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The IICSA Report into Residential Schools – material on specialist music schools and some initial thoughts – Part 2Posted: March 4, 2022 | Author: Ian Pace | Filed under: Abuse, Chetham's, Culture, media, Music - General, Musical Education, Specialist Music Schools, Yehudi Menuhin School | Tags: alun jones, amanda spielman, bbc, boarding schools, chetham's, Chetham's School of Music, chris ling, clare moreland, criminal records bureau, dbs, disclosure and barring service, fiona gardiner, Graham Smallbone, guardian, Helen Bennett, IICSA, independent, independent safeguarding authority, itv, john vallins, julien bertrand, keeping children safe in education, lado, local authority designated officer, manchester evening news, Margaret Moore, michael brewer, Paul Bambrough, peter crook, peter hullah, Philip Pickett, purcell school, robert waddington, sky news, telegraph, wells cathedral school, Wen Zhou Li, yehudi menuhin school | 2 Comments
This post continues from that which I posted earlier this week following the publication of the IICSA Report into Residential Schools, including specialist music schools. This received fairly widespread coverage in the UK media, with reports in the Guardian, Independent, Telegraph, Manchester Evening News, and for the BBC (here and here), ITV and Sky News. A direct overview from the inquiry itself can be read here.
In the earlier post I linked to an earlier post of my own giving links to the videos and transcripts of the evidence given to the inquiry over three days in Autumn 2019. This transcript is especially key for Chetham's, and includes my own evidence, while this transcript is particularly important in relation to the Purcell School.
I have added an extra passage at the end of the previous blog post, which I will also include here, on the role of educational guardians in residential schools, referencing a specific recent example involving Chetham's:
Educational guardians
14. International students whose parents are not in the UK need an educational guardian if they attend a British boarding school in order to obtain the relevant visa. Educational guardians act in place of the parents while the child is in the UK, supporting the child throughout their studies and providing a home for them during holidays or weekends. He or she may be an individual appointed by the parents, such as a family member or a friend of the family, or the parents may use the services of an agency to provide an educational guardian.
15. Educational guardians are unregulated. There is no statutory licence, compulsory registration or training required for individuals or companies wishing to provide educational guardian services. If an educational guardian is appointed by a parent, the guardian is not required to comply with any standards or to obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate, and the school is not required to carry out any checks. This means that individuals who are unsuitable to work with children, or even those who have criminal convictions for child sexual abuse, can be appointed as educational guardians.
16. Currently, the NMS for boarding schools permit a member of school staff to be appointed as the educational guardian of an international student, although some schools do not permit this. As Ms Richards told us, school staff acting as educational guardians blurs boundaries, with the potential to cause problems or to prevent problems surfacing. At Chetham's in the late 1990s, for example, violin tutor Wen Zhou Li was the educational guardian of a 16-year-old girl whom he sexually abused while she was residing with him during weekends and school holidays. In 2013, shortly after the arrest of Wen Zhou Li, ISI inspectors found that there was another staff member at the school who was acting as an educational guardian to a student.
Part E of the report deals with how allegations are responded to, and the role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) (a role introduced in 2006 to deal with allegations of abuse against children), also referencing the 2021 report Keeping Children Safe in Education (a modification of earlier reports of the same name). Various types of allegations should be referred to the LADO by a headteacher or chair of governors if the allegations involve the former, but the decision on whether the criteria are met is for one of these individuals to determine. This latter aspect has created a grey area with some headteachers claiming they were unsure whether the threshold was met. The LADO then involves police and social care, but does not investigate themselves. If they believe that an investigation by these bodies is unnecessary, they discuss how to proceed with the 'case manager' (usually the headteacher), leading either to further enquiries or no further action. If the former, they negotiate with the school about the nature of the investigation and who would carry it out. If an investigation finds that an allegation is substantiated with sufficient evidence, then the case manager and the LADO should meet to determine any improvements required to prevent such things in the future.
Most ambiguity seems to surround 'low-level concerns', which can include the use of 'inappropriate sexualised, intimidating or offensive language.' (p. 83) Policies are required to clarify the procedure here, and the inquiry noted that 'Evidence was provided by residential special schools and some residential specialist music schools which had put in place procedures for reporting low-level concerns' (p. 84). It also notes the following example of good practice:
At Wells Cathedral School, Mrs Helen Bennett, the DSL from 2006 to 2016, encouraged all staff to report any concerns about staff behaviour to her. She kept detailed notes of these concerns in a confidential file and reviewed these regularly to identify any patterns of behaviour. Mrs Bennett was able to discuss concerns with the headteacher and deputy headteacher who could take appropriate action with the staff member concerned. When Mrs Bennett retired in 2016, Wells Cathedral School continued the system, introducing an online neutral notification form to enable recording and cross-referencing of concerns. (p. 85)
This is however in contrast to the failures of an earlier case at the same school:
However, it should be noted that a low-level concerns policy may not prevent child sexual abuse by a determined perpetrator. At Wells Cathedral School, staff reported low-level concerns about the conduct of Julien Bertrand to the safeguarding lead and the senior leadership team over a period of two years. Bertrand was spoken to on several occasions and given an informal warning and reminded of the importance of boundaries and the school rules, but this did not deter Bertrand, who continued to sexually abuse RS-A202 until the abuse was disclosed to a trusted adult in 2005. (p. 86)
In the following section of Part E of the report, the Michael Brewer case (specifically that which led to his departure from the school) is referenced as an example of the problems inherent in the lack of a staff code of conduct, even after Brewer had left:
At Chetham's School of Music, the headteacher introduced a staff code of conduct in 1995 following the resignation of the director of music, Michael Brewer, who had been conducting an abusive sexual relationship with a sixth-form pupil. Prior to Brewer's resignation, there had been no code of conduct or other document setting out guidance and expectations regarding staff interactions with pupils. The staff code of conduct drafted in 1995 was not clear or specific regarding appropriate behaviour with students. Statutory guidance published in 1995 suggested that it may be "helpful" for schools to draw up a code of conduct in consultation with the local authority but it was not mandatory. KCSIE 2021 now requires schools to have a staff code of conduct, so that the boundaries of acceptable behaviour with children are made clear. A low-level concerns/neutral notification policy relies on the existence of a staff code of conduct to set out acceptable behaviour. (pp. 87-88)
In the case of the Purcell School, a major problem was the lack of proper recording of allegations against staff:
During Mr Peter Crook's time as headteacher of The Purcell School for Young Musicians (the Purcell School), 2007–2011, there was poor recording of allegations against staff. In January 2009, an allegation of sexual abuse of a student by RS-F20, a staff member at the Purcell School, was referred to the LADO from outside the school. The LADO found that the allegation was unfounded and it was referred back to the school. A very similar allegation was made against RS-F20 in 2014, but no records of the 2009 allegation could be found at the school. Guidance at the time required a "clear and comprehensive summary of any allegations made, details of how the allegation was followed up and resolved, and a note of any action taken and decisions reached", to be kept on the personnel file for at least 10 years or until the individual reached retirement age. In October 2009, Mr Crook found a member of staff, RS-F80, alone with a pupil, RS-A192, on the school field in the dark. Mr Crook arranged for RS-F80 to receive further safeguarding training but did not make a note of the incident and the action taken until RS-A192 disclosed in May 2010 that she had been sexually abused by RS-F80 on that occasion and had been in an abusive relationship with RS-F80 over several months. (p. 88)
However, some better practice appears to have been followed in 2010:
In May 2010, at the Purcell School, RS-A187, a sixth-form pupil aged under 18, disclosed to a non-teaching member of staff that she had been in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a member of staff for several months. RS-A187 spoke to several other members of staff and telephoned Childline before the headteacher and DSL were made aware two days later, when the school notified the LADO of the allegation. Statutory guidance required allegations to be reported straight away to the headteacher, in order for the headteacher to make a referral to the LADO. (p. 89)
Nonetheless, the case involving the headteacher himself, Peter Crook, laid bare the failings of a system to protect whistleblowing, a subject to which I will return in my conclusion. Those reporting abuse, sexual harassment, sexist or racist behaviours, or other comparable things will often find that those above them wish to make them into the issue.
55. In 2009 to 2010, staff at the Purcell School reported concerns to the chair of governors that the headteacher, Peter Crook, used sexually explicit and inappropriate language with children at the school. The concerns included a meeting that Mr Crook conducted with the Year 9 boys who boarded, held at his private residence on a Sunday evening, which he later suggested was a personal, social and health education (PSHE) class in response to an incident of sexualised bullying in a boarding house. Ms Margaret Moore, a teacher, reported her concerns about the 'PSHE class' anonymously to the chair of governors, Mr Graham Smallbone, because she had "a genuine fear of reprisal by the headmaster". Twenty-five members of staff then sent an anonymous letter as the "Staff Association" to Mr Smallbone stating that this incident "is only one of a number of disturbing interactions between the Headmaster and Purcell students on the subject of human sexuality" and concluding that it was an issue which concerned "children at risk". The letter was sent anonymously for fear of reprisal by the school. Mr Smallbone told the Inquiry that he did not take any action because the whistleblowers wished to remain anonymous. Mr Smallbone discussed the complaints with Mr Crook but did not refer any complaints to the LADO, despite guidance in place at the time requiring a referral to be made to the local authority without discussing the allegation with the person concerned.
