PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER’S REPORT

It has been a positive year. Districts, towers and ringers have been taking the P.R. initiative in their communities. There’s a good working relationship between us as we’d expect, resulting in good mutual support.

Along with Deb Baker of our Communications Team, I attended the P.R. Matters day in Wellesbourne, organised by Central Council. It was an excellent and informative event. There was a mix of external experts, panel discussion and group work to define the key elements that make public relations a success or failure. Sharing ideas, initiatives and experience was the order of the day. We reminded ourselves, DO rather than just talk - using available skills and resources. Key points to remember included: “We can all be ambassadors for ringing. Why are we sometimes shy about being a ringer? Let’s talk to our friends about ringing and why we love it so much” and “Let’s remember and publicise that ringing brings people and communities together”.

We’ve linked P.R. activities with local or national events and have promoted not to fear pushing boundaries! We actively engaged with BBC Music Day - the theme was “The Power of Music” and several towers enjoyed taking part with a variety of performances. We ensured that some reports made the local media.

The working relationships with the media, both Dioceses and the wider community have continued and flourished. Our WW1 Centenary Commemoration Project has given us an excellent opportunity to talk even more with clergy and parishes and with The Royal British Legion.

The Ringing Remembers worldwide recruitment campaign launched by Central Council in the Autumn involved us immediately and has supported us a good deal already. A number of new ringers started to be taught in various towers before the end of the year.

Viv Nobbs