Fun with Bells

More than a hobby : A Celebration of Bellringing

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

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 teach or other resources to support your ringing go to bellringing.org

Podcast team:
Anne Tansley Thomas
Emily Roderick
John Gwynne
Emily Watts
Cathy Booth

Ringing by:
The Cambridge Youths (supplied by David Richards) and for later episodes, The Liliputters Guild (supplied by Simon Edwards).

For bellringing training and support for teachers and ringers see: bellringing.org

Kent Young Ringers - The Organisers

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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 takeaways

Want 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 platforms up-to-date with the latest news and videos
Invest in your young ringers – see what funds are available from your local association
Think about putting a buddy system in place where some of your more experienced younger ringers can help support the newer ones. This may even work with novice adult ringers!

For more inspiration and ideas, check out the Kent Young Ringers webpage https://kcacr.org.uk/kent-young-ringers/news

Devon Guild: A Sesquicentennial Celebration

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0100

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 takeaways

If 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 the Devon Guild’s new membership subscription service for some inspiration Guild of Devonshire Ringers (devonringers.org.uk)
If you’re thinking of ways to bring your towers, districts, and associations together, how about putting together a Ringer’s Choir for your Christmas service.
Interested in finding out more about Ellacombe Chimes take a look at the Association of Ringing Teachers website Association of Ringing Teachers :: Ellacombe chimes
Has your tower or association got a milestone anniversary coming up? For some great ideas on how to celebrate go to the website Guild 150th Anniversary - Guild of Devonshire Ringers (devonringers.org.uk)

Kent Young Ringers - The Members

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0100

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 takeaways

When 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 the time, it might come in handy in the future.
Don’t get stressed if you go wrong when ringing, just keep going and try and get back into the right place. The person ringing next to you might be able to help put you right.
If you’re finding learning a bit difficult in the early days don’t worry or give up – it will get better!
Parents – although ringing might not seem an obvious childhood activity, it brings huge benefits, like increased confidence, teamwork and the ability to get on with people of all ages and backgrounds.

ART Conference 2024: Building Communities

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0100

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 takeaways

If you have received any complaints regarding bells under your care, and you need help and advice, email the Complaints Helpline at complaints@cccbr.org.uk
Encourage younger ringers into leadership roles. Not only will it refresh your tower’s perspective, but it will also enhance their CVs.
How strategic is your area with your bell maintenance funds? If you’re not already linked into the diocese then now’s the time to get together to make sure investment choices are strategic.
Has your Tower Captain got a role for life? Maybe it’s time to consider succession planning ready to implement a fixed-term policy.
If your association isn’t already tackling these big issues why not think about your own role in standing up, showing leadership, and ensuring the future of ringing.

ART Conference 2024: Bridging Generations

Thu, 09 May 2024 07:00:00 +0100

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 takeaways

Make the most of the relationship you have with your church – they may well have skills and expertise that can help with your recruitment
Listen to the views of your young ringers
Don’t forget the role of parents in encouraging their children’s hobbies. They might even take up ringing themselves
Make the most of all technologies available to your tower. To find out more about improving your striking through Hawkear check out www.12bell.org.uk/hawkear
Ringing can link to many parts of the primary curriculum, such as history, maths, music, and PE. A visit to a bell foundry might make for a perfect school trip! Schools | Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust (belltrust.co.uk)

Cool Kenyan Ringers from Kilifi Bring Bell Ringing Back Home

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:00:00 +0100

‘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 takeaways

Read all about the Kilifi ringers 2015 adventures in the UK The Whiting Society of Ringers - Kilifi
Check out the bells on DOVE Tower details (cccbr.org.uk)
Struggling to ring or explain plain hunt to a learner? Try thinking about it being like using the stairs – slowly up and faster down!
Inspired by John and Debbie’s charity work? Is there anything more your church or tower could do to support struggling families in your local area? Or contact John to hear more about John and Debbie's work: mukedy@gmail.com
Looking for some new ringing recruits? Members of the church choir are often a fruitful hunting ground.

Discover Your Bell Ringing History!

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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 takeaways

Access many of the resources mentioned in this episode at the CCCBR website History & Archive (cccbr.org.uk)
Interested in finding out more and the working groups and getting involved? Check out the webpage Historical and Archive – CCCBR or email halead@cccbr.org.uk
Intrigued by the illuminated peal books? Take a closer look at the St Martin’s Guild SMG Peal Books | (stmartinsguild.org) and College Youths Peal & Name books · Ancient Society of College Youths digital archive · Ringing Archive (ascy.org.uk) websites
Why not take photos of your own local peal boards and send them in? Help especially needed in Norfolk, Kent and Scotland – see which peal boards are already included at History & Archive (cccbr.org.uk)
Why not do a bit of research about your tower and ringers, and share with your local community as part of the Heritage Open Days Homepage (heritageopendays.org.uk)

Our Podcast’s Fifth Year Anniversary

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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/ep69
Remarkable PhD Study of Cambridge Bellringers Pay and Habits: funwithbells.com/ep23
Recording Your Bells: funwithbells.com/ep15
What Ringers Wear: funwithbells.com/ep53
Thirty Voices, Seventy-five Years, One Story: funwithbells.com/ep26
Young Autistic Bell Ringer and Historian: funwithbells.com/ep38
15 Tips to Improve Your Striking: funwithbells.com/ep24

David Smith: A Bell Ringing Tutor’s Uplifting Global Perspective

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 07:00:00 +0000

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 tips

A ringing course might not be for you, but why not think about offering to lend a hand and help out
Feeling brave? Why not ask another ringer you trust to observe your teaching session and ask for some constructive feedback
Check out the NorthWest ringing course website nwringingcourse.uk
Now’s a good time to update your website or social media so other ringers can easily find your tower and arrange a visit

Sound like the ART course might be for you? Take a look at bellringing.org/

The Joy of Bells: New Ringers Reflect on Their New Obsession

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 07:00:00 +0000

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 takeaways

If 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.uk
If you fancy a challenge and love a list then give 50 ringing things a go https://smartringer.org/50things/
Inspired to learn to ring? Find out more at https://bellringing.org/learn-to-ring/
On holiday? Fancy a ring? Dive into Dove’s guide to check out a tower and find the tower captain’s contact details dove.cccbr.org.uk

Bells in Her Music: An Interview with Composer Helen Ottaway

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

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 Takeaways

Why not get in touch with existing festivals to see if there’s a way your tower could get involved
Given the heritage aspect of ringing, the National Lottery is a good source of funding for creative projects www.heritagefund.org.uk
Check out the Ring Out Festival website for more inspiration https://www.rooklanearts.org.uk/ringout/
Interested in finding out more about Helen’s work? Here are some good links to start with https://soundcloud.com/helen-ottaway/sets/ring-ring-bell-1 , https://helenottaway.bandcamp.com/album/ring-ring-bell , https://www.artmusic.org.uk/projects/ring-ring-bell/ and https://helenottaway.blog/
If you’ve not already got a bell related ringtone, why not try one of these out https://www.zedge.net/find/ringtones/Artmusic or https://www.zedge.net/find/ringtones/Frome%20Carillon

How to lead: An interview with the inspiring Linda Garton

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 07:00:00 +0100

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 available

Top 5 Takeaways

Planning 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 numbers
Evolve your practices as your students progress
Have a target – give your ringers something to aim for
Does your tower have a set of handbells? Where’s the most unusual location they’ve been rung? Why not take them out for a day trip?

Ringing Success: Church History, Fundraising, and Band Building in Nevern

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 07:00:00 +0100

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 Takeaways

Looking 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 your church congregation, you might be amazed to discover the expertise that you have
Find out more about the Keltek Trust Helping churches acquire surplus and/or redundant bells to be hung for English-style full-circle bell ringing
Looking to hold a ringing recruitment drive? What better place to hold a welcome and introductory session than the local pub!
Whilst the Colwinston Trust focuses its funding on projects that benefit Wales, look for unusual connections to your church and local trusts that might be able to help you with any bell ringing project

100 Amazing Tips for Bell Ringers on How to Use Social Media

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0100

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 Takeaways

Use your best photos, especially in Instagram – image is everything!
Be true to yourself – what’s unique or special to your tower? Play to your strengths and think about the message you want to get across
Short videos and reels are great to get people engaged. People love to see a real person and hear their voice
Have a look at other bell ringing social media accounts to see what works and get some inspiration
Get a few great photos and draft a few posts before you start. It will help to have some content already figured out
Don’t forget that with some small tweaks, you can use the same content across more than one platform!
Looking to reach out to your local community? Facebook is a great way to target a local area as you can connect with other local groups already on the platform
There are all sorts of ‘how to’ videos – if you’re not sure how to do something, check it out on YouTube
Post regularly if you can and don’t be disappointed if you don’t get instant results, it can take time to raise your profile
Social media shouldn’t be a chore so enjoy it and have fun. It’s a great way to introduce ringing to a whole new audience!

From Virtual to Tower: Wensleydale Ringers' Ringing Room Success

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 07:00:00 +0100

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 Takeaways

Check out all the other winners and runners up from the ART awards as there is plenty of inspiration there! www.ringingteachers.org/awards
Committees and formal structures can sometimes put people off – keep your project agile with just a small team at the top
Interested in following Wensleydale’s example? Check out their materials: www.funwithbells.com/wensleydale-ringers-resource
Think about timing for any recruitment, or project come to think about that. People need something to do and look forward to in the cold, dark nights in January and February
Consider the benefits of online ringing for people with health conditions, carers and others who find it hard to leave the house. So much potential to bring ringing, and the wider community, together.

A Life Well Rung: An Interview with the Brilliant Phil Gay

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 07:00:00 +0100

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 Takeaways

Consider 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 time
Help retain your ringers by being accepting – if someone can’t make every practice or Sunday think about the positive contribution that they can make
Find out more about the Keltek Trust which helps churches acquire surplus or redundant bells that can be then hung for change ringing https://www.keltektrust.org.uk
Equip your teenage ringers to become valuable assets at University Ringing Associations by, for example, encouraging them to conduct a quarter or arrange an outing
Retention is partly down to good teaching – check out the ART website to find out what’s on offer https://www.ringingteachers.org

Connecting with Your Bell: How to Unlock Your Ringing Potential

Thu, 11 May 2023 03:00:00 +0100

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 Takeaways

Don’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 observation
If you can get it up the tower, have a full-length mirror available, so ringers can watch their style and get instant feedback
Once learning a new bell handling element, go back and practice earlier skills so that you can successfully put everything together and develop an elegant and effective ringing style
Check out the videos on the ART YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@ringingteachers

Inside The Media Blitz: What Might Ringing be Like in 2030?

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 07:00:00 +0100

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 Takeaways

Want to recruit some new ringers for your tower? Think carefully about the different communications channels you could use and who they will reach
Be creative with targeting your messages. Struggling to reach young people? Try engaging with parents
Be upfront about the commitment needed and time it can take to learn to ring
Preparing for a media interview – think about the top ten questions they may ask you and write down some answers so that you have these to hand
For more tips on dealing with the media check out the CCCBR website https://cccbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Press-Info.pdf

Navigating the News: Taking Bell Ringing to a Wider Audience

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 07:00:00 +0100

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 Takeaways

Think 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 that absolutely anyone can understand.
For TV, print and social media, think about the visuals and remember to try and feature a range of ringers from different demographics if possible.
If approached by the media always check what the story is and what they want from you. As a backup up though, always be prepared to answer questions about noise complaints, just in case!
Don’t be disappointed if your story doesn’t get featured or you work hard to set up an interview but it is cancelled at the last minute, the news agenda does move very fast.

From Beginner to Bell Ringer: Some Useful Tips

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 07:00:00 +0100

Ever wondered what it’s like to learn how to ring church bells? Podcast host Cathy Booth catches up with both learners in Winchester and teachers at the Association of Ringing Teacher’s conference to find out.

It’s clear that all the beginner ringers love the challenge of learning, especially enjoying the feeling of being focused and in the present. However, ringing isn’t quite as easy as it looks. It’s just as well that there are plenty of patient teachers there to help. So listen to your teacher, take small steps and keep going - and if you go through a rough patch, just remember how much progress you have already made.

The good news is that the one thing that everyone agrees on is that the most important thing about ringing is to have fun. That, and don’t forget to breathe!

