Remarkable phd study of Cambridge bellringers' pay and habits

In this podcast, historian Gareth Davies challenges everything you ever thought about the history of bell ringing in one of host Cathy Booth’s most engaging interviews yet.At times, Gareth makes being an 18th century ringer sound like everyone’s dream job. Fancy being paid £80,000 a year, enjoying a free tab at the pub paid for by the parish council and getting pension support in your old age?However, once you learn about the six o’clock starts, the fines for a no-show and the ringing room chamber pot you might well change your mind!This brilliant romp through the history of the Cambridge ringers is full to bursting with fascinating facts, eye-opening insights and colourful real-life characters.And as for bell ringers smoking, swearing and being drunk? Well, maybe some things never change ...Top 5 takeawaysWhy not visit your local record office and see what you can find out about the history of ringing in your areaIf you’re struggling with your ringing technique, don’t give up! With hard work and enthusiasm it’s possible to develop from a ‘jelly fish on a piece of elastic’ to being the master for the winning band of the 12 bell striking competitionLook after your own tower’s historic records so that historians in the future can see the part that ringing played in our culture todayIf in doubt, just ring first and ask for the money afterwardsLook out for Gareth’s new book – his twitter handle is @charollaisSponsor: 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.orgPodcast team:Anne Tansley ThomasEmily Roderick John GwynneEmily WattsCathy BoothRinging 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