DDA Summer Meeting 7th July 2012

We started with ringing at Brackenfield; an interesting church where the ringing chamber (GF) is cleverly concealed behind the organ pipes. Methods included Cambridge, Oxford TB, Norwich Surprise, Stedman and Grandsire. Joshua (7) rang his first rounds on tower bells – well done Joshua! Then on to Ashover. Again Richard Taylor; Assoc Ringing Master kept us all in order and maximised the ringing time available. Methods included Cambridge and Yorkshire S Royal. Joshua rang his first rounds on ten tower bells! Ashover was our venue for a Service, Ringers’ Tea, meeting, more ringing.

The Service:

I the Lord of Sea and sky mmm ...

Presentation: as reported in Strike Notes (Issue 87); 27 Quarter Peals and a Peal had been rung for the tenth anniversary of the death of Gordon Halls. Alec Humphrey had compiled these ringing records into a display book, which was presented to Pat Halls in the Service. During the Tea, the book was made available for interested parties to view.

John Hawes read the Old Testament Lesson: the last verses from the Book of Job; a story of woe but with a blessed ending.

The Tea: Cakes – Carrot cake, Raspberry Cream Scones, Lemon cake, Lemon Drizzle cake, Chocolate and  Chocolate Fudge cake, Ginger Cake, Victoria Sandwich, Apple and Cranberry sponge, Mince Tartlett etc “all made by the lady ringers of Ashover, Brackenfield and North Wingfield”. This was in addition to the savoury course – wow!

The Meeting:

New members were welcomed to the Association from Horsley and North Wingfield.

2 reasons  to be proud of your Association:

       The National Youth Striking Competition, held at St Paul’s Birmingham. Gill Hughes reported that the DDA team had come 2nd in the Call Change category, and  3rd overall out of 15 Teams. Rosemary and Emily Hall stood up in the meeting and thanked the DDA for funding and supporting the Team.

       The National 12 Bell Striking Competition. Tim Peverett told us that the Melbourne Team attained 2nd place in this prestigious competition! Tim thanked everyone who had helped out on the day. An Internet link had enabled 100 people around the world to listen to the competition ringing live, and a further 600 have logged in to listen since.

Education Committee: dates are being considered for a training session for The Ringing Foundation Integrated Teacher Training Scheme. See Ringing Foundation Website for more info on the scheme.

Report on Central Council meeting, Chester by Pat Halls. This was an interesting one... agreement that simulated peals are to be recorded (in a different way to standard peals), and a lapsed readership survey of the RW  - most lapsed for reasons other than not enjoying it. If you have any ideas for RW write to them!

After a vote of thanks by Paul Lynch we rang again, then adjourned ...    

Gordon A Halls MBE 1931-2002

Gordon's influence on bells and ringing in Derbyshire and beyond has been well documented. Early this year it was suggested that it would be appropriate to attempt quarter peals in as many of the towers where he was influential as a ringer or as our diocesan bell consultant as possible, to mark the 10th anniversary of his passing. A list of towers was provided and ringers at each were asked if they would wish to ring a quarter peal in his memory during the second half of April, that being the month of his birth and also of his death. They were offered help to do so if they felt that they wanted it and as a result twenty-seven quarter peals were rung by ninety DDA ringers and twelve non resident ringers representing forty-two different towers. 

These included quarters at Derby Cathedral where he rang regularly for 50 years, St Peter’s Derby where he was the ringing master for twenty-five years and at Eckington where the Gordon Halls Ringing Centre is dedicated to him. A further four ringers rang with six DDA ringers in a peal, conducted by Pat, at Newton-le-Willows where Gordon learned to ring and where he was also heavily involved in the augmentation project that culminated in the bells’ dedication on the day after he died.

A further peal was rung at Oaks in Charnwood on 30th April.

