Bell & Gong

When a ship of 100 metres or more in length goes to anchor in fog,
it must sound a repeating signal every minute to mark its presence.

That signal is “a Bell sounded rapidly for 5 seconds in the forepart
of the vessel, immediately followed by a Gong sounded rapidly for 5
seconds in the after part.”

Mariners remember it as “At anchor and long; a bell and a gong!”

With Simon leaving his career as a Master Mariner at sea to tend our
sometimes foggy vineyard, he has gone to anchor – ashore.

Just north of Longford, in Tasmania’s Northern Midlands, is the
property of “Valleyfield” and one of the newest Vineyards in the
State. It is, in fact, one of the oldest properties in Tasmania – but
not to be confused with “Valleyfield” at Epping Forest.

It is conveniently located halfway between the Bass Highway and the
township of Longford, at 873 Illawarra Road, which is a rural corridor
also used as a shortcut between the Bass and Midland Highways – or by
tourists passing through between the historic properties of “Entally
House” at Hadspen and “Brickendon” and “Woolmers” at Longford.