With the Covid situation from March 2020, it had been difficult for all in ringing that year and well into 2021.
By May 2021, it seemed appropriate to issue a Press Release to resume our raising the profile of ringing in churches and communities. I found it a strange situation to be working in as my usual channels of communication had been removed, or reduced, as a result of the pandemic with contacts having been removed from post or furloughed and some working from home.
The Press Release highlighted various special occasions when ringing had been able to take place, such as for Remembrance services and the passing of H.R.H. Prince Philip and ‘Captain Tom’. It was distributed to sixteen specific media outlets - newspapers and radio (including a number of community stations) - and six local dignitaries. Copies were sent to the Diocesan P.R. teams, all Bishops and Archdeacons, Deans and Ringers of the Cathedrals and those folk mentioned in the piece.
Favourable feedback was received and included thanks for the work ringers undertake for the church and its communities; a specific comment was that the sound of church bells brings comfort during times of difficulty.
As a direct result of the Press Release, two special meetings were arranged: The Mayor of Winchester visited St. Mary’s, Twyford and The High Sheriff of The Isle of Wight attended St. George’s, Arreton; they met ringers and church members, learned about, and enjoyed observing, ringing and had the opportunity to have a go themselves. Both events were deemed to have been successful and of value to ringing.
In August, I was pleased to offer P. R. support to All Saints’, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, and its band. It had been possible to incorporate the local band’s resumption of ringing with a full complement - post Covid Lock Down - with a District Centenary event during the Sunday worship. I was invited to address the congregation and it led to a good number of conversations with congregation members. This was followed by the enthusiastic start of a recruitment drive and Open Day - the whole process was a great example of the church, including the local ringers, District and Guild members all working together to achieve great results. The media coverage was very supportive and included local publications, the Diocese and The Ringing World.
It’s been wonderful to see a number of our Tower and District Officers being interviewed on radio and TV - I believe it to be especially effective surely and long may it continue!
As ever, I am pleased to offer support wherever and whenever, on request.
Viv Nobbs