Wormhill, Derbyshire. 13 Apr, 1260 Plain Bob Minor:  Katie Eldridge 1, Eileen Goodall 2, Pauline Boyle 3, John Boyle 4, Geoff Goodall Josh Eldridge (C) 6. Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002) who led the DIY team that installed a new steel frame and rehung the bells in 1998

Youlgreave, Derbyshire. 14 Apr, 1264 Plain Bob Major: John Boyle 1, Pauline Boyle 2, Ruth Littlewood 3, David Camm 4, Eileen Goodall 5, Geoff Goodall (C) 6, John Thorpe 7, Josh Eldridge 8. Rung on the back eight in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002). Gordon was instrumental in rehanging these bells in a frame for thirteen in 1995 and then in their augmentation in 1997.

Pinxton, Derbyshire. 14 Apr, 1344 Yorkshire Surprise Major,  Anne Westman 1, Joe Leary 2, Tony Fisher 3, John Fisher (C) 4, Andrew E Hall 5, Jim Heading 6, Neil A Westman 7. Susan G Hall 8. Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002). This was Gordon's first project. In response to enquiries, he persuaded the incumbent to scrap the two old bells and install a new ring of five in a frame for eight in 1966, and then to augment to eight in 1968. Also for Pinxton bells open day.

Youlgreave, Derbyshire. 15 Apr, 1259 Grandsire Caters: John Thorpe 1, Emma Humphrey 2, David Camm 3, Roy Meads 4, Frances Haynes 5, Robert Marchbank 6, Simon Humphrey 7, Ted Dakin 8, Richard Taylor (C) 9, John Boyle 10. Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002). Gordon was instrumental in rehanging these bells in a frame for thirteen in 1995 and then in their augmentation in 1997. Also a 65th birthday compliment to Robert.

Stanton in Peak, Derbyshire.16 Apr, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: Jo Walker 1, Steph Steele 2, Gail Lilley 3, David Camm 4, Richard Taylor (C) 5, Sue Hadfield 6. Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002) who was instrumental in the installation of the new lighter ring of six in 2003.

Etwall, Derbyshire. 16 Apr, 1272 Rossendale Surprise Minor: Mike Willis 1, Jane Boden 2, Pat Halls 3, Tony Lees 4, John V Chadwick 5, John Hawes (C) 6 Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (15/4/1931 – 27/4/2002).

Scarcliffe, Derbyshire. 21 Apr, 1376 Plain Bob Major: Dennis Smedley 1, Tony Fisher 2, Anne E Westman 3, Hazel Jones 4, Pat Halls 5, Alec Humphrey (C) 6, Don Jones 7, Nick Daines 8.Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002) who was instrumental in the augmentation of these bells from five to eight in 2001.

Norbury, Derbyshire. 21 Apr, 1296 Plain Bob Singles (variable hunt): Gill Hughes (C) 1, Steve Harpham 2, Neil A Westman 3. Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002) who was influential on the frame improvements carried out on these bells in 2003.

Morley, Derbyshire. 21 Apr, 1296 Minimus, (Oxford TB, Kent TB, S Court, Double B & Plain B): Nick Daines 1, Gillian E Hughes 2, Alec Humphrey (C) 3, Neil Westman (C) 4.Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002) who was instrumental in the augmentation of these bells in 2001. 600th quarter peal together 2 & 3.

Youlgreave, Derbyshire. 22 Apr, 1280 Yorkshire Surprise Major: David Camm 1, Simon Humphrey (C) 2, Emma Humphrey 3, Ian Duff 4, Mike Lilley 5, Gail Lilley 6, Richard Taylor 7,Helen Taylor 8. Rung on the light eight in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002). Gordon was instrumental in rehanging these bells in a frame for thirteen in 1995 and then in their augmentation in 1997.

Eckington, Derbyshire (Gordon Halls Ringing Centre). 22 Apr, 1260 Grandsire Triples: Nicola Hardwick 1, Kathy Grieve 2, Anne E Westman 3, Hazel Jones 4, Neil A Westman (C) 5,Simon Grieve 6, Don Jones 7, Barrie Goodwin 8.Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002) to whom this ringing centre is dedicated.

