Bell Ringing

The bell tower of St Benedict’s.

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.
bell-ringers

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

Email:  [email protected]