Secretary’s Report for 2015

2015 has been a bit of a year of ups and downs. Unfortunately, our secretary Eva Bainbridge felt unable to continue so the committee agreed that the job should be shared between the committee members until the ADM in January 2016 when a new secretary can be elected.

On a much more positive note, it was our turn to host the Association Dinner in February. It was agreed that this would be a less formal affair this year in the form of a Ceilidh. However, disaster struck when the planned venue closed just before the event. Huge thanks to Susan Hall for her monumental efforts to secure another venue, and a very successful and enjoyable evening it was too.

Another highlight of the year was the dedication in March of the new ring of 8 at Alfreton, I remember ringing on the old 8, and I must say I am delighted how much better the new, remodelled ring is. It has been a pleasure to see the new learners grow in confidence and ability, and the bells are now rung once a month on a Sunday morning, with frequent practice nights.

We have visited a good variety of towers in our district this year and a few beyond our boundaries. For some meetings we continue to join local practice nights, these are very successful when the local ringers come and join us, unfortunately there are some who, despite it being made very clear the idea is to join them, they don’t feel able to attend. I am at a loss as how we can change this – I promise we don’t bite and anyone is welcome at any district event. We had a couple of joint meetings this year, our normal one in August when we join with the Sheffield Branch of the Yorkshire Association, always a very enjoyable occasion. We also joined with EDWNA in November for a meeting at Swanwick and Alfreton. A delight to see so many people coming to ring on our newest 8 in the district.

The contest heats were due to be held at South Wingfield in March, but, due to a misunderstanding, we were locked out. Thanks to Shirland ringers for allowing the use of the bells at very short notice and providing tea and biscuits. Following an afternoon of excellent ringing, Old Brampton were judged the winners of the Arthur Ashby Cup heats and went on to represent the district in the finals, and Old Whittington won the Horsley Cup heats. The Newman Cup (for the team with the least faults regardless of method) was won by Old Whittington. A team of Derbyshire Young Ringers including 5 members and a reserve from the Chesterfield District came 2nd in the Ringing World National Youth Contest – well done to them. In the 8 bell contest the Chesterfield District came second too.

On May Day Bank Holiday Monday we held our car outing to the Burton on Trent area, a very enjoyable outing, ably organised by Neil Westman.

Finally, I would like to thank the talented Susan Hall for her wonderful art work for our posters and the advertising she does, and all the committee for all their hard work, and last, but not least, all the ringers who have attended any of our district events.