No final bell in sight for Fremantle Markets fixture Nicky

THE mother of Fremantle Markets bell-ringer Nicky Guidice says he wants to keep going for as long as possible.

Mr Guidice is a fixture of the Fremantle community, having been ringing the bell to let stall holders and customers know that the market has reached closing time for the past 30 years.

As a child, Mr Guidice developed encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain which resulted in him being unable to read or write.

His mother Patricia Guidice said she wasn’t sure why he began ringing the bell.

“He just wanted to do it and the people at the markets said okay,” she said.

“Rain, hail or shine he will open the markets.”

Mr Guidice has met Prince Charles twice and also spends his time volunteering.

Mrs Guidice said when she asked her son where he wanted to work, he said Greylands.

“He used to play with the other boys at Greylands and he wanted to work with his people,” she said.

“He used to work at the workshop and he made hats; he just kept improving on his own.”

Mr Guidice lives on his own in the centre of Fremantle.

His mother, who lives in South Fremantle, said he wouldn’t be here without the support of the Fremantle people.

“He eats at the food hall, everyone is used to having him around,” she said.

“The Capri restaurant and their family have supported us.

“He hopes to continue bell ringing until he is 100. I don’t see an end to that.”