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CENTRAL COUNCIL OF CHURCH BELL RINGERS

MINUTES OF THE NORWICH MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 11th, 1946.

Minutes of the Second Session, of the Nineteenth Council (49th Annual Meeting), held in the Council Chamber of the City Hall, Norwich, on Whitsun Tuesday, June 11th, 1946.

The members were welcomed to Norwich by the Lord Mayor, Alderman S. A. Bailey, and the Lord Bishop of Norwich. The Council’s thanks were expressed by the President, and the meeting opened with prayers offered by Canon G. F. Coleridge.

PRESENT:-

Ancient Society of College Youths.- Mr. A. B. Peck.
Bath and Wells Diocesan Association.- Mr. S. G. Coles, Mr. J. T. Dyke, Mr. H. J. Sanger, Miss N. G. Williams.
Bedfordshire Association.- Mr. H. Harding, Mr. A. C. Sinfield.
Coventry Diocesan Guild.- Mrs. D. E. Beamish, Mr. F. W. Perrens.
Devon Guild.- Mr. A. L. Bennett, Mr. F. C. Smale, Mr. W. C. Wakley.
Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Association.- Mr. W. H. Barber.
East Derbyshire and Notts Association.- Mr. C. Evans.
Ely Diocesan Association.- Mr. C. W. Cook, Mr. F. Warrington.
Essex Association.- Mr. F. B. Lufkin, Miss H. G. Snowden.
Gloucester and Bristol Diocesan Association.- Mr. W. B. Kynaston, Mr. F. T. Waite.
Guildford Diocesan Guild.- Mr. G. L. Grover, Mr. A. Harman, Mr. A. C. Hazelden, 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.
Ladies’ Guild.- Mrs. E. K. Fletcher, Mrs. R. Richardson.
Lancashire Association.- Mr. P. Crook, Mr. G. R. Newton, Mr. W. H. Shuker, Mr. A. Tomlinson.
Leicester Diocesan Guild.- Mr. A. Ballard, Mr. J. P. Fidler, Mr. H. J. Poole, Mr. A. E. Rowley.
Lincoln Diocesan Guild.- Mr. J. Bray, Mr. G. E. Feirn, Mr. R. Richardson.
Llandaff and Monmouth Diocesan Association.- Mr. J. W. Jones, Mr. E. Stitch.
London County Association.- Mr. H. W. Rogers, Mrs. O. L. Rogers.
Middlesex County Association.- Mr. J. E. L. Cockey, Mr. G. W. Fletcher, Mr. T. J. Lock, Mr. W. G. Wilson.
Midland Counties Guild.- Mr. J. W. Cotton.
Norwich Diocesan Association.- Mr. W. C. Duffield, Mr. F. N. Golden, Rev. A. G. G. Thurlow.
Oxford Diocesan Guild.- Mr. A. D. Barker, Rev. Canon G. F. Coleridge, Mr. R. A. Post.
Oxford Society.- Mr. W. F. Judge.
Oxford University Society.- Mr. J. E. Spice.
Peterborough Diocesan Guild.- Mr. G. W. Jeffs, Mr. W. Rose.
Salisbury Diocesan Guild.- Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, Mr. W. C. West, Mr. G. H. Harding.
Shropshire Association.- Mr. G. L. Hewitt.
Society of Royal Cumberland Youths.- Mr. G. H. Cross, Mr. J. Parker, Mr. G. W. Steere.
Southwell Diocesan Guild.- Mr. T. Groombridge, jun.
Suffolk Guild.- Rev. H. Drake, Mr. C. W. Pipe, Mr. C. J. Sedgley.
Surrey Association.- Mr. F. E. Collins, 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. J. A. Hoare.
Truro Diocesan Guild.- Rev. A. S. Roberts.
Universities’ Association.- Miss M. R. Cross.
Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Guild.- Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, Mr. G. Pullinger, Mr. G. Williams.
Worcestershire and Districts Association.- Mr. B. C. Ashford, Mr. S. T. Holt, Mr. J. D. Johnson.
Yorkshire Association.- Mr. P. J. Johnson, Rev. Canon C. C. Marshall, Mr. L. W. G. Morris, Mr. S. F. Palmer.
Honorary members.- Miss L. K. Bowling, Mr. C. Dean, Mr. T. Groombridge, sen., Mr. A. A. Hughes, Mr. C. F. Johnston, Mr. E. H. Lewis, Mr. J. F. Smallwood, Mr. J. A. Trollope, Mr. E. C. S. Turner, Mr. E. A. Young.

SUMMARY.

REPORT AS TO MEMBERSHIP AND REPRESENTATION.