56. Following Mr Smallbone's failure to refer the allegations to the LADO, staff members reported a number of incidents anonymously to Ofsted and the local authority. The local authority found one allegation substantiated in July 2009 and advised that the headteacher should face disciplinary action. The local authority also advised that the 'PSHE class' was not an appropriate or sufficient response to bullying and that Mr Crook had breached "appropriate boundaries between staff and students" but concluded that there had been no intent to harm children and therefore that allegation was "unfounded". The local authority did not appear to have considered whether the incident indicated that the headteacher may have been unsuitable to work with children, although this was a criteria for referral in the statutory guidance at the time but it did advise that the language used was inappropriate and should be dealt with through internal disciplinary procedures.
57. Mr Smallbone told the Inquiry that the staff members who reported the concerns about the headteacher were whistleblowers but that he nevertheless considered that "it would have been totally wrong to discipline the headmaster and not the members of staff". The LADO advised Mr Smallbone that disciplining the whistleblowers would be disproportionate and reminded him that staff must be able to challenge poor practice.
58. Although staff were attempting to follow procedures and raise safeguarding concerns about the headteacher with the chair of governors, their concerns were not dealt with properly, despite the fact that the 2007 statutory guidance required schools to have appropriate whistleblowing procedures in place. There was an attempt to stifle the reporting of concerns internally and to characterise them to external bodies as malicious attempts to undermine the headteacher, who was making changes to the school which were unpopular with some staff. Suspected whistleblowers were required to attend an "intimidating" meeting with governors.
The failures here and lack of action are then summarised as follows:
59. Schools have not always carried out disciplinary investigations or taken appropriate disciplinary action when a LADO refers a case back to them. Mr Crook was never made the subject of any internal disciplinary sanction for incidents of inappropriate conversation with children at the school. During the same period, in 2009, an allegation of a staff member engaging in sexual activity with a student was referred to the LADO from outside the Purcell School. The student would not support a prosecution. The allegation was considered by the strategy meeting to be "unfounded" ("this indicated that the person making the allegation misinterpreted the incident or was mistaken about what they saw …. For an allegation to be classified as unfounded it will be necessary to have evidence to disprove the allegation") and referred back to the school as an internal matter to address "unsafe practice". The staff member had admitted to police that his relationship with the student was "too close" and that he had hugged and kissed the student on the cheek after rehearsals at his house. Although the original allegation was considered unfounded, the school had information that a teacher had acted inappropriately, which should have given rise to a disciplinary investigation.
60. The current headteacher at the Purcell School, Mr Paul Bambrough, noted that in such circumstances it would be helpful to have further guidance from the LADO on how to proceed following an allegation being handed back to the school. This is another area where schools are reliant on the LADO. Currently there is considerable variation between LADOs in terms of the time dedicated to helping schools once allegations are referred back to them.
Part F considers the nature of leadership and governance in schools in England (Wales is dealt with in a separate section, which is not strictly relevant to this post, as none of the specialist music schools are located there). The report focuses on the role of the headteacher and the designated safeguarding lead as holding primary responsibilities. In the case of specialist music schools, the report might have also noted the key position of the Director of Music, which in some cases can be almost as powerful as the headteacher, and usually has a more intimate and regular relationship with the music teachers (as the headteacher has often not been a musician themselves). But this role and its relationship to the headteacher has come under some question in recent times: for a period from 2013 the Purcell School abolished the role of Director of Music (though it was recreated again in 2018), while in 2020, following the retirement of former headteacher Alun Jones, Chetham's created a joint headship shared between the existing Director of Music and Deputy Head.
The report notes the lack of any statutory governance requirements (such as a board of governors) for independent schools, with some overseen by a sole proprietor. While proprietors and governors are themselves required to undergo checks from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Her Majest's Chief Inspector for Education, Skills and Children's Services, Ms Amanda Spielman, believes these are insufficient. It would be interesting to consider, had any equivalent to the DBS (or its predecessor, the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA), working together with the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB), from 2002) been in place, in the 1980s, whether this would have prevented Robert Waddington, former Dean of Manchester Cathedral, against whom many allegations of abuse have been made (in which context IICSA in an earlier report were sharply critical of a lack of action on the part of the Church of England), becoming a governor of Chetham's from 1984 to 1993, including during the time of disclosures of abuse in 1990 against Chris Ling, who left the country. Unfortunately the IICSA report makes no reference to Waddington, and a governing body containing someone for whom all evidence points to his being an abuser himself, but this subject is mention in Fiona Gardiner's book Sex, Power, Control: Responding to Abuse in the Institutional Church
The report emphasises the role of headteachers in creating a positive culture of safeguarding, but also how this was lacking in most of the schools examined, through poor policies and procedures, inadequate implementation of these, lack of clear staff codes of conduct, inadequate safeguarding training, insufficient awareness by leaders of risks or the signs of abuse or inappropriate behaviour, insular and inward-looking schools with little internal or external accountability, treating allegations as a reputational rather than a child protection concern, discrediting of children who complain, a lack of concern about sexual activity between staff and students, and a general culture discouraging parents, children or staff members from complaining (p. 102). All of these factors were certainly at play at Chetham's during the period when the maximum abuse occurred, and it would appear for a long period at many of the other SMSs too. John Vallins, headteacher at Chetham's between 1974 and 1992 (the report wrongly claims he was head from 1970) gave evidence to the inquiry, and seemed to many to whom I spoke to have communicated a sense of being aloof, complacent, and little prepared to engage with the gravity of what had occurred under his watch. The report says the following:
In this investigation, there were examples of headteachers who found it inconceivable that staff might abuse their position of authority to abuse children. Mr John Vallins, headteacher of Chetham's School of Music (Chetham's) between 1970 and 1992, assumed the instrumental teachers were "admirable people with absolutely right relationships with their pupils" and that extra tuition outside of school hours was a "splendid aspiration". There was a failure to recognise that such occasions were potential opportunities for abuse and therefore no safeguards were put in place to minimise such risks and to protect pupils. (p. 103)
At Purcell, Peter Crook's priority appears to have been to protect teachers against allegations. If such allegations are false, this is indeed a paramount concern, but Crook does not seem to have considered seriously also attempting to ensure that credible accusations were taken seriously:
Mr Peter Crook, headteacher of The Purcell School for Young Musicians (the Purcell School) from 2007 to 2011, drafted a document on safer working practice in 2009 which he presented as being designed to protect staff from allegations which could be made by pupils "of unsound mind". In the document, Mr Crook described adolescents as sometimes unable to distinguish between fantasy and reality and informed staff that pupils therefore may "present a danger, even to the most careful of teachers". Although the document was described as a draft for discussion, it may have given rise to the inference that pupils were inherently unreliable and not worthy of belief, and that allegations against staff were likely to be false. Mr Crook subsequently told police investigating a staff member, RS-F80, for sexual offences against a pupil that he did not believe the girl and that her allegation was based on fantasy and exaggeration. It was wrong for Mr Crook to seek to undermine the credibility
of his pupil in this way. (p. 104)
The action of Peter Hullah, Vallins' successor as headteacher at Chetham's, working primarily to protect the reputation of the school after Michael Brewer's relationship with a sixth-form student was discovered, is viewed no more favourably:
On occasion, when allegations of child sexual abuse arose, headteachers moved to protect the reputation of the school rather than the welfare of victims and other children at the school. In 1994, Michael Brewer, the director of music at Chetham's, resigned after his inappropriate relationship with a sixth-form student was discovered by the headteacher, Mr Peter Hullah. The headteacher suggested that it would be publicly announced that Brewer had taken early retirement on the grounds of ill health, in order to preserve the reputation of the school and its director of music. Brewer went on to work with young people in the National Youth Choir. No external agencies were notified of the circumstances of Brewer's departure. (p. 104)
In this context, the report also noted that:
The Charity Commission told the Inquiry that some independent schools see their reputation as being of paramount importance and that this has unduly influenced the handling of safeguarding matters by some charity trustees. (p. 104)
At Purcell, the sort of leadership required to protect children was clearly lacking under Peter Crook, as established by an independent report:
As the leader of the school, the headteacher has to be a role model to staff and students, and must embody the values of the school. The headteacher must demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and adhere to the same rules and boundaries as other staff. An independent review of safeguarding practice at the Purcell School in 2019 found that Mr Crook, headteacher from 2007 to 2011, "did not provide a good role model". The review concluded that, under the leadership of Mr Crook, the school "did not have a culture of safeguarding", "safeguarding was not well understood" and "the attitude of senior leaders was complacent". Mr Paul Bambrough took over as headteacher of the Purcell School in 2018. He said that the high turnover of staff in the headteacher role over the previous 10 years meant the school had no clear identity or idea of its function. Mr Bambrough sought to develop the safeguarding culture and ethos of the school by ensuring that everyone in the school was aware that the "overriding priority is to ensure that all students in the school are safe, happy and healthy". He considered that consistency in messaging from the headteacher was of central importance in facilitating a safeguarding culture. (p. 104)
The report however considered Wells to have a better approach to such things, at least according to their own account:
Openness and transparency are key to a protective environment. Schools with a strong safeguarding culture responded promptly and appropriately to allegations and concerns, including complaints about non-recent incidents. Wells Cathedral School said that in the aftermath of allegations or safeguarding concerns, it cooperated with external agencies and reflected on opportunities to learn from mistakes in order to improve safeguarding arrangements in the school. (p. 105)
A little later in the section, the report considers further the role of governors and the need for them to act as a check on headteachers, which was not the case at Purcell:
Evidence from the schools examined showed that far from encouraging challenge from governors, some headteachers were resistant to scrutiny, while some governing bodies lacked the ability to challenge school leaders. In some cases, such as at Clifton College and at the Purcell School, governors simply 'rubber-stamped' the decisions of the headteacher or failed to address shortcomings in the safeguarding practice of the school, even when these issues had been identified by external safeguarding professionals. (p. 107)
In the case of both Chetham's and Purcell, there was further reason to believe the governing body negligent in terms of their responsibilities in this respect:
42. The Inquiry heard that at many of the schools examined governors did not monitor the effective implementation of safeguarding arrangements through the scrutiny of safeguarding incidents which arose at the school. This was the case at Chetham's prior to 2013 and at the Purcell School during the tenure of Mr Graham Smallbone as chair of governors from 1998 to 2010.
