| Wed Jun 8, 2016 |
The first practice with the new sharp 2nd in place - as one ringer commented, "what a difference a semitone makes." A beautiful diatonic octave now sounds from the front eight, greatly adding to the beauty of the music produced by methods like Stedman. Andrew Mills from Taylor's, who installed the bell with the help of volunteers from the local band, was on hand for the practice. |
| Fri May 27, 2016 |
This year's Memorial Day weekend will be remembered as a successful and enjoyable extended 12-bell weekend (Friday through Monday). Many accomplished ringers from the UK, Boston and Washington DC joined with us for 12-bell ringing that included Bristol Max, Stedman Cinques and Littleport Cinques. The event was organized by Martha Partridge as a way of celebrating her 30th wedding anniversary - congratulations, Martha and Tigg! Peals, quarter-peals and practice sessions on tower bells, handbells and Tim's miniring (set up in Trinity's Manning Room), together with a festive dinner on Saturday and a delightful barbeque on Sunday, all combined to make an event that will be one of the principal highlights of 2016. It was also our first opportunity to try out the new ringing circle, modified to accommodate our sharp 2nd - the installation of which was paused for this event. The bells will shortly be taken out of service again for a few more weeks to complete this project. |
| Sun May 15, 2016 |
Today saw the second of our two planned regional tower visits, with 11 Trinity affiliated ringers descending upon the Kent School in southwestern Connecticut for a go on the bells housed on its gracious campus. As in Orleans, we joined with the local band, many of whom are students at the school and keen to advance their ringing skills. Ryder Sammons, now at Kenyon College and an alumnus of Kent, was among the ringers. Keeping with the best traditions of ringing, the event ended with a visit to a local pub. Many thanks to Paul for organizing this very enjoyable afternoon. |
| Sat May 7, 2016 |
With the bells temporarily out of service, 11 Trinity affiliated ringers (including Andrew Mills) made our way up to Orleans (Cape Cod, MA), joining the local band for a very pleasant afternoon of ringing, mostly on 8 and 10. The ancient Benedictine traditions of hospitality reached new heights, with the welcome we received, the lunch and refreshments that were served and the overnight accommodation provided for those who could stay a bit longer. |
| Sun May 1, 2016 |
The bells were given a solid workout this weekend, the last one remaining before they are taken out of service for about five weeks to allow for the installation of the sharp 2nd. Service ringing consisted of touches of caters and cinques and rounds and call changes on 12. This was framed on both Saturday and Sunday by productive and enjoyable extended practice sessions of Bristol Maximus and Littleport Cinques. |
| Sun Apr 17, 2016 |
Our numbers were few today, with many ringers participating in the CY peal event in Washington DC, and other regulars away in Europe. 15-year-old Jonathan Barnes saved the day by managing the treble for us, for plain hunt and uncovered bob doubles for the pre-service ringing. Alison joined us for the post-service, with Jonathan providing a steady pulse on the tenor. |
| Sun Apr 3, 2016 |
The Octave day of Easter -- "Low Sunday" as it once was called -- was anything but low in the belltower today. Stedman Triples, Littleport Cinques and call changes on 12 sounded forth for both the pre-service and post-service ringing. A spirited and productive 10th anniversary peal practice followed, ending with a quarter-peal of Littleport Caters (and well-earned beer and burgers at Clinton Hall afterwards). |
| Sat Apr 2, 2016 |
Belated congratulations to Trinity ringers Krystl Hall and Scott Brennan on their first peal! The peal was rung on December 22, and with Christmas and all else, we missed posting it here; but what better time than Eastertide for good news! The peal consisted of 7 extents, 1-4 of Cambridge Surprise Minor and 5-7 of Plain Bob Minor. Krystl was on the treble and Scott on the 3. Congratulations, and may this be the first of many! |
| Sun Mar 27, 2016 |
Easter was celebrated at Trinity today with great pageantry, splendid music, and magnificent floral arrangements throughout the church. Huge crowds were in attendance, and the security staff eventually had to block further admissions to prevent overcrowding. We were glad to provide some festive, well-struck ringing for the occasion, especially the Stedman Triples on the back eight. Happy Easter to all! |
| Sun Mar 20, 2016 |
Bells (Plain Bob Triples) accompanied a Palm Sunday liturgical procession of clergy, choir and congregation, with the Bishop of New York as the principal celebrant. The procession began at St. Paul's Chapel (several blocks north on Broadway), and we rang continuously until everyone was in place at Trinity Church for the continuation of the liturgy. |