The Hon. Secretary reported that the Council consisted of 52 affiliated Societies entitled to representation of 139 members. Of these Societies 23 were entitled to four members, 4 to three members, 10 to two members, and 15 to one member, an increase of four in the Associations affiliated.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

Apologies were received from Mr. F. Colclough (Dudley and District), Mr. W. J. Davidson (Durham and Newcastle), the Rev. E. G. Benson and Mr. L. Evans (Hereford), Mr. C. W. Woolley (Hertford), Mr. F. E. Dukes (Irish), Mr. F. M. Mitchell (Kent), Miss E. Steel (Ladies), Mr. J. A. Freeman (Lincoln), Mr. T. H. Taffender (London County), Mr. A. Thompson (North Staffordshire), Mr. A. E. Lock (Oxford Diocesan), the Rev. C. E. Wigg (Oxford University), Mr. H. Baxter and Mr. G. S. Valentine (Peterborough), Mr. A. Paddon Smith (St. Martin’s), Mr. J. T. Godwin (Salisbury), Mr. H. Knight and Mr. C. Wallater (Stafford Archdeaconry), Mr. F. W. Rogers (Winchester and Portsmouth), Mr. G. E. Debenham, Major J. H. B. Hesse, Mr. W. H. J. Hooton, Mr. F. Sharpe, Mr. A. Walker (hon. members).

PRESENTATION OF NEW MEMBERS TO THE PRESIDENT.

In accordance with Rule 11 the following new members were presented: Mr. S. G. Coles and Mr. H. J. Sanger (Bath and Wells), Mr. H. Harding and Mr. A. C. Sinfield (Bedford), Mr. A. L. Bennett (Devon), Mr. C. Evans (East Derby and Notts), Mr. F. B. Lufkin (Essex), Mr. F. T. Waite (Gloucester and Bristol), Mr. A. Ballard, Mr. J. P. Fidler and Mr. A. E. Rowley (Leicester), Mr. H. W. Rogers and Mrs. O. L. Rogers (London County), Mr. T. J. Lock (Middlesex), Mr. J. W. Cotton (Midland Counties), Mr. W. C. Duffield (Norwich), Mr. W. F. Judge (Oxford Society), Mr. G. H. Harding (Salisbury), Mr. G. L. Hewitt (Shropshire), Mr. T. Groombridge, jun. (Southwell Diocesan), Mr. C. W. Pipe (Suffolk), Mr. F. E. Collins (Surrey), Mr. A. Hoare (Swansea and Brecon), the Rev. A. S. Roberts (Truro), the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead (Winchester and Portsmouth), Miss L. K. Bowling (hon. member).

ELECTION OF HON. AUDITOR.

It was proposed by Mr. G. R. Newton, seconded by Mr. P. Crook, and resolved that Mr. E. C. S. Turner be appointed hon. auditor for the remainder of the triennial session to act jointly with Mr. A. A. Hughes, the vacancy arising through the death of Mr. C. T. Coles.

ELECTION OF HON. MEMBERS.

The following were elected: Mr. C. H. Kippin, proposed by the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, seconded by Mr. G. Pullinger, and Mr. W. M. Rowe, of New South Wales, Australia, proposed by Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. A. D. Barker.

LOSS OF MEMBERS THROUGH DEATH.

The deaths of the following seven past members were reported by the President and a silent tribute to their memory was paid - Mr. C. T. Coles, Mr. R. T. Hibbert, Mr. E. W. Marsh, Mr. J. W. Parker, Mr. J. T. Rickman, Mr. F. W. Romaine, Mr. C. L. Routledge.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING.

On the proposal of Mr. E. C. S. Turner, seconded by the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, the minutes published in “The Ringing World” on May 24th, 1946, pages 239-240, were taken as read and approved.

REPORT OF HON. LIBRARIAN.

The Hon. Librarian’s report was read by the Hon. Secretary and showed a steady demand for publications and a need for reprinting of the several books, etc., now out of print. The sales amounted to £27 11s. 9d., less expenses £4 17s. The report was adopted on the proposal of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs, and thanks were accorded to Mr. G. P. Elphick for the gift, to the library of “Sussex Bell Frames.”

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.

The accounts, showing gross income of £44 16s., and balance from publications account of £22 14s. 9d., less expenses of £22 12s. 2d., with a final balance of £303 9s. 11d., were presented by the Hon. Treasurer, and on his motion, seconded by Mr. G. R. Newton, were adopted subject to audit. On the proposal of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. L. W. G. Morris, it was decided; to repay to associations the sums advanced to finance the printing of the Surprise Book.

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE CARTER RINGING MACHINE.