43. The local authority's inspection report on Chetham's in 2013 found there was little evidence that the governing body had held the school to account to ensure that safeguarding arrangements were "implemented, applied robustly, monitored appropriately, or evaluated effectively". The ISI also inspected Chetham's in 2013 and found that there was inadequate oversight of the safeguarding arrangements at the school. The governing body had no means of monitoring the implementation or effectiveness of safeguarding policies and procedures, for example by sampling cases which occurred at the school. In response to the ISI's findings, the school endeavoured to improve transparency and accountability by creating new formal structures for the oversight of safeguarding. A dedicated safeguarding committee was established within the school's governing body. It received anonymised reports of all safeguarding incidents which arose at the school, to ensure the school's policies and procedures were complied with in practice and to enable assessment of the effectiveness of the school's safeguarding processes. (p. 108)
The role of the Chair of Governors, Graham Smallbone, comes under further harsh scrutiny:
53. The Inquiry heard detailed evidence about governance issues at the Purcell School, where the chair of governors did not deal appropriately with concerns reported by staff about the headteacher, failed to hold the headteacher to account for his inappropriate behaviour, failed to refer matters of concern to the LADO and did not engage transparently with external bodies.
54. In the 2009/10 school year, the chair of governors, Mr Smallbone, was made aware of a number of complaints and concerns regarding the conduct of the headteacher, Mr Crook, in relation to inappropriate conversations with pupils. Mr Smallbone discussed the complaints with Mr Crook but did not refer any complaints to the LADO. Several direct referrals were made by whistleblowers on the school staff and in July 2009 the local authority found one allegation against the headteacher to be substantiated. It was referred back to the school so that the board of governors could take disciplinary action against Mr Crook but in September 2009 Mr Smallbone asked the LADO to reconsider the outcome of the case. It was inappropriate of him to question the outcome or ask the LADO to reconsider it. Mr Crook said that he was never informed by the chair of governors or anyone else that an allegation against him had been substantiated.
55. Mr Smallbone also heard a recording of Mr Crook speaking to Year 9 boys using language which Mr Smallbone described to the Inquiry as "absolutely unacceptable", although he had previously told the governing body it was "very good with only very minor exceptions". An independent review commissioned by the governing body in 2009 considered that Mr Crook had used inappropriate language with pupils and recommended that Mr Crook be given a formal final warning and placed on probation. The local authority had also recommended that disciplinary action be taken. Mr Smallbone declined to follow these recommendations to take disciplinary measures against Mr Crook but assured the local authority that disciplinary action had been taken. An independent review commissioned by the current headteacher of the Purcell School concluded in 2019 that the failure to discipline Mr Crook was a misjudgement on the part of the chair of governors and that he failed to properly hold the headteacher to account for inappropriate conduct.
56. Staff at the Purcell School at the time perceived that governors lacked accountability for their failure to hold the headteacher to account. Ms Margaret Moore, a whistleblower at the school during the headship of Mr Crook, told the Inquiry: "the governors ultimately, in that independent school, were in control, and they could do and say what they wanted to". (pp. 110-111)
The final passage relating to SMSs in this section of the report does acknowledge some positive actions taken by Chetham's after a critical report on safeguarding in 2013:
Independent school governors are not accountable to the local authority or to the Department for Education in how they exercise their oversight role. Such schools may choose to create an additional oversight mechanism to monitor the effectiveness of the governing body. After Chetham's failed to meet safeguarding standards in 2013, in addition to creating a sub-committee of the governing body to monitor safeguarding at the school, an Independent Safeguarding Commission was established by the school, composed of individuals who were independent of the school and its governing body. The Independent Safeguarding Commission's role was to have independent oversight of the safeguarding arrangements at the schools and to scrutinise the safeguarding committee of the governing body. It could request reports from the safeguarding committee and could also invite staff with safeguarding roles to present reports and answer questions regarding safeguarding at the school. (p. 112)
The next section looks in detail at existing and projected requirements in terms of safeguarding training for staff, and the need to renew these. Once again, Wells was cited as an example of good practice:
Effective training goes beyond the minimum of ensuring staff have read and understood the relevant parts of KCSIE and the school policies and procedures. Staff should have a clear understanding of the safeguarding risks which could arise in their school and how to be alert to signs of abuse. Mrs Helen Bennett, the former DSL of Wells Cathedral School, explained that she adapted and supplemented the training materials provided by the local authority to address particular aspects of a residential music school and used real-life examples to emphasise the importance of safeguarding: "I just didn't really hold back on the dangers that were out there". Mrs Bennett said that face-to-face training took place on a frequent basis, with training sessions tailored to different staff roles, including ancillary staff such as boarding house cleaners, "to keep child protection and safeguarding a bit of a buzz in the school, because I wanted people to be part of a team. I wanted everybody to be involved". (p. 116)
This was in sharp contrast to Purcell under Peter Crook:
Mr Peter Crook, former headteacher of The Purcell School for Young Musicians, said that he did not receive any training from the DSL, and considered that he kept up to date with safeguarding by reading bulletins from the professional associations of which he was a member. Evidence showed that he lacked the safeguarding knowledge and awareness that would be expected of a headteacher. (p. 116)
The report also considers the lack of any special requirements in terms of training for those working in boarding schools, and concludes that these are needed. I would add that there should be extra forms of training for all involved in teaching music, because of the specific dangers there (the same may apply to dance, though with different specific dangers). (p. 118) It also the need for governors to have mandatory training and for there to be a standardised safeguarding course for these and proprietors. (pp. 120-122).
The following part of the report, on the role of inspections of schools, makes further reference to Chetham's and Purcell:
31. During the 2013 inspection of Chetham's School of Music, the headteacher, Ms Claire Moreland, initially failed to declare that a member of staff, Wen Zhou Li, had been arrested for non-recent sexual offences against a pupil only two or three weeks before the inspection. The ISI had been given this information by the local authority which was conducting an inspection at the same time and therefore knew to press the headteacher on this point. This illustrates both the extent to which the inspectorates are reliant on headteachers telling the truth and the importance of information-sharing.
32. In 2009, at The Purcell School for Young Musicians, there was a concerted effort by the chair of governors, Mr Graham Smallbone, to manage and downplay the safeguarding concerns that had been raised in respect of the headteacher to Ofsted, despite an allegation against the headteacher being found to be substantiated by the local authority. The inspector recorded that, after meeting with the chair of governors, she "felt very confident that the issues are being addressed appropriately and effectively by the governing body". The Ofsted report did not address the fact that the local authority had been notified of concerns by whistleblowers on the school staff who had no confidence in the safeguarding regime at the school. The report stated that "There has been a small but effective element within the staff team which has actively undermined the headteacher and the school". This was not a fair or accurate representation of the actions of whistleblowers on the school staff. The inspectors were too ready to accept the assertions of the chair of governors.