Dinting Vale, Derbyshire. 22 Apr, 1260 Plain Bob Minor: Andy Venables 1, Linda Pelc 2, Adrienne Pyne 3, John Le Grove 4, Esther Venables 5, John Thorpe (C) 6.Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls (1931 – 2002) who led the restoration of these bells to a ringable state in two stages in 1992 and 1997.

Bonsall, Derbyshire. 22 Apr, 1440 Cambridge Surprise Minor: Alec Humphrey 1, Graeme A Hughes 2, Gillian E Hughes 3, Frances Haynes 4, Alistair Hamilton 5, Roy Meads (C) 6.Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002). The restoration of this former derelict ring of six in a new frame in 2004 was a result of suggestions by Gordon some time earlier.

Belper, Derbyshire (St Peter). 22 Apr, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: Gill Hughes (C) 1, Elizabeth French (first inside) 2, Alec Humphrey 3, Sue Marson 4, Viv Suttie 5, Naomi King 6.Rung in memory of Gordon Halls (15/4/1931 – 27/4/2002).

Ashover, Derbyshire. 22 Apr, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles, Jim Heading 1, Karen Jeffrey 2, Emma Humphrey 3, Richard Taylor (C) 4, Gavin Scott 5, Barry Watts 6. Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002) who was instrumental in the augmentation of these bells from 8 to 10 in a new frame in 1997. Also for the birthday of HRH Queen Elizabeth II and for St George's Day

Brailsford, Derbyshire. 23 Apr, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles, Pat Halls 1, Jenny Booth 2, Keith Baines 3, Cathy Potter 4, Chris Booth (C) 5, Rosemary Chesshire 6.Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002) who was instrumental in the design and installation of a ringers' gallery completed in 2003

Allestree, Derbyshire (W Bank Rd). 24 Apr, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: Mike Willis 1-2, Alec Humphrey 3-4, Philip Hudson (C) 5-6. Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (15/4/1931 – 27/4/2002).

Newhall, Derbyshire. 25 Apr, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: Katherine Fairbrother 1, Francis Gilbert 2, Alec Humphrey (C) 3, Chris Gilbert 4, Steve Durow 5, Kevin Parrans 6. Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002). Gordon & Pat were heavily involved in the maintenance work carried out on the bell frame in 1992.

Brailsford, Derbyshire. 25 Apr, 1260 Minor (St James's Youths' Exercise B & PB): Mike Willis 1, Ray Daw 2, Jack Chadwick 3, Philip Hudson 4, Nick Daines (C) 5, Alec Humphrey 6.Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002) who was instrumental in the design and installation of a ringers' gallery completed in 2003.

Hartington, Derbyshire. 26 Apr, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: Mary Goodwin 1, Christopher Dullage 2, Lesley Birch 3, Giles Lacey 4, Geoff Goodall (C) 5, John Dean 6, John Boyle 7,Philip Goodwin 8.First quarter peal for 1, 6 & 8. Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002) who was instrumental in the new installation of these bells in 2007

Belper, Derbyshire (St Peter). 26 Apr, 1260 Grandsire Triples: Jack Chadwick 1, Pat Halls 2, Ray Daw 3, Mike Lilley 4, Colin Aked 5, Philip Hudson 6, Alan Marchbank (C) 7, Robert Marchbank 8. Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 - 2002)

Osmaston, Derbyshire. 27 Apr, 1260 Plain Bob Doubles: Kath Brown 1, Keith Baines 2, Jenny Booth 3, Rosemary Chesshire 4, Chris Booth (C) 5. Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002)

Brackenfield, Derbyshire. 27 Apr, 1250 Cambridge Surprise Minor: Alec Humphrey (C) 1, Pat Halls 2, Anne Sladen 3, Neil Westman 4, Chris Gilbert 5, Anne Westman 6. Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002) who was instrumental in the augmentation of these bells from three to six in 2002.

Bamford in the Peak, Derbyshire. 28 Apr, 1320 London Surprise Minor: Duncan Matheson 1, Kathleen Matheson 2, J David Adams 3, Brian Blakey 4, Simon Taylor 5, Ian W Taylor (C) 6. Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002) who was instrumental in replacing the six steel bells with a new installation in 2000.

