In May, we enjoyed yet another successful Annual Dinner at the Vancouver Lawn, Tennis, and Badminton Club. Jeff White was given special recognition for contributing over 60 years of ringing and teaching. As many of you know, Jeff is a respected member of The North American Guild and The Ancient Society of College Youths, who has generously shared his expertise and passion for ringing with countless learners. It is such a pleasure to have him in our band--not only for his knowledge and skill, but also for his warm personality and boundless patience. Congratulations, Jeff!
Over the past few months, we have had the pleasure of welcoming an array of visitors from the UK and Seattle. In April, Chris Kippin, Master of ASCY, along with Heather Kippin, Chris Rogers, and Peter and Helen Valuks joined us for two really good practices, a quarter peal of Stedman Triples and a quarter of Cambridge Major, the latter to celebrate 100 years of ringing on the Holy Rosary bells. In other news, Rebecca Woodgate’s Seattle handbell group is doing well, and they travel up to Vancouver to ring the "big" bells whenever possible.
Having so many visitors has been a real boon to us, especially since our own world travelers have been away for weeks at a time. Pam Cooper was in Sidney Australia for 3 weeks, and while she was sitting on a park bench, she was shocked when our own Jeff White, who had gone over for a short holiday, sat down next to her! Needless to say, they went ringing together soon after. What are the odds of that? Dick Waterman and his wife went on an African Safari, and Alan and Mae Ellis visited Christine and John Clarke in Devon while in the UK for 3 weeks.
And finally, one more reason to celebrate: the birth of Ruth and Jack Albrecht's first grandchild Esmee on the 27th June. Another ringer one day? Congratulations to you both!
Submitted by Rhonda Gaidica