Cathy Booth

Cathy Booth

Podcast Host

Whilst I’m a non-ringer, my husband, of nearly 25 years, has rung bells since he was 10 and my son does too! This podcast represents my exploration of the world of bell ringing, which fascinates me. I seek to find out why people ring bells, how they learn, the hurdles they overcome, the history of bell ringing, the future of bell ringing, product manufacture, technological innovations, supporting organisations, how to look after bells, recording bells, bell ringing across the world, to provide expert tips for new learners and much more.


Related Episodes
Devon Guild: A Sesquicentennial Celebration
October 10, 202400:22:53

Devon Guild: A Sesquicentennial Celebration

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 anni...

Kent Young Ringers - The Members
September 11, 202400:25:38

Kent Young Ringers - The Members

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 ...

ART Conference 2024: Building Communities
June 13, 202400:21:41

ART Conference 2024: Building Communities

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 a...

ART Conference 2024: Bridging Generations
May 09, 202400:27:38

ART Conference 2024: Bridging Generations

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 happe...

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 the nearest bells hung for cha...

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...

Bells in Her Music: An Interview with Composer Helen Ottaway
November 09, 202300:50:38

Bells in Her Music: An Interview with Composer Helen Ottaway

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-...

Related Posts
Interested in bell ringing history?

Interested in bell ringing history?

Blog post about our March 2024 podcast episode.

Five Fun Years: We tell our story

Five Fun Years: We tell our story

Blog post about our February 2024 podcast episode.

Empowering Leaders: Insights from Linda Garton on Leading in the World of Bell Ringing

Empowering Leaders: Insights from Linda Garton on Leading in the World of Bell Ringing

Interview with Linda Garton, our October 2023 episode.

A Global Tour of Bell Ringing Education: An Interview with David Smith

A Global Tour of Bell Ringing Education: An Interview with David Smith

Blog post about our January 2024 podcast episode.

Exploring the Harmonies of Bells and Music: A Conversation with Composer Helen Ottaway

Exploring the Harmonies of Bells and Music: A Conversation with Composer Helen Ottaway

Blog post about our November 2023 podcast episode.

A Deep Dive into Bell Ringing: New Ringers Share Their Experiences

A Deep Dive into Bell Ringing: New Ringers Share Their Experiences

Blog post about our December 2023 podcast episode....

Listening to a podcast

Listening to a podcast

How to listen to a podcast episode.

The myths of the bell ringing war time ban

The myths of the bell ringing war time ban

Originally posted in May 2020 to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Unveiling Our New Website: Exciting Features and Your Feedback Welcome!

Unveiling Our New Website: Exciting Features and Your Feedback Welcome!

Big improvements to our podcast's website!