The opening was graciously performed by NSW Governor Professor Marie Bashir.

A crowd of around 300 gathered in front of All Saints’ Cathedral for what could best be described as the community’s introduction to each of the bells. The naming of the bells took place during the dedication of the bell tower.

The floor inside the tower is studded with plaques representing each of the eight bells and their benefactors

Once each bell was described, it sounded for a few seconds. Guests were able to watch the ringers at work and the bells swinging high in the tower.

Bishop Hurford first introduced the Sloman bell, or tolling bell. Crafted in 1851, the A flat Sloman will be used to call people to worship. It will also be used for weddings and funerals.

As a special touch, Professor Bashir had the honour of ringing this beautiful tolling bell following the ceremony.

Next came the Bolam Family. A new treble bell, it is the smallest and therefore has the highest note. It, too, is in the key of A flat.

The TJ Sargeant Family is also a new bell that rings G.

The Barlow Family, the smallest of the historic bells, sounds F. It weighs in at 210kg.

Hallstrom Family, the second of the historic bells, was made in 1854. It is an E flat bell.

The third of the historic bells is known as the Holcroft Family. Its note is D flat.

The Hurford Family rings C. It is the fourth of the historic bells and was created in 1853.

Cast in 1854 the Yeates-Wiburd bell was the fifth of the historic bells. Its note is B flat.

The final bell to sing its song was the McNeil Family – the new tenor bell. The largest of the bells at 603kg, the McNeil is in the key of A flat.