Top 5 Takeaways

When learning to ring, pull the sally hard at handstroke and stretch up at backstroke – remember that your hands need to go all the way up and all the way down
Once you can safely ring a bell, work on your listening skills. Begin by trying to hear your bell before working up to hearing all the bells in the row
Focus on learning one thing at a time. When you have mastered that, move on to the next thing
Don’t expect miracles and become despondent if you feel you are not making progress. There is a lifetime of learning ahead. Don’t worry, the lightbulb moments will come, so enjoy them when they happen
Interested in learning to ring? Visit ringingteachers.org/get-involved/learn-to-ringand Rose will help you find a teacher near you

Emily brings bell ringing to the art world

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

This thought-provoking episode sees host Cathy Booth catch up with Emily Roderick, who after volunteering to support the podcast now finds herself featuring in it!

One of the age-old questions that ringers rarely agree on is ‘what exactly is ringing?’ - is it a sport, is it music, or is it art? Ringer and artist Emily is currently exploring ringing from the perspective of performance art, with an Arts Council England grant to boot. What follows is a fascinating discussion into the creative process and where imagination can lead to.

So, if you are a ringer interested in performance, or an artist interested in ringing, now’s your chance to get involved. Get in touch with Emily, and who knows what might happen next ...

Top 5 Takeaways

If you’re learning to ring, try to ring as many different bells as possible as it will help improve your bell handling
When ringing, pull all the way down, keeping your rope as straight as possible
Immerse yourself in the different aspects of ringing, it might give you a new perspective
Bell ringers are a fascinating bunch of people – find out what creative or artist skills your band has, and have a think about what you could make the most of their strengths and outside interests
Follow Emily on Instagram @emilyhrodders https://instagram.com/emilyhrodders?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Ringing in the Ears: Navigating Sound in the Bell Tower

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Are your bells too loud, or too quiet? Could some simple tips help your hard-of-hearing ringers to cope better in the tower? This podcast sees host Cathy Booth and guests explore the fascinating world of sound.

First, Alison and Chris share their experiences of ringing whilst using hearing aids, and come up with some terrific tips to make life easier both in the tower and in the pub afterwards.

Then Cathy quizzes her husband Roger on sound levels in towers. Turns out that it’s not just the decibel volume that matters, but reverberation and structural sound count too. Nobody wants a bad case of ‘clapper knock’!

Whether you want to soak up the sound with wall-to-wall carpet or crank up the volume by leaving all the doors open, this podcast is perfect for you.

Top Five Takeaways

Conductors – tell those outside the circle to be quiet, catch the eye of the ringers before involving them in a change and call ‘that is all’ at the end, rather than ‘that’s all’
Ringers – if you are new to hearing aids, experiment using the ‘music’ or ‘speech enhancing’ setting, depending on your needs. Stand where you have a very good view of the conductor and work extra hard at your ropesight
Use a mobile app to quickly check the decibel volume in your ringing room – if it is too high then bring in some professional advice
Check out Mike Banks’ presentation ‘Sound control inside and outside of your tower’ https://cccbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Mike-Banks-Sound-Control-slides_2.pdf
Got concerns about your hearing? Get these checked out as soon as possible. Several studies have found a link between untreated hearing loss and dementia risk. Why not try the RNID’s free online hearing check www.rnid.org.uk/check

Beasts in the belfy

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 07:00:00 +0000

No, we’re not talking about tyrannical tower captains, caustic conductors or belligerent tenor ringers here, but the wide and wonderful variety of wildlife that ringers and steeple keepers share their bell towers with.

David Bagley fascinates host Cathy Booth with descriptions and anecdotes of both welcome and unwelcome species, and advises on how to either encourage them or get rid of them. No, it’s not just bats in the belfry, as insects, mammals and birds all seem to enjoy the atmosphere and make themselves at home.

As well as some fascinating facts, this podcast offers some great excuses for losing a quarter - just blame the distraction caused by that cheeky mouse, plague of ladybirds or rare sighting of an assassin beetle!

Ringing in Redundant Churches - part 2

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0000

This second sojourn into ringing in redundant churches sees show host Cathy Booth discovering two more exciting projects where ringers have joined forces with the Churches Conservation Trust.

When someone suggests you take the keys and check on the bells in a redundant church, big things can happen. Such an invitation proved inspiring to Andy Cope and his partner who have transformed All Souls in Bolton into a community ringing centre with a winning recruitment strategy.

Meanwhile, the vision for a national centre of ringing in Northampton is coming together beautifully, as Simon Linford updates on progress. Close your eyes and imagine the perfect place - nice ring of eight next door, set of training bells, state of the art simulator, a ringing library and a real ale pub. Yes, you heard that correctly, a pub! Is it too early to book an outing?

Top 5 Takeaways

Find out more about The Churches Conservation Trust, including how to get involved and support your local historic church at www.visitchurches.org.uk
Keep track of progress at the National Ringing Centre https://www.pdg.org.uk/latest-news/national-ringing-centre-at-st-peter-s-and-the-old-black-lions
Discover All Souls, Bolton https://allsoulsbolton.org.uk/home/about-us/, check out all the community activities on offer https://issuu.com/allsoulsbolton/docs/asb_community_brochure_2019 and watch this short introduction to the bells (2) Watch | Facebook
Fancy a couple of nights sleeping under the nave? Go Champing, for your next ringing outing https://champing.co.uk
Take some tips from All Souls ringers’ recruitment. Tower tours, taster sessions and a sixth-form feed into university ringing societies are all great tactics

Ringing in Redundant Churches - part 1

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

What do you get when you cross The Churches Conservation Trust with bell ringers? Show host Cathy Booth finds out, in the first of two special episodes. In this month’s show, Cathy meets Neil Skelton, David Bagley and Neil Dodge to discover what exciting projects can develop when ringers get involved in supporting historic places of worship.

From remote rural churches where ringers breathe new life into neglected spaces, through redundant churches that become popular unofficial ringing centres, to urban towers reclaiming their proud ringing heritage - the CCT and bells appear to be a winning combination.

As well as hearing about some inspirational projects, there are also some great tips for towers to visit and fascinating bits of history. And it wouldn’t really be a Fun with Bells podcast if there wasn’t a rollicking good tale about a high-profile dispute between some determined ringers and a disagreeable vicar.

Top 5 Takeaways

Find out more about The Churches Conservation Trust, including how to get involved and support your local historic church at www.visitchurches.org.uk
Fancy a trip to St Giles in the ‘lost village’ of Imber? Find out more about the church and its bells at imberchurch.org.uk
Check out what the CCT has to say about St Peter’s Sudbury at https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/church-listing/st-peter-sudbury.html , take a look at upcoming events at www.stpetersudbury.co.uk and follow progress with their restoration project on Twitter twitter.com/@StPeterSudbury
Want to grab the bells of St John the Baptist, Strensham? Take a look at their website http://www.bagleybells.co.uk/strensham/strenshm.htm and then email david@bagleybells.co.uk
Can’t make it to Strensham in person? No problems, get over to YouTube to watch this great presentation about the church and the bells https://youtu.be/p6dWyB9-Gag or watch a video of the eight bells ringing some Stedman Triples https://youtu.be/a3uEkxf6hq

What Ringers wear

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +0100

This episode sees host Cathy Booth explore the question of what ringers wear. You may or may not be surprised to hear that the answer is not bell-bottom jeans.

Guests Deb, Alex, Elizabeth and Michaela touch on history, safety and decorum as they share experiences, research and anecdotes on what to wear, or more importantly what not to wear!

At times this could be mistaken for an episode of ‘carry on campanology’, particularly when it comes to the topic of wardrobe malfunction. Preserve your modesty at all costs by avoiding floaty frocks, bringing back braces and being mindful of who is following you up the ladder.

And as always, bell ringers love a controversy - polo shirts with tower logos on? Good or bad? You decide ...

Further Reading

Ladies – looking for some clothing inspiration, while ringing your peals? Check out Linda Garton’s ‘From Hats to Bikinis‘ on YouTube. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTK-xazWFto
Preparing for the colder months? Arthritis gloves are good in cold weather and even have little rubber bobbles to help grip the rope! Link: https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-arthritis-gloves-2552025

Social media competition

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 07:00:00 +0100

This month instead of a podcast episode, we are launching a social media competition.

The podcast will be back in the Autumn.

For more details about the competition, go to funwithbells.com/competition.

ART's new Avanced Call Change Scheme

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0100

Hot on the heels of the launch of the new Learning the Ropes Advanced Call Change Scheme, show host Cathy Booth chats with four call change aficionados.

Clare, Dee, John and Ian are all delighted to see the new scheme in place and look forward to the huge benefits it will bring. With the focus on good listening and bell control, the scheme aims to recognise the skills of call change ringers across the country and result in accurate, musical and stylish ringing.

But should you call the changes up or call them down? Possibly the most controversial question tackled by this podcast since the ‘jam or cream first’ cream tea rumpus! Thankfully Cathy’s guests handle this and other sensitive subjects knowledgeably, diplomatically and amicably. That is, until someone brings up the handstroke gap …

Top 5 Takeaways

Find out about the new Advanced Call Change scheme and get your ‘log book’ at the Learning the Ropes website
Fancy calling some call changes but lacking on confidence – why not try calling them from outside the circle?
If accurate striking is your goal, try practising with a simulator – your band of ‘robot’ ringers will keep you in place
Want to help your band to get to grips with call changes? There are some great resources in the ART toolbox
Interested in finding out more about Devon Call Change ringing? Check out Cathy’s earlier interview with Ryan Trout

Reviving ringing on the Lizard

Thu, 12 May 2022 07:00:00 +0100

What should you do if the number of ringers is falling, your towers are in dire straits, and you need emergency measures to give ringing any kind of future in your area?

This was the problem faced in the Lizard in Cornwall prior to COVID lockdown, and in this episode, podcast host Cathy Booth talks to the team who, against all the odds, have turned the situation around.

The first step, is seems, is to find a Hayley, Miranda, Andy, and someone called Bob who has lots of mojo! By coming together as a tightknit team with the right set of skills, the Lizard ringers have created a successful hub for ringing recovery, recruitment and teaching.

Once you have someone to work on the spreadsheets and strategy, someone who seems to know everyone in the local community, someone who wants to teach and someone who wants to learn to teach, then everything else falls into place.

Add Facebook, fun and cake into the mix and local ringing will not only recover but may even experience a resurgence! A very inspiring yet practical podcast for all those struggling with empty towers and cancelled practice nights.

Top 5 Takeaways

Don’t forget the church organist, they’re musical after all! Lure them up the tower and they’ll get hooked.
If you have a group of learners, why not set up a Facebook group where you can update them weekly, and share news, learning tips and celebrate their successes?
What are the success factors of a teaching hub? Find a church that’s central to where your learners are, remote enough not to bother the neighbours, with easy bells, a ground floor ring, plenty of parking and electricity for refreshments. Oh, and add cake!
If you have ringers who would make good teachers, then get them signed up to an Association of Ringing Teachers course.https://events.bellringing.org/courses-for-teachers
Think strategically – work with your deanery to focus your recruitment efforts on churches with healthy congregations to protect against church closures.

Stories from 'A history of change ringing in Scotland'

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +0100

In this month’s fascinating episode, Simon Aves takes host Cathy Booth on an entertaining romp through Scotland’s bell ringing history. You may be surprised to learn it is very different to England’s.

Who knew the Scots were so fond of peace and quiet? Cathy learns that in the past the best way to annoy people in Dundee was to travel up there and ring all their bells. And beware of the constable waiting at the bottom of the tower to arrest you for that very noisy peal you just rang. Or worse still, the constable might well follow you to the pub and then ban you from ringing, perish the thought!

Of course, all of this is history - very colourful history and brilliantly told at that. First bells, first peals, first women ringers, colourful characters, court cases and ringers being sick after their eight pints, this podcast has it all.

Top 5 Takeaways

Read Simon’s book ‘A History of Change Ringing in Scotland’ on Amazon Kindle
Are you up for the Inveraray challenge? Find out more about the bell tower and its fascinating history http://inveraraybelltower.co.uk/index.shtml
Discover more about bell ringing in Scotland https://www.sacr.org
Why not research and write the history of your tower or association
For something completely different, why not plan a tower outing to a Worbey and Farrell performance! http://www.worbeyandfarrell.com

ART helps novice ringers to create a new band

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this inspiring show, podcast host Cathy Booth meets Tim Sunter and hears about his amazing seven-year ringing journey from learner to teacher and Association of Ringing Teachers committee member.

Who could have imagined that a thought-proving tweet in the middle of a field could have such a domino effect, propelling Tim on a path to both individual fulfilment and a new way to reach out to his local community? But such is the power of bell ringing.

