First posted: 18 May 2026

Congratulations Michelle Harrison

8 people standing in two rows
The peal band, clockwise from front right.

Every peal is a team effort. Each ringer, steeple keeper etc. should be celebrated. However, special mention to Michelle Harrison for the peal on Sunday 17 May with the understated footnote of a birthday compliment to David Sorell.

This is only the second time a woman has rung bell 7 (with a weight of 27–1–21, or 1407 kg) to a peal at St Peter's Cathedral, the previous time being by a visiting UK ringer in 1993. Michelle is the first Australian woman to achieve this feat.

The peal on 17 May was a family affair with Michelle on bell 7, her brother Peter conducting, and her two children Charlotte and David ringing in it. The band had 6 Adelaide ringers and two visitors who were supported by ANZAB as part of the Advanced Ringing Weekend organized by Phil Goodyer.

Eleven other ringers and many passers by listened to sections of the 3 hour 46 minute peal. It sounded magnificent. We were crossing our fingers and toes for the band.

Deryn Griffiths

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2026

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A Peal with Footnotes - 3 September

Bridgetown Ringing Weekend - 1 September

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A Grand Day Out - 17 August

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

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