The final relevant section of the report is that on conclusions and recommendations. The most relevant aspects are as follows:
- The dangers of sexual abuse in boarding schools are especially acute, are not addressed in current statutory guidance and standards, and the problem is heightened for those whose parents are overseas.
- There are many cases of poor leadership, especially on the part of headteachers, and governance, while there are too few checks on independent schools.
- Statutory training does not involve minimum standards, leading to inconsistency, nor does it address the particular needs of certain types of schools.
- There should be a single inspectorate body (currently there are two), and better sharing of information between different parts of the system (schools, local, authorities, DBS, etc.). This would also address cases where school leaders do not disclose all the necessary information.
- DBS checks do not make enhanced certificates compulsory for supervised volunteers, for whom the system is in general too loose.
- Recruitment decisions have been made without full and proper assessment of relevant information.
- The Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) does not deal with those doing work such as being cover supervisors or teaching assistants, and should do.
As for recommendations to the Department of Education and the Welsh Government, the relevant ones are as follows:
- A new duty for boarding schools to inform the relevant inspectorate of allegations of sexual abuse and other serious incidents, with professional/regulatory consequences for breach of this.
- A system of licensing and registration of educational guardians, with DBS checks.
- National standards for LADOs, and clarification that they can be contacted for informal advice too.
- Modification of governance standards within the Independent School Standards, involving external scrutiny, transparency and honesty, and forbidding a proprietor to be a safeguarding lead.
- Standards for independent schools to be brought in line with those for free schools or early years provision.
- National standards for safeguarding training, mandatory for headteachers, safeguarding leads and safeguarding governors.
- Schools to be required to inform the relevant inspectorate if they have referred a staff member to DBS, TRA or Education Workforce Council.
- More guidance for supervised volunteers working with children, and ensuring DBS checks are free of charge to them.
Questions of mandatory reporting, support for victims and survivors, and vetting and barring will be revisited in IICSA's final overall report, to be published later this year.
These may all seem quite general, and few of them specific to music schools, but nonetheless are all important developments. Overall, the report goes much further than any previous document in placing in the public domain a good deal of information relating to grievous past errors, neglect, complacency or even corruption such as has allowed abusers to act with relative impunity in a range of settings. I know from speaking to a range of survivors how important it is for much of this to be made public by a goverment-appointed body, in terms of clearly laying the issue of the responsibility not only with the abusers themselves, but also the institutions which failed to protect these survivors from them when children. There is absolutely no reason for any such survivors to 'blame themselves', as unfortunately the earlier processes of obfuscation, cover-up and denial on the part of the institutions have encouraged.
I believe various individuals deeply implicated in this ought to make some statement of their own, at the very least to acknowledge the severity of what has happened – in particular John Vallins, Peter Hullah and Clare Moreland, all former head teachers at Chetham's, and Peter Crook and Graham Smallbone from Purcell. As was recounted in a piece for the LRB Blog by Laura Newey written soon after the IICSA hearings, one attendant there was incensed by Vallins' testimony, claiming not to know about the abuse going on at the hands of Chris Ling, and shouted from the gallery at him (this was edited out from the video); in my own testimony I also made reference to various indviduals who had come to me with evidence that they had indeed told Vallins. If it may be the case that sexual abuse of the type perpetuated by Brewer, Ling, Gazelle and others is less likely today than it was in earlier decades, that is some consolation, but as Newey wrote, it is a 'low bar'; there remain various types of other physical or emotional abuse and bullying which are often part of the culture of music education, and these are equally important to address.
I would have liked to have seen more consideration in the IICSA report of the wider culture at the schools (as well as the institutional structures). This is touched upon but not pursued in any depth, though may be somewhat daunting for non-musicians to consider. Undoubtedly this is an area which warrants much further study and research, some of which I will be undertaking myself.
Overwhelmingly the report identifies a prioritisation of the reputation of schools over the welfare of pupils, and does allude to the power and influence of revered music teachers, a theme about which I have also written on multiple occasions previously. The relatively unregulated form of patronage which exists in the wider musical world militates against those who have experienced abuse, assault, harassment or other discriminatory treatment from coming forward, and some wider regulatory measures to protect such individuals are needed, even if this means a less 'hands-off' approach to arts funding than has hitherto been the case.
As I mentioned in my previous post, despite clear evidence and knowledge of the activities of Philip Pickett, it took a long time before individuals finally felt able to go forward. How many are intimidated into staying silent so as not to 'rock the boat'? How many fear that all they have worked for as a musician stands to be taken from them if they register a complaint, and may risk opprobrium from other musicians (as has been the case for some of those courageous ones who have come forward since the Brewer trial)? But people knew, some of these activities were relatively 'common knowledge' in sections of the music world. How many choose just to look the other way and ignore these in their own self-interests, leaving the victims even more isolated? Similarly, how many see individuals being mistreated in various environments, educational, workplace or even social, and think the simplest option for them is simply to tacitly go along with this, so as to stay with the 'in group'? These types of bullying behaviour and complicity with the same may start at school but by no means necessarily end there. And all the evidence of intimidation and marginalisation of abuse survivors points to the same processes and behaviours being commonplace, and exploited maliciously. Principled whistleblowers like Margaret Moore are very much the exception rather than the rule. The whole music world needs to look at itself, and stop pretending that being involved in such an elevated field of practice somehow makes such concerns secondary.
I would also draw people's attention to the recommendations submitted to the inquiry by lawyers Slater & Gordon, who represented a range of survivors. When IICSA produces its final report, then it will be time to reflect more widely on these.
The IICSA Hearings into Specialist Music Schools: Videos, Transcripts, DocumentsPosted: October 5, 2019 | Author: Ian Pace | Filed under: Abuse, Chetham's, Music - General, Musical Education, Specialist Music Schools, Yehudi Menuhin School | Tags: Alastair Tighe, chetham's, Chetham's School of Music, child abuse, chris ling, claire moreland, Dale Wilkins, Elizabeth COley, Fiona Scolding, Graham Smallbone, Helen Bennett, Helen Humphreys, IICSA, Joanne Field, john vallins, Kate Richards, Margaret Moore, michael brewer, Paul Bambrough, peter crook, peter hullah, purcell school, richard hillier, richard scorer, Specialist Music Schools, wells cathedral school, Yasemin Wigglesworth, yehudi menuhin school, Zoe Nield | 5 Comments
TRIGGER WARNING: This blog contains links to disturbing material relating to the sexual abuse of children.
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) held their hearings into specialist music schools this past week (30 November – 4 October 2019). As one who gave evidence to this inquiry (on 1 October) I do not wish to post any comments on this until after the reports have been produced (which will not be until 2020). However, I would like to post links to all the appropriate videos, transcripts and other documents which are now public.
The first day saw, amongst other things, important opening statements from Counsel to the Inquiry Fiona Scolding QC, and lawyer Richard Scorer, representing various former students at Chetham's and myself. The following is the video (with this as with all videos, one may need to scroll forward through some blank screen).
The transcript of Day One can be read and downloaded in two parts, here and here.
Day Two saw the testimonies of A1 and A2, former students of Chris Ling at Chetham's, then that of former Head Teacher (1974-1992) John Vallins, then my own testimony (at around 4h in), then more from Vallins, and that from his successor (1992-99), Peter Hullah.
The transcript from Day Two can be read here.
Day Three saw evidence from another Chetham's head (1999-2016), Clare Moreland, then from Independent Educational Consultant Elizabeth Coley and Chief Inspector of ISI, Kate Richards, followed by Specialist advisor for residential care, OFSTED, Helen Humphreys. The afternoon saw Helen Bennett, former DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) at Wells Cathedral School, and Alastair Tighe, Head Teacher at the school.
The transcript from Day Three is here.
Day Four saw evidence from Richard Hillier, former Head Teacher at the Yehudi Menuhin School, and Joanne Field, the current DSL at the school. In the afternoon, there was evidence from Peter Crook, former Principal of the Purcell School, and Graham Smallbone, former Chair of Governors for the school.
The transcript from Day Four is here.
Day Five saw evidence from former Purcell School teacher and whistleblower Margaret Moore, and current principal Paul Bambrough. The afternoon saw evidence from Yasemin Wigglesworth, Executive Officer of AEGIS, and Dale Wilkins, Head of Safeguarding for the Boarding Schools Association.
The transcript from Day Five is here.
Day Nine also saw mention of Chetham's in the context of questions about DBS checks claimed not have been undertaken upon one teacher in 2008 until three months after she began teaching. Here is the video of this day.
The transcript from Day Nine is here.
And the afternoon session of Day Ten saw the closing statement by Kim Harrison of Slater and Gordon, relating to Chetham's, and also a statement from Chetham's lawyer. This begins at around 4h 32m 50′ here:
The transcript from Day Ten is here. More on this day's statements can be foud in the Guardian article by Nazia Parveen linked to below.
