I am grateful to have this opportunity once again to offer my appreciation
to those of you who give generously of their time and expertise in the
ringing of bells throughout the diocese. I suppose Bishop David and myself
must hear a greater variety of ringing than anyone as we visit parish churches
on ordinary Sundays and great occasions week by week. Your attendance at
those times, at practices, in training and in ringing longer peals is often
unsung and more often, unless you ring at such places as Melbourne and
Ashbourne, unseen. So, once more, thank you.
The death of Gordon Halls last year will be very much in mind among all who knew him. His expert advice to the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches was available over many years. He was a source of inspiration and a fount of knowledge on both bells and towers, and he also gave a great deal of advice directly to parishes and ringers alike. His widow, Pat, remains in our thoughts and prayers.
Thank you to all who took part in peals associated with the 75th anniversary of the Diocese and Cathedral in 2002. It was a good year, and many celebratory events were enhanced by your ringing. There were bells even at the Chatsworth Party in the Park!
This year the diocese is to benefit from a programme of events resourced by 'Springboard', the Archbishops' initiative on evangelism. That programme is called 'Building a Confident Church'. Many local training events will be taking place throughout the deaneries, and there is to be a further day at Cliff College, Calver on Saturday July 5th, which is open to anyone. I do hope many bell ringers will be able to take advantage of this programme, details of which will be available from your parish church and from Canon Barrie Gauge, Diocesan Missioner, on 01332 382233. Bells are rung to the glory of God, whose message of good news needs to be kindled afresh in every generation. It is good to be partners together in that proclamation.