The year began with a well-attended ADM at Belper, where a good hot meal was provided by the ringers there prior to the Meeting which followed the usual format – the main business being to elect the Committee.
The first task of the year was to organise the Annual Dinner in February. Horsley Lodge was the chosen venue. The meal was most enjoyable and we were fortunate to have Bob Smith as the Speaker and he regaled us with many amusing tales of his work “amongst the bells” which everybody could relate to. Additional entertainment was provided by Pete Castle with stories and folksy songs to a guitar.
The Striking Contest heats took place at Osmaston on a bitingly cold day – (hot tea and cakes were served between ringing). The District entered three teams – Etwall in the Arthur Ashby Cup, and Belper and Mugginton in the Horsley Cup. We were very grateful to the judge, Tim Peverett, for his useful and constructive comments on the ringing. Etwall and Mugginton teams went through to the finals.
Afternoon ringing at Doveridge in May was followed by a very enjoyable picnic on which the sun shone. The June meeting was a visit to Marchington's practice night. On both these occasions the numbers were increased somewhat by visitors, some from far afield and some from other Districts – always a welcome occurrence. The joint meeting with Southern District in July, “Strictly Come Ringing”, was most enjoyable. Our Chairman was really chuffed to lead the winning team. Our September meeting was, again, a visit to a tower's practice night, this time Heanor, and although the numbers were very low it was nevertheless beneficial to those who were there.
Our District entered one team in the eight-bell Striking Contest in October, but we didn't win.
The Committee had decided upon a Quarter Peal Week this year, and this was an inspired choice. It proved that whereas attendance at monthly meetings tends to be low there are, nevertheless, a lot of keen ringers in the District. Members responded magnificently to this event. 37 ringers took part and 13 successful quarters were rung, one of these being Sam Jopp's first quarter at just 12 years of age. Many thanks are due to those from other Districts who helped us, both by joining bands and by conducting. The week was rounded off with a very enjoyable Supper and Skittles evening at the Burton Bridge Inn.
The year's activities finished in December with the Seasonal Celebration of Carols and Readings for Advent and Christmas, presided over by Rev. Michael Bishop at Longford Church which was beautifully decorated for the season. This was followed by the usual mince pies and hot mulled wine.
Two new members have been elected this year, both at Ashbourne, and two former members at Marchington have rejoined the Association.
On a sadder note, the death of Arnold Morley of Belper in June was a great loss to the District and also, more recently, the death of Graham Smith of Doveridge in December.
As ever, thanks are duly expressed to all incumbents and tower captains who make their bells available for ringing throughout the year.