This last year seems to have flown by and it seems like no time since the 2006 report was being written. One of the highlights of the year saw the dedication of the new 8 bells at Hartington in September, after many years of hard work and fund raising. In the same vein congratulations are due to the Mugginton band who celebrated the 20th anniversary of their dedication as a 6 bell tower.
The opening Association event saw us gathered again in the Sitwell Arms at Renishaw for a very successful annual dinner hosted by the Chesterfield District. During the dinner guests were entertained at their tables by Paul Bell a magician, who mesmerised us all by his art. The guest speaker was Mr Tim Joiner the immediate past Lord Mayor of Westminster who regaled us with tales from the City.
In April the AGM was hosted by the Central District at Ashbourne. During the afternoon ringing took place at Cubley and Osmaston.
In July the Association visited the Southern District. The meeting was held at Repton where we competed for parking with a large public concert being held at the School. Ringing also took place at Foremark during the afternoon and at Ticknall in the evening.
In October the Inter District 8 bell contest and meeting were held at Fairfield. During the afternoon ringing took place at Ashford-in-the-Water and Burbage. Six teams took part in the 8 bell contest. Mr Friend, the judge, placed Southern A first followed by the teams from Peak A, Chesterfield, Peak B, Central and finally Southern B.
In May the annual 6 bell contests were held at Denby. Mr Phil Gay judged the events. The Horsley Cup was won by Derby Cathedral A (Cambridge Surprise) 248 points; Darley Dale (Oxford TB) 237 points; Staveley (Plain Bob Doubles) 221.5 points; Mugginton (Plain Bob Minor) 209 points and Derby Cathedral B (Plain Bob Doubles) 155.5 points. The Arthur Ashby Cup was won by Overseale 225 points; Eckington 205 points; Etwall 203 points; Ashford-in-the-Water 198 points and Darley Dale 188 points.
A team representing the Association entered the 10 bell Tewkesbury Shield winning the event. The WW Worthington 10 bell contest was held at Nottingham St Mary's. The Association's team finished second. A team from Melbourne, which included some Association members, entered the National 12 Bell Competition but did not qualify for the final.
May I on behalf of the membership express our condolences to the family and friends of Bob Tanner from West Hallam and Jack Dark, one of our Honorary Life members from Belper, who both died during the year.
Finally I would like to thank all incumbents and tower captains for allowing us to visit their towers and ring on their bells.