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THE CENTRAL COUNCIL.

MINUTES OF LAST MEETING.

MINUTES of the first session of the nineteenth Council (48th Annual Meeting), held in the Council Chamber of the City Hall, Birmingham (substituted for London owing to difficulties arising out of the war), on Whitsun Tuesday, May 23rd, 1945.

The members were welcomed to Birmingham by the Rt. Worshipful Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Alderman T. Wiggins Davies, J.P., supported by the Ven. H. McGowan, Archdeacon of Aston, and Councillor A. Paddon Smith.

The President thanked the Lord Mayor for his welcome and the use of the Council Chamber. The Archdeacon of Aston opened the meeting with prayer.

PRESENT:-

Ancient Society of College Youths.- Mr. A. B. Peck.
Bath and Wells Diocesan Association.- Mr. J. T. Dyke.
Cambridge University Guild.- Rev. B. F. Sheppard.
Devon Guild.- Mr. W. C. Wakley, Mr. F. C. Smale.
Dudley and District Guild.- Mr. F. Colclough.
Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Association.- Mr. W. H. Barber.
East Derbyshire and Notts Association.- Mr. C. W. Metcalfe.
Ely Diocesan Association.- Mr. F. Warrington.
Essex Association.- Miss H. G. Snowden.
Gloucester and Bristol Diocesan Association.- Mr. W. B. Kynaston.
Guildford Diocesan Guild.- Mr. G. L. Grover, Mr. A. C. Hazelden, Mr. A. Harman, Mr. A. H. Pulling.
Hertford County Association.- Mr. W. Ayre, Mr. H. G. Cashmore.
Kent County Association.- Mr. E. A. Barnett, Mr. T. E. Sone, Mr. G. H. Spice.
Ladies’ Guild.- Mrs. G. W. Fletcher, Mrs. R. Richardson.
Lancashire Association.- Mr. P. Crook, Mr. G. R. Newton, Mr. W. H. Shuker, Mr. A. Tomlinson.
Lincoln Diocesan Guild.- Mr. G. E. Feirn, Mr. J. A. Freeman, Mr. R. Richardson.
Llandaff and Monmouth Diocesan Association.- Mr. J. W. Jones.
Middlesex County Association.- Mr. J. E. L. Cockey, Mr. C. T. Coles, Mr. G. W. Fletcher.
Midland Counties Association.- Mr. H. J. Poole.
Norwich Diocesan Association.- Rev. A. G. G. Thurlow.
North Staffordshire Association.- Mr. A. Thompson.
Oxford Diocesan Guild.- Mr. A. D. Barker, Rev. Canon G. F. Coleridge, Mr. R. A. Post.
Oxford University Society.- Mr. J. E. Spice.
Peterborough Diocesan Guild.- Mr. G. W. Jeffs, Mr. W. Rose, Mr. G. S. Valentine.
St. Martin’s Guild, Birmingham.- Mr. A. Paddon Smith.
Salisbury Diocesan Guild.- Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, Mr. F. W. Romaine, Mr. W. C. West.
Society of Royal Cumberland Youths.- Mr. G. W. Steere.
Stafford Archdeaconry Society.- Mr. H. Knight, Mr. C. Wallater.
Surrey Association.- Mr. D. Cooper.
Sussex County Association.- Mr. R. G. Blackman, Mr. F. H. Dallaway, Mr. F. I. Hairs, Mr. O. Sippetts.
Swansea and Brecon Diocesan Guild.- Mr. D. H. Bennett.
Warwickshire Guild.- Mrs. D. E. Beamish, Mr. F. W. Perrens.
Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Guild.- Mr. G. Pullinger.
Worcester and Districts Association.- Mr. B. C. Ashford, Mr. S. T. Holt, Mr. J. D. Johnson.
Yorkshire Association.- Mr. P. J. Johnson, Mr. L. W. G. Morris, Mr. S. F. Palmer.
Universities Association.- Miss M. R. Cross.
Honorary Members.- Mr. C. Dean, Capt. W. H. J. Hooton, Mr. A. A. Hughes, Mr. C. F. Johnston, Mr. E. H. Lewis, Mr. F. Sharpe, Mr. J. F. Smallwood, Mr. J. A. Trollope, Mr. E. C. S. Turner, Mr. A. Walker, Mr. E. A. Young.

With the Lord Mayor in the Chair.

REPORT AS TO MEMBERSHIP AND REPRESENTATION.

The Hon. Secretary reported that with three exceptions all Societies affiliated in 1939 had remained loyal to the Council and had paid their affiliation fees for all the war years. Of these three Associations the Council agreed to allow the Gloucester and Bristol Diocesan Association to reaffiliate on the payment of one year’s fee only, and later in the meeting urged them to fall into line with the other Associations by paying all fees for the war years. (This has now been accepted by them and all fees paid.)

