Secretary’s report

The year started in fine form with plenty of members taking advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the New Mills bells after their recent clapper refurbishment. A fine touch of Stedman Triples was rung there before moving on to Hayfield for an even more memorable Hot Pot with all the normal trimmings. Those in the know will of course have already sampled the fine cooked breakfast that is served there before ringing for Morning Service on the first Sunday of each month. Afterwards there was a very well struck touch of Grandsire Triples that drew applause from those ringers who were standing outside the Ringing Chamber.

The striking competition heats were at Hathersage this year. Bamford, Brassington and Darley Dale went through to the final at Horsley, with Darley Dale bringing home the Horsley Cup. Special thanks also to the Hathersage ringers and friends who put on the tea and to Ray Daw who judged the competition. It was fantastic to have so many teams entering the method ringing side of the competition this year and I hope that this will encourage everyone to try again next year. In particular I would encourage all those towers that did not enter a team this year to send a call change team as you have a very good chance of doing well now that most of the regulars have moved on to the method ringing competition. In the 8-bell competition the Peak District was narrowly beaten into second place by 1½ points.

Although, thankfully, the Peak District was spared the ravages of Foot and Mouth disease, it did have an impact on ringing. Even so, a hastily rearranged Association AGM at Bakewell and Youlgreave still attracted up to 100 ringers and I know that many towers rang a bell at midday each Sunday in solidarity with the farming community. Thanks to everyone at Youlgreave who made everyone feel so welcome and provided such a good tea… we’ll be back!

The District Outing was as usual well organised by John Holmden – a coach trip to East Yorkshire taking place in May. This included a high percentage of 10 and 12 bell towers that made for a real challenge as most people in the district normally ring on 6 or 8 bells. A particularly memorable lunch was laid on at Snaith where in addition plenty of the local prize ale was consumed.

The mid-summer practice at Chelmorton (5) was a real hit with two dozen people attending including a number of visitors. More exotic methods such as Erin Doubles being rung in addition to the more usual Grandsire, Stedman and Plain Bob. Thank you to everyone who made the effort to go up there. The quarterly 10-bell practices at Youlgreave continue to be well attended with a large number of less experienced ringers keen to try their hand at 10-bell ringing. It was very encouraging to have more than 50 people at the last meeting in 2001, which was held at the extreme Northern end of the District. There was ringing at Taxal and Chapel-en-le-Frith and this was followed by the District Carol Service and a Festive supper at the Navigation Inn in nearby Buxworth.

Last but not least I would like to thank all those who have allowed the use of their bells and the rest of the District Committee for their support. Unfortunately, due to family commitments, I will not be putting myself forward for the job of District Secretary of the Peak District next year but I am sure that there are plenty of talented people in the District who can confidently take over the reins.