The inquiry has also published some sections from the numerous written statements and documents submitted to the inquiry. These can be accessed here . I am hoping that a full set of complete documents will be published on the website in due course.
This series of hearings, and those for next week (7-11 October 2019, looking at different schools, though with concluding statements on Friday 11 October which will refer back to this week's hearings), constitute Phase One of the Investigation into Residential Schools. Phase Two will take place during 11-22 May 2020. The inquiry is urging all survivors and victims of child sexual abuse to share their experiences, and a link is given on this page.
Presently I will also add links to the bottom of this page of media and online reports of the hearings.
Chetham's issued the following statement just preceding (27 September 2019) the week of the hearings:
Statement regarding the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA)
27 September 2019
Chetham's School of Music is giving its full co-operation into the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
It is a matter of deep and profound regret to Chetham's that former teachers at our School betrayed and manipulated the trust that had been placed in them in order to harm children for which we are truly sorry.
Chetham's Principal Alun Jones ensured Chetham's applied for Core Participant status so it could participate as fully as possible in the Inquiry. He has made it clear that the School will help the Inquiry as much as it possibly can.
Chetham's will be one of four residential music schools providing evidence to the Inquiry due to the police investigations and convictions of child sexual abuse relating to the School. These include the conviction of its former Director of Music in 2013 and the high profile police investigation into child sexual abuse by a former violin teacher.
The School overhauled its building and safeguarding practices and procedures. Chetham's is sorry it did not do more to provide emotional support to the victims and survivors of abuse and their families.
Mr Jones said: "I inherited a school with a troubled past, but which thankfully was in exceptional health when I arrived. In terms of the School building and safeguarding procedures we've made huge improvements and continue to keep them under review.
"I welcome this Inquiry. Victims and survivors of child sexual abuse need to know that they are being listened to and that changes happen as a result of what they say. As Principal of Chetham's I have a duty of care to our current and future students to make sure we also do everything possible to learn from victims and survivors' experiences."
Further enquiries: Alun Jones, Principal
Via Lesley Haslam, PA: email@example.com, 0161 838 7214
Following the hearings on 1 October, the Principal, Alun Jones then issued the following:
Comment from Chetham's Principal Alun Jones after attending Day Two of the Residential Schools Hearing of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (IICSA)
01 October 2019
"What I have heard today has been shocking and distressing and it is clear that serious errors of judgement were made at our School.
"My task as the current Principal of Chetham's is to make sure we learn all possible lessons from what we heard today.
"I am deeply and truly sorry that teachers at our School abused their position of trust to hurt young people. Current parents and students would not recognise what was said at the Inquiry today as the School they know – but this is of no consolation to victims and survivors.
"As the head of a school you have responsibility for what happens under your leadership. No amount of musical ability comes before the wellbeing of my students. I regularly speak to students about the importance of speaking up and out if they believe something is wrong. Parents, staff and students know Chetham's is a telling school where everyone looks out for each other. This was clearly not the case at the School in the past – as we heard today. Students should have been supported and listened to and their concerns acted upon.
"I am deeply sorry the School did not do more to provide emotional support to the victims and survivors of abuse and their families. I would welcome any victims and survivors of abuse at Chetham's getting in touch with me if they feel it can help to rectify some of the appalling mistakes of the past."
Please follow this link for the preceding IICSA statement, published by Chetham's on 27.09.19
Further enquiries: Alun Jones, Principal
Via Lesley Haslam, PA: firstname.lastname@example.com, 0161 838 7214
I have assembled a range of testimonies from former Chetham's students who have watched and read about the hearings, often with incredulity. I will continue to add to this as others send their own reflections.
The following articles relating to the hearings have been published during the course of this week:
Helen Pidd, 'CPS could and should have extradited paedophile music teacher', The Guardian, 30 September 2019.
'Inquiry into child sex abuse at local schools has first day – as it happened', Somerset Live, 30 September 2019.
Elise Britten, 'Wells Cathedral School offers "full apology" to sex abuse victims', Somerset Live, 30 September 2019.
Judith Burns, 'Music school pupil abused by violin teacher at 15', BBC News, 1 October 2019.
Nigel Barlow, 'Witnesses tell of sexual abuse by Chetham's Violin teacher', About Manchester, 2 October 2019.
'Chetham's principal apologises for historic sexual abuse', BBC News, 2 October 2019.
Damon Wilkinson and Pat Hurst, 'Chetham's principal apologises for "appalling mistakes of the past" after inquiry hears details of teachers' sexual abuse of pupils', Manchester Evening News, 2 October 2019.
Hattie Williams, 'Hallmarks of grooming "overlooked" by staff at Wells Cathedral School', Church Times, 3 October 2019 (this article also includes significant material relating to Chetham's).
'Inquiry hears Wells paedophile teacher had 'duped staff', BBC News, 3 October 2019.
Nazia Parveen, 'Former Chetham's headteachers accused of ignoring abuse', The Guardian, 11 October 2019.
There have also been several short pieces by Norman Lebrecht for the Slipped Disc blog:
'Distressing Evidence at Sex-Abuse Inquiry into English Music Schools', 2 October 2019.
'Chetham's regrets past abuse, Wells says 'We couldn't see', 3 October 2019.
'Menuhin and Purcell Schools under scrutiny in child sex inquiry', 4 October 2019.
'A guide to the child abuse inquiry at English music schools', 6 October 2019.
'Chetham students add horror to sex abuse hearings', 10 October 2019.
'More testimonies of hell at English music school', 11 October 2019.
At some point in the future, I will try and collate all links to articles about Chetham's since the Michael Brewer trial in 2013 in one blog post. In the meantime, many links can be found in the following earlier articles:
Reported Cases of Abuse in Musical Education, 1990-2012, and Issues for a Public Inquiry (30 December 2013) (this post is in need of some updating to mention other cases during the period in question).
New stories and convictions of abuse in musical education, and the film of the Institute of Ideas debate (11 January 2014) (also in need of updating)
The Trial of Michael and Kay Brewer and the Death of Frances Andrade, and the Aftermath, 2013 (12 August 2014)
Petition for an inquiry into sexual and psychological abuse at Chetham's School of Music and other specialist institutions (original version – each version has a different long list of comments) (16 February 2013).
Petition for an Inquiry into Sexual and other Abuse at Specialist Music Schools – The List of Signatories (19 February 2013).
Re-opened until May 31st, 2013 – Petition for an Inquiry into Abuse in Specialist Music Education (9 May 2013) (the final version).
A further call to write to MPs to support an inquiry into abuse in musical education (26 November 2013).
In the Aftermath of the Brewer Sentencing – A Few Short Thoughts and Pieces of Information (27 March 2013).
Michael Brewer – a powerful Director of Music, not just a provincial choirmaster or music teacher (28 March 2013).
Reports from the Malcolm Layfield Trial (2 June 2015).
Chris Ling's Views on Sexing Up Classical Music (11 February 2013).
Robert Waddington, Former Dean of Manchester Cathedral, and Chetham's School of Music (12 May 2013).
The 1980 Department of Education and Science Report into Chetham's School of Music, National Archives ED 172/598/2 (20 September 2015).
Publication of Reports into Chetham's by ISI and MCC – Senior Management and Governors should consider their position (3 April 2013).
New Surrey Safeguarding Report on suicide of Frances Andrade draws attention to dangers of music education (10 April 2014).
Alun Jones to be new Head of Chetham's – and a list of SMS Heads and Music Directors (13 December 2015).
Marcel Gazelle and the Culture of the Early Yehudi Menuhin School (7 May 2013).
Craig Edward Johnson, the Yehudi Menuhin School, Adrian Stark, and wider networks? (8 April 2014).
Philip Pickett arrested on 15 charges, and interview with Clare Moreland in The Times (14 February 2014).
Abuse minimisation as an example of the writing of history as kitsch (14 July 2013).
New article in Times Educational Supplement on abuse in musical education – and public debate on October 19th, Barbican Centre (3 October 2013).
A message from another victim of abuse at a UK music school, calling for others to come forward (25 November 2013)
Some other earlier articles I published may also be of interest:
'The culture of music education lends itself to abuse', Times Educational Supplement, 8 May 2013.
'Does elite music teaching leave pupils open to abuse?', The Telegraph, 20 February 2015.
'Music teacher sentenced to 11 years in prison as abuse film Whiplash prepares for Oscars', The Conversation, 20 February 2015.
'Safeguarding', Music Teacher, April 2015.


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This week we read Parshas Terumah. It tells of Hashem's specific commands to Israel to build the Mishkan – Tabernacle; this was the "portable" Temple with which the Jews traveled for the forty years during which they wandered in the wilderness.
