For almost four years the bells have been ringing out from the tower attached to All Saints’ Cathedral, causing the people of the city to pause, and look up.
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Captain of the Tower Chris Bacon said there is a certain uniqueness about the art of bell ringing and a mystique which has been steadily attracting new ringers in Bathurst.
There are now 14 members to call upon to ring the eight bells, which is far more than most towns have.
Mr Bacon said it is important to remember that the bell ringers do not just represent the church but the whole community.
He said the money raised to build the bell tower did not just come from church goers.
“Many people made very generous contributions,” he said.
“People who might never set foot inside a church – apart from the time of their final departure or a wedding.
“We have a responsibility to the needs of the church and the community,” Mr Bacon said.
He said the bells ring out for most major Bathurst events including the start of race week, the Edgell Jog, the Royal Bathurst Show and New Year’s Eve.
Mr Bacon said architect Henry Bialowas emphasised this in his open bell tower design.
“We are totally visible and so are the bells,” he said. “All is revealed for anyone to see.”
The bell tower turns four years old at the end of this month.
Ringing master Oriana Zanon said 2013 has seen a new collaboration with the Orange Pealers and their mentor Jim Woolford.
She said Mr Woolford has been ringing for more than 60 years and is the ex-ringing master of St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney.
“We are working collectively towards a quarter peal which consists of ringing many different combinations and changes for approximately 45 minutes. It is seen as a bell ringer’s rite of passage,” she said.
“Several Bathurst ringers have done quarter peals in other towers, but our goal is to complete one with Bathurst ringers alone.”
Ms Zanon said a small group of Bathurst ringers have competed in a six-bell striking competition in Parramatta with excellent results and have been invited to attend workshops in Sydney.
She said they also regularly host ringers from Sydney for intensive training on the more difficult ringing methods.
“We are always keen to see new ringers, young or old,” Ms Zanon said. “There are many benefits, both physical and mental.
“A bell ringer can ring in any tower in the world and be welcomed with open arms,” she said.
Don't miss this...
This Thursday, October 31, will be the fourth anniversary of the All Saints' bell tower. As a celebration the bells will be rung for 30 minutes from 12 noon.
