North American Guild of Change Ringers (NAGCR)
Dear fellow ringers and guests,
We are a few days away from the NAGCR’s 2024 AGM in Sewanee and we very much look forward to hosting you on the University of the South’s beautiful campus. Below is useful information for your stay.
- Expected Weather: We are located on the Cumberland Plateau about 2,000 feet above sea level, with variable weather. Check the weather forecast before you leave, but right now it looks very comfortable with temperatures between the high 30’s to low 70’s. A slight chance of rain is forecasted for Sunday night.
- Dress: We will be in the heart of the University’s campus. Comfortable shoes are the norm, as it is a walking campus with abundant trails. The town of Sewanee, which we call the Village, is part of the University and is less than a mile from Breslin Tower. Casual dress is appropriate for the weekend, but you might opt for dressier casual wear for the Saturday banquet.
- Parking: Please use parking places marked with white lines (as opposed to blue lines) on University Avenue or in the Fulford Hall parking lot, which is directly across from Convocation Hall. (Look for a “Fulford” parking sign.) Handicap parking is available on Georgia Avenue alongside Convocation Hall. For those of you staying at the Sewanee Inn, we recommend walking or arranging for our shuttle.
- Groome Transportation: For those of you who have arranged with Groome’s shuttle service to Monteagle, and have not contacted one of us already, please text Rhonda Keen at 615-804-4372 with your arrival time so we can meet you at the Smoke House Motel and take you to your lodging location. Rhonda will also be your contact should you need local area transportation during the AGM.
- The registration and information desks will be in Convocation Hall, a 140-year-old building at the corner of University and Georgia Avenues. Convocation Hall will be our gathering place during the AGM. It is adjacent to Breslin Tower, home of the University Clock and the Bentley Change Bells.
- Ringing and Course Sessions: The schedule of ringing and course sessions, as well as other activities, accompanies this letter. You can sign up for your preferred sessions in Convocation Hall when you register. Ringers indicating an interest in ringing Quarter Peals will also be contacted by the session organizers.
- Ringing at St. James Episcopal Church in Marietta: AGM ringers are invited to join St. James’ band at its Saturday practice from 10:00 to 11:30 am Eastern Time (9:00 to 10:30 Central Time). Marietta is an easy 2 ½ hour drive, requiring a 6:30 am departure from Sewanee. Interested ringers should arrange to carpool and return to Sewanee in time for the annual meeting at 3:30. Please sign up upon registering so that we can notify the St. James’ ringers. (Ringing in Birmingham is, unfortunately, not an option due to a wedding.)
- Dining: The most convenient dining location will be the University’s cafeteria, McClurg Dining Hall, a short walk from Convocation Hall. Information about other options will be available at the Information Desk.
- Other Activities: There will be sign-up and information sheets at the Information Desk for other activities, including guided walks, campus tours, and visits to local area attractions and restaurants.
