ringing

Cool Kenyan Ringers from Kilifi Bring Bell Ringing Back Home
April 11, 202400:35:45

Cool Kenyan Ringers from Kilifi Bring Bell Ringing Back Home

‘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 ...

Discover Your Bell Ringing History!
March 14, 202400:40:26

Discover Your Bell Ringing History!

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 he...

Our Podcast’s Fifth Year Anniversary
February 08, 202400:36:19

Our Podcast’s Fifth Year Anniversary

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 p...

David Smith: A Bell Ringing Tutor’s Uplifting Global Perspective
January 11, 202400:35:19

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

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...

The Joy of Bells: New Ringers Reflect on Their New Obsession
December 14, 202300:38:04

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

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, fir...

How to lead: An interview with the inspiring Linda Garton
October 12, 202300:36:10

How to lead: An interview with the inspiring Linda Garton

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....

100 Amazing Tips for Bell Ringers on How to Use Social Media
August 10, 202300:50:22

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

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 ...

From Virtual to Tower: Wensleydale Ringers' Ringing Room Success
July 13, 202300:30:20

From Virtual to Tower: Wensleydale Ringers' Ringing Room Success

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 ...

A Life Well Rung: An Interview with the Brilliant Phil Gay
June 08, 202300:32:17

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

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...

From Beginner to Bell Ringer: Some Useful Tips
April 06, 202300:09:54

From Beginner to Bell Ringer: Some Useful Tips

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 th...