Tim shares the deep satisfaction that ringing can bring, both from the sense of achievement of learning to ring and bringing a tower back to life to introducing local schoolchildren to the joy of bells and encouraging the local community to celebrate its heritage.

Tim’s enthusiasm is clearly infectious and no doubt this podcast will set off yet another exciting chain of events and ringing adventures for him, and possibly for you.

Top 5 takeaways

Check out the wide range of online ringing courses at https://onlinelearning.bellringing.org
Why not get involved in Heritage Open Days to both recruit new ringers and engage with the wider community
Thinking of ways to get your local schoolchildren interested in ringing? Dust off your set of handbells and get in touch with your local school and suggest they make music with them
Why stop at learning to ring? Why not learn to teach bell ringing and share your hobby with others
Close to Birmingham? Take a look at what’s on offer at the Birmingham School of Bell Ringing https://birminghambells.com

ART's 10th birthday: celebrate with ART's Founder and Chair

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

In this special Anniversary episode, podcast host Cathy Booth has two special guests discussing both the beginnings and the future of ART. No, Cathy’s not exploring painting or sculpting, but a landmark development in the teaching of bell ringing. ART stands for the Association of Ringing Teachers, currently marking it’s tenth year. Founder member Pip Penney and current Chair, Lesley Belcher, celebrate the success of the scheme and its plans for the next three years.

Pip, a physiotherapist, combined her understanding of learning a physical movement with her experience of learning to ring, to help develop an innovative approach to teaching bell ringing. Ten year’s down the line, Pip’s fundamental training approach remains the same and new ART chair, Lesley, is focused on delivering these skills in new and exciting ways.

Not deterred by the pandemic, ART’s courses are very much in demand as new generations of ringing teachers make the grade and learners pass through ART’s Learning the Ropes scheme.

Find out what’s next in the story of ART and watch out for an explosion of new teachers, new ringers and celebratory ringing festivals coming soon!

Top 5 takeaways

Want to learn to ring with an ART teacher? Contact Rose who will help you find a teacher near you http://ringingteachers.org/people/directory/contact/0
Why not share the teaching in your tower – as well as sharing the load, learners get input from different teachers
Interested in learning to teach ringing the ART way? Check out the courses on their website http://ringingteachers.org/
Look out for the Learning the Ropes Festival in Norwich on 20 August – more information coming soon
There are some great resources available on YouTube – for a start, check out ART’s channel at https://youtube.com/c/ringingteachers

Let's fix Ringing's 'leaky pipeline'

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 07:00:00 +0000

This month, show host, Cathy Booth meets with three frank and formidable female ringers to understand the reasons why, although women make up about half of all ringers, they are greatly underrepresented in positions of responsibility and peal ringing, and conducting.

Elva Ainsworth, Julia Cater and Tessa Simpson - who have all participated in ‘groundbreaking, record breaking and point breaking’ ringing - talk freely about their own experiences and the self-fulfilling prophecy where lack of opportunity leads to a lack of confidence.

Yes, women can ring heavier bells. Yes, women can conduct (and may choose to do this from either the back or the front). And yes, some small girls are just itching to have a go on the tenor, but the boys always seem to get first dibs.

Rather than focusing on the negatives, though, this inspiring podcast offers some thoughtful suggestions about how to encourage greater equality of opportunity and how all bands can flourish with the greater participation of their women ringers.

Top 5 takeaways

Find out more about the working group for gender balance in ringing at https://www.womeninringing.info
If you’re a tower captain, don’t assume what the women in your tower want to do – be proactive, ask for feedback, and set-reflect. Could you do things differently to bring on your female talent?
Watch Julia Cater’s master class on ringing big bells https://stmartinsguild.org/teaching/training-and-resources/how-to-ring-big-bells/
If you are a woman ringer, ask yourself what skills you have that you could bring to your tower, or to your district association
Catch up the Ringing World’s special issue on women in ringing from November 2020 – you can buy and download a PDF copy https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/issues/5716

'Listen to the bells' quiz

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Fingers on buzzers, or perhaps that should be “look to”, as host Cathy Booth resumes the role of quizmaster in this latest Fun with Bells podcast quiz.

This time the focus is on the bells themselves, so tune in, listen up and get set for a different sort of hearing test.

Everyone can play along, whatever their level, with straightforward questions for those new to ringing, alongside more obscure challenges for seasoned bell fans.

However, if you’re a regular listener to the show you may very well have a slight home advantage with the questions connected to previous episodes!

With its quirky questions, ringing recordings and fascinating facts, this episode is a perfect example of how you don’t need to be in the tower to have fun with bells.

Original recordings used in the quiz

The YouTube or other original recordings for each quiz answer can be found on the following page.

Calling all young ringers

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Show host, and adulty adult, Cathy Booth meets three more young ringers in this month’s episode, this time all founder members of the Young Change Ringers Association.

Josephine, Emily and Matt share the aims behind the new association, discuss the support that enables young ringers to become tower captains of the future and reveal the power of pizza.

There can be no better advert for YCRA membership than listening to these engaging, enthusiastic, and insightful leaders talk about how the association is meeting the needs of young ringers. And yes, as well as inspiring, it’s fun!

What more could you possibly want from a podcast? Well, a Fun with Bells pin-badge, for a start …

Top 5 takeaways

If you’re an adult in a local ringing association, why not sign up all your young ringers in one go at https://ycra.org.uk
Looking for a new role that will look great on your CV? The YCRA are looking for a membership secretary, get in touch contact@ycra.org.uk
Ask your young ringers what they would like to do and listen – encourage them to conduct, or to lead a practice night and help them to become the tower captains of the future
If someone is new to ringing don’t forget to explain tower etiquette to them, it can all be a bit baffling to a newcomer
Forget about a quiz, if you need more fun at your next association meeting just wrap up your best ringers in toilet roll

The Lilliputters Guild

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000

What’s got 40 members, stretches across a large part of the country and is a brilliant way to have fun, improve your ringing and make friends? Well, if you are a young bell ringer, the answer must surely be the Liliputters.

Not, as host Cathy Booth discovers, a group from the fictional kingdom of tiny people, but an exciting national Guild for young ringers.

In this upbeat podcast, three Lilliputters - Simon, Molly and Euan - talk enthusiastically about the Guild, what it means to them and the joys of going on tour.

Sounds inspiring? Well if you’re between the ages of 10 and 30 and don’t want to miss out, why not join up now!

About the Lilliputters Guild

The Lilliputters Guild started life in August 2015 as a group of friends going away on a week’s ringing holiday. The accommodation for the week was The Lilliput Sea Scout Hut in Poole, Dorset – the closest Scout hut to Brownsea Island, incidentally – and it was from there that they took their name! The week, whose towers included Bournemouth, Poole, Winchester Cathedral and, naturally, Brownsea Island, was a roaring success. This prompted the formation of “The Guild” in April 2016, and another Tour that Summer, also based in Poole.

Since then, The Lilliputters Guild has grown, with new members and more events happening year on year. At the time of writing, it has some 40 members on the books, hailing from across the UK, with ages ranging from 13 to 35. In a “normal” year, they hold 3-4 main events, as well as other ad-hoc outings and quarter peal days, and even the occasional peal! The repertoire in The Guild ranges from call-changes to Surprise, and many Lilliputters have benefitted from ringing something new or different for the first time on a Guild event.

Equally important to the ringing is the social aspect of Lilliputters, be that evening activities (including the popular talent show) back at base during Summer Tours, pub or picnic lunches during days out, and even a theatre trip if an event is based in London!

Top 5 Takeaways

The Lilliputters are a friendly group and welcome new members. Anyone interested in joining should email Simon Edwards on lilliputtersguild@gmail.com.
Check out YouTube if you’d like to see the Lilliputters in action – catch up on their Guild Outing to London https://youtu.be/Ix61yHKDOvA
Why not set up a group chat at your tower to keep in touch and help set up tours and quarter peals
Make sure to listen to next month’s podcast to find out more about the new Young Change Ringers Association YCRA
Encourage young ringers at your tower or in your association to help stand behind or mentor other young ringers

Superstition

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Avoid all ladders, black cats and don’t whatever you do break a mirror in your rush to listen to this month’s Fun with Bells podcast on bells and superstition.

From birth, through to death and beyond, bells have had played a fascinating role in the customs around our key rites of passage. Amongst the many special powers of bells include making the devil flee, warding off plague and pestilence, and easing childbirth. It’s curious to note that none of these warrant a footnote on Bell Board these days!

From bells marking executions, to bells themselves being executed, this podcast has all the grisly and gory details.

Finally, discover the role of bells in warning of the approach of the unclean, untrustworthy and morally corrupt. And no, that’s not the bell ringers!

For further details see www.funwithbells.com

Chatting with the authors of 'Change ringing on handbells'

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Just as change ringing on handbells requires each ringer to have two bells, this perfectly formed podcast on the subject has two guests. Host Cathy Booth chats with Tina and Simon, authors of the latest must-have handbell manual.

As always, this podcast asks all the right questions. What is best, tower or hand bells? Will online ringing last post lock-down? Is bell ringing music? And should you start with hand bells and then move onto tower bells, or vice versa?

As well as addressing the big issues Cathy also finds out the fascinating process behind writing and publishing their book, discovers the joy of e-bells and gets insider information on the progress of Volume 2 and likely publication date.

Think handbells aren’t for you? Then listen to this podcast and think again.

Top 5 takeaways

Tina and Simon’s book ‘Change-Ringing on Handbells Volume 1:Basic Techniques’ is available from their website www.handbellringing.co.uk That’s also where you can read their blog
Give handbell ringing a go at ringingroom.co.uk Alternatively, grab yourself some e-bells at https://ebells.co.uk and give handbell stadium a go https://handbellstadium.org
Why not incorporate handbells into your tower bell practice night? It might keep your learners extra motivated whilst they are getting to grips with their bell handling
Check out the survival and recovery toolbox from the Association of Ringing Teachers for some great resources to help your ringers return post-lockdown https://ringingteachers.org/survival-and-recovery-toolbox
Take a leaf out of the book and consider building conducting in to standard training and development, rather than leaving until later or seeing it as a different skill

10 ways to use a simulator

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 07:00:00 +0100

You may not have given ringing simulators a second thought before, but this episode will definitely get you scrambling up your belfry, with some sensors in hand.

Steve Farmer, tells host Cathy Booth the fascinating story of Simbell. Wanting an easy way to get get extra rope time without annoying the church neighbours with his noisy novice ringing, Steve took the unusual step of inventing his own ringing simulator.

Now simulators are not new, having been a thing since the advent of The Seague Silent Ringing Apparatus in the 1870s. However, Steve had the very clever idea of making his simulator wireless. And what is the advantage of a wireless simulator? Listen to the podcast to find out!

With technology moving so fast it’s hard to say what will come next? Steve looks into his crystal ball and gets us to imagine a future where we might all be ringing in virtual reality headsets. Sounds amazing - just as long as the ‘bong’ is in the right place.

Top 5 takeaways

Want to attract more ringers? Hold an open day as part of the Heritage Open Days. Once you’ve go them up the tower. They’ll be hooked!
There’s a wide choice of ringing software to choose from – have a look at Abel http://www.abelsim.co.uk/ , Virtual Belfry https://www.belfryware.com/ and Beltower http://www.beltower.co.uk
Check out all the super simulator resources, including links to Simbell https://simbell.co.uk on the Association of Ringing Teachers website http://ringingteachers.org/resource-centre/simulator-resources
If there’s something that would help you to ring but it doesn’t yet exist, then why not invent it yourself. If it would help you it’s bound to help others too!
Trying to motivate young ringers? Use a simulator to score their striking rates. And if more intensive training is needed, think about running a summer simulator boot camp with hours of (silent) practice.

Take a deep breath...

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Take a few deep breaths, relax, and tune into this month’s episode where host Cathy Booth meets ringer, counsellor, hypnotherapist and trauma care practitioner, Nicky Carling to talk about building up confidence for returning to the tower.

Yes, it’s probably time you changed out of your pyjamas, dragged yourself momentarily away from Ringing Room and ventured out to the exciting world of real-life bell ringing.

However, if this thought makes you at all anxious then Nicky offers lots of helpful tips and tools gained from her extensive experience as a professional therapist.

From techniques like mindfulness and Emotional Freedom Technique, to alternative remedies like Bach Flower Rescue Remedy, there’s a wide range of help to boost your confidence, whatever your needs and ringing level. And if you’re planning to get back into practice for the National 12 Bell competition, then hypnotherapy might just help give you the competitive edge ...

