Toronto in Pittsburgh

The weekend of 14-17 February was the Family Day holiday in Ontario, coinciding with the US Presidents' Day holiday weekend in the US (which holiday is actually known by eleven different official names in various states and the Federal Government; go figure). Despite the Endless Winter this seemed a great time for neighboring towers to join forces, and a half dozen brave Toronto (now home to two towers!) ringers, plus two young, future ringers, traveled to their next nearest neighbor, Pittsburgh. Sadly that was half the number originally scheduled, but folks' schedules changed as the date grew nearer, as so often happens. They were joined in Pittsburgh by a similar number of local ringers for three days of extensive ringing.

While some surprise major was rung, the high points of the weekend were probably working on less familiar surprise minor methods: Norwich, Bourne, and, especially, a lot of hard, productive work at London Minor. Plus a few touches of Original, always sure to produce smiles and giggles.

In addition three quarters were rung over the weekend, all those taking part in the weekend being in at least one. Especial congratulations to Anna-Lena Bulgrin and to Adam Nelson, who rang their first eight bell quarters.

Another major goal of the visit, it would appear, was to solicit interest in a return visit by as many of the Pittsburgh band as can make it to the Toronto twelve bell weekend, 27-29 June. Having taken part in the first few of these delightful events, I can assure any North American ringers that are able to join in a wonderful time!