- Ringing once again under David's direction. The last time was when I rang in the Dallas Handbell Ensemble - 1993-1997. It was such a treat and brought back some wonderful memories of my time with DHE
- Meeting so many wonderful people - both in our group and in the places we visited. Everyone was friendly and showed us amazing hospitality
- The evening with the Beverly Ringers. Its always great meeting fellow bellringers!
- Performing in St. Paul's Cathedral. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
- Our final concert at the American Church in Paris. Our best peformance and our best audience.
Here are some thoughts from others on the trip...
- The tour was a fantastic joint effort of music and friendships---both within the DB group and the audiences. Our bell ringing communicated with our audiences our love of handbells and music. I only wish we had more time to tour more places. It was sad for the tour to be over which says in itself how great a tour it was. Jeanne Jessup
- Among my favorite experiences were playing in the American Church in Paris & the wonderful response of the audience ~ getting to know & enjoy more personally the ringers with whom we toured, we don't have that kind of social time ordinarily and it was a treat ~ I thoroughly enjoyed meeting, hearing and then visiting with the Beverley Town Handbell Ringers. There is much more but those things come to mind quickly. Micki Mennet-Martin
- As for thoughts about the trip….. - The audience in Paris was amazing - You could feel the end of Capriccio at St. Paul’s - The trip was everything I had hoped…playing wonderful music in amazing places, having David there to lead us, meeting some fellow ringers that have become great friends. Tracy Peterson
- Even with the travel challenges the trip overall was enjoyable. It was nice spending more time with many of the people we see each year at DB, but only get to have brief conversations with in passing. And ringing in the cathedrals (especially St Paul's) was awesome. Leslie Lewis
- It was such a rare privilege to ring with this group of musicians, under David’s sensitive direction, in the awesome venues arranged for us! What a chance-of-a-lifetime experience! Joyce Wolfe
- I guess my final comment on the trip was that I was completely thrilled to meet and get to know such great people who feel as passionately about handbells as I do. I think the trip was a great opportunity to share that love of music across generations and across the ocean and I'm so happy I have so many new friends (who tolerated me for two weeks!) Gillian Penn
- Traveling with the Distinctly Bronze Europe 2007 group was one of the neatest, most rewarding things I've ever done. To have the opportunity to play music at that level, in such fabulous locations, under such outstanding direction, was an experience that I'll never forget. The group was congenial, David was inspiring, Joyce was a wonderful guide, and even the cold and rain didn't diminish the magical effect of Edinburgh! Having the privilege of performing in St. Paul's Cathedral was a particular highlight. The entire trip was truly a memorable experience. Carol Sykes
- I found myself awestruck realizing WHERE we were playing….the age of the churches and the famous people who had been there before us, and the honor of being able to be a part of such a wonderful group. Overall, it was as amazing and easy-going group, and we all got along extremely well. I guess when the common goal is as strong as ours, the little stuff just gets shed off. Ellen Moretz
Thanks to all who sent comments and good wishes during the trip.
You may view photos that members of the group have posted at this link: www.flickr.com/groups/agehrdbtour/
In addition, two more videos have been posted on YouTube (also available at the Handbell Community - www.handbellcommunity.com). Here are the YouTube links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGAH5cqDOWo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL4wDChsPnM
Farewell! Be sure to visit us at www.agehr.org for all the lastest Guild news.