Mugginton, Derbyshire. 29 Apr, 1320 Cambridge Surprise Minor: Gill Hughes (C) 1, Viv Suttie 2, Alec Humphrey 3, Mike Banks 4, Irene Clarke 5, Steve Harpham 6. Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 – 2002) who was instrumental in the augmentation of these bells from four to six in a new steel frame in 1987.

Derby,  (All Saints Cathedral). 29 Apr, 1280 Plain Bob Major: Paul Lynch 1, Pat Halls 2, Cathy E Potter 3, Janet Foulds 4, William Branson 5, Pam Timms 6, Anthony Cotton 7, John Heaton (C) 8. Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls MBE (1931 - 2002) a ringer at this cathedral for fifty years

Derby, (St Peter). 29 Apr, 1260 Plain Bob Triples: Mike Willis 1, Chris Willis 2, Francis Gilbert 3, Chris Gilbert 4, Alec Humphrey (C) 5, Richard Barnett 6, Alan Rowe 7, Catharine Forster 8. Rung in memory of Gordon A Halls (1931 – 2002) who was the ringing master at this church for twentyfive years.

Derbyshire team 2nd - 2nd week running!

Well done to the ‘Derby Tups’ who came second in the Call Changes section of the Ringing World National Youth Competition. The eight members of the team travelled by train to Birmingham on 30^th June. The competition was held at St Paul’s, with the opportunity to ring at three other Birmingham towers including the 16 at St Martin’s in the Bull Ring. Fifteen teams took part with twelve teams including Derby ringing Call Changes and just three teams ringing in the method section. The Derby team were one of only two in the Call Change section to be given an ‘A’ grade. The full results can be seen below.

The group have had 6 practices since they first met in March although not everyone has been able to get to every practice and in fact Saturday was the first time they had all rung together. They had all managed 3 or 4 practices and had got to know each other well and they all took part in choosing the final team. Adults helping with transport and ringing were Gill Hughes, Andrew & Sue Hall, Alec Humphey and Chris Gilbert, who all travelled with the team to Birmingham.

The Derby DA sponsored the team by covering cost of donations to churches used for practices, train travel and some other expenses. This meant that many of the team were able to purchase a competition tee shirt with the slogan “ I’ve rung on the 16 at The Bull Ring” on the back. The team and helpers would like to thank the DDA for their support.

1.Rosemary Hall (Old Brampton) 2.Elspeth Chatto (Belper) 3.Francis Gilbert (Derby, St Peter’s) 4.Antoinette Abel (Derby, St Peter’s) 5.Sophie Shaw (Belper) 6.Emily Gentle (Pentrich) 7.Emily Hall (Old Brampton) 8.Naomi King (Belper)

Comments from some of the team

Taking part in the Ringing World National Youth Competition was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The contest itself was a bit nerve-wracking at first but nevertheless, I had a really good time. Coming second in the call changes category was a brilliant result and it was amazing to see how much the team has improved since last year's competition. Sophie

I thought that the whole day was a really good experience. It was just a bit of friendly competition. Also, this year, I found myself more confident so I talked to different bands which is always really refreshing. This year seemed to have a more friendly atmosphere too, making it less serious and added to the excitement. Antoinette

That day was one of the best days of my life because it is not very often teenagers get together and do something like that together as a team. More people should get involved its the best event ever, fantastic, and we got to go to different churches we might not ever see in the rest of our life. Naomi

---

Ringing World National Youth Contest 2012

The second Ringing World National Youth Contest was held in Birmingham on Saturday. The winners of gold medals for the Method category, and also winners of the Whitechapel Trophy for the best overall performance, are The G. & B. The gold medallists in the Call Changes category are the Sussex Young Ringers.