Affiliation was also granted to the Universities Association.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

Apologies were received from Canon C. C. Marshall, Major J. H. B. Hesse and Messrs. Baxter, Cross, Debenham, Denman, Duffield, Dukes, Evans, Fenn, Gilbert, Golden, Godwin, Groombridge, Mitchell, Parker, Rogers, Sedgley, Sharman, Stitch, Taffender, Taffender, Williams and Wilson. The sudden death of Mr. W. Saunders was reported by the Shropshire Association.

PRESENTATION OF NEW MEMBERS TO THE PRESIDENT.

In accordance with Rule 11 the following new members were introduced to the President:-

Mr. B. C. Ashford, Worcester; Sergt. E. A. Barnett, Kent; Mr. R. G. Blackman, Sussex; Miss M. Cross, Universities; Mr. G. E. Feirn, Lincoln; Mr. J. A. Freeman, Lincoln; Mr. G. W. Jeffs, Peterborough; Mr. C. W. Metcalfe, East Derbyshire; Mr. H. J. Poole, Midland; Mr. F. Sharpe, Honorary; Mr. J. F. Smallwood, Honorary; Miss H. G. Snowden, Essex; Mr. J. E. Spice, Oxford University; Rev. A. G. G. Thurlow, Norwich; Mr. G. S. Valentine, Peterborough; Mr. W. C. Wakley, Devon; Mr. C. Wallater, Stafford; Mr. W. C. West,

ELECTION OF PRESIDENT.

Mr. E. H. Lewis was re-elected on the proposal of Councillor A. Paddon Smith, seconded by Canon G. F. Coleridge.

The President in the Chair.

ELECTION OF HON. SECRETARY AND TREASURER.

On the President’s motion, Mr. G. W. Fletcher was re-elected.

ELECTION OF HON. LIBRARIAN.

Capt. W. H. J. Hooton was re-elected on the proposal of the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, seconded by Mr. A. Walker.

ELECTION OF HONORARY AUDITORS.

Mr. C. T. Coles and Mr. A. A. Hughes were re-elected on the motion of Mr. G. R. Newton, seconded by Mr. R. Richardson.

LOYAL ADDRESS TO H.M. THE KING.

It was unanimously agreed that a loyal address be sent to H.M. the King in the following terms:-

‘The members of the Central Council of Church Bellringers assembled at Birmingham humbly desire to offer to your Majesty their loyal felicitations on the victorious conclusion of hostilities in Europe. The ringers of Britain have just cause to be proud of the part that they have been permitted to play in the celebration of the great victory achieved, and it is their earnest prayer that within a short time it may be their privilege to proclaim with the music of the bells the conquest of the last enemy remaining and the complete restoration of peace and liberty to every part of your Majesty’s Dominions. - Edwin H. Lewis, president.’

His Majesty through the Private Secretary was pleased to reply: - ‘Please convey His Majesty’s sincere thanks to all those associated with you in your loyal message on the victorious conclusion of the war against Germany. - Private Secretary.’

ELECTION OF HONORARY MEMBERS.

The following retiring members were re-elected on the proposal of Mr. C. T. Coles, seconded by Mr. P. J. Johnson:-

The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Shaftesbury, the President (Mr. E. H. Lewis), Major J. H. B. Hesse, Capt. W. H. J. Hooton, Messrs. C. Dean, G. E. Debenham, T. Groombridge, A. A. Hughes, C. F. Johnston, F. Sharpe, J. F. Smallwood, J. A. Trollope, E. C. S. Turner, A. Walker and E. A. Young.

Miss L. K. Bowling was elected on the proposal of the Hon. Secretary, seconded by Mr. E. C. S. Turner.

LOSS OF MEMBERS THROUGH DEATH.

A silent tribute to the memory of the following 41 past members was paid by all members standing:-

E. F. Poppy, J. H. Cheesman, C. F. Winney, H. Barton, C. H. Howard, W. A. Cave, W. D. Smith, G. B. Lucas, Archdeacon Parry, S. H. Wood, Alderman J. S. Pritchett, J. Hunt, W. Willson, G. Lindoff, T. J. Elton, W. Bibby, G. Dent, G. Popnell, J. S. Goldsmith, S. H. Hillier, C. Mee, W. J. Nevard, C. H. Jennings, T. B. Worsley, J. H. Swinfield, F. E. Dawe, T. Redman, J. Shepherd, W. E. Wilson, J. R. Taylor, Rev. W. P. Wright, C. R. Lilley, W. J. Jeffries, R. T. Woodley, A. Hardy, J. P. Hyett, J. Austin, A. L. Coleman, W. Story, G. R. Pye, W. Saunders.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING.

