Gwilym Salmon (85), originally from Wells, England, has been a bell-ringer for 69 years and has shared his talents with many from the United Kingdom to New Zealand.
Mr Salmon was a member of his local choir but began bell-ringing at 16 after he attended a friend's practice.
''It's like a bug that gets you. Once you start, it's hard to stop,'' he said.
One of the highlights was the day he rang the bells at Wells to honour the marriage of the Queen and Prince Philip in 1947.
The striking of the bells usually lasted about two hours on Sundays, but could vary, depending on the occasion.
''The longest session I've done is four hours and 11 minutes,'' Mr Salmon said.
Some historical places he played were Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral. He said most buildings contained an average of eight bells which represented the scale.
''It's excellent physical and mental exercise,'' he said.
For the past 50 years, he has been a member of the Ancient Society of College Youths, based in London, which promotes excellence in ringing around the world.
''I enjoy the rhythm and the music as they both mean a lot to me,'' he said.
Mr Salmon was in banking for 43 years and moved to Dunedin in 1995. He is still a bell-ringer, but only for special occasions.
- Charlotte Haselden
