First posted: 24 August 2026

An August Occasion

August - noun - the eighth month of the year
August - adjective - majestic, respected or grand


Julie and Jim

On Saturday 22nd August, over 50 people gathered in Canberra to acknowledge a significant event - the joint 80th birthdays of Julie and Jim Doyle. Accompanied by their three children and four grand children, Jim and Julie brought together friends from their many and varied enthusiasms - bellringers (of course), but also ex work colleagues, Canberra neighbours, and wider family.


A Yass Guessing Game

Light lunch and mingling were followed by a few reflections. Jim Doyle, characteristically humble, recounted tales of times past. How he met Julie. Their early work opportunities in Darwin ("Disaster!" says Jim), and England ("Another disaster!" says Jim) before landing in Canberra in 1976. Julie's work as a property valuer. Jim's work in education, then with the Electoral Commission. Julie's contribution to ringing in Canberra, ANZAB and beyond. Jim's late start into ringing, which then morphed into assisting various bell installations, particularly Darwin. Julie's roll-up-your-sleeves approach to local community support and advocacy. So many marvellous memories.


Helen Julie and Jim at Manuka

Jim's words were followed by some reflections from Ted Reid, further acknowledging the contribution that both Julie and Jim have made to ANZAB ringing. Finally, their daughter Helen, who had done the lion's share of organising the proceedings, gave a moving tribute to her parents, crediting them with a most fortunate upbringing, and instilling in all three children an appetite for insatiable curiosity and life-long learning.


ANZAB 'Lifers' and ex-presidents present

This was followed by cake (of course), handbells (of course), and much conviviality.

Thank you and congratulations, Julie and Jim - a most august couple, on this most august occasion.

Christopher O'Mahony

latest first

2026

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

ART Modules at Wellington, July 2026 - 14 July

Ringing World Highlights - 11 July

Remembering Rusty - 24 June

Bells installed at St Canice, Katoomba - 23 June