Method category results:

1st The G & B (A*: 76%)

2nd Oxford DG (B)

3rd Suffolk Guild (C+)

Call Changes category results:

1st Sussex Young Ringers (A: 70%)

2nd Derby Tups (A)

3rd= Yorkshire Puds (B)

Georges & Dragons (B)

Lincolnshire Poachers (B)

Hertfordshire (B)

Essex Young Eagles (B)

Bedfordshire (B)

4th= St Martin's Youths (C)

Jammy Dodgers (C)

5th= King Edward VI School (C-)

Vectis Youths (C-)

Judges: Simon Linford (Chief), Jonathan Agg, Heather Forster and Louis Suggett.

From Bell Board

PR Success!

What a week it has been for ringing in Derbyshire. With the National 12 bell striking competition at Melbourne on Saturday and the Olympic torch on Friday, there has been plenty of coverage in the newspaper and on the radio and TV. Around 800 ringers came to the 12 bell, how many people will come to see the torch?

Check out the 12bell website if you want to listen to the ringing, organ recital, service or results.
Oh yes, and the home team came second - our best ever result. Pipped to the post by Birmingham - judged to be 7% better.

Here is a round up of the coverage:
Friday 22nd June:
Radio Derby (1h22m into the program) interview Bob Smith and Christian Peckham on the eve of the competition.

Saturday
The Independant cover the Hawkear angle, which is a computer aid to help the judges - Nail-biting countdown to Sunday's big contest...for UK's bell-ringers
Andy Potter from Radio Derby interviews Tim Peverett (2h12m into the program).
Central TV coverage of the day, recorded before noon, including the article.
BBC TV cover the competition as well in their evening news (can anyone find this).

Sunday
Central TV article covering the winners of the contest.

Monday
Derby Evening Telegraph covers the story on page 3... The paper copy includes a team photo..

Wednesday
Recorded news item on Peak FM about the torch coming to Derbyshire, which was on the 2pm, 3pm and 4pm news.

Thursday
Live interview in Derby Cathedral belfry with Radio Derby (1h46 into the program). Really great that Vicky the interviewer was a lapsed ringing and had a go live on air.

Friday
Hopfully some coverage as Bolsover, Chesterfield, Bakewell, Derby Cathedral and Derby St Peters will be ringing during the day. With BBC East Midlands broadcasting directly under the tower, we're going to ring as the torch passes the tower. This will be followed by a peal of Olympic Delight Royal starting at 7pm. St Peters will be ringing a quarter peal at 7.30pm.

Anything I've missed?

2012 6 bell striking competition results

Here are the results of the Arthur Ashby Cup and Horsley Cup. This year, both competitions were judged by Graham Hayward. Congratulations to Stanton in Peak on winning their first Arthur Ashby competition and Darley Dale on winning the Horsley Cup for the 9th time.

Jo Walker receiving the Arthur Ashby Cup from Graham Hayward

Arthur Ashby results:

Rang 4th: Stanton in Peak 8m3s 225 points
Rang 1st: Old Brampton 7m54s 224 points
Rang 3rd: Belper 8m30s 221 points
Rang 2nd: Bakewell 8m6s 201 points
Rang 5th: Sawley ? time 200 points

Richard Taylor and Graham Hayward

Horsley Cup results:

Rang 3rd: Darley Dale 9m15s (3h14 peal speed) ringing Oxford TB Minor 242 points
Rang 4th: Derby Cathedral 8m20s (2h55 peal speed) ringing Cambridge S Minor 240 points
Rang 1st: Old Whittington 9m5s (3h10 peal speed) ringing Oxford TB Minor 233 points
Rang 4th: Belper 9m6s (3h11 peal speed) ringing Plain B Doubles 222.5 points

Annual website update - complete!

Phew - the major update to the website, after the AGM, is complete!

• Annual report on website
• Tower Map up to date - including details on parking, pubs and toilets...
• Updated Objectives and Rules & Honorary Life Members list following the changes at the AGM
• Section for corrections added

Just need to check the events guide and we are good to go!

Did you know...?

93% of Association officers have a DerbyDA email account.

