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?”

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