Hashem commanded Moshe to build the Mishkan from materials which the nation donated in the desert. Hashem told Moshe to[1] "speak to the Jewish Nation, and have them take for Me an offering…" Rashi cites the words "and has them take for Me" and explains as follows. "for me, (in other words) dedicated to My name."
There is a well-known question which many commentaries ask regarding this verse. Why were the Jews told to "take an offering for Me?" It would seem to have been more appropriate to command them to "give Me an offering!" They were not taking the donations for Hashem's sake; they were giving them!
We can answer this question and understand our verse together with Rashi's comments on a deeper level. We are all aware that we must give Tzedokoh for Hashem's sake, i.e., for the Mitzvah. However, it seems counter-intuitive for one to take, to receive a donation for Hashem's purpose. After all, he accepts the gift to feed himself and his family. The Torah is telling us here that we must also receive Tzedokoh for the sake of the Mitzvah.
It is written in holy books[2] the reason that Hashem created the world in a manner that the poor must receive from the wealthy is so that Tzedokoh and kindness should exist in the world.
That is why one who is impoverished must receive money from he who is wealthy. We must do this for Hashem's sake. Only in this manner is it assured that we fulfill G-d's purpose in creating the world will be carried out; there will be goodness and kindness in the world. One is fulfilling of Creation by "taking" an offering.
May we all share what we have with those around us. Then we can be sure that the redemption will come in the merit of Tzedokoh.
I wish one and all a good Shabbos!
Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn
Adapted from Likkutei Sichos Volume 3, Beginning with Page 908
the Lubavitcher Rebbe
* * *
מוקדש לזכות
כ"ק אדמו"ר נשיא דורנו מליובאוויטש
[1]. Our Parshah, Shemos 25:2.
[2]. See Sefer Hamaamorim 5628 (1868) the discourse beginning with the words "Tiku." See also Shemos Rabbah Chapter 31, 5, and the Midrash Tanchumah, ibid.

subset: commoncrawl


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Walker sat up with Nadroj and Neque near their bon fire, as his other son's were sleeping peacefully in their sleeping bags. Demi and Mayte cuddled together near Isaac as Haelz slept near Zac still feeling very concerned over the young one.
"Que? Why did you allow Taylor to become friends with that creature?" Walker asked watching Neque glow golden as she looked deeply into his eyes.
"That creature is very rare my Walker. I am glad that Taylor found him. He will protect him against so many dangers that lurk in this barren land. Also he needs something to feel and touch to love him. He is so lonely and scared out there." Neque crooned cocking her head as Walker nodded slightly and smiled.
"It does seem to like my son and I haven't seen him so happy in days." Walker said noticing Nadroj was smiling.
"He is sleeping on the Noil's belly. He looks so content my Walker." Nadroj smiled wishing he could touch Taylor gently and stroke his head.
"Very few have bonded with a Noil on this world, but when it is established the beasts will defend their masters to the death. Noils grow very rapidly. They have to...to survive. By the time Taylor reaches us he will probably be almost full grown." Neque added feeling a sense of gladness that Taylor would be protected out there.
"What will it do if the Faction comes near Taylor again?" Walker asked looking very serious.
"It will do as Taylor wants it to do. It will defend him. But I fear the beast could not stand up to them with their powers." Nadroj exclaimed looking at Walker.
"Well we should get some rest now. Zac is now able to travel and I want to start out early." Neque stated as Walker nodded.
Yven stared at the ground feeling angry, as him and his mates settled down for the night near a canyon. Retah sat close to Suolaej looking just as frustrated as he was.
"I don't understand how the young one could have escaped us! He was to close." Suolaej angrily yelled hitting the ground with his fist as the dust flew up from the impact.
"How is he doing it? I mean we can never sense him. He is using some power so we can't detect him." Retah growled rubbing at her forehead.
"I still say he was in that cave! I could hear him breathing in there. I know it was him!" Yven bellowed looking at Suolaej who turned into a shade of black.
"Don't start that again! He was NOT there!" Suolaej screamed disliking the fact that maybe by chance he was right.
"YES HE WAS! I say we should go back there when it is daylight and check it out again." Yven defended himself looking at Suolaej boldly.
"Don't ever tell me what to do?!" Suolaej stood up filled with anger.
"Who made you the boss? You are not my leader Suolaej!" Yven yelled standing up to face him hating the idea that Suolaej always thought that he could order them around.
"Would you two STOP IT!? You are both just angry because that human out smarted us again! But mark my words...we will find him!" Retah shouted as they both looked toward her glowing in shades of gray.
"Yes... yes your right my Retah. We must calm down here. I will not let this human pit us against each other!" Yven declared closing his right hand into a fist.
"I agree! That creature is evil and probably wants us to fight amongst ourselves! We should never underestimate his powers anymore." Suolaej stated as he sat back down staring off into the distance thinking of the human.
"I think we should check out that cave." Retah claimed looking up at Suolaej sternly looking deeply into his eyes.
"Okay! Maybe Yven was right. I'm sorry my friend for doubting you." Suolaej apologized feeling smug thinking he was superior for giving in.
"Let's rest now and then we will capture that human again and punish him for defying us!" Yven exclaimed turning into a golden shade imagining the torture he would put the evil human through, loving the thought of him in pain.
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The Emmy award winning CBS investigative reporter who has been the mainstream media's lone voice to tenaciously dig into the events centered on Benghazi, said in a Tuesday radio interview that both her personal and business phones and computers have been compromised.
Last week we learned that the Justice Department had seized two months of Associated Press reporters' phone records. On Sunday, The Washington Post reported that the Justice Department had seized Fox News Washington reporter James Rosen's personal emails. On Monday, Fox News disclosed that additional Fox employees' records had been compromised.
Given this background, when Sharyl Attkisson appeared this morning on the Chris Stigall radio show on Philadelphia's WPHT, the program's host began by asking the inevitable question: "Do you know if your phone was tapped or your emails watched or seized while you were having conversations with unnamed sources at the White House on Benghazi, Sharyl?"
That's when Attkisson dropped the bombshell.
"Well, um, I'm not ready to fully speak publicly about things that have affected me, because I'm trying to be methodical and careful about what I say," she said.
"But there has been an issue in my house and there has been an issue with my computers — It's gone on for quite a long time — that we're looking into."
While she admitted there could be a correlation between DOJ's seizure of Rosen's records and what she's going through, she wasn't ready to say so with certainty. However, she does admit that the White House has had her in its crosshairs for some time.
"They've had many reasons to be angry," Attkisson joked.
She told talk radio host Laura Ingraham as far back as late 2011 when reporting on Fast and Furious that the White House "will tell you that I'm the only reporter — as they told me — that is not reasonable."
Following her interview with Chris Stigall, she gave a separate interview with Politico on the question of the possible seizure of her records.
"I can confirm that an intrusion of my computers has been under some investigation on my end for some months but I'm not prepared to make an allegation against a specific entity today as I've been patient and methodical about this matter," Attkisson said. "I need to check with my attorney and CBS to get their recommendations on info we make public."
Attkisson considered the DOJ's actions against AP and Fox News "unconstitutional, illegal, if it's true."
H/T Politico
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What promotions are you running for the Basso brand?
We have a huge reduction on 2008 stock. In addition, all Basso bikes and framesets will be delivered on a 24-hour free of charge carriage service. Other promos include discounts on three or more bikes or framesets.
Can you tell us about your marketing strategy for 2009?
It is one of the most important aspects in making Basso as recognisable and successful on the UK road scene as possible. It will take time, but within the next five years we'd like to substantially increase our market share to be a leading brand in the UK road-racing sphere.
We have full-page ads in some of the largest publications and have reviews coming up on the
Astra and Laguna models. We've got a big ad campaign during the Giro D'Italia too and hopefully
Lance Armstrong's presence will indirectly generate interest to Italy and real Italian products.
There's a new professional continental team riding Basso this year –Team Bourgas – previously Mitsubishi-Jartazi, which Frank Vandenbroucke and Alan Davis have ridden for.
On the UK scene we plan to develop a team for 2010 and 2009, and newly appointed GB Olympic development coach Robin Sharman – former Premier Calendar winner and GB squad rider – will ride for Basso.
Will you be at any shows with the brand this year?
We'll attend the new cycle show at Donington Park and have recently held product seminars where we received exceptional feedback on Basso. The new Astra model in particular has created the most interest and we were astonished by the amount of shop owners buying the frame for themselves – that's the best marketing we could ask for!
Why should a stockist consider stocking Basso when looking for a high-end road brand?
Basso has over 30 years of experience and is one of the only brands to manufacture frames in Europe by trained artisans in Italian frame production and design in their Vicenzan factory.
Basso has world and national titles to its credit and produces one of the lightest, stiffest and most responsive frames available at an affordable price. Consumer feedback has been fantastic, with nothing but praise for the finish and performance of the entire Basso frameset range.