Top 5 takeaways

If you’re feeling anxious about returning to ringing, then talk to someone in your tower who will understand and can look out for you
Read Nicky’s ART article for more information about the tips and techniques shared in this podcast https://ringingteachers.org/survival-and-recovery-toolbox/confidence-building-techniques
Interested in find out more about Bach Flower Remedies? Check out https://www.bachcentre.com/en/
If you’re more concerned about getting back in physical shape for your ringing then ART also has some helpful advice for that http://ringingteachers.org/survival-and-recovery-toolbox/fit-to-ring and Lucy Gwynne, who is a physiotherapist, has recorded a complementary talk given to the St Martin’s guild: see https://youtu.be/AxCZcVDHq9w
Also see Nicky’s therapy website: http://www.mayflowertherapies.co.uk/

Inspirational bell restoration project

Thu, 13 May 2021 07:00:00 +0100

Cathy Booth’s special guest this month is ringer and project manager par excellence Tim Keyes who gives us the inside scoop of Ledbury’s rather exciting bell restoration and augmentation project.

Tim very helpfully talks through all the different stages of the project, step by step, with plenty of top tips for those of you planning your own bell project.

Cathy hears about the challenges faced, exacerbated by Brexit and COVID-19, but also the enormous highs that come with engaging the whole community in innovative ways.

However, this podcast is much more than the story of a successful project, as the interview takes a surprising literary turn. But then again, we always knew that bell ringing is poetry in motion ...

Top 5 takeaways

Embarking on a bell project? Make sure you have a really good core team with skills in communications, technical issues and finance. Don’t forget to also work closely with the church.
Struggling to find the big donations? You may have to diversify your funding to reach your target.
There are so many tales to tell about every tower – why not turn your stories into a drama or musical performance for a fun, fundraising evening!
Go out into schools and engage with children and young people – years seven and eight are a great age to start with.
So much to see and do, and a national poetry festival! Put Ledbury on the list of places to visit (and ring in) when everything opens up again https://www.visitherefordshire.co.uk/see-do/city-towns/ledbury

Young autistic bell ringer and historian

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0100

In this fast-paced episode, podcast host Cathy Booth meets 20-year-old ringer, Oliver Lee, and discovers his passion for ringing and ringing history.

Oliver is clearly fascinated by all aspects of ringing and takes Cathy on whistle-stop tour of a huge range of ringing-related subjects, ranging from Ellacombe chimes, through belfry reform and on to John Warner and Sons bell founders.

Oliver also talks about his autism and the support he has had from the ringing community, reliving his positive experiences of the striking competitions he’s taken part in. Good times make great memories.

And just like any other ringer, he vents at the inaccurate depictions of bell ringing in the mainstream media. Did somebody mention Midsomer Murders?

Finally, on the question of Cumberland or College Youths? Looks like the verdict is still out ...

Top 5 takeaways

If you had an extra million pounds to spend on ringing, how would you spend it and why? Just asking in case you win the lottery …
Want a new challenge after lockdown? Why not check out the anti-clockwise towers in your area for something different.
If you’ve not already dusted down your Ellacombe chimes because of Covid-19 now might be a good time to give them a go.
Fancy a little history project? Why not use family history site Ancestry to look up the history of the ringers on the peal boards in your tower.
Why not take a look at the books of Ernest Morris at https://whitingsociety.org.uk/old-ringing-books/morris-history-and-art-of-change-ringing.html

Test your bell ringing and general knowledge

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0000

In this month’s show, podcast host Cathy Booth transforms into the next Anne Robinson as she joins the ringers of St John’s in New Alresford for their fortnightly Zoom quiz.

Fingers on buzzers as the ringers introduce each other and ask their two allotted quiz questions. There’s one point for each correct answer, so why not play along at home and see if you can beat their top score.

Test out both your bell ringing and general knowledge in some great company, whilst getting to know each ringer’s background, interests and talents. As you move round the tower you’ll discover just what an accomplished bunch they are.

And if you’re in need of a tie-break, you can always try working out the band’s combined peal tally!

The ringers setting the questions and taking part in this quiz were:

Tony Ayres
Roger Booth
Hamish Corfield
Andrew Johnson
Elizabeth Johnson
Windy Ling
Rodney Skinner

Photograph credits for the banner photograph and the left of the 3 gallery photos:

Stephen Morley / Arle Images (available to view on Flickr)

Love under lockdown : Ringing Room Creators

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 07:00:00 +0000

One of the very best things to have happened over the past year is the development of the online ringing platform, Ringing Room. In this special Valentine’s podcast, host Cathy Booth interviews Leland and Bryn, the driving force behind this amazing achievement and now one of ringing’s most famous couples.

Of course, for Ringing Room to have happened, Leland and Bryn had to have met. Cathy wastes no time in finding out the details of their burgeoning romance and discovers that going a transatlantic ringing tour just three weeks into dating might well have been a definitive moment!

Although the interview focuses on their relationship, this podcast is also very much a paean to ringing itself. Both Leland and Bryn are so clearly in love with bell ringing and gladly share the joy and fulfilment that it brings to their lives.

Of course, Leland and Bryn are not the only couple to have been brought together by ringing. A study conducted in 1989 assures that simple eye contact could make a person fall in love with you. Remember this the next time you find yourself gazing into the eyes of the conductor during a peal ...

Top 5 takeaways

Ringing Room is not just for COVID-19 – it’s an amazing resource to meet and ring with people in dispersed areas and for teaching and training.
When ringing in the tower, once you have pulled off, look around. You’ve already got all you need to know from the bell you are following, so cast your eyes around. This will help you develop your rope sight.
Although ringing tower bells and handbells is very different, you can link what you know about both to get a deeper understanding about method structures.
Check out the Bradfield Ringing Course http://www.bradfield-ringing-course.org.uk
Facing a long journey or commute? It’s the perfect time to get to grips with learning a method.

Photo credits

Mira Whiting https://www.mirawhitingphotography.com/

Love under lockdown : Belfry proposal, survey results & Valentine message

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Love is very definitely in the air at the Fun with Bells Podcast this Valentine’s Day, as host Cathy Booth explores ringing’s tender side.

First, we hear the heart-warming story of Jo and Graham, whose romance continues to deepen from Ringing Remembers, through Ringing Room, and to a very memorable lockdown proposal. Be warned, if you get invited to an unexpected Saturday practice, there might well be something afoot ...

Cathy also reveals the results of her special Valentine’s survey. Are bell ringers romantic or not? Listen in for all to be revealed. It won’t be giving too much away to say that there might well be a market for a ringing dating app. You too could find love through Dove!

Finally, we hear a Valentine’s message from one ringer to another - there is one very lucky Guy out there.

Whether you are a romantic ringer or not, you’re sure to be whisked off your feet by this episode.

Ringing in Ireland : Don McLean

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0000

For Don McLean over in Ireland, one of the joys of bell ringing is teaching others and delighting in their achievements. In this charming episode, Cathy Booth, podcast host, shines a light on Don’s motivation and his own considerable achievements, including masterminding the training of 17 new recruits at St Mary’s Kilmood on ‘The Peace Bells’.

Don is passionate about teaching and, as Cathy discovers, he has spent a great deal of time out and about supporting bell ringing teachers across Ireland. As Cathy and Don chat, we get a fantastic overview of the structure and culture of bell ringing over Ireland’s 37 towers.

And what does Don do when he is not teaching others to ring, organising training sessions, or working hard to get cancer patients the priority treatment they need? Well, he sits down in his garage with the doors open and the mini-ring in action, hoping to lure in new recruits. What about the neighbours? Well of course they would be most welcome to take a seat and join in!

The neighbours are not the only ones to be invited in. Just like towers around the world, Irish ringers would welcome you with open arms and gladly give you a rope. COVID can’t be over soon enough so that Don can get on with his latest ambitious training initiative and we can all book our ringing tour over to Ireland. Get your name down on the waiting list at Kilmood now!

Top 5 Takeaways

Find out more about ringing in Ireland at http://bellringingireland.org
Sometimes seeing is believing – a mini-ring is a great recruitment tool
As well as a stream of new recruits you need to have the teachers in place – need support, then visit http://ringingteachers.org
When it’s time to look for new recruits, why not reach out to your church community? There may be someone secretly wanting to have a go
Intensive training is a good way of keeping learners interested as they can quickly see the progress they are making

Special credit in this episode goes to Vaughan Jones for the violin music. For more details see Vaughan Jones from Manor House Music.

Hear from those who write, blog and vlog about bells

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 07:00:00 +0000

What do ringers do when they are not ringing? Well, judging by this latest episode they write, film, podcast and blog about it!

Podcast host Cathy Booth chats to no fewer than six leading lights in the ringing community who are all doing their bit to share and support the hobby they are all so passionate about.

From Mancroft to Minecraft and from the Ringing World to the virtual world, this bumper podcast can’t fail to inspire. Ringers are a resilient bunch and many have taken the challenge of Covid-19 to learn something new or put their long dreamt-about projects into action. There’s now more need to communicate than ever before.

As 2020 is obviously the year to try something new, why not check out some of these fascinating blogs, YouTube channels, podcasts and publications? Or better still, create one of your own! Think big and aim high - I bet Cathy can’t wait to interview the world's first bell ringing TikTok influencer ...

Top 5 Takeaways

If there’s not a video of your tower up on YouTube pop one up as soon as you can.
You may already have had a go at Ringing Room and Zoom, but why not explore other virtual tools like Virtual Belfry, Handbell Stadium, Minecraft and Discord?
If you’re not already a subscriber, check out the Ringing World. You can just buy a single issue just to see what it’s like.
Why not make a recording of all the towers that you ring at and create your own audio diary of your outings?
Ringing is a social activity – use all the channels available to keep in touch with your band during the pandemic, and to attract new recruits when it’s safe to get back in the tower.

Mancroft Ringing Discovery Centre / Blue lines and pickled eggs

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Home of the first true peal, St Peter Mancroft in Norwich is now home to the brilliant Mancroft Ringing Discovery Centre. Podcast host Cathy Booth catches up with Simon Rudd and Nikki Thomas to find out what’s been happening.

Well, there’s been so much going on it’s hard to know where to start! Training courses at all levels, lunchtime pay as you go sessions, band visits, junior ringing and ringing festivals all feature. That’s when the team is not out and about taking ringing into schools and letting hordes of excited novice ringers have a go on 12 bells at Great Yarmouth.

But what of lockdown? Cathy discovers that both Simon and Nikki have actually been doing more ringing in lockdown than ever before - extending their handbell repertoire, honing their conducting skills and setting themselves ever more complex challenges in Ringing Room.

For those of you who are more advanced, you might want to learn to ring Cambridge Suprise. Or maybe that's not the best place to start! How about starting with Cornwall first? This podcast also includes an excerpt from Matt Austin's conversation with Don Marrison about less traditional steps to learning surprise methods, first broadcast in our North American sister podcast, Treble's Going.

Whatever your level and whatever your pathway, once everything is safe, take yourself and your band for a weekend in Norwich and try out your new skills on the MRDC training bells. You know you want to.

Top takeaways

Check out the Mancroft Ringing Discovery Centre www.mrdc.org.uk and get ready to book a visit once it’s safe to get out and about
Not tried Ringing Room yet? Go on, give it a go! If you need some help to get started pop into the Ringing Room Take Hold lounge on Facebook
Interested in St Peter Mancroft’s bell ringing heritage? Listen to Nikki’s talk for Heritage Open Days
If you’ve got a suitable 12 bell tower in your area, have a think about letting your novice ringers loose – they’ll love every minute
Don’t just print off the blue line to learn it – why not write out the method by hand from place notation and really get inside it
Catch up with the rest of the Don Morrison ‘Cornwall first’ interview at treblesgoing.com

Spooky Stories from the Ringers' Arms

Sat, 31 Oct 2020 16:00:00 +0000

For this episode, we have provided a Transcript with photos

Ringing can be spooky at the best of times – you may get shivers down your spine with a nicely struck touch of Stedman, or perhaps an eerie sensation of being watched when you’re on the treble.

However, for Halloween, Fun with Bells turns up the terror with this chilling collection of ghostly goings-on. Yes, this episode is even scarier than the ringing cage at Pershore Abbey.

This petrifying podcast is full of ominous, deathly warnings and the mournful sound of drowned, lost or buried bells ringing without the help of human hands. We also discover that not only has the Devil got the best tunes, he has also stolen the best bells!

