At 98, He Is Still Ringing Bells and Keeping an Ancient Tradition Alive

At 98 years old, Chris Bacon is still climbing into the bell tower in Bathurst, Australia, pulling ropes and taking part in a tradition that has survived for centuries.

A Tradition That Began Hundreds of Years Ago

Bellringing has been practised in England since the 1600s. Unlike simply striking a bell, traditional change ringing requires a team of people to control several bells in carefully timed sequences.

The Bathurst Society of Bellringers continues to practise the craft at All Saints Cathedral, bringing together people of different ages who share an unusual passion.

The 98-Year-Old at the Centre of the Community

Chris Bacon is believed to be one of the world’s oldest active bellringers. He continues to pull the ropes alongside his fellow ringers, demonstrating that age has not ended his connection with the tower.

His presence has become an important part of the local group, which plans to honour him with a special bellringing performance later this year.

More Than Making a Noise

For newcomers, bellringing can appear simple. In reality, the activity requires concentration, timing, physical movement and teamwork.

Ringers must listen carefully to the sounds around them and follow mathematical patterns. A momentary loss of concentration can disrupt an entire sequence.

A Challenge That Can Last for Hours

The highest achievement in traditional bellringing is known as a peal — a continuous performance that can last for several hours.

Such performances are mentally and physically demanding, and not every attempt succeeds. The Bathurst group is preparing for one of these long performances as a tribute to Bacon.

Keeping the Sound of History Alive

The Bathurst bellringers represent a small but dedicated community working to keep an old tradition relevant in modern Australia.

For Chris Bacon, the bells are more than an old custom. They are part of a community he has continued to participate in at an age when many people have long since retired from physical hobbies.

As the ropes move and the bells sound above Bathurst, a centuries-old tradition continues to find new life through the people willing to keep ringing.

Source: ABC News.