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.

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