As a distributor, we have carried out extensive market and product research and we can confidently say that we offer equal or better margins than most of our competitors.
To what extent will price increases affect the brand?
All segments of the market have undoubtedly been affected by price increases, caused by currency and raw material costs. It's simply a case of reducing costs to the best of our ability to ensure the change is minimal until this dark patch has cleared.
Can you tell us a little bit about the Basso Astra?
The Basso Astra is the new baby for 2009 with seven colour options. It's one of the sexiest bikes available and has proven race-winning performance. It's only 870g for the frame and it's capable of reacting to the wattage of any professional with an oversized bottom bracket shell, seat stays, head tube and 1 –1/5: 1 – 1/8 headset improving power outputs and reducing stress. Another unique feature to the Astra is its four-leaf clover shaped tubing, providing a stronger frame and improving handling on descents.
… And the rest of the range?
The quality of entry-level Basso Devil road frame is more than adequate as a light race bike. It has custom-designed, triple- butted aluminium tubing and Basso exclusively designed integrated headset and carbon fibre forks.
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Basso's Biggs
The man heading up the brand at Moore Large is Adam Biggs. The name may be familiar, as not only did Biggs appear in BikeBiz's 'Industry Rising Stars' last month, but Biggs has also enjoyed a stint as a semi-professional cyclist, which is handy given that he's talking about high-end bike brands to dealers all day long. One of ML's newest brand representatives, you can contact Biggs on 01332 274280, or on email at email@example.com.


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Photo: The Republic of San Marino in the distance from the first climb
My first audax since the 1001Miglia in August when I wrote about the dilemma of leaving a group that contained the ARI National Captain, Pino Leone. This time Pino left the group, but in very different circumstances.
The Randonnée Nove Valli 200km (Nine Valleys Audax) took place a week after the Nove Colli Granfondo (Nine Hills Sportive). It may be called the Nine Valleys but you have to climb the same Nine Hills over the same distance as the sportive to get to the valleys, that's the joke. The sportive attracts thousands of riders. For the audax I was one of fifteen. Having done both I much prefer the audax version.
Whichever one you do the climbing is no joke. Nearly 4,000m. I had this screenshot on my phone with a note of the height above sea level (s.l.m. in Italian) of the nine peaks, just so I could prepare mentally for each climb.
Our grupetto comprised of Claudio, Gabriele, Pino and me. I soon learnt that they were all stronger climbers than me, but not by enough to be embarrassing. I seemed to descend a little quicker so I started a routine of overtaking them on the descent to get a head start on the climb knowing full well they would all over take me as we pointed upwards.
The scenery was stunning, though when my bike was pointing up I did spend quite a lot of time looking down. This was to take the strain off my neck muscles. Since the 1001Miglia they start to get sore after about 50km. I'm concerned I might be getting Shermer's Neck, but hoping it's just a hangover from 1,603km in the saddle over 5 days.
A couple of times Pino experienced a problem with his rear derailleur. He had to stop to sort it out.
It didn't seem serious until it was. We'd just climbed Monte Tiffi, the smallest of the nine climbs, when just ahead of me I could see Pino struggling to stay upright and the smell of burning rubber hit my nostrils. I'm guessing a derailleur spring failed jamming the rear wheel, ripping off the Di2 changer and destroying four spokes. Pino's audax was over.
We discussed how lucky he was it hadn't failed on the previous descent when we were doing 50 kph. Pino had no choice but to leave the group, although I guess we left him. The only control of the audax was at the summit of the next climb, Barbotta. We agreed to head off whilst Pino called the organisers to see if they could rescue him. The Controller confirmed the good news that Pino would be rescued. Bravo to the organisers.
The rest of the ride was incident free but hard work. The penultimate climb Pieve di Rivoschio was particularly tough. After over 3,000 metres of climbing the sight of a road sign with 18% written on it had "FFS" ringing around my head.
Local lad Gabriele decided to head home about 12km from the finish so only Claudio and I made it to the end with about 2 hours to spare. Ups and downs for us all but a real downer for Pino.


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Proverbs 18:10. The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe (or set on high).
And another glorious Sunday is upon us my fellow believers! That means it's time once more for praise and worship as one group of faithful saints, be we physically gathered in the Lord's sanctuary or by technological means, for there is no distance in prayer and worship. So let's begin, as we always do, with a song of thanks and praise.
And today's song is another most aptly titled group of exceedingly praiseful words, 'How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds.' Wow! And does the name of Jesus ever sound sweet to believers? It certainly does! For there's no sweeter nor more important name than His in all the wide world! And what is particularly amazing about this song is that it was written by none other than John Newton, the same man who wrote one of our most favourite hymns, 'Amazing Grace.'
Can you imagine that a former slave trader and unbeliever, although he grew up in a Christian home, could write two of Christendom's most LOVED hymns? Yes, because with God ALL things are possible, and He usually looks for those at the bottom of the heap to raise up so that His great name can be glorified. He takes pleasure in using the weak to confound the strong, and the foolish to confound the wise. Thus, with the Lord's miraculous intervention, John Newton turned from the slave trade and became a sincere abolitionist and eventually a minster.
Only But God, you say! Yes, only but for God! Anyway, nuff talking, let's sing, let's offer up our weekly sacrifices of praise in a sweet, harmonious, mid-tempo version of the song, obviously in sincere, heart-felt voices. (smile) Singing: 'How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer's ear! It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds, and drives away our fear. It makes the wounded spirit whole and calms the troubled breast; 'tis manna to the hungry soul, and to the weary, rest.
Dear name! the rock on which I build, My shield and hiding place, My never-failing treasury, filled, With boundless stores of grace. O Jesus, shepherd, guardian, friend, my Prophet, Priest, and King, my Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, accept the praise I bring. How weak the effort of my heart, how cold my warmest thought; but when I see you as you are, I'll praise you as I ought.
Till then I would your LOVE proclaim with every fleeting breath; and may the music of your name refresh my soul in death…And triumph in that blessed name, which quells the power of death…And triumph in the that blessed name, which quells the power of death…'
Oh friends, as always, that was marvellous! There was absolutely no doubt in heaven about our sincerity and awesome LOVE for Jesus! And these simple, but oh so precious words of Cousin Sol in Proverbs 18:10 prove why our LOVE for Jesus is so strong. He declares (yesss!!!): 'The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe (or set on high).'
Yes my brethren, it is an indisputable fact that the righteous find protection in the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! Just look at how Newton describes all the things that the name of Jesus does for a believer when He hears it spoken nuh. 'It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds, and drives away our fear. It makes the wounded spirit whole and calms the troubled breast; 'tis manna to the hungry soul, and to the weary, rest.'
Wow! Is there any other name in the universe that can produce such an avalanche of good and safe feelings? Obviously not! Remember what Jesus said in His Great Invitation: 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek and lowly in heart (gentle and humble): and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.' (Matt. 11:28-30)
Now can anyone else seriously and sincerely make that marvellous offer! Of course not! That's why Jesus' name sounds so sweet in our ears! And listen up again, as He tells it like it is: 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.' (John 14:6) So why shouldn't we LOVE to hear the name of Jesus eh, when He's the BE ALL and END ALL of everything?
And these words of Bruh Paul to the church at Philippi, explains why Jesus is so revered. He writes: 'Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.
And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every other name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of (those) things in heaven, and (those) things in earth, and (those) things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.' (Phil. 2:5-11)
That says it all friends. Jesus became man for our sakes and was humble and obedient to the wishes of the Father, even to His death on the cross. No wonder the Father glorified Him with the name above every other name and insists that every knee should bow to him and call him Lord! And by the way, John tells us of the mighty name given to Jesus in the Book of Revelation, when He finally comes out to wage war against His enemies, riding on His white charger. John says: 'And he hath on his vesture (robe) and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.' (Rev. 19:16)
And if you want to spend eternity in heaven with Jesus, you'd better believe that and be humble and obedient to His dictates, as best you can. (smile) Ah mih people, as I keep reminding us, there are only two options, two ways to live this earthly life; the way Satan desires, or the way Jesus desires. And believe me the smart money is on Jesus, because he has already defeated Satan by dying, going to hell and back, and thus taking away Satan's keys, his hold over death, hell and the grave.
That means the devil is now a toothless lion, and has no power over us, except what we give him. And in the long run, Satan and all his evil minions will be cast into the lake of fire and destroyed. Is that the way you want to end your life? I certainly hope not! Then the only logical conclusion is for you to follow Jesus and spend everlasting life with Him, the Father and the Holy Spirit in eternal bliss in heaven. Much LOVE!
