There has been the now normal mix of social and ringing events during the year consisting of 6 ringing events and 2 purely social. These started with a well-attended ADM held at Clay Cross on 8th January. The other ringing events organised had mixed levels of attendance. These included the heats for the Striking Contests judged by Philip Hudson who scored Old Whittington winners again of the Newman Cup. Eckington and Old Whittington once again represented the district in the Arthur Ashby and Horsley Cups respectively. Both teams acquitted themselves well against 5 other teams in each competition, with Old Whittington narrowly missing to take the cup from Darley Dale by less than half a point. Eckington came a commendable 3rd being just one point behind the 2nd team Etwall with again Darley Dale lifting the cup.
Other notable ringing events included a well attended evening meeting at the Crooked Spire in November and an especially enjoyable Car Tour on May Day Bank Holiday in the Leicestershire area, very well planned and organised by Anne and Neil Westman. The weather was kind to us on the day and 26 ringers with friends enjoyed good towers, good ringing, good food, good beer and very enjoyable companionship; if you didn't make it in 2005 try and join us this year!
On the purely social side Bob Green and Co. from Killamarsh organised a very enjoyable quiz night at the Angel pub at Spinkhill. Seven teams took part, the result being a very close thing with "Centronics" (Eckington) just pipping "Aspire" (Chesterfield) by one point (82 to 81) for first place. Fortunately for both teams Bob had already announced that the team in 5th place would set 2006's competition. This dubious honour fell to the "Minors" a team made up of Tibshelf and Clay Cross ringers. Again this event encompassed good company, beer and food.
In June Sue and Laurence Hayward, parents of Ashley a young Beighton ringer, organised a very well thought out treasure hunt starting from Rother Valley Country Park and ending at the Dusty Miller in Barlborough. Just 5 cars contested this year's "hunt", maybe because it started in Yorkshire? Those that did had a very good time and also enjoyed the food, beer and company afterwards. Laurence had decided before the start that the car coming 3rd would be responsible for the 2006 competition. Nicola Hardwick of Eckington with her sister Rachel and some of their children took the first prize whilst the 3rd team setting this year's contest was a car with Mo and Mick Shreeve from Tibshelf. Oh dear Mo and Mick you will be busy this year!
The success or not of any ringing group depends on the enthusiasm of those in it to equally enjoy themselves and also encourage new and young ringers to both improve their ringing and enjoy the company of other ringers at ringing and social events. We are currently lucky in our district that there are a small number of people with sufficient enthusiasm, if not always time, to keep things going. But we would like more help, please join us at meetings and also consider serving on your committee to broaden the thinking and share the workload.
We were saddened in January by the death of Jasper Newman, a member of the Association since its foundation in 1946. Jasper whilst not actively ringing in recent years will be greatly missed by many in this district and beyond.
Finally I would like to thank all towers who have welcomed us this year for the use of their bells and other facilities, but I would particularly like to record my thanks to the other committee members who have unstintingly given of their time to organise and encourage others to take part in this year's events.
Don Jones