The Minutes as published in ‘The Ringing World’ on May 12th, 1944, pages 199-200, were approved on the motion of Mr. W. Ayre, seconded by Mr. F. W. Perrens.

REPORT OF THE HON. LIBRARIAN.

The report covering the period from 1939 was presented by Capt. W. H. J. Hooton. He reported the preparation of a card index of the contents of the library.

The Publications Account showed sales of £46 8s. 6d. The report was adopted on the proposal of Capt. W. H. J. Hooton, seconded by Mr. A. C. Hazelden.

Thanks were accorded to the Rev. E. S. Powell for his services in acting as librarian during the war years.

On the proposal of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. P. Crook, it was decided to print a Library List and Rule Book as soon as practicable.

A vote of thanks to those who had offered or given additions to the library was carried on the President’s motion.

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.

The audited accounts, presented by the Hon. Treasurer, showed a final balance of £258 11s. 4d. in hand. The expenses included the payment of £200 for the purchase of the goodwill of ‘The Ringing World,’ offset by £143 1s. 3d. sale of investments.

The Hon. Treasurer reported the receipt of £20 from a well-known ringer to meet any expenses that may arise in connection with his library of ringing books bequeathed to the Council.

Mr. A. A. Hughes reported on the audit and the accounts were adopted on the proposal of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. A. Walker.

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE CARTER RINGING MACHINE.

A verbal report, by Mr. E. A. Young was accepted and it was agreed that Mr. Sharman continue to be demonstrator of the machine.

REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE.

The committee reported at length on matters that had arisen throughout the war years, of the difficulties in holding meetings and of the steps taken to preserve continuity of the Council. A report of the sub-committee appointed to negotiate the purchase of ‘The Ringing World’ was also submitted.

The report was adopted on the proposal of Mr. W. Ayre, seconded by Mr. C. T. Coles.

It was agreed on the suggestion of Mr. A. Walker that the name of the late Editor, Mr. J. S. Goldsmith, be inserted in a convenient place in ‘The Ringing World,’ to indicate that he was the founder of the paper.

On the motion of Mr. C. T. Coles, seconded by Mr. E. A. Young, a cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr. J. A. Trollope for his services as Editor.

ELECTION OF STANDING COMMITTEE.

The following retiring members were reappointed on the motion of Mr. F. I. Hairs, seconded by Mr. A. D. Barker: Major J. H. B. Hesse, Messrs. G. E. Debenham, J. T. Dyke, C. F. Johnston, R. Richardson, A. Paddon Smith, E. C. S. Turner and A. Walker. Additional appointments were Mr. W. G. Wilson, proposed by Mr. C. T. Coles, seconded by Mr. E. C. S. Turner; Mr. F. I. Hairs, proposed by Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. F. C. Smale; Mr. J. F. Smallwood, proposed by Mr. A. Walker, seconded by Mr. A. Tomlinson; Mr. P. J. Johnson, proposed by Mr. S. F. Palmer, seconded by the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards.

ELECTION OF ‘RINGING WORLD’ COMMITTEE.

On the proposal of Mr. A. Paddon Smith, seconded by the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, the following were elected: Mr. E. H. Lewis, Mr. A. A. Hughes, Mrs. E. K. Fletcher and Mr. G. W. Fletcher.

REPORT OF THE PEAL COLLECTION COMMITTEE.

No report was presented by this committee. On the motion of the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, seconded by Mr. W. Ayre, Mr. G. R. Newton and Mr. H. G. Cashmore were reappointed, with Mr. H. G. Cashmore as convener, proposed by Mr. G. R. Newton, seconded by the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards. Power to co-opt additional members was granted.

REPORT OF THE METHODS COMMITTEE.

No report was presented by this committee. Mr. J. A. Trollope and Mr. E. C. S. Turner were reappointed on the proposal of Mr. E. A. Young, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs, with Mr. J. A. Trollope as convener, proposed by Mrs. E. K. Fletcher, seconded by the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards.

REPORT OF THE PEAL ANALYSIS AND RECORDS COMMITTEE.

The report and analysis for 1939-43 and a verbal report for 1944 were presented, which was adopted on the proposal of Mrs. E. K. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. C. Dean.

The committee recommended that its work be divided and a new committee to deal with records be appointed. This recommendation was adopted on the proposal of Mr. A. Walker, seconded by Mr. C. T. Coles.

APPOINTMENT OF PEAL ANALYSIS COMMITTEE.

On the proposal of Mr. A. D. Barker, seconded by Mr. P. J. Johnson, the following, were reappointed: Mr. C. Dean, Mr. G. L. Grover and Mr. W. Ayre, with Mr. Dean as convener, proposed by Mrs. E. K. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. A. B. Peck.

