The year got off to a good start with over 30 members attending the ADM at Old Whittington. Evening ringing at Staveley included spliced surprise major.
The quiz night in February at the Alfreton Golf Club was well attended despite the snow making travelling difficult. This was won by ‘Turn Again’, the team from Old Whittington. Next year’s event will be organised by Old Brampton.
Striking Contest heats were held at Old Brampton in March. Old Whittington came first in the Horsley Cup and Old Brampton in the Arthur Ashby Cup. These teams went on to represent the district in the finals in May. Thanks to John Heaton for judging the heats.
Disappointingly, only 10 ringers attended the April meeting at Norton. This turned out to be the worst attended meeting of the year.
The usual outing was held in May, ably organised by Andrew Hall.
In June over 30 ringers attended a meeting in picturesque South Wingfield on a lovely sunny evening.
July saw the district hosting the Association Summer Meeting with ringing at Wingerworth, Old Whittington,
Chesterfield and Staveley. July also was the month of the treasure hunt, organised by the Ball Family. Six
teams had a very enjoyable afternoon followed by a pub meal in Chesterfield. The Westmans decision to
split into 2 teams was possibly a mistake, as one of their teams won, and the other lost! This event saw a
profit of £23, which was donated to the BRF.
In August a joint meeting was held with the Sheffield Branch of the YACR at Ecclesfield. This was a great
success, and we have invited the Sheffield Branch to Chesterfield in 2010 for a return match. Also in
August, we had a meeting joining with the local practice at Bolsover. It was great to see so many locals
there. Following on from the success of this type of meeting, the committee have decided to hold several
evening meetings joining with local practices in 2010.
The Ring and Dine in September was a little disappointing in that only 11 people attended, but they enjoyed ringing at Brackenfield, followed by a very enjoyable meal in Ashover.
The district entered two teams in the 8 Bell Contest in October. Despite both teams putting in a good performance, Team A came 5th and Team B came 6th.
October saw another meeting joining a local practice this time at Chesterfield. Again, a very successful meeting with over 30 people there.
The November meeting was at Beighton, only 11 ringers made it, but the M1 was closed due to an accident and the weather was atrocious – so well done to those who braved the adverse conditions to enjoy the tea and cakes provided by the local ringers. Also in November we held a ‘Tower Captains’ meeting. Fourteen people attended this event and many topics were discussed, including recruitment/retention of learners, wedding ringing and young ringers.
The final meeting of the year was in December at Sutton Scarsdale and Pleasley. Pleasley church was decorated for a Christmas Tree Festival and was beautifully lit by the tree lights.
On a sad note, Robert Green of Killamarsh died in June this year. A quarter was attempted at Staveley for his memorial service, but was lost just after the 720. However, his family were delighted with the ringing.
We have had a few ‘firsts’ this year. Congratulations to Rosemary Hall who rang her first quarter in September at Old Brampton.
Congratulations also to Rich and Simon Westman, Simon rang his first peal in January at Staveley, and Rich rang his first in July also at Staveley. Both boys rang Yorkshire so as not to out do each other!
In March a resident Chesterfield District band rang a peal of Grandsire Triples at Staveley.
Finally, I would like to thank all the incumbents and tower captains who have made us so welcome over the past year, and to the committee who have helped guide me successfully through my first year as district secretary.