Dr McLeod (right) with Richard Offen, deputy chair of the Swan Bells Foundation and also a bell ringer.
Camera IconDr McLeod (right) with Richard Offen, deputy chair of the Swan Bells Foundation and also a bell ringer. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Perth Bell Tower bells ring out for anniversary joy

Sophie GabrielleEastern Reporter

The landmark celebrates its 15th anniversary this month and Dr Macleod has been ringing its bells since it opened in 2000.

Dr Macleod first learned to ring bells 52 years ago in Ballarat.

“It takes three to six months of training before you can ring in with other people,” the Mt Claremont resident said.

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“You don’t have to be fit.

“You do build up some muscles in your arms and hands, but it’s more about technique than brawn.”

The 12 bells from St Martin-in-the Fields Church in London were gifted to the people of WA, the University of WA and the City of Perth to commemorate Australia’s bicentenary in 1988.

For Dr MacLeod, who was appointed as the chair of the tower’s volunteer board in 2007, hearing the bells ring is a spiritual experience.

“I cried for the sheer joy of hearing the bells ring out,” he said.

“They are a part of me.

“Hearing the bells ring makes me feel physically well, like I’m a more complete human being.”