52% of Association towers have a DerbyDA email account. If you can fill in any of the gaps, please let me know...

Also, I've added a new section - Archives. This will (one day) have copies of all Annual Reports from 1946 to the current day. Hopefully these will be of historical use to future generations.

I have reports for most years and I am missing some of the early years (1946 - 1953, 1957 and 1961). If you do have a spare copy, please may I have it? Unfortunately, the scanning process requires me to guillotine the reports in half, so they can't be returned in one piece.

2012 AGM round-up...

A quick round-up of events at the AGM for those who were not able to attend...

Ringing took place at Ockbrook, Breaston and Derby St Luke before the service at Allestree. Unfortunately ringing at Allestree was not possible due to a 'temporary' walkway over the bells becoming permanent the week before!

After a fine tea of jacket potatoes and 'naughty but nice' puddings, around 70 people sat down for the meeting. Well done to all the new members who were elected at the meeting - certificates were handed out for a first pealer, four first quarters and just under 30 new members certificates presented. It was good to see a high proportion of these were juniors. Mike Willis, a member since 1960, was recommended to be elected a Honorary Life Member for all his hard work at both District and Association level.

The longest agenda item consisted of changes to the Association Objectives and Rules to transfer the control of the Bell Repair Fund to a new, smaller, dedicated committee. John Thorpe clearly outlined this rule change and it was agreed by all. See the website soon for the updated Objectives and Rules.

The officers were all re-elected, however the current Membership Secretary and Annual Report Secretary (respectively Don and Hazel Jones) announced their decision not to stand next year. Anyone interested in either role is free to contact Don and Hazel, who will explain the ins and outs of the role.

The list of upcoming events includes 2 special events this year. Everyone is encouraged to participate in ringing over the Diamond Jubilee weekend. The Lord Lieutenant (the Queens representative in Derbyshire) had written to the Association to encourage the bells are rung. Please email us details of any special ringing, which we will forward onto the Queen in due course.

The other unusual event this year is the Olympics. Ringing is planned to coincide with the flame on it's journey through Derbyshire on 29th June. The Derbyshire locations near churches are: Bolsover, Chesterfield, Matlock, Darley Dale, Bakewell, Ashbourne, and Derby. A peal starting at 6.45pm is planned at Derby Cathedral, alongside a party in the Market Place until midnight. Ringers at Derby Cathedral are also planning to ring every day Team GB win a gold medal - how many days will we ring?

After the meeting concluded, the ringing continued at Duffield.

Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire requests that bells are rung!

The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, who is the Queen's personal representative in Derbyshire, has sent a personal message to all the ringers in the county. Please encourage you tower to ring throughout the year, especially during the weekend of 1st - 5th June 2012. The Association will be collating details of all ringing to be set to the Queen as a record of Derbyshire events.

HM Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Mr William Tucker, says;

"I am delighted that the Derbyshire Association of Church Bell Ringers have agreed to ring church bells throughout the County in unison in celebration of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee. I know that people all over Derbyshire love to hear Church Bells ringing in their villages and towns---especially if it is recognition of a special event. Nothing can be more special than celebrating 60 years of The Queen's wonderful reign and this combined "act of jubilation" will be well received by all. It will send out a very clear message to all that Derbyshire is celebrating this great occasion in style!"

Well done to everyone who took part in the Chesterfield District 6 bell contest heats on Saturday.

Results for the Horsley Cup heats (method ringing)
1 - Old Whittington
2 - Old Brampton
3 - Staveley
Old Whittington will represent the Chesterfield District in the final at Horsley in May.

Results for the Arthur Ashby Cup heats (call changes)
1- Old Brampton
2- Staveley
3- Eckington
Old Brampton will represent the Chesterfield District in the final at Denby in May.

Results for the Newman Cup
1- Old Brampton (call change band)
2- Old Whittington
3- Old Brampton (method band)
4- Staveley (call change band)
5- Staveley (method band)
6- Strike Out (Young Ringers)
7- Eckington

Anne Westman
Chesterfield District Secretary.