The objective of public relations is to promote ringing and the Guild to non-ringers. This is usually achieved through the media to reach as wide an audience as possible. In 2007, various items about ringing have been reported in local newspapers (such as the Guernsey Press article about the election of David Strong as Guild Master) and on local radio stations (such as the interview given by Richard Harrison on Express FM).
“Recruitment of new ringers” is the goal behind a W&P sponsored PR project to make a short video targeted at youngsters. The video is being directed by Emma Golby-Kirk, a Hampshire based film-maker. It is hoped to be able to show and distribute DVD copies of the video at the 2008 Guild AGM.
Ringing needs good publicity to ensure its survival and growth. Public Relations can and should be carried out by Districts and individual towers as well as Guilds. It is disappointing that whereas ten years ago, most Districts had Press or Publicity Officers, only three Districts had them listed in last year’s Annual Report.
Andrew Craddock