The Annual District Meeting in January 2009 took place at Duffield. Twenty eight ringers sat down to a
delicious hot meal prepared by Luke Heaton's family. A Committee was duly elected, although the post of
District Secretary was not filled this year. Nevertheless, information relating to meetings and events has been
circulated throughout the year thanks to Sally Bramson from Belper tower.
The Striking Contest heats took place this year at Denby. This was a relatively small event since only one team was entered in each section, Duffield in the Call Changes section and Mugginton in the Methods section. However, the sixteen ringers who attended enjoyed a very friendly meeting, a delicious tea provided by Betty Marshall and her ringers, and they also heard useful and constructive comments on the ringing by Philip Hudson who judged the entries. Both teams went through to the final.
The May meeting was held at Ashbourne on their practice night and this was a well attended meeting.
In June Luke arranged a “Walk and Ring” meeting at which ringers met at South Wingfield and, having rung there, walked to Crich and rang there. They then returned to South Wingfield. There was a high standard of ringing at this meeting since numbers were swelled by visitors attending.
The joint meeting at Brailsford with Southern District in July was the usual highly enjoyable Strictly Come Ringing event.
A Young Ringers’ Afternoon, also at Brailsford, was held in September and organised by Gill Hughes. This proved to be a good opportunity for young ringers to socialise as well as ring together.
The Central District team did very well in the October eight bell Striking Contest, being placed 3rd out of six teams.
The Quarter Peal Week from 31st October - 7th November was very successful for the second year running.
Twenty-nine ringers took part, seven towers were used (and one dining room) and out of thirteen quarters
attempted eleven were successfully rung. Help from Southern District was much appreciated, both from
ringers and from conductors.
A joint Carol Service with Southern District was held at Ticknall on the 12th December and this was followed by mince pies and mulled wine.
Eight new members were elected this year, one at Duffield, one at Brailsford, three at Horsley three at Denby.
All in all, the year's activities have gone well, although higher attendances would be welcomed. We're
grateful to all tower captains and incumbents who have made the bells available for ringing.