Bell Ringing
The bell tower of St Benedict’s.
The bell tower of St Benedict’s. At St Benedict’s we practice the art of change-ringing. We do not ring tunes but follow patterns of numbers which allow us to vary the order in which the bells sound. Change-ringing is very different to both European bell-ringing and carillon-ringing (e.g. at Sydney University). It originated in England in the 1600s but is now also practiced in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA; there is even a change-ringing bell tower in Honolulu. Find out more about the bells at St Benedict’s.
What types of people make bell-ringers?
- At St Benedict’s we currently have regular ringers ranging from 15 to over 70 years of age.
- Only some bell-ringers have musical training.
- While the weights of our bells range from 0.3 to over 0.7 tonne, the technique we use does not require unusual strength or fitness.
- The main requirements are:
- a reasonable degree of coordination,
- the ability to climb one floor up a spiral staircase,
- and especially the ability to form a cooperative member of a team which seeks to help each other to learn, serve the Church and outside community, and have fun.
Ringing after the rededication of the restored bells in 2001 by Cardinal Pell. Professor Marie Bashir AC, Governor of NSW, watches from the side.
What does it cost?
$0.00! We will provide training at no charge. The commitment thereafter is to attend practice sessions on a fairly regular basis and to ring for services (at present between 9.15 a.m. and 10.15 a.m. on Sunday mornings).
What are the benefits of change-ringing?
- it allows one to provide a service to both Church and the community
- it stimulates the mind
- it is a team and social activity—you will meet both locals and visitors from overseas
- it is a gentle form of exercise
- it is good for one’s spine
- it is fun and challenging
How do I find out more?
Contact the parish office or see Peter McEvoy on Sunday morning between 9.45 a.m. and 10.15 a.m at the bell tower.
Tel: 9660 1407