2002 gives ringers in Derbyshire several very good reasons for extra ringing in celebration of events that happened 75, 50 and 25 years ago.
75 years ago the Derby Diocese was created. Prior to then Derbyshire had been at various times in both the Lichfield and the Southwell dioceses. In 1927 the parish church of All Saints in Derby was hallowed, thus becoming Derby Cathedral and the Diocese of Derby was born. The special date for celebrating this anniversary is 22 June 2002, when there is to be an event, ‘The Party in the Park’, at Chatsworth. The Association will be taking part in this and it would be good if many ringers came along to Chatsworth on June 22nd and also arranged special ringing at their own churches.
50 years ago Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne on the death of her father King George VI on 6th February 1952. The special date on which this is to be celebrated nationwide is June 4th, when there is an extra Bank Holiday in honour of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. We should aim to celebrate this by ringing peals or quarter peals or simply having extra ringing on or near that date.
25 years ago Derby became a city. This was first announced in public at a reception, given by the Derby Diocesan Association for the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers, which was held at Wilmorton College in Derby on June 6th 1977. At midnight, the Cathedral bells were rung for an hour to celebrate Derby’s city status – and there were no complaints! There is to be further celebration in Derby for the 25th anniversary; this will take place on July 20th, when it is hoped there will be ringing in all the towers in the City of Derby. More details will be available nearer the date. Please come and join in!
Please try to make the most of these opportunities to bring ringing to the attention of the public and, perhaps, to gain new recruits. Enjoy your ringing!