Beth Cowell rang her first Quarter Peal. This was also the first touch of Bob Doubles that she had ever rung! Congratulations to all who took part. The day ended with ringers refreshing themselves at the Flying Childers in Stanton.

In November we were shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Richard Turner. Richard had been a very well-loved ringer, who had given help and support to many. We will miss him.

Our year ended with the Carol Service and a delicious ‘Pie and Pea’ supper hosted by Youlgreave. We thank David Camm and his helpers for organising this, and the ringers and spouses who provided lovely puddings. I will end by thanking the committee for their help through the year, and the tower captains and incumbents for allowing us to use their bells. Thank you, as well, all of the members who have kept our bells ringing.