Scare yourself silly with stories of bells that ring by themselves or bells that don’t ring at all. If you’ve not heard your church bells for some time don’t blame coronavirus restrictions. It’s much more likely that pixies have kidnapped your ringers and are holding them captive in a cave. Pixies just hate the sound of the bells – a bit like some newcomers to the village then.

Turn off the lights, turn up the volume and be afraid, be very afraid …

Credits

The ‘Ringers’ Arms’ image used for our Halloween special episode is a fake pub sign created by Maggie Willans.

Our violinist was Vaughan Jones from Manor House Music.

For all other credits – see the transcript

Trailer for our Halloween special

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0100

The ‘Ringers’ Arms’ image used for our Halloween special episode is a fake pub sign created by Maggie Willans.

Weird and wonderful bell towers (2 of 2)

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Following on from last month’s edition, podcast host Cathy Booth reveals another dodgy dozen or so weird and wonderful towers. WARNING - this podcast contains details of hair-raising ringing environments, definitely not for the nervous ringers amongst you!

Enjoy another litany of trapdoors, spiral staircases, beam scrambling, comedy pulleys and 17th-century ladders.

We now have a whole new list of things to watch out for – bizarre ringing circles, ropes arranged around the organist, and, erm, falling concrete! And as lovely as weddings are, Cathy discovers these can be the source of much distraction. Please do be careful not to lasso a bridesmaid!

Lastly, and most importantly, always be EXTREMELY cautious if you accept an invitation to ring a quarter peal at a church whose bells are described as “rung from cage above chancel crossing”.

Featured towers:

St Mary Magdalene, Cottingham, Northamptonshire

Simon Head read to us about Cottingham
For more information see : http://cottinghamhistory.co.uk/Churches%20-%20St%20Mary.htm

St George’s, Great Bromley

David Sparling reads to us about Great Bromley
For more information see https://www.greatbromley.org.uk/st-georges-church-great-bromley?fbclid=IwAR0QwFFqHiL_J0jwQSXXcM04_0qRAk5MDHHnWlCb3y0KlapdjK4hr0F7q3I

Pershore Abbey

Pershore Abbey where ringers ring from the square platform that you can see suspended in the top centre of this photo
Stuart Piper told us about Pershore Abbey
For more information see
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN0AyqSl9gI
http://www.merrix.eu/BellRinging/towers/worcs/Pershore-Abbey.htm
http://www.archive.pershoreabbey.org.uk/bells.html

St Peter, Great Livermere

Neil Dodge read to us about the tower at Great Livermere
For more information about this church see http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/gliver.htm

Crowland Abbey

Alison Davies read to us about Crowland Abbey
For more information see:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8DHfZ5y2oo
https://meanderingthroughtime.weebly.com/history-blog/bells-of-croyland-abbey-in-lincolnshire
https://ldgcb.org.uk/news/news2014/crowland_radio4.php

Inveraray

Steve Johnson read a story recalled by Roy Le Marechal about a failed quarter peal attempt at Inverary.

St Wilfrid’s church, Hickleton, Derbyshire

St Wilfred’s church, Hickleton : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Wilfrid%27s_Church,_Hickleton

Several London towers

Steve Johnson read a report from Steve Jakeman about towers he has come across in his role as Bell restoration officer for the Middlesex County Association.

St. Michael And All Angels, Skelbrooke

Helen Nichols read to us about Hickleton and Shellbrooke

Weird and wonderful bell towers (part 1 of 2)

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0100

These tales of weird and wonderful towers are definitely not for the faint-hearted ringers among you. Podshow host, Cathy Booth, invites us behind the scenes of 15 of the most outlandish ringing environments from across the world, featuring trap doors, vaults, ventilator shafts, crawlways and external ladders. Clock cases also play a starring role, along with gas lamps and one particularly chilling occupant!

Some helpful tips here, though, should you find yourself faced with one of these terrifying towers. Need more ventilation as the ringing room is turning into a sauna? Just take the door off its hinges!

And it seems that a whole new set of skills is needed to ring in these peculiar places. Ropesight won’t hold you in much stead in many of these challenging ringing environments, and listening will be difficult too, underneath the headphones you’ll need to use to preserve your hearing. Extra kudos, however, if you have the skills to get a barrel of beer up an external ladder – maybe a new module is needed for this in the ART ‘learning the ropes’ scheme …

Featured towers:

St James, Garlickhythe, City of London

Dickon Love read about the bells of Garlickhythe

The Waterloo Tower, Quex Park, Kent

Simon Davies contributed the reading about Quex Park
For more information see: http://www.quexringers.org.uk/pages/change-ringers.htm and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ3nKr1aNXo

St Mary, Launton, Oxfordshire

Rose Nightingale – who reads information about Launton. Rose also instigated and compiled the material for the Weird and Wonderful episodes of Fun with Bells.
For more information see: https://www.facebook.com/stmaryschurchlaunton/

St Mary the Virgin, Cottingham, Riding of East Yorkshire

Steve Johnson read to us about Cottingham. For more information see: https://www.stmaryscottingham.org/

St Patrick’s, Patrington, Yorkshire

Chris de Cordova tells us about Patrington …. and the Patrington crawl
For more information see: http://www.stpatrickspatrington.org.uk/the-church-building/the-bells/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zb1Fh8q2XNM

St Cuthbert’s, Cotherstone, County Durham

Gordon Gray tells us about St Cuthbert’s church, Cotherstone. For more information see: https://northeastbells.co.uk/cotherstone/

East Bergholt

Johnathan Williamson who tells us about East Bergholt
For more information see: http://www.constablecountrychurches.co.uk/bells, http://www.eastbergholt-bells.org.uk/ and https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/weird-suffolk-east-bergholt-devil-1-6132132

Various other towers around the UK and the World

Dee Smith also contributed several stories of towers from around the UK and the rest of the world.

The Loughborough Bell Foundry

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0100

This episode sees host Cathy Booth in conversation with Andrew Wilby for a fascinating insight into the Taylor Bell Foundry's past, present and future.

Based in Loughborough, we hear all about the history behind the foundry and some of the exciting attractions on site. The foundry has its own museum, 12 bell tower renowned for being the site of the world's longest peal and even a carillon. Plan your visit now for when lockdown is over!

You'll also discover what JS Bach has got to do with bell ringing, the ins and outs of harmonics and what equal temperament is - and no it's not an easy-going tower captain!

Andrew then gets into some heavy stuff, bells that is, before regaling Cathy with some hair-raising stories of his bell ringing travels abroad. Brilliant stuff!

Top 5 takeaways

Find out more about the Taylor bell foundry on its website http://taylorbells.co.uk/
A carillon is a musical instrument. where a set of bells is played by a keyboard and pedals. The keys mechanically activate levers and wires connected to metal clappers which strike the bells. You can find out more about the Loughborough Carillon on its website https://www.carillontower.org.uk/index.htm
Try listening to some bells cast by different methods and see which you think sounds best!
Why not watch the bells of St Pauls in action on this YouTube clip Bells of St Pauls Cathedral, London 2
And if you want to do your bit to ensure that the last remaining major bell foundry in Britain isn’t lost, visit https://loughboroughbellfoundry.org/

NB. The photo for this episode was taken by Tommy Pengilley.

Two ringing centres and a passion for hand bells

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0100

Can one ever have too many belfries? In this fascinating podcast, show host Cathy Booth finds the answer to this is no, as she quizes Helen McGregor about the amazing ringing centres at Tulloch and Alderney.

Helen’s bell ringing started as an excuse not to commit to babysitting for a neighbour but quickly turned into a lifetime’s addiction. What’s more, together with husband Peter, bell ringing has inspired what can only be termed a “belfry creation scheme”.

If developing two ringing centres isn’t enough, Helen also has ambitious plans for her hand bell ringing. She is confident that she could teach you, and possibly your dog, handbells too, if either of you have rhythm.

Whatever your interest is, be it tower bells or hand bells, there’s plenty to interest you in this wide-ranging podcast. And if It gets you thinking about your own ring of bells, there’s always the garage ...

Top 5 takeaways

Your hands are stronger together, so don’t ring more with one hand than the other, keep them together
It’s a rope, not a rod, so you can’t try and push it up! Keep a gentle tension in the rope at all times
Fancy a trip to Tulloch or Alderney? Find out more at www.tullochbells.com and http://alderneybells.com . If that’s too far to travel, look for a ringing centre nearer to you.
Don’t just get stuck on one bell, or pair of bells if you or are ringing handbells. Moving around will help improve your ringing
Set yourself some ringing goals. You may not want to ring a quarter peal in each quarter of the British Isles like Helen, but be ambitious and have fun!

Lifting the WWII ban on ringing

Fri, 08 May 2020 10:00:00 +0100

Originally timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE day, this unique episode sees host Cathy Booth, joined by a whole cast of ringers, bust the myths about ringing during World War II. This is the abridged version of ‘thirty voices, seventy-five years, one story’ aimed at non-ringers. And what a story!

For more information, including photographs and the biographies of the 2 interviewees, Dennis Brock and Eric Hitchins, see the show notes behind the full version.

Thirty voices, seventy five years, one story

Thu, 07 May 2020 07:00:00 +0100

Bell towers across the country are currently silent due to the coronavirus pandemic. Unprecedented is currently a much-used word, but in this case not warranted, as we discover that 2020 is not the first time in living memory that ringing has had to stop.

Cathy discovers the true story of this earlier ban on ringing, brought to life from archived letters and articles, and the amazing true-life experiences of people who were there, including Dennis Brock, Britain’s oldest bell ringer and Eric Hitchins who rang his first peal on VE Day 1945.

The parallels with the current situation are striking. We discover that ringers’ concerns echo down the years, with their distress at the prospect of not being able to ring at Easter felt as keenly then as now. And, it appears, they were just as resourceful when locked out of their towers. Oh, and not much has changed with the locals either – always complaining about the noise of the bells, until, of course, there’s a ban!

We obviously all know end of the story as we wouldn’t all be here today had the ringers not got back to their towers, rolled out their recruitment plans and shared their passion for ringing. This is a hopeful, positive and inspiring tale – truly a story for our times.

Story behind the story

Harry Badger sent a letter to the Ringing World about the ringing at Thame for the victory at El Alamein

Knowing bell ringers were missing their ringing due to the Coronavirus ban, Cathy wanted to produce an episode of Fun with Bells that looked back at the time when bell ringers endured a similar ban – in World War II. Believing, as many historians do, that the ban was only lifted on VE Day, she asked Alan Regin to help her find bell ringers who had lived through the ban and could tell her about not being able to ring and what it was like being able to ring again.

Alan replied to Cathy, by return email, with suggestions of who Cathy could talk to and also sent 41 attachments, mostly scans of articles and letters published in the Ringing World during the war.

Cathy enjoyed reading the eloquent language in the Ringing World and realised that, as well as the original idea of interviewing those that were there, there was a story portrayed in these Ringing World passages that was not widely known. She then pondered how to put this across in the podcast until she hit on the idea of having current day bell ringers reading the passages.

As she only thought of the idea on the 23rd April and wanted the podcast to be published on 7th May, to coincide with VE day, there was only 2 weeks to get everything done.

Some of the people doing the recordings had links to their predecessors including Stephen Hoare from Thame who read the letter from Harry Badger. Stephen sent in a photograph of a peal board with Harry’s name on it.

And there were laughs as somebody sent in the wrong recording which contained frustrated expletives!!

Fortunately bell ringers are great at teamwork and with many people’s input, most notably Rose Nightingale and Steve Johnson the project was completed in time.

Top 5 take aways

Why not take a leaf out of the book of the WW2 ringers and have a go at handbells during the lockdown.
Now, like then, is the perfect time to put together your recruitment plan for when ringing returns.
Why not research the local history of your tower and the local paper reports of the time. Do you know anyone who remembers the bells being rung to celebrate VE day in 1945?

15 tips to improve your striking

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode you’ll get three for the price of one as a panel of the country’s top strikers discuss their top tips. And no, it’s not football we’re talking about, but bell ringing!

Colin Newman, Lesley Boyle and Stephanie Warboys join podcast host Cathy Booth at the Association of Ringing Teachers conference to chat about the holy grail of bell ringing, which is good striking.

What starts off with a simple explanation of what striking is and its importance to performance, then turns in into a frank discussion of an issue at the very heart of bell ringing. Do ringers focus too much on methods at the expense of good striking? And if so, how do you tackle this taboo subject if poor striking is happening in your tower? You’re all bound to have an opinion and so do our panel members!

