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Cathedral bells added to play list

PETER SWEENEYMidwest Times
Father Robert Cross programs the bells at St Francis Xavier Cathedral from his mobile phone.
Camera IconFather Robert Cross programs the bells at St Francis Xavier Cathedral from his mobile phone. Credit: Geoff Vivian/The Geraldton Guardian

“Buying” the bells at Geraldton’s St Francis Xavier Cathedral to play a tune for a special occasion is gaining popularity.

For $25, people can buy a tune for birthdays, memorials, baptisms, weddings, funerals and other events.

Australian-themed tunes, including Waltzing Matilda and Click Go The Shears, were played at the cathedral yesterday for Australia Day.

“We also play the anthems of countries on their national day,” Father Robert Cross said.

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Geraldton’s St Francis Xavier cathedral by night
Camera IconGeraldton’s St Francis Xavier cathedral by night Credit: Peter Fiorenza/The Geraldton Guardian, Peter Fiorenza

“Requests for tunes played on birthdays is the most popular at present, like Harry Potter for kids.

“Tunes from the 50s, 60s and 70s seem to come through better. The music from more modern times don’t have as much melody.

“Provided a tune has good melody and is not too complex, we are usually able to play it.

“The (27) bells seem to have been well received, and I think they have added to the soundscape of Geraldton.”

The bells, the biggest carillon of church bells in Australia, are operated via a Bluetooth connection to either the organ, a small keyboard, a mobile phone app, or via the internet from anywhere in the world.

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