Inside the 'secret society' keeping the art of bellringing alive

In the tranquil evening hours, the sound of bells ringing can be heard emanating from All Saints Cathedral in Bathurst's Machattie Park, Central West New South Wales. The individuals responsible for ringing these bells are part of a tradition that originated in England during the 17th century. Bathurst bellringers describe their society as both a secret and a close-knit community, with Oriana Zanon, the bellringing master, noting its unique camaraderie.

Achieving a peal, a continuous ringing of the bells lasting for hours, is the zenith of bellringing. This endeavor, however, is demanding both mentally and physically, with many attempts ending in failure. Zanon cautions that losing concentration for merely five seconds can render the entire effort futile. Later this year, Zanon will join bellringers from Central West New South Wales and Sydney to attempt a peal in Bathurst's cathedral tower, in honor of 98-year-old ringer Chris Bacon, widely regarded as the world's oldest bellringer.

The type of bellringing practiced in Bathurst is known as change ringing, which involves brass bells attached to wooden wheels. Musical compositions, called methods, resemble coded rows rather than musical notes and are designed for six to 12 bell ringers. These groups, known as bands, have highly structured roles, including ring masters, steeple keepers, and tower captains.

Chris Bacon joined ringing in his 70s, captivated by the camaraderie amongst bellringers. During the 2009 construction of Bathurst's bell tower, experienced ringers from Sydney traveled to the central west to train Bacon and the band. Zanon remarks on Bacon's exceptional status, acknowledging that it is rare to see someone of his age still ringing. The learning curve for new ringers can take up to 12 weeks to master the basics, a stark contrast to those who have been ringing since childhood.

Meanwhile, in the nearby town of Orange, one can find Jim Woolford, a tower captain for the Orange Pealers and former master ringer at various UK churches and Sydney's St Mary's and St Andrew's cathedrals. Having taken part in thousands of peals for various events, Woolford emphasizes the necessity of mental and physical stamina, comparing the physical demands to those of marathon running.

Woolford trains new ringers using a TV screen simulator within the bell tower, conducting practices on Monday and Tuesday, alongside one-on-one sessions. His focus is on preparing younger ringers to continue the art themselves, as many towers worldwide lack teachers or experts. Some individuals continue the tradition personally, with Bathurst's steeple keeper Richard Hurford being a fourth-generation ringer, with his great-grandfather George Hurford being the city's first.

Hurford's son is also taking up the craft, emphasizing the enduring nature of this ancient tradition. Woolford highlights the culture of bellringing as its defining feature - a sense of lifelong friendships that transcend geographical boundaries. Zanon concludes by noting that bellringing remains a well-kept secret, only known by those who are actively involved in the craft.