Experience the Timeless Tradition of Bell Ringing at Elysian Bridgetown
In many cultures around the world, the ringing of bells holds a profound historical and traditional significance. Bells have served various purposes throughout history, calling us to wake up, pray, begin the day's work or school, announce important events, and even express emotions of joy and sorrow.
For many years, the charming bell-ringing of the Sanzone Family at what is now known as Elysian Bridgetown rang out several times a day. Observing this delightful tradition, years ago a group of locals, led by Tony McAlinden, decided a wonderful initiative would take root in Bridgetown, adopting the art of bell ringing as a symbol of welcome, peace, and friendship for their beloved town.
The Sanzone Family's bell, known as “the Angelus,” held deep meaning for them. It not only reminded Angelo of his childhood in rural Italy, where bells resonated through the hills of his village, but it also honoured their faith and served as a moment of gratitude. The name “Angelus,” derived from the Latin word for angel, beautifully saluted Angelo's own name.
Inspired by the beauty of this tradition, Tony McAlinden envisioned a grand chorus of bells echoing through the Blackwood Valley, creating a soothing melody that would unite the entire community. With the help of Barbara Johnson, the coordinator of the Bridgetown Visitors Centre at the time, they set out to encourage residents to install bells on their properties and ring them harmoniously at 12 noon and 6.00 PM.
At Elysian Bridgetown, we proudly possess the original Sanzone bell that ignited this heartwarming tradition. Historically, the bell had been rung daily for decades and became a familiar sound for many locals and visitors alike. If you happen to be near our property at those traditional hours, you may still occasionally hear the Angelus chorus ring out for all to enjoy.
However, these days we take a far more relaxed and informal approach to bell ringing than in years gone by. Life on a small farm stay property is often busy and unpredictable, and evenings are frequently spent feeding and securing animals, helping guests, maintaining the property, or simply sitting down to dinner after long days of work. Over time, we have intentionally moved away from living by strict schedules or “alarm clock” routines wherever possible.
As a result, while the tradition is still very much alive and valued here, the bell is no longer rung rigidly every single day. Instead, it is now rung more sporadically, on occasions, during celebrations, for moments of reflection, or when guests staying at Elysian wish to experience this special local tradition for themselves.
The rhythm we generally follow is 3-3-3, with three tolls, a pause, another three tolls, another pause, and finally, three more tolls.
The original toll rhythm of the bell was reportedly 3-3, 3, 9. However, after a few years (for the sake of our ears), we now use a simpler 3, 3, 3 pattern.
For celebrations, we switch it up with a different rhythm altogether.
Located at Elysian Bridgetown on East Blackwood Terrace, Bridgetown, on our private property where a small farm stay accommodation is run.
For our fortunate guests staying on the property, we occasionally offer a unique opportunity to partake in this cherished tradition. Guests may be invited to experience the joy of ringing the bell themselves, depending on timing, farm operations, and what is happening around the property at the time. As with everything here, it is approached in a relaxed and informal way.
Furthermore, we aspire to unite all bell owners in town and map the locations of these delightful bells. If you currently own a bell and ring it out, we would love to hear from you to create a map of the bells’ general locations throughout town, establish how many are still being rung out and by whom, and help bring the bell-ringing community together on our Facebook group, Bells of Bridgetown.
Let the sound of bells transport you to a place of peace and harmony as you become a part of this timeless tradition at Elysian Bridgetown. Join us in celebrating the heritage and joy that bell ringing brings to our beloved town.