Hi Bell Parents and Friends,

We were up early to board the bus at 8:30 for our trip to Gatwick Airport. It was probably a good time to leave the hotel. Later in the day, there will be a major Live8 Show in Hyde Park a short distance from the hotel. It will feature over 25 performers including Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger. Over 200,000 are expected to attend. Some roads will be closed and others badly congested. On the other hand, I am sure that some of our ringers would like to have been there. Oh well...

At any rate, we arrived at Gatwick Airport around 10 AM and spent about one hour going through check-in and security. Once on board, the aircraft was not full, so we could spread out a little. The seating was 3-3 for each row. It was a smooth flight home which took about 8.5 hours. We were served lunch and a snack later in the afternoon. There were two movies. We arrived at Newark Liberty International around 3:30 PM. Getting through security took about 30 minutes. We met the gracious bell parents who drove the ringers and bells back to Tower Hill. Thank you bell parents! It is good to get home.

This has been an exceptionally fine handbell tour. It is a real pleasure to travel with these fine and talented teenagers. They are good role models. Way to go, kids! We love you.

And Judy, you are an amazing leader, "mother," and "shepherd" for your bell groups, especially the Calvin and Chapel Ringers. Year after year, you have "fielded" first class bell groups with exemplary young people. You have set a high standard for your successor. Thanks for everything, and best wishes for a good retirement. We love you very much!

George & Dawn