Greetings from North Wales
As F.A.C.T. members, we thought you might be interested to hear what happens in our part of the country and maybe at some time, you will share with us the news, views and events of your particular region or current domain. As many of you will know, we are fortunate to have magnificent mountains, a beautiful coastline and superb countryside within easy reach of most areas of North Wales. We have therefore been particularly saddened that the whole false accusation scandal began here, born out of the personal bitterness and jealousy of just one person and encouraged by the greed and deviousness of others. It spread to the rest of the country, encompassing so many Homes and Schools, affecting the lives of staff members, ex-staff members, all their families and even the children resident in those establishments, many of whom were enjoying the safety and security of a caring environment for the first time in their lives.
Being falsely accused, or seeing those with whom you had worked, falsely accused of dreadful crimes, has caused so much heartache and suffering. It soon became apparent that if you faced false accusations, having a good character, being honest and truthful and doing one’s best to assist the police with their enquiries, was no guarantee of justice. Indeed, in the investigation of allegations of historic abuse, there was no concept of justice as we had always known it. Telling the truth, or saying anything at all for that matter, was pointless as the police seemingly had their own agenda which demanded convictions at all costs.
We have been particularly heartened by the growing success of Richard Webster’s magnificent book, “The Secrets of Bryn Estyn”, and are pleased that Richard is receiving the acclaim he richly deserves. We continually learn of people unconnected with F.A.C.T. (at present!) who have read the book and have not only been impressed by it, but have come to realise that there is a very different side to the whole sorry story. We feel that this will go a long way to redressing the balance for the staff of Bryn Estyn who were the first to suffer and for all the other innocent people whose lives were ruined in the metaphorical tidal wave of lies, deceit, greed, injustice and malpractice that swept inexorably through the country, and is still doing harm to individuals and sullying the reputation of Britain and its Justice System.
It is incredible that such terrible experiences have only served to strengthen the bonds of friendship between colleagues. Not actually knowing all of those accused or imprisoned has been no bar to friendship and in fact, many a friendship, or pen-friendship has developed out of adversity. One of our members once told a prison officer who commented on the vast number of Christmas cards he had received, “That is because I have a lot of friends out there. I just haven’t met them all yet.” That is surely the way members of F.A.C.T. regard themselves – as “Friends who haven’t all met each other yet,” but friends who are daily in each other’s thoughts and our prayers until each one is free and all have their names cleared of the false accusations made against them.
Our F.A.C.T. meetings are held approximately every six weeks at Wrexham. Whilst this is local to most members it involves an hour’s travel each way for the deputy chairman and his wife, but far more for the chairman, who is also the national chairman, and lives in South Wales. We cover a range of topics at these meetings and keep up with what is happening nationally as well as locally. We share information so that we all know what has been happening to various members and friends. The meetings inevitably have a serious side. The whole reason for being a F.A.C.T. member is based in serious concerns, but there is a strong feeling of fellowship and support for those who need it at any time and lots of laughter to help lighten a heavy discussion. Everyone’s views and opinions are thoughtfully considered and final decisions are never made until all members are happy that the best and most appropriate decision has been reached.
We are very fortunate in having a secretary who not only works hard, but has the tenacity of a terrier when trying to contact someone whom he considers can be of assistance to F.A.C.T. He is prepared to continue to write to them long after most of us would have given up and he is usually successful in finally getting some response. He has, however, had one notable failure. The Chief Constable of Dyfed Powys Police Force consistently refuses to even open mail from F.A.C.T. let alone have any dealings with the organisation. This, despite other Chief Constables being at least sufficiently courteous to reply and some proving quite sympathetic. This does not deter our secretary, however, and he continues with his postal bombardment. It seems strange that as the ‘voice’ of ACPO on Abuse Terry Grange has nothing to say to us. Could it be a bad case of laryngitis? Meanwhile, we wait for the day when Mr. Grange, who is after all, a public servant gives in. None of us can accept that any other outcome is possible and we do expect better of a man in his position.
The wife of our secretary, (with a little help from her friends), always provides us with tea and biscuits which are greatly appreciated and go a long way toward making the meetings the pleasant occasions they are.
Our deputy chairman, who deals with affairs specific to North Wales, has a reputation for being somewhat outspoken! However, this doesn’t appear to be resented by other members. They sometimes find his attitude to be a source of entertainment, often exert a calming influence on him, and they recognise that he does get things done. There is not a directive that emanates from Government, Police or CPS that he does not read, constructively criticise and reply to within the shortest possible time!
We hold various fund raising events and would welcome suggestions for new ideas from other branches. Our annual Bridge Drive is always well attended, greatly enjoyed and increases the funds nicely. This is greatly appreciated by our treasurer whose wife is incidentally the chief organiser of the event, again with help from her friends. We hold a few coffee mornings each year, the next one planned for November. These too help to increase the funds, but equally importantly, provide opportunities to publicise F.A.C.T. and the work it does. It is said that the most regular visitors to these events are the books which are donated. They are bought, read and returned at the next coffee morning to be bought by someone else and so the cycle continues! The cakes, pies, pastries, handicrafts and bric-a-brac also sell well and fortunately, these are taken home by the purchasers, to be enjoyed and not to be returned!!
We look forward to meeting other F.A.C.T. members at conferences and other meetings, to catch up with the news, to exchange views and generally share in the national fellowship, but there is always a warm welcome here in the Land of Song for anyone who happens to find themselves somewhere in our vicinity with the time and at liberty to visit. We would be delighted to see you, and as you know, the tea and biscuits are delicious.