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.