GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT 2003

After the hustle and bustle of 2002, 2003 was a year to consolidate. The first event of the year saw the Association in the Chesterfield District. They hosted the annual dinner at the Sitwell Arms, Renishaw attended by 70 members and friends. Mr Paul Flavell, formerly of Norton, now ringing at Kingston on Thames, was the guest speaker; his wife Kate accompanied him. Further entertainment was provided by Terry Funnell and his wife reciting poetry and singing to us.

Meetings and Competitions

This year’s AGM was held at West Hallam in the Ilkeston District. Afternoon ringing took place at Horsley and Morley. May saw the Association at Horsley for the 6 bell finals. Both the Horsley Cup and Arthur Ashby Cup had 6 teams ringing. Darley Dale retained the Horsley Cup beating Derby Cathedral; and Etwall won the Arthur Ashby cup with Sutton on the Hill runners up.

The Summer Meeting was held at Youlgreave, during the afternoon ringing took place on the recently restored 6 at Stanton in Peak. The 8 bell contest was held at Darley Dale. Mr Peter Humphrey judged the 3 teams. He placed them in the following order: Peak District, Derby District and Chesterfield District. The October Meeting was held at Melbourne with afternoon ringing at Repton, Foremark, and Ticknall.

The Association entered two 10-bell competitions during the year. Of the 8 teams entered in the Tewkesbury Shield they came 4th. However, congratulations were in order to Tim Peverett and the team who won the WW Worthington Cup held at Tamworth beating four other teams. A team of Midland ringers including members from the Association who ring regularly at Melbourne entered the National 12 Bell Contest. They qualified for the finals and out of the 9 teams finished a creditable 6th.

Obituary

This year we were saddened by the deaths of several ringers. Lawrence Gascoyne was an Honorary Life Member at 91. Up until shortly before his death he was still ringing at Old Whittington. Dancing was his other hobby. Ben Cooper had moved away from the Association but was a former General Secretary. Ben Coe was a loyal member of the Bolsover band. Marjorie Phipps had been tower secretary at Old Whittington for many years; Derek Camm, David’s brother, whose memory will live on as he carved and donated the Association’s 8 Bell Shield. John Marshall Denby Tower Captain was a stalwart of the Ilkeston District.

To all their families and friends I offer our deepest condolences. May their souls rest in peace.

Finally

To all incumbents and tower captains thank you for welcoming the Association during the year to your towers and allowing us the use of your bells.

Jane E Boden