NOTTINGHAM DISTRICT REPORT 2010

The District has had a full programme of monthly meetings throughout the year including two mini-outings in the Rugby area organised by Peter Hawcock and Newark area organised by Richard Doar and the Crawford Cup heat held at West Bridgford in March. The result of the heat was Beeston A in first place with West Bridgford second and All Saints A in third place. In the final at Edwinstowe the St Mary Nottingham band retained the trophy for the fourth year in succession. Many thanks go to Simon Head for judging the heat and to Jonathan Young and his team for providing an excellent tea.

In addition to the above events the District organised two new events – the first was a “Teen Takeover” focussing on ringing for teenagers at Beeston and the second was a “Tea Pot Trophy” for “ringers who are not into methods or fancy ringing or striking contests”! Ringing was judged by the participants who then voted for their favourite! The event had in the past taken place alongside the Crawford Cup heat but it was felt too intimidating for less experienced ringers. 19 ringers took part and thoroughly enjoyed it and it is hoped that the contest will become a regular fixture – thanks go to Alistair Smith and his team for organising both events.

The highlight of District ringing events was the Guild Open Day centred on Nottingham District in November. A total of 22 towers were made available, 57 Guild members helped in some way on the day and a total of £739 was taken of which £600 went to the BRF. Thanks go to all who contributed in any way but especially to Christine Langton, ably supported by Tom, who took on the major organisational responsibility. The day was rounded off with a meal at the Savai restaurant in Nottingham which was very well attended.

The monthly meetings were generally well attended with an average of 19 members ringing, similar to last year; however it is noticeable that the same members generally support these meetings and I thank them for their continuing support. The District Ringing Masters chose methods to be rung at each meeting depending on the ability of those attending and this has provided an incentive for members of all abilities to attend.

Meetings were held on tower practice nights at Arnold and Bulwell to support the Tower Captains and provide experienced ringers to assist learners. The Ringing Masters are to be congratulated on their efforts to train ringers as there is clearly a need for this to support home tower training and also encourage those towers who do not ring on a regular basis.

Nottingham District membership has declined slightly to 157 made up of 121 adults, 5 juniors and 31 retired members in addition to our 2 Honorary Vice Presidents.

I am retiring as Secretary following the 2011 AGM and would like to thank everyone for their support over the last 5 years, particularly the Committee and Tower Captains, Incumbents and Tower Contacts for making their bells available and the members who regularly support the District.

R Mike Suttill