Chesterfield District Officers for 2005

Secretary’s Report

It’s 11 years since I last had the privilege of reporting on the past year as District Secretary. When I look back to that report I see that there were 16 events organised by the committee and that these were a mixture of social and ringing events attended by varying numbers of people. This year there have been only six District events, however I am pleased to report that whilst there have been relatively few events those that we have organised have been reasonably well attended and greatly enjoyed by those that did.  The standard of ringing has been the best I have known it for some years and I must record my thanks to Jim Heading who has run the ringing on these occasions. My only regret is that not enough Chesterfield district ringers are gaining the benefit of such occasions. 

During the year we have had two social events. The February Quiz, held at the Bee Hive, Harthill, was this year organised by Eckington tower, (I don’t remember winning 2003’s?) and won by a team from Killamarsh who will organise the 2005 event. The treasure hunt was organised by Gill and Tim Ball and starting near Bolsover eventually ending up after an enjoyable “hunt” at the Elm Tree, Elmton. This year’s winners were again a team from the Spire but before the contest started it was agreed that the team coming second would set the next treasure hunt.  This was a team from Beighton; we look forward to their endeavours next summer.

Three teams were entered into the Newman Cup striking contest held at Beighton.  Old Whittington predictably won the Cup and went through to the Horsley Cup coming 3^rd in the final in May, whilst Eckington again represented the district in the Arthur Ashby Cup coming 2nd at the Horsley final.

The May Day car tour, organised by Jim Heading was in the West Yorkshire area, 16 ringers together with some non-ringing partners enjoyed a very well organised day visiting 5 eight bell towers and 1 twelve, the very easy going bells of St John the Baptist, Halifax.

My thanks go to the other committee members for their support throughout the year and also to the incumbents and tower captains of those towers we visited for their welcome and use of the bells.

Don Jones