Shoreline Ringers have given holiday performances at the Somers Congregational Church for the last 3 years. Shortly after our performance in December of 2011, the sanctuary burned to the ground. We have made some wonderful friends in Somers and were devastated when we saw the news on television. As a community handbell ensemble, we like being able to “give back” to those who have been so supportive of us. In May we gave a benefit concert at the Somersville Congregational Church to raise money for the rebuilding of the Somers Congregational Church sanctuary. Everyone was excited with the plans for their new building, and we were excited to help fund their efforts.

The CT Spring Ring was held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Windsor on April 14. Karen Leonard was the clinician for the Massed Ring, in which 113 ringers participated. The Shoreline Ringers did not ring as a group this year, but they were everywhere and did everything else! Several of our ringers attended with their own church bell choirs, either as ringers or directors. But the workshops were very much dependent upon Shoreline. Kristen taught the boomwhackers and the bass bell workshops. Larry taught weaving; Lauren taught 4-in-hand and other treble techniques. Mike taught the basic bell maintenance workshop. Jean led a workshop for directors; and Mobby led a workshop on ringing as prayer, as well as chaired the whole event. Pete helped with setting up and taking down.

Since 4th and 5th octaves were in short supply that day, we brought ours to use in some of the workshops. And some of us had an interesting experience ringing the massed pieces with just those two octaves. Not usually recommended…but all had a good time!