Dear Friends,
Are we facing our biggest challenge since the Second World War ban on bell ringing? Some ringers consider the introduction of Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks on ringers to be that serious. Few issues have raised so much angst amongst some ringers as CRB checks. However, it seems that the majority of us simply shrug our shoulders and comply with the requirements.
Despite the rhetoric from some quarters, there is no easy answer to this. Whilst it seems unlikely, to me at least, that CRB checks will significantly reduce the risk to children, it seems very difficult to prove that one way or the other. However, it does seem reasonable to me that any parent should be confident that whoever is teaching their child to ring does not have a history of child abuse.
CRB checks are likely to prevent a convicted abuser from putting themselves in a situation where a check is necessary. The problem is that CRB checks don’t detect abusers who have yet to be caught. So I believe that the most effective way to reduce the risk of child abuse is to be aware of the risks, to identify potential situations where a child may be at risk, and prevent those situations occurring. The most obvious one is to ensure that an adult and a child are not alone together in the tower. This makes good sense from both a safety and child protection view. The other situation to watch out for is “grooming”. This is where an adult befriends and gains the trust of a child with the ultimate objective of abuse. The difficultly here is determining what is grooming and what is not.
Clearly CRB checks have raised our awareness of the threat of child abuse. But, as many teachers will tell you, children are also frequently aware of their own rights, and some mischievous youngsters are not amiss to making false accusations. It is very important that you observe the guidelines to minimize the risks to both children and yourselves.
Some of you, a minority fortunately, have indicated that you will not tolerate being subjected to a CRB check. I know of one band who have decided to avoid having to be CRB checked by not allowing any under 18 year olds in their tower. Although I can understand this decision, I don’t agree with it. We have an obligation to teach new ringers and waiting until they are 18 will not do.
The Guild officers stand down at the Guild Annual General Meeting on 7th July, 2007. I would like to thank them all for their support of the Guild over the past three years. Some have indicated that they do not wish to stand again so please consider if you would like to do your bit for the Guild - perhaps as a way of thanking and repaying all those members who have helped your own career in ringing in the past None of the positions actually require a high level of ringing expertise. Enthusiasm is the most important requirement. If you are interested, and I hope that you are, please contact the existing holder of the office to find out what is involved. Most positions only require a few hours a month, and usually turn out to be a rewarding and interesting experience. My spell as your Guild Master has certainly been that!
Enjoy your ringing.
Andrew G Craddock