Kent Young Ringers - The Organisers

Fun with Bells

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 World National Youth Contest, this inspirational interview provides the recipe for success. Enthusiasm is a core ingredient, along with the right amount of encouragement, support, and investment. Add the right people with the right experience into the mix. Sprinkle liberally with fun, outings, competitions, even more fun, and maybe a badge or two. And don’t forget the magic ingredient – cake!

This episode is guaranteed to remind you all of the joys of ringing.

Top five takeaways

• Want to start a young ringers’ group or put on some taster sessions? See if your church is linked to any local schools.
• Social media can be key to attracting young people – make sure you keep your platforms up-to-date with the latest news and videos
• Invest in your young ringers – see what funds are available from your local association
• Think about putting a buddy system in place where some of your more experienced younger ringers can help support the newer ones. This may even work with novice adult ringers!

For more inspiration and ideas, check out the Kent Young Ringers webpage https://kcacr.org.uk/kent-young-ringers/news

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).

Kapitler

1. Introduction to Kent Young Ringers (00:00:00)

2. Ringing by the Society of Cambridge Youths (00:00:12)

3. Introducing the podcast (00:00:19)

4. Meet the Key Figures: Neil Jones and Jen Thomas (00:00:33)

5. Neil's Journey with the Young Ringers (00:00:54)

6. Jen's Role as Youth Officer (00:01:29)

7. The Importance of Camaraderie (00:03:03)

8. Success Stories and University Connections (00:03:54)

9. Encouragement and Outreach (00:04:59)

10. Monthly Sessions and Competitions (00:05:41)

11. Setting Up the Kent Young Ringers (00:07:05)

12. Leadership and Safeguarding (00:07:19)

13. Recruitment Strategies (00:10:57)

14. Engaging Activities and Traditions (00:12:23)

15. Handbell Adventures (00:13:57)

16. Opportunities for Growth (00:14:55)

17. Striking Competitions (00:16:34)

18. Improving Striking Techniques (00:17:27)

19. Achievements and Trophies (00:17:47)

20. July 2024 Competition in London (00:18:17)

21. Encouraging Young Ringers (00:18:43)

22. Support from the Association (00:19:27)

23. Investment in Young Ringers (00:20:25)

24. The Future of Ringing (00:21:01)

25. Entertaining Car Conversations (00:22:03)

26. Remarkable Experiences in Bell Ringing (00:22:52)

27. Personal Growth Through Ringing (00:23:43)

28. Stephanie's Journey with Kent Young Ringers (00:24:43)

29. Striking Competitions and Achievements (00:25:41)

30. Social and Competitive Aspects of Ringing (00:26:53)

31. Kent Young Ringers - success factors (00:27:32)

32. Starting a Young Ringers group - and keeping it going (00:28:03)

33. Encouraging more young people to take up ringing (00:29:09)

34. Competitions (00:30:07)

35. Why Steph likes ringing (00:30:46)

36. Challenges and Achievements in Bell Ringing (00:31:44)

37. Tips for learners (00:33:21)

38. Kent Young Ringers higlight for Steph (00:33:57)

39. Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements (00:34:28)