First posted: 14 April 2026

Women's Ringing Weekend Report

The Australian and New Zealand Association of Bellringers was formed in 1962 to promote the art of change ringing in our two countries. There are currently around 400 members who ring at more than 70 bell towers throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Non-ringers might like this introduction to bellringing. Groups interested in a tower tour, or a guest speaker are invited to contact our Regional Contacts in the first instance. Ringers and potential ringers can contact our association's office bearers or local towers and ringers.


Updated: 31 May, 2026

Women's Ringing Weekend Report

We welcomed 19 women to the Women's Ringing Event in Sydney on 10-12 April 2026, including 5 from Vic, 2 from Qld, 1 from NZ and 11 from NSW. Ages ranged from 21 to 94 years! We built skills, had fun, networked and celebrated.

At least 15 women conducted something they hadn't tried before, across a variety of practice sessions and weddings. Most rang a range of bells heavier than usual. Ringing was interspersed with theory lessons and socialising.

Looking down on a circle of women ringing
Conducting and Heavy Bells session at St Mary's Cathedral  (image Margo Green) 		Posed photo of group of women
Those present at the Doubles (Touches and Conducting) session at CCSL  (image Emily Nation)

We were delighted to share in Enid Roberts' 94th birthday and offer one of our QPs as a birthday compliment. Enid commented "I wanted to come and show my support for this excellent initiative." Pam Brock, who rang with Enid in the first ANZAB tower bell peal by an all women's band, also came to ring at a session. Enid and Pam have contributed so much to ANZAB across decades and we are grateful for their active support.

A report with further details and reflections from participants will be posted in due course. Some of our immediate reflections are:
  • The atmosphere and success of events is dependent on the mix of people who show up and this group was amazing!
  • Some sessions wildly exceeded our expectations.
  • The applause and encouragement for each ringer who tried something new lifted everyone.
  • We were pleased to welcome four ringers to their very first ANZAB event.
  • Silent and unconducted method ringing is blissfully quiet and achievable!
  • Ringing heavy bells was made easier by lovely steady ringing from the whole band.

There were two quarter peal attempts during the weekend, both successful: Erin Triples and Plain Bob Doubles.

Thank you to ANZAB for providing some financial support to assist the out-of-Sydney ringers with their travel costs. Thank you to all the participants, host towers and those who billeted visitors.

 Head and shoulders shot of two women
Annette Harman (Naremburn) and Linda Wong (Burwood) at the dinner (image Clare Dyer)


A woman sitting on a box talking.
Kathi Downs discussing techniques for ringing heavy bells (image Deryn Griffiths)

Kathi Downs and Deryn Griffiths

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2026

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Handbell Practices - 5 September

A Peal with Footnotes - 3 September

Bridgetown Ringing Weekend - 1 September

An August Occasion - 24 August

Growing Your Social Media Presence - 18 August

A Grand Day Out - 17 August

St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Adelaide - Sound Remediation - 9 August

Teaching Started at Richmond - 8 August