BINGHAM DISTRICT REPORT 2010

This has been a positive year for the District, membership has increased to 154, including 7 junior members. During the year we welcomed 11 new and 3 rejoining members. We have had a full programme of monthly meetings, including our first meeting at Thoroton. Attendance at meetings has averaged 22 members (one down on last year) and we have been pleased to also welcome regular visitors.

We organised three training courses this year (compared to two last year), covering Plain Bob Minor in March and June at East Bridgford and Woodborough respectively and Minor and Doubles at Radcliffe in October. The courses were well supported with between 5 & 8 learners present assisted by several other ringers. In addition to this one experienced ringer has offered help with ringing problems face to face or via an email helpline. Our grateful thanks to all who helped in anyway.

The District heat of the Crawford Cup was held at Holme Pierrepont in April enabling teams to ring on the recently rehung 6 bells. The event was well supported with 5 teams entering the competition; special mention to Holme Pierrepont, an inexperienced band having their first go at a striking competition. Shelford were the winners and retained the Tom Goodwin Trophy. They then went on to represent the District in the final at Edwinstowe where they came second. Adding to this success Shelford again won the Oswy Street Memorial Cup in October; many congratulations to them.

Eight quarter peals were rung at Colston Bassett during the year, including several firsts in the method.

Phil Wild organised our May Day outing this year, taking in 5 towers in North Lincolnshire. The day was well supported, the weather was good and there were no lockouts. Many thanks to Phil and to Steve Sugden, who again drove the coach.

We were all very saddened to hear of two deaths during the year. Janet Bull from Radcliffe passed away in April after a long illness and many members joined the large congregation at her funeral with a peal being rung in her memory. Harry Hibbert from Gedling passed away in October at the age of 86.

This has been a good year for social/fundraising events. John and Linda Rigby again hosted a BBQ in August for ringers and non-ringing friends, many thanks to them. In February the District held a charity Race Evening at Radcliffe on Trent which raised £1,237 for the BRF and in October Thoroton ringers held a French Evening which provided plenty of French food and wine, entertainment from a French folk singer and even Can Can dancers. This event raised £1,400 towards the cost of installing the fourth bell at Thoroton. Other social events were held to keep the 'ringing gardeners' up to scratch, with competitions for the biggest onion and parsnips; these were both hosted by Plumtree this year.

Finally, thanks again to those who supplied excellent ringers’ teas throughout the year, all Incumbents for the use of the bells and everyone who has helped and supported our events in any way during the year.
 

David Left