So tune in now for some top tips for how to achieve Nirvana of ringing but first things first, work out if your bell goes ‘ding’ or goes ‘dong’.

Top 5 takeaways

We’ve a high scoring list of top takeaways this week as instead of just five, we’ve over 15 top tips for better striking.

Also see www.funwithbells.com

Remarkable phd study of Cambridge bellringers' pay and habits

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, historian Gareth Davies challenges everything you ever thought about the history of bell ringing in one of host Cathy Booth’s most engaging interviews yet.

At times, Gareth makes being an 18th century ringer sound like everyone’s dream job. Fancy being paid £80,000 a year, enjoying a free tab at the pub paid for by the parish council and getting pension support in your old age?

However, once you learn about the six o’clock starts, the fines for a no-show and the ringing room chamber pot you might well change your mind!

This brilliant romp through the history of the Cambridge ringers is full to bursting with fascinating facts, eye-opening insights and colourful real-life characters.

And as for bell ringers smoking, swearing and being drunk? Well, maybe some things never change ...

Top 5 takeaways

Why not visit your local record office and see what you can find out about the history of ringing in your area
If you’re struggling with your ringing technique, don’t give up! With hard work and enthusiasm it’s possible to develop from a ‘jelly fish on a piece of elastic’ to being the master for the winning band of the 12 bell striking competition
Look after your own tower’s historic records so that historians in the future can see the part that ringing played in our culture today
If in doubt, just ring first and ask for the money afterwards
Look out for Gareth’s new book – his twitter handle is @charollais

The Charmborough ring - a portable belfry

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 07:00:00 +0000

For this episode, show host Cathy Booth stays close to home and interviews her ringer husband, Roger, a trustee of the Charmborough Ring.

Not just your average mini-ring, the Charmborough Ring is the heaviest portable ring of bells in the country. Heavier, believe it or not, than some rings of tower bells.

So how many people does it take to put up a portable belfry? Roger expertly talks us through the answer to this and all the other essentials, such as how much it weighs, how long it takes to put up and how big your car needs to be to tow it.

As well as talking through all of the practicalities, Roger shows how portable belfries and mini-rings are an inspirational recruitment tool and can lead to ringing in the most exciting places. Anyone up for ringing a quarter peal on a boat?

The message comes across loud and clear - if you can’t get people up to the bells then take the bells out to them!

Top 5 takeaways

The difference between a mini-ring and a portable belfry is the weight of the bells
Why not think about hiring your nearest mini-ring for your next recruitment campaign
If you’d like to hire the Charmborough Ring or just find out more then visit their website at www.charmborough.org
If you’re interested in what other mini-rings there are, try www.campaniles.co.uk or https://www.nsacr.org.uk/LDMB/
Imagine ringing on a boat or the back of a lorry! What unusual location would you like to ring in?

Learning to ring church bells

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Ever wondered what it was like to learn how to ring? Or have forgotten what it was like when you first started out?

Discover, or rediscover, in this podcast, as host Cathy Booth talks to not one, but to two new ringers currently following the ART Learning The Ropes scheme.

Linda simply answered an advertisement in village magazine posted by a fellow dog-walker. As for Annie, well two years sailing around the world obviously wasn’t challenging enough and so has now found her land legs and a new passion for bells.

Both ringers talk enthusiastically about their newly found hobby, the patience of their teachers and the friendliness of the other ringers. Find out how ringing is good for your both your mind and your body and also what mischief you can cause

Top five takeaways

Want to learn to ring with an ART teacher? Go to http://ringingteachers.org and Rose can help!
Learning the Ropes is a progressive learning scheme for bell ringers. It uses milestones to enable ringers to progress faster and further. Find out more at http://www.learningtheropes.org
Ringing simulators are a great way for beginners to learn without annoying the rest of the neighbourhood
As well as good physical exercise, bellringing can help with mindfulness as it takes your whole concentration
Want to explore what bell ringing is like from the comfort of your own home? Just go into YouTube, type in ‘bell ringing’ and take your pick.

About Annie’s sailing trip

Following Annie’s circumnavigation with her husband Tom in their 45 ft sailing yacht VELA, her memorable 3-year voyage took her to far-flung corners of the globe, including the remote pearl islands of the Pacific Ocean.

Returning to the U.K. keen to get back her land legs, she was looking for new challenges.

Instead of hauling the ropes found herself learning the ropes by taking up bell ringing.

Recording the church bells of Norfolk

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Most Ringing Remembers recruits were thrilled to have rung at their tower for last year’s Remembrance Day but enthusiastic new ringer and amateur film maker Chris Richmond rang at seven!

Podcast host, Cathy Booth, finds out that Chris’s enthusiasm initially stemmed from his interest in sound recording. His desire to record the sound of the bells led him up into a local tower, but it was the sound of the bells ringing down in peal was the final push he needed to take hold of a rope and learn to ring. From then on he’s been hooked.

Top 5 takeaways

Don’t underestimate the impact that ringing up and down well in peal can have, non-ringers can be amazed by the sound
If you’re keen to hear a range of different church bells why not tune into BBC Radio 4’s ‘Bells on Sunday’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006sgsh
Why not plan a visit to the Mancroft Ringing Discovery Centre and ring your way across Norfolk. Find out more at www.mrdc.org.uk or email info@mrdc.org.uk
Interested in Chris’ You Tube videos? Take a peek here: https://www.youtube.com/user/djoska87
Check out the website of your local ringing association – it’s bound to be a mine of helpful information

After 40 years at the Whitechapel bell foundry...

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 08:00:00 +0100

Having worked at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry for 40 years, Nigel Taylor is the perfect guide to how to tune a bell, talking podcast host Cathy Booth through the whole process from design to casting and tuning. And if you’ve never considered the actual sound a bell makes before, this podcast will be a revelation.

You might never use the word ‘dong’ again after you discover that a tower bell is inharmonic, which means although a bell appears to have a single distinct pitch, the sound is made up of a variety of different tones.

As Nigel describes how this all works, Cathy gets the answers to a host of fascinating questions, such as why new bells sound different to old bells, how the shape of old bells makes a difference to how you retune them and which bells are the hardest to tune.

Be warned though, after listening to this podcast you may well wish to scramble up a ladder into the tower to look at the bells, just as Nigel did as a boy.

Top 5 takeaways

Find out more about the campaign to save the Whitechapel Bell Foundry here http://www.savethewhitechapelbellfoundry.com/
You don’t need to have perfect pitch, or even pitch memory, to become a bell tuner. Nowadays there are all sorts of sophisticated computer equipment to help.
Listen to some old bells and some new ones. Can you tell the difference? How do you feel when the ringing ends and the tenor sets?
Nowadays any inscriptions and decorations on a bell are created by attaching silicone on the bell pattern. Are there any interesting inscriptions on your tower’s bells?
Why not visit a foundry and see the process for yourself, or even organise a trip for your tower http://taylorbells.co.uk/visiting/

Bell ringing training centres, outreach and heros

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 08:00:00 +0100

The world of 12 bell ringing on enormous bells is indeed a rarefied one, but that there is an overriding sense of outreach and community in Mark Regan’s in-depth and wide-ranging conversation with podshow host Cathy Booth. Being ringing master at Worcester Cathedral, having rung about 2,400 peals, helping set up the first bell ringing training centre in the country and being involved in an amazing number of bell rehanging projects there is a lot to get through!

According to Mark, the secret to all successful bell projects is having a strong purpose and good communications, especially getting the Church and PCC on your side. Enthusiasm helps too and this interview may just well inspire you to aim higher with your own projects. Or even just to get to grips with routine tower maintenance.

One of the highlights of this show is where Mark talks about the people that that both encouraged him and inspired him to become the ringer that he is today. And by the sounds of it, Mark has himself become a role model for a new generation of ringers – especially Sam who recently strapped Liverpool Cathedral tenor at the tender age of ten. Fantastic stuff!

Links

Top five takeaways

Who are your role models? Could you inspire the next generation of bell ringers?
The key must-dos about steeple keeping are: Never work in a tower on your own, learn how to splice a rope, learn how to tighten up nuts and bolts, learn how to centre clappers, make sure that pulleys turn round, use polypropylene modern ropes, use modern top ends, keep wheels treated, paint everything with rust inhibitors and keep the pigeons out!
The most important thing about any bell project is communications and keeping everyone on side.
Why not visit your nearest training centre and try out their dumbbells – you won’t have to queue up like usually happens on practice night.
If possible, open up your tower for visits from schools and clubs, engage more with your audience and get out and about in your community.

President of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 08:00:00 +0100

Find out more about the CCCBR, with its long history, ambitious vision for the future and huge raft of essential services in this wide ranging interview with the CCCBR President.

Christopher O’Mahoney, President of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringing, says that the good thing about ringing is that there is something for everyone.

Find out more about the CCCBR. Now you’ll know exactly where to turn to for help when the neighbours come knocking on the tower complaining about the noise!

And you’ll definitely be making a beeline for the Council weekend in September once you hear Christopher reel off the wonderful line-up of activities that are going to be on offer.

The message from Christopher comes out clear and loud – by getting involved, striving to do our best and contributing our skills, together we can transform bell ringing. Just look what he’s already achieved by stepping forward and giving something back. Not bad for a boy from Sydney who took up ringing to supplement the income he was getting as a choir boy.

Links

Central Council of Church Bell Ringers: https://cccbr.org.uk/
Council weekend https://cccbr.org.uk/about/annual-meetings/2019-meeting/

Top five takeaways

Don’t miss the Central Council meeting weekend, 6-8 September at Goldsmith’s College in London.
Need advice and guidance on insurance, risk assessment, fire risk, tower safety, safeguarding, child protection or more? Go straight to the CCBR.
Think about using the skills you have in your day job to support your tower and the wider ringing community.
The key themes for the CCBR are to recruit and develop new learners and leaders, engage more maturely with the church and stakeholders, raise positive public awareness, celebrate and promote historical legacy, promote excellence in standards and increase participation in the work of the council.
Ringing is a great privilege and if you want to give something back there are great opportunities for leadership, teaching and service.

Trailer for the YouTube coverage of the National 12 bell striking competition

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 07:00:00 +0100

Bonus episode:

This short episode is a trailer for the YouTube coverage of the national 12 bell striking competition to be held in Exeter on Saturday 22nd June 2019.

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtgohlpICbnCPm0vig3H_oA

National 12 bell Striking Competition website: http://www.12bell.org.uk/

Recording your bells

Thu, 16 May 2019 07:00:00 +0100

The first Fun with Bells Podcast Season ends with a generous double helping as show host Cathy Booth interviews young ringer Charlie Linford and audio engineer David Richards.

Charlie (11) explains to Cathy that bell ringing is a rewarding hobby for all ages as she throws light on some of the theory behind ringing, including some tips on how to start learning methods.

With seven quarter peals under her belt already and an impressive list of towers she has rang at it seems only a matter of time before Charlie is ringing at the National 12 Bell Competition. Talking of which, if you’ve ever been interested in recordings are made to help judge a striking competition, or indeed the best way to record any bell ringing, then the interview with David will fascinate you.

Packed full of practical tips and suggestions, David talks Cathy through making detailed recording of bells for analysis, ambient recordings of bells to remember a special occasion and spur of the moment recordings when you just happen to be passing a tower and the ringing is brought you joy. This interview will really make you want to get you out and about making your own recordings.

Of course, Charlie doesn’t need to do this as her ringing has already been recorded – on Newsround!

Links

Recording on a mobile

Voice Record Pro (for iPhone): https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/voice-record-pro/id546983235
Audio Recorder (for Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sonymobile.androidapp.audiorecorder

Bells on Sunday

CCCBR guidance (28 Jan 2022): https://cccbr.org.uk/2022/01/28/bells-on-sunday-guide-to-making-a-recording/
CCCBR advice: https://www.ringingworld.co.uk/news-articles/general/504-bells-on-sunday-74.html
Zoom H4n pro: https://www.zoom-na.com/products/field-video-recording/field-recording/zoom-h4n-pro-handy-recorder
Behringer XM1800s: http://www.musictribe.com/Categories/Behringer/Microphones/Dynamic/XM8500/p/P0120
Behringer C2: http://www.musictribe.com/Categories/Behringer/Microphones/Condenser/C-2/p/P0263
Beyerdynamic M201TG: https://europe.beyerdynamic.com/m-201-tg.html

Top Five takeaways

You don’t necessarily need any special equipment to record tower bells as you can capture the sound on a mobile phone, just be careful to record in a sheltered spot to avoid any wind noise.
By far and away the easiest way to record bells is to take a video – you can then just take the audio out, if that’s what you’re after.
If you’re recording hand bells indoors, consider the environment you are in. Be aware of hard walls or floors that could distort the sound or produce an unnatural reverberation.
If you’re able to invest in some equipment the Zoom H4n Pro recorder comes highly recommended. If it’s mobile phone apps you’re after, take a look at Voice Record Pro for iPhone or Audio Recorder for Android.
Bell ringers often celebrate their ringing achievements with a pint – but if you’re 11 years old a bacon sandwich can do the trick!

