Index

Lunch was spent as is normal for bellringers in the local pub. When they could finally be persuaded to return to the tower (which was after quite a while for some! - ed.) the ringers spent the afternoon working on Little Bob Major.

By the end of the day most of us had gained a new method if not two to add to our repertoire. As usual we had also caught up on a lot of ringing gossip too whilst spending a day in a fun and helpful way.

Special thanks go to all those helpers who gave up their time to assist us learners and to the local highways department for ensuring that those who came from Derby did not feel out of place by closing the road just past the church and leaving everyone wondering how to get to the tower on time.

Kevin Evans.

Richard, Paul & Sarah Elliot (Ashbourne), Richard Barnet (Tutbury), Chris Willis, Rosemary Tlirfin, Rebecca Redfern, Katherine Redfern, Claire Hall, Caroline Sach (Duffield), Graham Summers (Ockbrook), David Ingram (Melbourne)

First Quarter Peal

BRAILSFORD, 13 FEBRUARY 1998
1260 PLAIN BOB DOUBLES
Treble Mary Cox
2 Rachael Eagle
3 Charles De Nobriga (first quarter peal at first attempt)
4 Thomas Crouch
5 Christian Peckham (c)
Tenor Alistair Smith

Congratulations to Charles who rang extremely well.

Almost a Quarter Peal!

BRAILSFORD, 27 FEBRUARY 1998
About 1296 CAMBRIDGE MINOR
Treble Thomas Crouch
2 Pat Halls
3 Mary Cox
4 George Fletcher
5 Gordan Halls
Tenor Christian Peckham (c)

Unfortunately the conductor had a bit of a brainstorm in the last lead, and swapped himself over with another bell. Consequently the quarter didn't quite come round, It would have been the first of treble bob for Tom.

No longer need we spend so much time on call changes or Plain Hunt, we now regularly try Bob Doubles, Grandsire and more. No longer are we restricted to plain courses but we tackle the occasional touch. First attempts at quarter peals are being organised and we have been persuaded to enter the striking competition. Yet another new found friend has organised extra sessions at Belper for four of our younger enthusiasts, and this has accelerated their progress. Even a couple of 'geriatrics' have benefited from the help of yet another expert. 

The ringers at Brailsford are most grateful for the regular help and time they are receiving, All are fully aware of the difference an expert can make.

Mary Cox.
 

If you are interested the person to contact for more details is Pam Timms on (01332) 757102.

Obviously space is limited to the number of seats on the bus, so book early to avoid disappointment!

March 16th - Brailsford Practice 7.30-9.00 (S Martin's & Oswald)

April 20th - Brailsford Practice 7.30-9.00 (Grandsire & Kent)

April 25th - Association AGM - Chesterfield District (Watch RW for details)

May 16th - Horsley Cup Final

June 6th - Plain Hunt and Bob Doubles Training Day

June 20th - Evening Meeting at Ashbourne 7.30-9.00
 

Also :

July 18th - Walk and Ring (Organised by Jackie Burns)

July/August - Cricket Match (Organised by Richard Hamby)

October 17th - Annual Dinner

Be there!

on any ringing subject then contact Jane to see if there is a book in stock to meet your needs. Jane can be contacted on (01773) 827751 or at any District Event, and she will gladly take your money for any purchase!

Don't be put off by strange sounding method names. The chances are you can ring them. There is always an easier method that involves the treble plain hunting, so even if you feel it's beyond you, don't! Come along and try it. The next practice is on the 16th March. The special methods are Grandsire Doubles and Kent TB Minor. If you can ring Bob Doubles OK then you should be able to adapt it a bit to ring Grandsire. Kent is not too large a step from Bob Minor either.

If you think that's a bit confusing, or want more of an explanation on clues how to ring them, or you need to know what to do at a bob and a single then do come along for some face to face explanation.

When our Association was formed after the dissolution of the Midland Counties Association in 1946, Alf was one of its leading ringers. He was a noted tenor ringer, besides being one of the best conductors in the Association. He rang in a variety of peals, up to and including Maximus. He also rang several handbell peals. Alf was ringer master at St. Peter's in Derby for a long period from 1952 to the 1960s. There was always a welcome for visitors to St. Peters and good ringing was always to be had at the practice night there. Alf didn't enjoy going to the pub, so after the tower bells were lowered, the evening continued with handbell ringing. Alf had seemingly endless patience and he and Jack Bailey would shepherd any potential learner through the early stages of change ringing on handbells.

In more recent years Alf rang at Shardlow, cycling there from his home in Elvaston until he was well past his eightieth birthday. Towards the end he found Shardlow bells too much for him, but he still visited Ticknall occasionally where he found he could manage the light bells.

Alf was a Central Council representative for the association from 1951 to 1965. He lead a long and interesting life, being interested in gardening and astronomy as well as ringing. His funeral was attended by many Association members, particularly Shardlow ringers. May he rest in peace.
 

Back in November last year eight ringers met at Belper. A sponsored quarter peal of Pudsey Suprise Major was rung, in aid of Children in need. It was a close run thing at times but it made it to the end in spectacular style. It was organised by Beth Saddler, and raised well over £300. Interviews with some of the band and the start of the ringing was also featured on local radio. Well done !
 

Now the general committee are considering what should happen about the dinner in future years. The discussion on this should not happen just within the confines of the committee meeting - it is YOUR opinions that we are interested in.

Please let Pat Halls or any of the other District Committee members know YOUR views.

· When would you like it to be?

· Formal or informal?

· After dinner activities?

We want you to come and enjoy the dinner. It is true to say that the majority of those who come each time have said afterwards they have enjoyed the occasion.

Whatever the result of the current discussion the Annual Dinner for 1998 is already arranged. It will be on Saturday October 17th at the Maynard Arms in Grindleford. Put the date in your diary and come along and enjoy it!

Pat Halls

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Address for Strike Notes : -