October, 2003
Congratulations to Pittsburgh on two accounts. After only a little more than a year since the dedication at Southminster Presbyterian, the Pittsburgh Change Ringing Guild won both the 6 and 8 bell Call Change Competitions. Kudos to Ross Finbow for an excellent job working with the ringers. This was also the first major event that they have hosted and it turned out to be a huge success, as I think all in attendance will agree. The 6 and 8 bell Method competitions were won by Marietta/Atlanta teams. We once again thank Alan Regin for judging and support of this event.
The Friday evening general ringing session gave everyone a chance to experience the bells and check out the competition. After ringing finished, 35 thirsty and hungry ringers sat down to eat dinner at Aladdin's, a nearby Mediterranean eatery.
On Saturday morning the draw was held in Southminster House for the four competitions. The day was perfect - mid 70's, low humidity and clear, sunny skies. When the members of the twenty-one teams were not competing, they rang handbells or visited the public library across the street which had free e-mail access and a wonderful book sale, or just relaxed and talked.
The evening's festivities began at John Lingley's house, a Pittsburgh ringer who lives not more than a 10 minute walk from the tower. The event was held outside - picnic tables in a row, torches glowed and Ross's home brew flowed. About 50 people sat down to an excellent meal. Before Alan began his remarks a surprise birthday cake was brought out for Bruce Butler, baked by Elizabeth Boyd, a Pittsburgh ringer and proprietor of Uptown Coffee.
We were treated to Alan's perceptions of each team and he also presented SRCY certificates to the newest NAGCR Cumberlands, Matt Brown, Marietta and Emily Heilker, Atlanta. Results over, the party moved inside for dessert and then moved houses to Nick Rossi's where he and his parents hosted many of us to some more fun and frivolity and drinks.
Sunday began with ringing before and after the service followed by general ringing at all levels. A break in the afternoon for a wedding provided the remaining group with an opportunity to visit a redundant church which is now a micro-brewery. More ringing followed and then the group had dinner at a fish restaurant on the cliff top which had an excellent view of Pittsburgh's three rivers and the city. For those remaining, Monday began experimenting with muffling the bells - due to the fact that the schools neighboring the church were in session. Carpet scraps worked the best and we had an excellent practice focusing on Plain Hunt, Dodging, Plain Bob, Grandsire and Stedman
Thanks to the entire Pittsburgh group, Alan Regin, and everybody who came and supported the event. Next year the striking competition will be held in Raleigh, so start planning your trip and organizing your team.
Eileen Butler,
Education Officer, NAGCR