BINGHAM DISTRICT REPORT 2008

This year sees two new fingers on the keyboard (some indication of my typing skills) as Valerie Robertson (now Ambler) stood down as secretary early in the year because of her work commitments and pending marriage. Many thanks to Valerie for all her work, congratulations on her marriage and her success in persuading Jeff to learn to ring.

Throughout the year membership has remained the same at 155 comprising 138 adults, 8 juniors and 9 retired members. Attendance at the meetings has averaged 23 members, slightly up on last year but again often from the same 9 or 10 towers; as might be expected June and July meetings had the lowest numbers.

We were treated to excellent ringers’ teas throughout the year, our grateful thanks to all the host towers. We again held our picnic tea after ringing at Langar in July.

Our August meeting saw something different; after ringing on the 4 bells at Kneeton, we headed off to Susan Dawson’s home in East Bridgford for an excellent buffet supper. Many thanks to Susan for this.

In April the District heat of the Crawford Cup was held at Lowdham. Only 2 teams entered, Gedling and Radcliffe, and it was a close run contest with only 3 faults between them. Gedling came out on top and won the Tom Goodwin trophy and progressed to the final.

Jan and Brian Bull again organised our May Day outing, this time to 5 towers in Gloucestershire. It was well supported and our thanks go to them for a great day out and to our ringing coach driver, Steve Sugden.

It is encouraging to report that we have doubled the number of District training courses this year. There have been 3 Plain Hunt and 1 Plain Bob Minor course. All were well attended and our thanks go out to Gedling, Willoughby and Radcliffe for hosting them and to the ringers who turned out to help.

The advanced practice at Colston Bassett had to be suspended during the year because of declining attendance; however quarter peals are now being rung fairly regularly to keep the bells moving and the village ‘ringing friendly’.

Over a weekend in October Orston hosted a successful Bell and Flower Festival helped by several District members. £1200 was raised for the church and several residents expressed an interest in ringing. Congratulations to Hebert Wakefield and his team.

October gave us another highlight when we held our meeting at Woodborough and were able to ring on the newly rehung and augmented 6 bells.

Unfortunately our annual Christmas dinner and dance at Barnstone had to be cancelled due to lack of support.

Our fund raising for the Bell Repair Fund has increased this year with more money coming from our monthly collections and Smartie tube fundraising. BRF donations were received from, amongst others, Robert and Madeleine Graves following their Golden Wedding celebrations, Willoughby PCC and Brian and Janet Bull. Our grateful thanks to them all.

Finally, thanks to all incumbents for the use of the bells and everyone who has helped and supported our events during the year.
 

David Left
Last updated : 18 July 2009