NEWARK DISTRICT REPORT 2010

Membership within the District has increased to 137 comprising 87 full members, 45 retired members and 5 juniors. However, we were saddened by the death of Harry Mabbott who died June 16th aged 91 years. Harry for a few years was a past Master of Newark Parish Church Society Ringers

The bi-monthly meetings continue to attract members with an average of 28 members at each meeting. September saw a mini outing take place instead of the usual meeting, and a very enjoyable afternoon was had by all who attended, on what was a lovely late summers afternoon. Towers visited were around the North Notts District.

The Crawford Cup heat at Norwell, judged by Bryn Richards, attracted four teams and the winners Sutton-on-Trent B team went through to the final at Edwinstowe. A second “Fun” Rise & Fall competition took place at Staunton-in-the-Vale on the evening of the May meeting. A good evening was had by all, all entrants paid a fee to the BRF and Phil Wild, the judge, made favourable comments to all the teams who entered.

Elston bells were rehung on ballbearings and the frame was cleaned by grinding off the rust and repainted. This work took place between April 1st and June 30th. Large donations were received from Balfour Beatty and other charities. Many thanks to Di Hofton who spearheaded the fund raising and to all helpers in the rehang and the painting of the frame. The Bishop of Southwell re-dedicated the bells and their fittings which took place on October 10th during the Harvest Festival service. A small but enthusiastic band are now being taught and the first peal on the bells after the rehang was rung on July 27th. Eakring has now become a four bell tower and has ten members. Although in the Mansfield District at the moment, transfer to the Newark District will go before the next Guild Committee meeting. The re-dedication by the Bishop of Sherwood took place on 14th February. The fifth bell should be installed in the tower very soon.

Coach outings are still popular with Balderton visiting Cambridgeshire towers. St.Ives, Chesterton, St.Benedict Cambridge, Long Stanton and Bluntisham. Newark visited towers calling at Collingham, Harrogate St.Wilfrid, Beckwithshaw, Hampsthwaite and Birswith. Sutton-on-Trent’s outing went to Duffield, Cheadle RC, Cheadle C of E, Hanbury and Rolleston on Dove. Coddington rang at Littlebury, Arksden, Clavering and Manuden.

The quarter peal week in aid of the BRF took place in November. 16 quarters were attempted of which 12 were successful. Two people rang their first quarter at first attempt, Lyn Welsh of Wellow and John WhiteSpecial practices continued with the emphasis on plainer methods. These practices hosted by Wellow and Farndon were well attended and beneficial to all.

The District Secretary achieved a personal milestone in October, when she rang her 50th anniversary peal, at the same tower, Elston, and on the same bell.

I would like to thank the Incumbents for the use of the bells, to those people who have hosted meetings and practices, made the teas and to everyone who has contributed to District events. Finally I would like to thank the special individuals who have once again helped me throughout the year.

Margaret Snyder