Ringing Remembers project co-ordination

Thu, 09 May 2019 07:00:00 +0100

'Recruit 1400 new ringers to remember those who lost their lives in the first World War' – this was the mission that Vicki Chapman chose to accept and the rest, as they say, is history.

Vicki talks podcast host Cathy Booth through her involvement in the overwhelmingly successful Ringing Remembers campaign - from that fateful telephone call one evening to the bells ringing out across the world on 11 November 2018 with the help of over 2800 new ringers. Stirring stuff!

And if you’re wondering what’s next, Vicki reveals some of the exciting plans ahead, so listen in for news of ringing for Versailles, the 75th anniversary of the D Day Landings and a mini bellringing roadshow.

Of course, there’s so much more to Vicki’s ringing story than Ringing Remembers so tune in for a podcast packed with activity - just like Vicki’s life.

Links

Central Council of Church Bell Ringers: https://cccbr.org.uk/
The Essex Association of Change Ringers: https://eacr.org.uk/

Top five takeaways

Fancy some intensive bell ringing training? Check out the Essex Ringing Course and other ringing courses at Hereford and Bradfield.
You don’t have to be a brilliant ringer to get involved, just volunteer your time and particular gifts and skills to your local tower, district association or guild.
If you’re a Ringing Remembers recruit why not look out for other notable occasions to ring for?
If you’ve lots of learners in your tower and want to practice without upsetting the neighbours, then think about investing in a ringing simulator.
The Ringing Remembers campaign could not have been a success without the support of local ringers recruiting, training and continuing to teach all the new recruits. Great work everyone!

Ask the Expert

Pip Penney answered the following question in this episode:

Steve: “My son Oliver has just rung in the south east England youth striking competition (for Essex). He is struggling a bit with methods, any tips to help him learn. He is ringing three times a week and has been on the excellent Essex ringing course.”

100 year old hand bells

Thu, 02 May 2019 07:00:00 +0100

Ever wondered what the attraction of handbell ringing is? Well, Judy Vale gives Fun with Bells Podcast host, Cathy Both, a whole raft of reasons to take up this absorbing and musical hobby.

Handbells are part of our history and tradition, you can take your handbells out to places like care homes and really connect with your audience and you don’t need to be able to read music to play a tune.

And just like tower bell ringing, Judy explains, handbell ringing is a team endeavour, needs commitment and a great deal of technique. There is also cake involved.

What do you do if you want bells at a wedding in a church that doesn’t have a tower? Just bring your own.

Finally, you can forget about freezing cold church towers in the middle of winter, one of the perks of handbell ringing that Judy reveals is the pleasure of ringing in a medieval banqueting hall of a stately home with a roaring fire.

Links

Handbell Ringers of Great Britain: https://www.hrgb.org.uk/
Glossary of bellringing terms: http://www.jaharrison.me.uk/Ringing/Glossary/index.html#Top

Top five takeaways

Learning to ring handbells is like learning to ring tower bells. You start off with learning technique and then move onto simple tunes.
You can find a handbell group near from the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain
A set of handbells is a bit like a piano – if you get any of them repaired, you’ll need to get them tuned to fit in with the rest of your bells.
Good handbell ringing, like good striking, takes practice and commitment
When planning to ring outside always remember to have some cover in case it rains!

Ask the Expert

Pip Penney answered the following question in this episode:

Jessica: “What does ‘Don’t drop your backstrokes!’ mean, and what do you want the recipient, of this instruction, to do differently?”

Tower Grabbing

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode Graham Nabb introduces Fun with Bells podcast host Cathy Booth to one of the most English of pursuits - tower grabbing. Graham is the ideal guide to the uninitiated, having notched up the amazing total of 5785 towers to date.

Rather like the twitchers of the bird watching world, keen tower grabbers are always on the look out for the openings of rare towers that they’ve never rung at. If you’re the collecting type then this is the podcast for you as Graham is full of tips on the best way to plan and record your tower grabs.

However, it’s not all about the thrill of the chase for Graham as he also tells Cathy all about the development of the Association of Ringing Teachers and the huge satisfaction that comes from teaching and developing new ringers.

Whatever your stage of ringing this is the perfect podcast for you - you won’t help but smile at Graham’s huge enthusiasm, great advice and his fantastic ringing stories.

Links

Dove’s guide: https://dove.cccbr.org.uk
The ART website http://ringingteachers.org

Top five takeaways

There are around 6000 ringable towers in the UK, so get out and about and see how many you can ring at.
Dove’s Guide is a great source of information about towers – why not use it to keep a record of the towers that you have rung at
If you can ring why not consider going on an ART course to learn to teach – it’s immensely satisfying. Find out more on the ART website
ART is also a great place for new ringers to find out more – there’s the website, videos, booklets and all sorts of resources to help you learn.
Yes, some of the bells at other towers might be a bit rough, but getting out and about will help improve your bell handling no end.

Ask the Expert

Pip Penney answered the following question in this episode:

Sarah: “I’ve got my first quarter peel coming up shortly. In practice and Sunday Service we only ring for short bursts of time. Have you any tips for maintaining focus and technique for longer periods of ringing?”

Rope-sense not rope-sight

Thu, 18 Apr 2019 07:00:00 +0100

You may have heard of rope-sight but have you heard of rope-sense? Podcast host Cathy Booth discovers that this highly developed sense of rhythm is just one of the many tools and techniques that has helped Rebecca Legowski on her ringing journey.

Rebecca, who has been blind from birth, is learning to ring on both tower bells and hand bells, and is already lighting up Bell Board, scoring her first handbell peal in March 2019. Rebecca talks to Cathy about both the extra pressures she faces to perform, given that peals by blind ringers are so rare, and the emotional highs, such as ringing for the Armistice celebrations in November 2018.

Although ringing presents some specific challenges to blind people, some of the secrets to Rebecca’s success are things that every ringer can learn from - great technique, good listening and lots of practice on a ringing simulator.

So, if you want to give ringing a go don’t be afraid – as Rebecca says, just go for it!

Links

Tad Hill http://tadhill.com/ringing/,
Abel, Mabel and Mobil http://www.abelsim.co.uk/

Top five takeaways

If you’re visiting a new tower or ringing a different bell, ask if you can test your bell out to feel if it’s light or heavy so you’ll be able to tell how slow or fast the rope will come down.
Always pull off in a straight line and have a long, smooth pull on the handstroke and then the sally will come down in a consistent place.
Need some practice outside of the tower? There are several bell simulators you can use – for example, Rebecca mentions Tad Hill, Abel, Mabel and Mobil and an Android app called Methodology.
If you’re looking for tips for teaching a blind or partially sighted person to ring there’s an article about teaching Rebecca to ring in the ART WORKS magazine http://ringingteachers.org/application/files/4215/2941/7864/ART_WORKS_June_2018.pdf
Ringing is a great team activity so is the perfect way to widen your social network.

Ask the expert

Pip Penney answered the following questions in this episode:

Jon: “Do you have to be a Christian to be a bell ringer?”
Rob: “What is the main difference between a bob and a single, when called when methods are being rung?”

Cornish call change compositions

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 07:00:00 +0100

The Fun with Bells cream tea debate rages on in this episode as host Cathy Booth’s quizzes Cornish ringer Owen Borlase - but there’s much more to this interview than cream and jam.

Call change ringing in Cornwall is seen as an art in its own right and Owen is clearly championing the cause through his promotion of call change peals, the book he co-wrote and his success in getting this unique style of ringing recorded.

How does a call change peal work? Helpfully Owen describes the maths involved in very simple terms and explains to Cathy how he goes about composing some of the call change peals that feature in the book.

And if you’re the competitive kind they have it all in Cornwall – rounds competitions, call change competitions and method ringing competitions. So if you’re an up-country ringer why not travel south to find out more!

Links

Top five takeaways

There’s room in bell ringing for all sorts of skills – if maths is your thing have you thought about having a go at composing?
Touches, quarter peals and peals can be proved to be true using ringing software
You can find all the information you need about ringing in Cornwall at the Truro Diocesan Guild of Ringers website
Fancy a copy of the book – it’s called ‘Ringing Down ‘Ere’ by John A Purdey and Owen J Borlase
Walking, canal boats and helicopters – there are lots of ways to get out and about to explore those remote towers

Ask the expert

Pip Penney answered the following questions in this episode:

Anne: “When you’re faced with the uncertainty of ringing a bell you’ve never rung before and when you take hold, are there any tips for working out where your hands need to be on the tail end and how firm your initial pull off should be?”
Mike: “I have seen some experienced ringers use white powder on their hands to help their grip. What is the white powder? Does it actually help? Doesn’t it make the sallies sticky?”

Towers, tours and tall tales

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 07:00:00 +0100

In this episode, host Cathy Booth catches up with Bruce Butler in the USA and teases out some top tips to arranging a successful ringing tour. Bruce has been organising ringing tours to the UK since the 1990s - the logistics of arranging transatlantic ringing tours in the days before the internet are mind-blowing.

Having rung in almost 4,000 towers you might imagine the Bruce has some great stories to tell, and you wouldn’t be wrong. Hear about inaccessible spaces, strange ringing attire and some rather unusual furniture in the ringing chamber. And just watch out for the flowers around the font!

Bruce gives a brilliant overview of the towers of North America, their various merits and the differences between ringing over there and in the UK. Loving the sound of a Cathedral with two elevators to take you up to the top.

As Bruce says, American ringers are a welcoming bunch and love to have visitors - so what’s stopping you from planning your tour across the pond ...

February 2022 update: We were sorry to hear of the recent passing of Bruce. I really enjoyed interviewing him and hearing about his enthusiasm for ringing. He will be very much missed by the bell ringing community.

Links

North American Guild of Change Ringers: http://nagcr.org

Top five takeaways

Ringing in lots of different towers will help improve your bell handling as you’ll experience bells with different weights and different draughts.
If you want to organise a tour a good tip is to start with the local association of the area you want to visit.
Plan your days in a circular route around the hotel that you’re staying in.
The website of the North American Guild of Change Ringers contains details of towers, tower contacts etc.
If you fancy a real adventure on an island paradise you can even go bell ringing in Hawaii!

Ask the expert

Pip Penney answered the following questions in this episode:

Stuart: “Is bell ringing dangerous”
John “What is the best way to learn to ring bells?

Ringing Remembers champion

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 07:00:00 +0000

In this fascinating podcast, Cathy Booth catches up with top bellringer and inspirational driving force behind the recent Ringing Remembers campaign, Alan Regin MBE. This is a must-listen interview for any new ringing recruit as Alan reveals the origins of his idea for this amazingly successful initiative.

A prolific ringer, Alan confesses to having rung over over 5,900 peals, with nine of those being in the last seven days! Don’t worry if you’re not sure what a peal is though, as Alan enthusiastically guides Cathy through both the history and technicalities of change ringing, ringing methods and peals.

Not only has Alan’s ringing career resulted in an MBE for services to campanology and heritage, it has also taken him all over the world. Find out what it’s like to go on a bell-ringing tour from listening to Alan’s terrific tales - and why wait for hours at an airport, when you can nip off with your friends to ring a peal at the nearest church instead?

Peals and Ringing Remembers aside, one of Alan’s greatest achievements has been his involvement in installing bells in the church at Ypres to provide a lasting memorial to the fallen, a project so very clearly close to his heart.

Cathy asks Alan about his own bellringing heroes - well, we don’t know about you, but after listening to this amazing interview, Alan is certainly one of ours.

