Handbell ringing became a popular public entertainment following two successful visits to Geelong by the Lancashire Ringers in 1863 and 1866. The Lynch family from Geelong imported their bells from Mears & Stainbank of London. They first toured Australia in 1867 as The Australian Bellringers and later as the Talented Lynch Family, before changing their name to the Lynch Family Bellringers in 1875. The company consisted of Henry Lynch and his four sons, Harry, Robert, George and William.