…only heaven will be left standing…after Jesus wages the last war…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8


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Crisis Management
Don't Let "403 Forbidden Error" Be the Last Words Seen on Your Website
Have you ever typed in a favorite website to see an "Error 404" message? How about the famous "403 Forbidden Error" message? This messaging may be temporary, and you might want to check back later. After "later" has come and gone, what happens next? If you think this will never happen to you, or you…Read More
Why a PR Plan Should be Part of your Business Plan
In August, I gave a talk for the eWomenNetwork Accelerated Network Luncheon. I spoke about a few things that stood out in a survey taken with the group here in Seattle, Washington. The last topic addressed was on how to budget for working with a public relations professional (which will be addressed in a following…Read More
What You Can Do Right Now to Start Developing a Crisis Mindset for Your Comprehensive Emergency Plan
In my previous post I stated that I would take you through my own process of creating a crisis management plan for Firetalker PR. This post will get you started based on what I have done so far. According to Emergency Public Relations, Crisis Management in a 3.0 World, by Alan B. Bernstein and Cindy Rakowitz, …Read More
Do you have a crisis plan in place for your business in case you end up in the ER?
In May of this year I became very ill and ended up having emergency surgery. For months prior to that, I had several other health issues that were annoying to me, and to everyone, including my clients. All of it related to a compromised immune system (I never knew, until I ended up in the…Read More


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As we sometimes get wrapped up in the same tasks over and over, we sometimes need a break. A time to reflect and see the importance or lack of importance in a repeated task.
I think my posts are good, but they do not out weight the importance of my Lord and savior.
When a task gets in the way of your relationship with God… take a break. If you pick it back up and there is still a void in your relationship, then it might be time to let it go for good.


text: Located near the Yazd-Esfahan Road and at the distance of 40 km. in the northwest of Ardakan, this village has the following historical edifices, Haj Abolqasem Rashti caravansary built in 1269 AH. with the structure resembling the Shah Abbasi Caravansary, Khajeh Nasir stockade built to protect the village dwellings. Saam Castle, Hamam-e-Noe built in 1055 AH., Hulakoo two-storey Mosque built in 1123 AH., Shams Mosque built in 1090 AH.and the Jame' Mosque built in 8th century AH.


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If I were to start all over having kids, I might name each one "Siri" so they would answer me when I called. I'm just being silly here, but it does cause me to ponder the perils of being alone.
I am thinking about the African Savannah, teeming with all kinds of safari life. There in the tall grass is a hungry lion scanning the menu. He spots a herd of wildebeests and fixates on the one that lags behind.
Why is the mangy beest alone? Could it be that he is tired, or maybe injured or sick, or maybe he had an issue with another wooly wildebeest. Or maybe he was concerned about catching hoof and mouth disease from the unmasked. Any of the above would make him the perfect prey.
The cunning lion is not going to attack a beast amid the herd. Too much risk of failure or fatality. He wants the loner – the one without the others to come to his defense. Easy pickings.
So, the lion lunges, lacerates, and then licks his lips over his tasty meal.
I am guessing, this is why the apostle Peter used the lion as an illustration. He wrote in 1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour." NET Bible ®
Peter tells us that we are the prey, and the devil is the apex predator. Despite a world jam-packed with people, the devil is a picky eater. He prowls about looking for a certain someone to devour.
Who? Like the lion, he often seeks the one who is separated from the herd. This person isn't meeting with and being with other Christians in a local church.
Why might that be? Like the wildebeest, maybe the person is tired – worn out by their last church – taking a respite. Maybe they have been emotionally injured, disillusioned with the pastor or board, leaving a limp in their spirit; or maybe this person is in conflict with another beastly church member.
Separated from the herd – vulnerable – the perfect prey for the devil. He exploits that advantage. He lunges and lacerates so that spiritually tender hearts are hardened, temptation goes unchecked and ethics are compromised. This is what happens to the spiritual nomad.
The result: The bond between God and the believer is strained and icy – giving way to a meaningless faith, self-destructive behavior, broken marriages, and fractured families.
And the devil licks his lips over his tasty meal.
Oh, if that person had been with the herd, someone would have surely sensed the danger early on. They could have intervened and closed the ranks.
The herd could have massed together and overwhelmed the devil with their prayers. If one was injured, they could have surrounded him and protected him in his weakness.
We need each other. We need to be with each other, whether we got the shot or not – whether our body has antibodies or not. We need to gather with the collection of imperfect people called the local church – cause it's the perfect place for us.
I have been part of a small church. The community there was rich. People cared and looked out for each other. They prayed for each other when the times were good and especially when they were tough.
They provided meals when folks were sick, or babies were born. They celebrated the anniversaries and birthdays. They did a great job of living with and loving on each other. They stood strong because they stood together.
I have also been part of a large church and found the very same kind of supportive community in a healthy Sunday School class or a Lifegroup.
My friend, why don't you return to the herd if you are currently away from your church. Find one if you don't have a church home. It's the smart thing to do.
A PRAYER: Lord I am setting my phone to remind me on Sunday morning to get up and get to church. Please help me to follow through!
This has been Jim Johnson and pickleheavenpress.com
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.


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If you're still pondering whether to hire an architect in Lahore, just give it a thought. You're not the only one who's been in that position. Many of your friends have also asked that same question many times. However, all that changed when my friend's son moved to Pakistan from the US two years back and told his parents that he was going to get an architectural degree from an institute in Lahore, without any professional accreditation. As a parent, I was really confused as to what to do next. My heart was telling me to trust him but I also had my doubts.
Hiring an Architect in Lahore has been difficult for a number of reasons. It's not that there isn't a huge demand for them in Pakistan. There are plenty of private commercial institutions, both big and small that need the expertise of highly qualified architects in order to make their projects a success. However, most of them don't have the resources to hire professionals on such a short notice. Secondly, the quality of work done by the architects in Lahore is very good and they have received commendations for their hard work from various quarters. Thirdly, the fees charged by professional architects in Pakistan is much lower than those charged by the architects in Pakistan and Lahore.
In fact, we were quite excited when we received a call from our client asking us whether we could arrange an architect in Lahore for a meeting. Our answer was a resounding no. We explained to him that both the principal architect and the architect in charge of the construction should have a minimum of five years experience in the field. Furthermore, the architect in question should have a valid license from his principal institution. The principal architect was an expert in his field and had already developed a reputation in the city. His work involved high end residential projects and he had built multiple units in different parts of the city.
The second architect who visited us was a qualified chartered accountant who had lived and worked in Pakistan for the past fifteen years. He told us that the fees charged by the Pakistani professionals in the field were even lower than the fees charged by the individuals in India. When asked why there was no significant demand in Pakistan for these professionals, he said that the working conditions were not as good as in India and the legal formalities were much more stringent.
As we were leaving the premises of the clinic where the architect in Lahore was going to build his housing, a middle aged man in a wheelchair came running towards us and demanded that we take him to the chief executive office. As soon as we took him though, he went back to the wheelchair and started complaining about the heavy traffic and how he could not get down Pakistan Road because the pavement was full of asphalt. We explained to him that he could enter through the car port that was next to the gate. He was very happy and requested us to take him to his house on the top floor.
While walking from the clinic to our hotel, we met another set of Pakistani men who wanted to rent our car but had only an ordinary car insurance cover. One of them told us that his name was Hanif, and he lived in a rented flat on the third floor of a rented apartment block in Lahore's old neighbourhood. We asked him if he knew anyone who was an expert architect in Pakistan and he produced the name of a thirty five-year-old man called Mustafa. We asked him if he had ever heard of any famous architects in Pakistan and he produced a photograph of a man we had met previously who he said was a famous architect.
Mustafa is an award winning architect and is currently completing a PhD in Civil Engineering at University of Islamabad. I asked him what kind of projects he was currently working on. He replied that he was designing a hotel in the old neighborhood of Lahore where the old neighborhood of Islamabad's past reside. He explained to us that the project was being done by a famous architect called Maule Zia. We were surprised to find that there were many architects living in the old neighborhood of Lahore who were completing their Masters degrees and having ten to twenty years of experience between them. I wondered how this could be possible in Pakistan where there are so few residential houses constructed in built to order conditions.
Architect in Lahore has been a continuous presence for the last twenty-five years since it began. There has been a steady increase in the number of students choosing to complete their Architect of choice's degree at the university. This should give some comfort to those who are considering pursuing a career in Pakistan's civil engineering as it remains a vibrant industry. Only time will tell whether or not Pakistan's government will support the capital and growth of the industry further or push it into the shadow of past glories.
Read Blog: Construction of Houses in the Suburbs of Lahore
Architecture is an inevitable and at the same time invisible part of our life: every day we pass dozens of buildings and structures, but we do not pay attention to them, because they are nothing more than a natural element of the urban landscape. But there is nothing natural in them, and even more so – each structure conceals not only the thoughts, hopes and dreams of those who built them, but also the stories of those who live or work in them. has compiled for you a selection of accounts of architects who know how to see a spark of inspiration behind the film of everyday life – and tell about it.
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May 8, 2023
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