Secretary’s report

Despite the committee’s efforts to ensure a ringing meeting for every month during the past year the attendance continued to be poor. It is hoped that increased advertising will help in the future.

The district quiz hosted by members of Old Brampton and held at the Fox and Goose, Wigley in February was very well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by both ringers and non-ringers. A team from Eckington have the pleasure of organising the next one.

The heats for the Arthur Ashby and Horsley cups striking contests were held at Morton and four teams entered in total. Eckington again went through to the final of the Arthur Ashby cup with 138 faults and Old Brampton went through to the Horsley cup with 71 faults. Old Brampton were the overall winners on the day and were presented with the Newman Cup.

This year’s car tour was again held on May Day and consisted of six towers in the Kettering area. It was well attended by district members and visitors who enjoyed good ringing, good weather and good food. What more could you hope for?

This year’s car treasure hunt was organised by the Jeffrey family and after a jaunt around the countryside collecting various items of "treasure" we came to rest at the Greyhound at Higham where we enjoyed a meal in pleasant company. The winner of the event was a team from Eckington; someone is going to have a busy year!

The success of the district quarter peal day in October was due in some part to ringers from other districts taking part for which we thank them. Four quarters were successful at Beighton, Creswell, Dore and Eckington and these included nine firsts of one sort or another. It is hoped that more Chesterfield district ringers will feel able to take part next time.

Seven district ringing meetings were organised throughout the year, including a joint meeting in August with EDWNA at the Priory in Worksop. During some of these meetings new members were elected and welcomed.

Between June and December Stedman practices took place, which proved very popular, and it is hoped to expand on these in the future.

My thanks go to the committee for their continued support, and appreciation is expressed to all Tower Captains and Incumbents for their contribution to the year’s events.