Links

The Ringing World – ringingworld.co.uk
CCCBR Rolls of Honour – cccbr.org.uk/rolls-of-honour/
St George’s memorial church, Ypres – stgeorgesmemorialchurchypres.com/

Top five takeaways

Ringing can take you further afield than just the UK – there are towers in countries like Australia, South Africa and the USA.
As a bellringer, wherever you travel you will find friends who share your hobby and enthusiasm.
All sorts of people from different ages and backgrounds ring – once you’re in the tower you’re all equal and so it’s a great example of teamwork.
Peal boards in churches record historic feats of ringing – look out for them when you visit a tower.
Bellringing has had its own weekly newsletter since the 1800s and still has one today called The Ringing World

Ask the Expert

Pip Penney answered the following questions in this episode:

Maddie: “I’ve heard the people in my tower talk about ringing methods. How long does it take to get to the stage where you can ring methods?”
Katie: “Apart from practice in the tower, what else could I be doing to help me progress my learning to ring?”

The how-to and history of hand bell ringing

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Hand bells, bell plates, hand chimes and boomwhackers - who knew there was so much variety!?! In this podcast Cat Nettles talks Cathy Booth through the wonderful world of handbell ringing, filling her in on the history, range of instruments and styles of ringing,

Cathy discovers that hand bellringing allegedly began when church bell ringers, unable to get into their towers for one reason or another, asked manufacturers to make small bells so that they could practice in the pub - smart move. With the addition of some extra bells they found they could join in with the hymns and hand bell ringing became an art in its own right.

How do handbells work? How much do they cost? Can you fit them all into your car?
Cathy asks Cat all the questions that you’re dying to ask, and more. Yes, handbell ringers do occasionally let go of them and yes, they’re insured.

The different style of bells means that all ages can learn to ring - from toddlers up to people in their nineties, and Cat is justifiably proud of her all-age ringing team. Hear about the triumphs and tribulations of leading a team and some of their scrapes - all part of the fun of ringing at weddings, functions and outside events.

Links

The Music Makers Handbell Ringers: the-music-makers-handbell-ringers.business.site/
The Handbell Ringers of Great Britain: www.hrgb.org.uk

Top five takeaways

You don’t need to be able to read music to be able to play handbells – this means that it’s the ideal way of introducing tunes to toddlers.
Unlike church bell change ringing, handbell ringing is more developed in other countries such as the USA and Asia.
For some amazing handbell ringing, check out Damien Lim and the Ministry of Bellz
Ringers can play in small groups but can get together for mass ringing, or ring in an orchestra of 35 – 40 ringers.
Interested in finding out more and having a go? The go-to place is the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain

Ask the Expert

Pip Penney answered the following questions in this episode:

Chris: “My teacher tells me to ring faster so I pull harder but the bell just goes slower. What am I doing wrong and how can I correct this?”
Rosa: “How old do I have to be before I can learn to ring tower bells?”
Stuart: “Is tower bell ringing dangerous?”
John: “What is the best way to learn to ring tower bells?”

Ringing in NZ, Oz and more...

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 07:00:00 +0000

What’s different about ringing in Australia to ringing in the UK? How is ringing on eight similar to rowing in an eight? How does it feel to be involved in the inner workings of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers?

David Smith’s amazingly diverse and wide-ranging ringing CV means he can give fantastic answers to all of these questions, and many more, put to him by podcast host Cathy Booth.

In this thoroughly entertaining episode, David also explains the benefits of ringing simulators, the fun of photo-bombing weddings at Brisbane Cathedral and how the Association of Ringing Teachers’ courses can transform able ringers into confident teachers. It’s heartening to hear that teachers can start off just as nervous as their learners!

Bell ringing is on the increase in Australia and New Zealand, and with such enthusiastic advocates as David one can understand why, so stay tuned to the very end - especially as the interview takes a dramatic and unexpected turn ...

Links

Central Council of Church Bell Ringers (CCCBR): cccbr.org.uk/about/
The Australian and New Zealand Association of Bell Ringers (ANZAB) : anzab.org.au

Top five takeaways

Although you may be an intermediate ringer at your own tower you might be more advanced than beginners at other towers. All the more reason for getting out and about.
Why not try ringing on a simulator – it will help with your listening skills and is also a great way to get your head around new methods.
Find out more about the work of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers – the representative body for all who ring bells in the English tradition with rope and wheel. Founded in 1891, it now covers all parts of the British Isles as well as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, South Africa and Italy
Interested in finding out more about ringing in Australia? The ANZAB website has all you need to know.
If you’re at a church wedding and get photobombed by the bell ringers don’t forget to compliment them on their striking!

Ask the Expert

Pip Penney answered the following question in this episode:

James: “Why, when I can ring plain hunt on 5, people at my tower won’t let me ring plain hunt on 6 yet. I want to know how to persuade them to let me have a go at it?”

Ringing 'rounds' for Armistice Day 2018

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Sparked originally from her interest in family history, the national Ringing Remembers campaign inspired Diane Smith to step forward to learn bellringing to honour the 1,400 ringers that lost their lives during the First World War. But what does it feel like to learn a new skill in order to take part in such a high profile event?

In this episode, Cathy Booth catches up with Diane after the big day to find out how it all went and hear about all the fun and hard work that’s gone on behind the scenes to becoming a novice bellringer.

Diane went from not really knowing anything about bells at all, to proudly ringing in Sheffield Cathedral as part of the armistice day celebrations - an emotional journey helped along the way by her fellow learners, helpful bellringers and proud friends.

It’s brilliant to hear how far Diane has come as she helps answer some of Cathy’s questions about the basics of bellringing, like rounds and call changes. This podcast is the ideal introduction to what to expect when you decide to take up the art.

Links

Association of Ringing Teachers shop http://www.ringingteachers.org/resource-centre/shop

Top five takeaways

Learning with others is a great way to go – you may get a little less rope time but you benefit from learning from others’ mistakes
Your teachers and experienced bellringers all want you to succeed – listen to all their comments and you’ll make great progress
Don’t worry if your friends and family tease you a little, they are actually secretly proud of you!
Bellringers are a very friendly bunch so just pop to your local tower on practice night and ask if you can watch
There are some DVDs that can help you – these are available from the Association of Ringing Teachers shop – see links.

Ask the Expert

Pip Penney answered the following questions in this episode:

Aaron: “I’m getting a bit bored of doing the same thing (ringing rounds and call changes) – what can I do to spice things up?”
Georgina: “My teacher tells me that I have a problem with the way I catch and let go of the sally. I don’t understand what he is getting at. How can I better understand what to do?”
Rachel: “Bell ringing sounds like an interesting hobby. How would I know whether I am likely to be any good at it?”

Ringing differently in Devon

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 07:00:00 +0000

They do things differently in Devon, so Cathy Booth discovers in this interview with Devon call change ringer Ryan Trout. Not only do they have a distinctive cream tea, Devon also has its very own unique style of bell ringing.

With a great sense of regional pride, Ryan fills Cathy in about this fast and furious ringing style which has it’s own terms and traditions. Listen in to discover more about cartwheeling, Sixties on Thirds, which is also known as the Queen’s Peal, and when to employ a strapper.

Although Ryan’s been ringing since about the age of nine this podcast is evidence that he still gets a huge buzz from ringing, visiting other towers, going up into the bell chamber and, of course, visiting the pub afterwards. And keen to encourage others, he generously shares some great tips on places to ring both in Devon and further afield.
Ryan is passionate about ringing and spreading the word about Devon call changing, and although you can hear it second hand on You Tube, he urges people to come to Devon and experience if for themselves. Sounds like you’ll get an extremely warm welcome and so, with excellent bell striking, delicious cream teas and some wonderful pubs, what’s stopping you?

Links

Devon Association of Ringers
Guild of Devonshire ringers
YouTube channel for Devon call change ringing: Bellr1ngers

Top five takeaways
– Want to see and hear what Devon call changes are about but can’t travel? Check out these interesting You Tube accounts.
– You don’t have to be a Devon ringer to focus on your bell striking – try entering your band into a local striking competition to help you improve.
– Would you be a good bell ringing judge? Try listening to some bell ringing from outside the tower and see if you can spot any gaps or clashes.
– There’s no set age at when you can start to ring – it’s up to individual development and a lot depends on the size of your hands.
– Ringing can get you into some special spaces that people would not normally get to see, like inside bell towers, historic colleges and even film locations!

Ask the Expert

In this episode, Pip Penney answered the following questions:

Rebecca: “I’ve heard people talking about being able to hear their bell, but I can’t distinguish the sound of my bell. How much of a problem is this?”
Sophie: “I’ve started to learn to ring, but so far it is just me and my teacher. How long should I expect it to take before I will be able to ring with other ringers?”
Harry: “What is the most difficult thing about learning to ring?”

Bell ringing on your CV

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 07:00:00 +0000

This interview smashes any pre-conceptions that bellringing is something that only older people do, with an inspirational interview with a ringer in her twenties, Emily Hall. Emily started learning to ring at the age of seven and then, when aged just nine, set up the Derbyshire Young Ringers so that she could spend time in the tower with people of her own age.

In conversation with Cathy Booth, Emily reveals what it’s like to be a young ringer and the huge benefits ringing can give to young people growing up, going to university and beginning their adult lives.

As well as having fun with her family, making friends for life and the fantastic social life, Emily explains that there’s a competitive side to ringing too and describes what happens at a striking competition when bands of ringers compete to be the best.

And if you’re one of the people Emily has come across that thinks the University Bellringing Society is full of weirdos, Emily’s heartwarming tales of travelling across the country, making new friends, drinking, dancing and discovering love will definitely make you think again - and also make you want to sign your children up for bellringing lessons straight away!

Links

www.bellringing.org
www.cccbr.org.uk
www.universtityringing.org if you’re at uni.
Nottingham Bellringing – an Android app

Top five takeaways

All the maths you need in order to ring at most of the towers in the country is to be able to count up to 8 and back down again!
When you start out, try visiting as many towers as possible so you get to experience different bells – this will improve your bell handling no end.
Ringing can help with your concentration, confidence and looks great on your CV.
If you’re looking for the perfect family activity, then ringing could be it! Spend quality time with your loved ones (without necessarily having to speak to them!).
There are lots of great websites to find out more – see the links.

Ask the Expert

In this episode, Pip Penney answered the following question:

Charlie: “There are often a lot of people at my practice night, is there anything I can do to improve my ringing whilst I’m sitting out?”

'Learning the Ropes'

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Church bells are an integral part of our everyday life. We all hear the bells ringing on Sunday and other special occasions but do you know what goes on in a church tower and what it feels like to be a bell ringer? Have you ever really thought about who is ringing them and how they learnt.

In this podcast, Cathy Booth chats to Nic Boyd about Nic’s exciting journey of discovery since taking up bell ringing four years ago. Hear why Nic started ringing and why she loves it so much; the highs and lows, the joys and the challenges and how it feels to ring, both as an individual and as part of a team.

According to Nic, learning is effective when you take small steps and celebrate achievements along the way. Luckily, there’s an innovative new scheme called ‘Learning the Ropes’, developed by the Association for Ringing Teachers (ART) which does just this - using milestones to help new ringers learn faster and further.

This scheme has certainly been a great to support to Nic, who talks Cathy though the five levels of Learning the Ropes, culminating in her attending a masterclass in Birmingham last year. And it’s not just the sense of achievement from progressing through the levels that Nic has got out of ringing, as, at the end of the podcast, she reveals one of the exciting perks of being a bell ringer ...

Links

Learning the ropes

Top five takeaways

– You don’t have to be musical, sporty or strong to take up bell ringing
– There’s a lot more to bell ringing than ringing a bell! Just like learning to drive, there are many challenges and skills needed to ring safely and effectively
– Find a teacher that you feel comfortable with and a band of ringers that you enjoy spending time with
– Visit your local tower and ask if it’s possible to see the bells – it could be the start of a lifetime of fun and learning
– Check out the Learning the Ropes scheme at www.learningtheropes.org

Ask the Expert

In this episode, Pip Penney answered the following questions:

Hollie: “My daughter started to learn to ring before me and now she is ringing with other ringers, but I don’t seem to be able to get the hang of handling the bell. Should I give up?”
Joshua: “I know I learn best when someone explains why I have to do something but my teacher just demonstrates handling and expecting me to be able to copy them. What should I do?”

What bell ringers say

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 05:00:00 +0000

Coming 28th February 2019, the Fun With Bells podcast will be bringing you true and entertaining stories from the people who ring them. Tune into our trailer to hear clips from our first five interviews and get a taste of the terrific tips and tales we’ve got coming up.

You can also watch the video, of this trailer with images, on the website: www.funwithbells.com where you can sign up to be notified of new episodes.

Alternatively, subscribe on your favourite podcast app by clicking on the subscribe link above.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook @funwithbells or email us at funwithbellspodcast@gmail.com.