We would like to thank every single person who took the time to complete the recent Recruitment and Development survey which was designed to capture a snapshot of the current state of ringing within the Guild as a starting point to see where (and if) the Guild may be able to offer support and help. Your contribution to this work is very much appreciated.
The engagement with the survey had been encouraging with a total of 229 responses which represented 120 distinct towers plus several others which were included in multi-parish groupings. The 120 represents 45% of the Guild’s total number of 267 ringable towers (48% of those with 5 or more bells).
The results showed a more positive position within the Guild than might have been expected, however, we are mindful that the responses represent only about half the towers in our Guild.
There were many reports of successful local recruitment campaigns and of towers that have created a completely new band of ringers where they were previously silent. It is clear from the experience shared in the responses that initiative and ownership in respect to recruitment is best done on a local basis with support brought in from outside for teaching and training where necessary.
The workgroup is still digesting the survey but one thing that leapt out is the appetite for ideas and resources for recruitment from members who would like to recruit but either don’t know where to start or aren’t equipped to teach any newbies, so we intend to publish some case studies written by towers who have been successful detailing how they went about finding their recruits and followed up with training and support. We are also working on a ‘directory’ of resources already available from the Central Council, ART and other organisations. We are also working out how we can provide links to members who may be willing to support towers who find themselves with new recruits.
In these initiatives we are keen that we don’t try to impose anything from the Guild but rather use the Guild network as a kind of clearing house for ideas and willing personnel.
In a similar vein, many areas report a very healthy change ringing environment but others are struggling. There are some excellent targeted practices and themed courses emerging which seem to deliver very effectively. It seems that older learners (the majority) generally want to progress quicker. In areas that are struggling with method ringing then the Guild may again be able to act to bring members from across branch boundaries together for more targeted ringing opportunities.
So, as you will have gathered, the work is very much in its early stages but there are lots of ideas and suggestions to work on. We’ll keep you updated of progress through these pages and give you some more specific details in the next post.
Please feel free to come forward if you feel you have something to contribute – your input would be welcomed.
Andy Waring
