Fun With Bells - Bell And Handbell Ringing Interviews

In a fitting finale to the Fun with Bells Podcast, show host Cathy Booth gives the fondest of farewells by foraging through all 75 episodes, to figure out the answer to the second biggest question of our time - why do we ring?Cathy riffs on six themes using some of the most memorable quotes from the 163 amazing guests she has interviewed over the past six years. In the end, it doesn’t really seem to matter whether someone’s at the early stages of ringing rounds or is scoring peals of 41 spliced major - what comes across loud and clear is the overwhelming sense of joy and discovery.And coincidentally, or not, both the world of bell ringing and this series of podcasts share one defining characteristic, - there really is something for everyone.All that remains, then, is an answer to the biggest question of all - which clearly is, which pub are we all going to after practice?Sponsor: This podcast is sponsored by the Association of Ringing Teachers (ART).  To find out more about learning to ring, learning to

Want to know the secret to successfully setting up a competition-winning young ringers’ group while also securing the long-term future of ringing? Then listen up!In this episode, host Cathy Booth talks to Neil Jones, Jen Thomas, and Steph Runting from the Kent Young Ringers, who appear to have cracked the code!Recorded before the 2024 Ringing World National Youth Contest, this inspirational interview provides the recipe for success. Enthusiasm is a core ingredient, along with the right amount of encouragement, support, and investment. Add the right people with the right experience into the mix. Sprinkle liberally with fun, outings, competitions, even more fun, and maybe a badge or two. And don’t forget the magic ingredient – cake!This episode is guaranteed to remind you all of the joys of ringing.Top five takeawaysWant to start a young ringers’ group or put on some taster sessions? See if your church is linked to any local schools.Social media can be key to attracting young people – make sure you keep your pl

In this delightful episode, host Cathy Booth chats with Martin Mansley, AKA Helen’s Dad, about his lifelong journey in ringing.Born into a ringing family, Martin attended his first practice at just six weeks old and has never looked back! This engaging episode explores a variety of topics, from the Devon Guild’s 150th anniversary celebrations to the intricacies of Ellacombe Chimes and the distinctions between The Guild of Devonshire Ringers and Devon Association striking competitions.If you’ve ever wondered about the role and benefits of Guilds and Associations in ringing, this episode makes a compelling case. It also touches on preserving traditions, fostering collaboration, and breaking new ground. Plus, after listening, you might find yourself wanting your own drone photograph!Top takeawaysIf you’re used to raising the bells in Bristol fashion, why not experiment with ringing up Devon style?Interested in finding out new ways for your Association or Guild to connect directly with your ringers?  Check out th

In this lively and engaging episode, host Cathy Booth catches up with Kent young ringers Oscar, Lottie and Flo, and Flo’s mum, Hannah.Although young in years, the ringers have a wealth of experience to share, having already notched up numerous quarter peals and having several striking competitions under their belts. Their unique perspective also means they offer the absolute best ringing tips!Cathy finds out how they got into ringing, what they like best about it and asks them to help fill in some of her ringing knowledge gaps.And thanks to these impressive young ringers, Cathy can now tell her handstroke from her backstroke, the treble from the tenor, and knows the proper term for ‘the fluffy bit’.Top five takeawaysWhen you’re learning to ring don’t rush, take your time – getting your technique right will help you in the future and you won’t have to correct any handling mistakes later on.Always listen to the advice that you are given from experienced ringers. Even if you don’t quite understand something at t

It’s time to catch up with part two of the wide-ranging conversation on the future of ringing hosted by Cathy Booth at the recent Art Conference. Just like part one, the panel of Tina Stoecklin, Andrew Slade and Max Drinkwater don’t hold back from tackling the tricky questions! What does the CCCBR do for ringers? How can associations work with Diocese to target bell funds in churches that have a future? How do we empower younger ringers into leadership role and evolve structures that meet the needs of today’s ringers? And by younger we are of course talking under 50s!Although many of the issues raised may seem familiar, some of the solutions suggested may be surprising. Is it time for ringers to professionalise, be ‘seen’ by the church community and show what skills and resources we can offer? Something to discuss later in the pub …Top five takeawaysIf you have received any complaints regarding bells under your care, and you need help and advice, email the Complaints Helpline at complaints@cccbr.org.ukEncoura