APPOINTMENT OF RECORDS COMMITTEE.

On the proposal of Mr. A. Walker, seconded by Mr. A. D. Barker, Mrs. E. K. Fletcher and Miss L. K. Bowling were appointed with Mrs. Fletcher as convener.

REPORT OF TOWERS AND BELFRIES COMMITTEE.

Mr. E. H. Lewis reported for the committee, who recommended a donation of £5 5s. to the Noise Abatement League.

The report and recommendation were seconded by Mr. E. A. Young and adopted.

On the proposal of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. A. A. Hughes, appointments to this committee were Mr. E. H. Lewis, Major J. H. B. Hesse, Mr. E. A. Young and Mr. F. Sharpe, and it was agreed on the proposal of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. A. Paddon Smith, that Mr. E. H. Lewis be convener.

REPORT OF LITERATURE, PRESS AND BROADCASTING COMMITTEE.

A verbal report was presented by the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, seconded by Mr. A. Paddon Smith, and adopted.

The committee, the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, Mr. A. Paddon Smith and Mr. A. Walker were reappointed on the proposal of Mrs. E. K. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. S. F. Palmer, with the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards as convener, proposed by Mr. A. Walker, seconded by Mr. P. Crook.

REPORT OF PEAL BOARDS COMMITTEE.

No report was submitted.

On the proposal of Mr. F. I. Hairs, seconded by Mr. E. C. S. Turner, the committee, the Rev. C. E. Wigg, Mr. W. G. Wilson and Mr. W. Ayre was reappointed with Mr. Ayre as convener.

REPORT OF BIOGRAPHIES COMMITTEE.

A verbal report, presented by Mrs. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. R. Richardson, was adopted, and it was agreed that the committee, Mrs. E. K. Fletcher and Mr. A. C. Hazelden be reappointed with Mr. A. C. Hazelden as convener.

PLACE OF NEXT MEETING.

It was agreed to hold the next meeting in Norwich, on, the proposal of Mr. E. C. S. Turner, seconded by Mr. A. Walker.

NOTICE OF ALTERATION TO RULES.

Notice of proposed alterations to rules was given by Mr. C. T. Coles with reference to (a) non-resident life members of associations being taken into account in determining representation; (b) associations affiliation fees remaining unaltered during the triennial period; (c) to permit the election of representative members to honorary membership on appointment to office in the Council.

VOTES OF THANKS.

On the President’s motion, thanks were accorded to the Rt. Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Birmingham for civic welcome to the city and the use of the Council Chamber, to the Archdeacon of Aston for his welcome, to Councillor A. Paddon Smith, Mr. T. H. Reeves, Mr. Albert Walker for their services in making arrangements for the meeting, and to all Church authorities and steeplekeepers for use of bells.

Mr. E. A. Young was congratulated on attaining his 80th birthday.

The Rev. Canon G. F. Coleridge expressed the Council’s thanks to the President.

The Ringing World, May 24th, 1946, pages 239 to 240

(Archivist’s note: also absent were H. R. Newton and J. A. Waugh (Ancient Society of College Youths), H. Chant (Barnsley & District Guild), Rev. W. M. K. Warren and Miss N. G. Williams (Bath & Wells Dio. Assn.), A. E. King (Bedfordshire Assn.), E. M. Atkins (Cambridge Univ. Guild), J. Cooke and J. Swindley (Chester Dio. Guild), E. W. Marsh and G. C. Woodley (Devon Guild), W. J. Davidson and J. W. Parker (Durham & Newcastle Dio. Assn.), A. Relfe (East Grinstead & District Guild), C. W. Cook (Ely Dio. Assn.), E. J. Butler and H. J. Mansfield (Essex Assn.), Rev. E. G. Benson and W. T. Poston (Hereford Dio. Guild), H. E. C. Goodenough and C. W. Woolley (Hertford County Assn.), R. S. F. Murphy (Irish Assn.), Miss E. Steel (Ladies’ Guild), J. Bray (Lincoln Dio. Guild), P. A. Corby and Mrs. O. L. Rogers (London County Assn.), A. Ballard, A. J. Harris and C. Harrison (Midland Counties Assn.), A. E. Lock (Oxford Dio. Guild), W. Collett (Oxford Society), Rev. C. E. Wigg (Oxford Univ. Society), W. C. G. Jinkins (Scottish Assn.), Rev. H. Drake and S. H. Symonds (Suffolk Guild), C. H. Kippin (Surrey Assn.), C. E. Lanxon (Truro Dio. Guild) and the Earl of Shaftesbury (Honorary))