BINGHAM DISTRICT REPORT 2007

Throughout the year membership has increased slightly to 155 comprising 135 adults, 11 juniors and 8 retired members. Attendance at the meetings has remained steady with an average of 20 members, often from the same 9 or 10 towers. Apart from the traditional ringers’ teas organised by the host towers, there was a picnic tea at Langar in July, and despite the mixed summer weather it did not rain. The August meeting was a BBQ at John and Linda Rigby’s home.

April saw the district heat of the Crawford Cup at Willoughby-on-the-Wolds. Plumtree and Radcliffe-on-Trent entered teams with the Radcliffe ringers winning the Tom Goodwin trophy and progressing to the final. The district was also represented by Cotgrave, last year’s winners, at Attenborough.

May Day again saw the annual coach outing, this time to seven towers in Warwickshire. Our thanks go to Jan and Brian Bull for the flawless organisation and to Steve Sugden for driving the coach.

There have been two Plain Hunt training courses held at East Bridgford which were greatly appreciated by the participants. Our thanks go to the ringers who turned out on the Saturday mornings to help. Colston Bassett continues to host an advanced practice on the fourth Saturday evening of each month.

The Quarter Peal fortnight held at the end of October resulted in eight quarters being rung, with three members ringing their first quarters.

John and Linda Rigby once again organised the dinner and dance at Barnstone in early December. It was enjoyed by the members and friends who attended.

Fund raising has continued with the Smarties’ tubes, the total exceeding previous years. There was also a joint venture with the charity Vitalise whereby money raised through sponsored rings was split between the charity and the Bell Repair Fund each receiving over £500.

We were saddened by the death of Peter Hailes, a regular ringer at Gedling.

Finally, I would like to thank ringers and those who help at meetings, incumbents for the use of the bells, tower captains and fellow District Officers.

Valerie Robertson
Last updated : 31 May 2008