Who better to quiz about the future of ringing than the President of the CCCBR, the chair of the Association of Ringing Teachers, and an ordained ringer and co-author of a book about ringing and the church? Show host Cathy Booth puts this esteemed panel through its paces, posing some vital questions on what needs to happen to keep change ringing alive, and to recruit and retain young ringers.It turns out that most of the answers lie with young people themselves, and that the ringing community has a lot to learn from the way young ringers organise, communicate, and socialise.So, tune in for a free-ranging and thought-provoking discussion that might end up with you questioning some of the current values, beliefs, and rituals of ringing culture …Top five takeawaysMake the most of the relationship you have with your church – they may well have skills and expertise that can help with your recruitmentListen to the views of your young ringersDon’t forget the role of parents in encouraging their children’s hobbies. T

‘Unique’ is often overused as a word, but host Cathy Booth’s guests on this wonderful episode, John, and Debbie, can certainly claim it for their ringing experience. That’s because they ring at St Thomas’s Church, Kilifi in Kenya which is one of the remotest rings of bells in the world, with the nearest bells hung for change ringing being at Harare in Zimbabwe over 1,000 miles away.Cathy learns about the fascinating history of the church and the bells, as well as hearing how John and Debbie became ringers, their learning experience, and their amazing ringing trips to the UK.Although much will be familiar to other ringers, such as the ringing room with its set of handbells, cabinet of ringing books and bottomless sweet tin, there are also some eye-opening challenges of ringing in a tower that is, well, unique!If you are beginning to take ringing a little bit for granted, this podcast will stop you in your tracks and possibly rekindle your romance.Top takeawaysRead all about the Kilifi ringers 2015 adventures i

Why do you ring in a gallery? Who were the ringers whose names are on the peal boards behind you? Where can you find an example of an art deco ringing association certificate?Host Cathy Booth quizzes knowledgeable guests Chris Ridley and Gareth Davies about the amazing range of historical sources at your fingertips to help answer these questions and more.Thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of Chris and the volunteers from the historical and archive working group of the CCCBR there are collections of just about everything - belfry artefacts, newspaper extracts, biographies, rolls of honour, badges, the lot!Gareth goes on to give some great insight in how historians can make the most of these resources and what we can all do to promote them to the ringing historians of the future. All fascinating stuff.I think they all deserve a certificate! Yes, there’s a collection of those as well …Top 5 takeawaysAccess many of the resources mentioned in this episode at the CCCBR website History & Archive (cccbr.org.u

In this special fifth anniversary episode, the Fun with Bells Podcast celebrates by turning the tables on host and producer Cathy Booth, as she takes her turn on the other end of the microphone and is grilled by team member Emily Roderick.Emily digs into the background to the podcast, its aims, and the entire podcast process from idea to launch. The origin of the name is also revealed. Who knew?Cathy and Emily also choose some of their favourite episodes from the last five years and play some great ‘best bit’ clips. There is then a tantalising glimpse into what topics to expect in the future, so stay tuned, and with your support, the podcast can keep entertaining and informing ringers for the next five years to come.Links to the episodes mentioned:The Joy of Bells: New Ringers Reflect on Their New Obsession: funwithbells.com/ep69Remarkable PhD Study of Cambridge Bellringers Pay and Habits: funwithbells.com/ep23Recording Your Bells: funwithbells.com/ep15What Ringers Wear: funwithbells.com/ep53Thirty Voices, Se

In this episode, David Smith makes a much-welcome return to the podcast for another conversation with host Cathy Booth that’s brimming with insight.Find out about about the differences between ringing associations in the UK and those in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. With David’s global ringing teaching experience there are plenty of anecdotes and observations, on all things teaching, learning and mentoring.It’s also an episode that poses some philosophical questions about the nature of ringing associations and what it means, as ringers, to connect and belong. Associations may not be the future, but from David’s perspective, ringing itself has a very positive and promising outlook!Top tipsA ringing course might not be for you, but why not think about offering to lend a hand and help outFeeling brave? Why not ask another ringer you trust to observe your teaching session and ask for some constructive feedbackCheck out the NorthWest ringing course website nwringingcourse.ukNow’s a good time to updat

