As most ringers will know, there is such a thing as a Ringing Complaints Adviser. In 1995 I was asked to fill this position in the W & P by the Central Council, but when the paperwork was sent I found that I was Adviser for Dorset, the Isle of Wight, Wiltshire and Hampshire. This is an extremely large area but I am pleased to report that since that date complaints reported to me have been very few, despite the fact that Compton Bassett and Southampton are in this area.
I must report that Philip Watts has helped me considerably with complaints and attending meetings, particularly when I was in hospital and we work together when the occasion arises.
It seems that the publicity in Wiltshire, Southampton and recently in Devon has helped to make Ringers, Incumbents and PCC’s aware that complaints have to be taken seriously and an early consultation with an outsider to the parish does pay dividends. The publicity also shows that the average person within earshot of a ring of bells is reasonably tolerant, but that one eccentric can cause a great stir, especially when the Press hear about it.
Graham C Grant