Billmans Foundry in Castlemaine has teamed up with a number of talented local tradespeople to craft a set of five new Christmas bells for the former Apex Club of Castlemaine’s annual Santa Run.
The beloved event is a longstanding tradition in Mount Alexander Shire and celebrates its 88th anniversary on Christmas Day 2025.
Former Apex Club of Castlemaine member Stephen Cooper said their volunteers were incredibly grateful for this generous gift.
“Unfortunately, one of our bells was stolen last year (no doubt that person is now on Santa’s naughty list!), one was lost and another seems to have disappeared on permanent loan. One of our remaining bells is cracked and probably wouldn’t make it through another run,” Stephen said.
“We approached Billmans for assistance and they were all too happy to pour some new bells to help us keep the Christmas joy alive.”
Billmans Foundry has been involved in the creation of numerous bells over the years, most notably the Federation Bells designed by local Anton Hasell and Neil McLachlan in collaboration with Swaney Draper Architects in 2001. The bells are now a permanent fixture in Melbourne’s Birrarung Marr.
Billmans Foundry operator Travis Billman said his grandfather Gerald Billman might well have played a role in assisting to make the former Apex Club’s original bells for the Santa Run, which were thought to have been crafted at Thompson’s Foundry (now Flowserve), which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025.
Gerald’s son and Billman’s Foundry founder, Max Billman, designed and crafted the current set of Santa bells 40 years ago.
Max’s sons Travis and Daniel are proud to be the third generation of Billmans supporting this incredible community tradition.
Local business Farley Pools generously donated the brass for the project and Travis and Daniel Billman and their team donated their time and skills.
“Each bell was professionally tuned by Federation Bells creator Anton Hasell,” Travis said.
“We have sanded and buffed each one and coated them in a lovely patina finish to give them a golden hue that will age nicely over time.
“The handles were crafted by local woodturner and patternmaker John ‘Jock’ McKellar, who crafted the original handles for the bells that Dad made 40 years ago,” he said.
“Everyone in our team has fond memories of the former Apex Club of Castlemaine Santa Run from when we were kids and we are delighted to help keep that going for current and future generations,” Daniel said.
Max Billman said he couldn’t wait to hear the new bells ringing on Christmas Day and to see his grandchildren enjoying the Santa Run in 2025.
“It’s all about community supporting community. We are fortunate to have so many incredibly talented tradespeople in our region and this is a great example of everyone working together to give back to our community,” he said.
Santa and his helpers from the former Apex Club of Castlemaine will undertake five runs on Christmas Day including Castlemaine and Campbells Creek, Chewton, Elphinstone and Guildford.
Thanks to Billmans, we are sure you will hear when Santa is on his way!