This episode sees host Cathy Booth catching up with three Ring for King recruits to find out what their first year of ringing has been like. And what a year it’s been!Jessica, Lindsey and Andy have notched up an amazing collection of ‘firsts’ since starting their ringing adventure. First tower tour, first wedding ringing, first quarter peal and first striking competition have all been ticked off the list. Also worthy of note are their first ringing blisters!Find out what they have found hard, what they have found easy and what’s helped. Turns out that ringing is not easy as it looks, but as they enthusiastically point out, if it is too easy, it’s not worth doing!Top five takeawaysIf you’re a novice ringer, pop into the beginners bell handling practice - it will make you realise how much progress you have made!Looking for some reading material? Try out Steve Coleman’s books www.ringingbooks.co.ukIf you fancy a challenge and love a list then give 50 ringing things a go https://smartringer.org/50things/Inspired

The debate around ringing and music is taken to an entirely new level in this fascinating conversation between show host Cathy Booth and composer Helen Ottaway.Deeply inspired by the sound of bells, Helen’s passion for this shared soundscape has led from the creation of individual musical works to an entire bell-inspired festival! It’s amazing to hear what can happen when composers and ringers come together to exchange knowledge and enthusiasm across different art forms, contexts and places.Be inspired, listen to the recordings and maybe even download the ringtone - but don’t get so carried away that you forget to turn your mobile off before that peal …Top Five TakeawaysWhy not get in touch with existing festivals to see if there’s a way your tower could get involvedGiven the heritage aspect of ringing, the National Lottery is a good source of funding for creative projects www.heritagefund.org.ukCheck out the Ring Out Festival website for more inspiration https://www.rooklanearts.org.uk/ringout/Interested in

Show host Cathy Booth aims high this month in conversation with accomplished ringer and leading light Linda Garton.Linda strongly believes that “success breeds success” and, as you’ll hear, this is amply illustrated in both her own ringing career and the winning bands that her leadership has inspired.So muster your motivation, make a plan and put some of Linda’s practical ideas on training and development into action. You’ll then be set to celebrate all levels of ringing, from rounds right the way up to the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths* and beyond.*Other ringing societies also availableTop 5 TakeawaysPlanning a striking competition? Open it up to all ringers, put on a picnic and make it a celebration!If some of your ringers need more time to master a skill, consider putting on some intensive all-day courses with small numbersEvolve your practices as your students progressHave a target – give your ringers something to aim forDoes your tower have a set of handbells? Where’s the most unusual location they’

How many bells are enough? Six, eight, ten? As show host Cathy Booth discovers from Peter Heard, once the offers of help and support came rolling in to Nevern Restoration Project, it was easy for their ambitious plan to grow and grow!There’s something for everyone in this engaging episode, whatever your interests. Church history, restoration projects, epic fundraising, setting up a band from scratch and the ups and downs of special guests and TV appearances all get a look in.Peter feels that ringing has rejuvenated him in later life, but I think this may be the other way about. Judging from the amazing success of this bell restoration and training centre, he has fully reciprocated by doing his bit to breathe new life into an old tower.Top 5 TakeawaysLooking for the perfect holiday location with an excellent ring of bells thrown in? Find out more about Nevern church and its bells here Our Church Bells | Nevern Church (nevern-church.org.uk)If you’re planning a bell project, check to see what talent there is in

Terrified of Twitter, hesitant about hashtags, tentative about TikTok? This practical podcast sees host Cathy Booth take a closer look at social media and how ringers can make the most of it, whether it’s to recruit new ringers, keep the neighbours engaged or impress other towers with what you’re up to.And if it’s tips you’re after, this podcast delivers in spades, with great advice from those already up to exciting things on their social media platforms. Listen and learn from Chrissie and Katelyn from Loughborough Bell Foundry, Sarah Bowyer from Worcester Cathedral, and Richard and Rebecca from Frittenden Bell Ringers.With so many platforms you might very well be wondering where to start. Well apparently photos of animals, and especially cats, are the perfect clickbait. Get your cute Stedman 'cat's ears' pics ready everyone, as now is the time to use them!Top 10 TakeawaysUse your best photos, especially in Instagram – image is everything!Be true to yourself – what’s unique or special to your t

