Best Bellringing Podcasts (2026)

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More than a hobby : A Celebration of Bellringing 29:41

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1y ago29:41

29:41

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 …

1
Kent Young Ringers - The Organisers 35:49

1y ago35:49

35:49

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 Wor…

1
Devon Guild: A Sesquicentennial Celebration 22:53

1y ago22:53

22:53

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 t…

1
Kent Young Ringers - The Members 25:38

1+ y ago25:38

25:38

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 m…

1
ART Conference 2024: Building Communities 21:41

1+ y ago21:41

21:41

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 Dioc…

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ART Conference 2024: Bridging Generations 27:38

1+ y ago27:38

27:38

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 al…

1
Cool Kenyan Ringers from Kilifi Bring Bell Ringing Back Home 35:45

1+ y ago35:45

35:45

‘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…

1
Discover Your Bell Ringing History! 40:26

2y ago40:26

40:26

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 a…

1
Our Podcast’s Fifth Year Anniversary 36:19

2y ago36:19

36:19

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. T…

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David Smith: A Bell Ringing Tutor’s Uplifting Global Perspective 35:42

2y ago35:42

35:42

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 …

1
The Joy of Bells: New Ringers Reflect on Their New Obsession 38:04

2y ago38:04

38:04

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 fi…

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Bells in Her Music: An Interview with Composer Helen Ottaway 50:36

2y ago50:36

50:36

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 …

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How to lead: An interview with the inspiring Linda Garton 36:09

2y ago36:09

36:09

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…

1
Ringing Success: Church History, Fundraising, and Band Building in Nevern 26:30

2+ y ago26:30

26:30

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 proje…

1
100 Amazing Tips for Bell Ringers on How to Use Social Media 50:20

2+ y ago50:20

50:20

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 d…

1
From Virtual to Tower: Wensleydale Ringers' Ringing Room Success 30:18

2+ y ago30:18

30:18

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 practi…

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A Life Well Rung: An Interview with the Brilliant Phil Gay 32:15

2+ y ago32:15

32:15

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 con…

1
Connecting with Your Bell: How to Unlock Your Ringing Potential 29:50

2+ y ago29:50

29:50

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 tra…

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Inside The Media Blitz: What Might Ringing be Like in 2030? 25:31

2+ y ago25:31

25:31

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 ne…

1
Navigating the News: Taking Bell Ringing to a Wider Audience 36:39

2+ y ago36:39

36:39

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 t…

1
From Beginner to Bell Ringer: Some Useful Tips 9:54

2+ y ago9:54

9:54

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…

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Emily brings bell ringing to the art world 37:33

3y ago37:33

37:33

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…

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Ringing in the Ears: Navigating Sound in the Bell Tower 41:39

3y ago41:39

41:39

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 easi…

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Beasts in the belfy 28:50

3y ago28:50

28:50

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 …

1
Ringing in Redundant Churches - part 2 23:56

3y ago23:56

23:56

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 …

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Ringing in Redundant Churches - part 1 25:57

3y ago25:57

25:57

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 r…

1
What Ringers wear 41:00

3y ago41:00

41:00

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 time…

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Social media competition 1:24

3+ y ago1:24

1:24

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. Podcast team: Anne Tansley Thomas Emily Roderick John Gwynne Emily Watts Cathy Booth Ringing by: The Cambridge Youths (supplied by David Richards) a…

1
ART's new Avanced Call Change Scheme 27:17

3+ y ago27:17

27:17

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 …

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Reviving ringing on the Lizard 37:44

3+ y ago37:44

37:44

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…

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Stories from 'A history of change ringing in Scotland' 32:44

3+ y ago32:44

32:44

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 r…

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ART helps novice ringers to create a new band 27:34

4y ago27:34

27:34

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 individ…

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ART's 10th birthday: celebrate with ART's Founder and Chair 31:41

4y ago31:41

31:41

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 …

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Let's fix Ringing's 'leaky pipeline' 41:01

4y ago41:01

41:01

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 ‘grou…

1
'Listen to the bells' quiz 33:59

4y ago33:59

33:59

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 …

1
Calling all young ringers 40:06

4y ago40:06

40:06

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 piz…

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The Lilliputters Guild 21:32

4y ago21:32

21:32

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 youn…

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Superstition 23:57

4y ago23:57

23:57

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 …

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Chatting with the authors of 'Change ringing on handbells' 39:40

4+ y ago39:40

39:40

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 l…

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10 ways to use a simulator 37:30

4+ y ago37:30

37:30

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, …

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The Potteries Pubcast at Castletown Distillery 22:44

4+ y ago22:44

22:44

In the latest episode of your #potteriespubcast, and indeed the last episode of this series, we take you to Castletown Distillery (bar and shop) in Newcastle-under-Lyme, for a chat with co-founder of Staffordshire Gin Jay Davies. 🎙🎧🍻

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The Potteries Pubcast at The Blue Bell Inn 22:57

4+ y ago22:57

22:57

In this weeks episode of your #potteriespubcast we call in at the Blue Bell Inn, Kidsgrove, for a pint and chat with publican Jenna Holford. 🎙🎧🍻

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The Potteries Pubcast at the Captain's Bar 20:44

4+ y ago20:44

20:44

In this week's episode of your #potteriespubcast we call in to the newly opened Captain's Bar, Hanley, to chat with Ash and Norm about opening up during #lockdown, what it has taken to get up and running and #publife in general as they bring their #Tikki twist to the #local #community #pub and #bar scene of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. 🧉🍹🍸🍻…

1
The Potteries Pubcast at The Bellringer 22:04

4+ y ago22:04

22:04

In this week's episode of your #potteriespubcast we call in to The Bellringer, a community pub, set in the heart of Eaton Park. Tune in as we chat with publican Ange Evett about #publife , #lockdown lifting and darts. 🎙🎧🎯🍻

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Take a deep breath... 31:32

4+ y ago31:32

31:32

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 a…

1
The Potteries Pubcast at The Victoria Lounge 22:01

4+ y ago22:01

22:01

In this week's episode of the #potteriespubcast we stop off at family run pub The Victoria Lounge, Hanley, for a chat about local community #publife, reopening after lockdown and indeed family with Mandie Deakes.

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The Potteries Pubcast at Swifty's Micro Pub 18:57

4+ y ago18:57

18:57

In this week's episode of the #Potteriespubcast we call in for a pint and chat about #community #publife with the owner of Swifty's Micro Pub in Meir, Michelle Swift. 🎙🎧🍻 Music by JuliusH from Pixabay

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The Potteries Pubcast at Kickabo brewery 29:14

4+ y ago29:14

29:14

In this episode of the #Potteriespubcast our Adam Gratton calls in at local micro brewery, Kickabo, based in Stoke-on-Trent's mother town of Burslem, for a chat with co-owner Richard Warrilow about the #local #community #brewery 🎙🎧🍻 Music by JuliusH from Pixabay

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The Potteries Pubcast at The Unicorn Inn 17:00

4+ y ago17:00

17:00

In this week's episode of the #Potteriespubcast we call in at The Unicorn Inn, Hanley for a chat with publican Tracey Bowen. The Unicorn has long been a regular fixture in the pub world of the Potteries, and a popular destination for real ale drinkers and theater goers along with those who appreciate a friendly, social environment. 🎙🎧🍻…

1
Inspirational bell restoration project 47:06

4+ y ago47:06

47:06

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 pr…