About fifteen of our handbell ringers attended the Lutheridge Handbell Retreat February 15 - 17 at Lutheridge in Arden, NC. We left early on Friday morning, realizing at the last minute that we had room for all of the people and our bells. . .but not enough room for luggage! Jane K. agreed to drive so we departed Jacksonville in three vehicles: the van driven by Larry T., an Escalade driven by Loree M., and the SUV driven by Jane. The next couple of days would hold great meals and fellowship together, nearly nine hours of intense rehearsal under our clinician Ed Tompkins, a Pictionary marathon, hastily rearranged sleeping arrangements (segrating those who snore from those who do not), and a final concert on Sunday morning after worship.My thanks to Larry T. for making travel arrangements and leading rehearsals to help us prepare the music in advance. Thank you to the drivers and thank you to all who attended. It was nice to go away for the weekend and get to know each of you a little better. Several of you commented that previous directors never went to Lutheridge for the handbell retreat. All I can say is that they don't know what they were missing. Well, that and. . .when can we go again?