What, if anything, is worth keeping from the COVID lockdown period? Well definitely the Wensleydale Clusters online ringing course! Host Cathy Booth hears from ART award winners David Scrutton and Jonathan Couchman, who tell the story behind their successful recruitment scheme, now in its third year.In just five hours of online learning and practice in Ringing Room, the course gets wannabe ringers up to the stage of understanding plain hunt and eager to be matched with a local tower captain so they can begin ringing for real in a nearby tower. The retention rate is impressive too!Lots of tips here for any ringing project - bring together talented people with towers in need, keep things friendly and informal, and don’t intimidate leaners by exposing them too early to the ‘scary ringers’…Top 5 TakeawaysCheck out all the other winners and runners up from the ART awards as there is plenty of inspiration there! www.ringingteachers.org/awardsCommittees and formal structures can sometimes put people off – keep your

Is Phil Gay a typical ringer, an atypical ringer or just total legend? Show host Cathy finds out as she delves into a ringing life very well lived.From inventing a mobile belfry, developing the Keele Ringing Summer School, teaching his family to ring and hanging his own mini-ring in his garage to notching up 1000 peals, Phil has made a massive contribution to ringing both locally and nationally. And that’s without mentioning his years of service at the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers.Yes, not every one of his innovations has been taken forward, but Phil still has plenty of ideas. In particular, we just can’t wait to see Phil’s quick erection model!Top 5 TakeawaysConsider running a separate practice for learners once they start attending the tower practice night – this will help them correct any bell handing issues and give them more rope timeHelp retain your ringers by being accepting – if someone can’t make every practice or Sunday think about the positive contribution that they can makeFind out more

Struggling to strike in the right place? Anxious about unpredictable sallies? Getting no satisfaction from your ringing? You’ve come to the right podcast!Ace ringing teachers, Ruth Suggett, Judith Frye and Greg Russell, talk host Cathy Booth through the most common bell handling problems and, more importantly, how to solve them. From slow hand transfers, inadequate follow through and not catching the sally at the right time, it’s all here.Don’t worry though, with the help of a good teacher, early diagnosis and willingness to master the necessary skills, all can be put right. Above all else, aim to be one with your bell - it is not the enemy, but ego is!Top 5 TakeawaysDon’t believe you have a handling issue? Ask someone to take a video of you ringing on your own phone and then watch it back at a slower speed – very often with bell handling issues, seeing is believing!Watch other ringers and consider their individual ringing styles, you can learn a lot through observationIf you can get it up the tower, have a f

In this second episode focusing on engaging the media, host Cathy Booth looks at two sides of one ‘Ring for the King’ interview by talking to broadcast journalist Tim O’Callaghan and Simon Linford, President of the CCCBR.Cathy learns that it’s hard to set the news agenda so if the media pick up on your story, you’ll need to act fast. And once a news outlet runs with your story, others may well follow so make the most of it!For the CCBR, the recent media blitz is part of a much wider strategy focused on the future of ringing and attracting ‘good’ bell ringers - that stick at it, enjoy it, and add value to their towers. So, ditch the cold, dirty ringing chambers, grumpy old men and unrealistic expectations and begin the adventure of a lifetime of discovery …Top 5 TakeawaysWant to recruit some new ringers for your tower? Think carefully about the different communications channels you could use and who they will reachBe creative with targeting your messages. Struggling to reach young people? Try engaging with par

This episode is jam-packed with practical tips as host Cathy Booth, with the help of three engaging guests, explores how to get positive bell ringing stories into the media.First off, ringers Matthew Butler and Kate Flavell talk Cathy through their experiences of making the news - either after being contacted by local radio, TV and the press, or trying to hit the headlines themselves.Cathy then gets a very different perspective from interviewing journalist Andrew Napier, who very helpfully explains how things work from the other side.So if your Facebook post goes viral, or you have a great news story to share, this podcast provides the perfect preparation for your interview, photograph or press release. If you do get the call, just go for it - see it as yet another opportunity to bust that myth that ringing involves monks being yanked up in the air!Top 5 TakeawaysThink of the one key message you want to get across and don’t be afraid to repeat it.Practice explaining change ringing in a short and simple way th