NORTH NOTTS DISTRICT REPORT 2010
2010 has been an excellent year for the North Notts District. Membership stands at 75 including 20 retired members and 5 juniors.
Sadly, John Pye, former tower captain of Beckingham, and Dorothy Annable of Harworth both passed away in 2010. They will be greatly missed.
Although adverse weather conditions put a damper on our AGM at Retford, the vast majority of monthly meetings have been well supported, particularly by our newer members, which is most encouraging. At Scofton in February, we rang those lovely little bells half-muffled, as a mark of respect to Tony Budge (of Osberton Hall), who had been interred in the churchyard that afternoon.
On 14th March, there was a special service at Worksop Priory to welcome the Right Reverend Paul Butler (our new Bishop) to the Diocese. A peal of Southwell S Major was rung beforehand, which included North Notts and Mansfield District members.
Several bands responded to the national call for ringing to mark St George’s Day, including Bawtry, East Drayton, Everton and Mattersey.
A particularly enjoyable meeting at Sutton-cum-Lound in May was followed ten days later by the District’s first appearance in a Crawford Cup Final for many years, with the Mattersey band putting in a valiant effort at Edwinstowe. In 2009, we had been unable to include Gamston and Grove on the Guild Half-Yearly Open Day, because neither were in a ringable condition. Thanks to a monumental restoration job at Gamston by Ray Fanthorpe and some remedial attention at Grove by yours truly, we held our July meeting at both towers, which encouraged a few visitors to join us.
Babworth was the venue for the Tea Pot Trophy district striking contest in September. Five teams entered and when judge Mark Roberts gave his verdict, the church was packed with ringers and supporters - a great sight to behold! East Drayton were the winners, followed by Mattersey, Bawtry, Everton and St Anne’s Worksop.
It is many years since our district had a training event for novice ringers. This year, the balance was redressed in fine style, when Nathan Fisher organised a highly successful day on the 25th September at Mattersey and Everton. This helped several district members make good progress in ringing plain hunt and bob doubles. It was all very enjoyable and I hope it may become a regular feature in our calendar. Huge thanks are due to Nathan and all those who gave of their time so generously, particularly the ringing helpers, lunch makers and our friends in the Doncaster & District Society.
The Oswy Street Cup Contest in October was held at Rampton, West Retford being unavailable. The holders Shelford narrowly held off a challenge by closed-lead team Kirkheaton (there was only half a fault in it!). Once again, Mattersey did our district proud with a performance that greatly improved on their ringing in the Crawford Cup. Our thanks to Mr Les Townsend (Master of the Lincoln Cathedral Company of Ringers) for judging the contest and also to Sara, Mandy and Lydia for the lovely tea.
The December meeting at Blyth made a pleasant and convivial finish to the year, despite the inclement weather conditions.
A big thank you to all ringers, spouses, Tower Captains and Incumbents - you are a wonderful team!
Nick Parkes