THE bells of Bathurst will toll for Nelson Mandela to mark the day of his burial.
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The Bathurst Bell Ringers have planned a ringing tribute to the anti-apartheid icon which will take place in the All Saints’ Cathedral bell tower tomorrow.
They will be joined by the Sounds Live a cappella choir, which will perform a selection of African songs across the Bathurst Town Square on the steps of the city’s War Memorial Carillon.
It all begins at 11.30am, when the bells will be rung fast for five minutes in recognition of a life that was full of effective action.
Attention will then turn to the choir.
“This very talented choir has a number of songs that have been inspired by Nelson Mandela’s service to his country, as part of their performing repertoire,” bell tower captain Chris Bacon said.
The choir will sing for around 15 minutes before the bells are rung slowly in a half-muffled state for five minutes to signify the conclusion of a remarkable life.
Residents who would like to offer a prayer for Mr Mandela may record their thoughts on the prayer tree located at the entrance to the Cathedral Narthex.
A display has been assembled inside the entrance to the bell tower, which is a tribute to Mr Mandela’s contribution to world peace, reconciliation and harmony.
Mr Mandela died December 5, aged 95.
Thousands of mourners have flocked to view his body, which lies in the Pretoria amphitheatre where he was sworn in 19 years ago as South Africa’s first black president.
Mr Mandela’s body will lie in state for three days, before he is buried in his boyhood home of Qunu in the Eastern Cape tomorrow.
Mr Bacon invited all members of the community to witness the tribute. In the event of wet weather, shelter may be found on the ground floor of the bell tower.