Mr. E. A. Young reported that the machine was still intact in its packing case after return from Wales. The report was seconded by Mr. P. J. Johnson and adopted.

REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE.

A formal report that recommendations would be placed before the Council was adopted on the proposal of the Hon. Secretary, seconded by Mr. J. F. Smallwood.

REPORT OF THE PEAL COLLECTION COMMITTEE.

The committee reported that it was revising the collection of compositions submitted to the Council at the 1939 meeting, particularly regarding Spliced Surprise, and it was proposed to augment the collection to 100 pages at least, including compositions in Grandsire, Stedman Triples, Bob and Little Bob Major, Double Norwich and Treble Bob, the four Standard Surprise Major Methods, and Spliced Surprise up to four standard methods.

The committee also reported that it had exercised the power of co-option granted in 1945, by co-opting Mr. C. W. Woolley.

The report was adopted on the proposal of Mr. H. G. Cashmore, seconded by Mr. G. R. Newton.

REPORT OF THE METHODS COMMITTEE.

Mr. E. C. S. Turner presented a verbal report chiefly in respect of the Surprise book. In reply to enquiries as to its contents, the committee stated that the book was primarily one of the best Major Methods, and that if there were a sufficient demand the committee would produce a book devoted to Royal and Maximus.

The report was seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs and adopted.

REPORT OF THE PEAL ANALYSIS COMMITTEE.

Mr. C. Dean presented the report, printing of which had been delayed owing to lack of space in “The Ringing World.” The committee requested direction as to whether a peal of Grandsire Caters rung without a cover (there being only nine bells, in the tower) should be included in the analysis and recognised as a peal. On the proposal of Mr. C. Dean, seconded by Mr. W. Ayre, the secretary was instructed to write to the Society drawing attention to the rule governing a nine-bell peal.

The report was adopted on the proposal of Mr. C. Dean, seconded by Mr. R. Richardson.

REVISION OF DECISIONS OF THE COUNCIL.

Arising out of the discussion regarding this peal, the Standing Committee recommended that the Decisions of the Council be brought up to date, and on the proposal of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs, the officers of the Council were asked to undertake this work.

REPORT OF THE RECORDS COMMITTEE.

Mrs. E. K. Fletcher reported that no new methods or progressive lengths had been reported to the committee, and asked for particulars of new methods rung in the present year to be sent direct to the secretary of the Council. The final typing and binding of the records was in hand.

The report was adopted on, the proposal of Mrs. E. K. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. P. J. Johnson.

REPORT OF THE TOWERS AND BELFRIES COMMITTEE.

A verbal report was presented by Mr. E. H. Lewis that the committee had been consulted in 15 to 20 cases and had given advice. Regret was expressed that the work of hanging the bells at Liverpool Cathedral was at a standstill owing to difficulties regarding building licences.

The report was adopted on the proposal of Mr. E. H. Lewis, seconded by the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, and it was agreed that the following be addressed to the Ministry of Works:-

“The Council heard with great regret a report from Mr. Newton that the hanging of the bells at Liverpool Cathedral was held up indefinitely owing to the refusal by the Ministry of Works to grant a licence for putting the roof on the tower, in spite of the fact that the structural members are already fabricated.”

REPORT OF LITERATURE, PRESS AND BROADCASTING COMMITTEE.

The Rev. F. Ll. Edwards presented the committee’s report (see “Ringing World,” June 21st, page 287), which was seconded by Mr. J. E. Spice and adopted.

Arising out of the report on broadcasting, the Rev. A. G. G. Thurlow asked for assistance from the committee to enable him to reply to a letter received from the Religious Broadcasting Assistant Midland Region.

REPORT OF THE PEAL BOARDS COMMITTEE.

The committee report (see “Ringing World,” June 21st, page 288) was presented by Mr. W. G. Wilson. The committee had decided to appoint district representatives as authorised by the Council in 1939, and appealed for offers of help from any person willing to assist, in the task of collecting particulars.

The report was seconded by Mr. W. Ayre and adopted.

REPORT OF THE BIOGRAPHIES COMMITTEE.

Mr. A. C. Hazelden reported that the collection of information was proceeding and appealed for more assistance from members. The committee acknowledged the advice given by Mr. Viggers, of Aldershot. The report was seconded by Mrs. E. K. Fletcher and adopted.

REPORT OF “THE RINGING WORLD” COMMITTEE.

The accounts for the year to 30th September, 1945, were presented, subject to audit, on behalf of the committee by the Hon. Secretary.

The results showed income of £1,743 13s. 8d., less expenses of £1,395 12s. 2d., a net profit of £348 1s. 6d. Assets amounted to £1,611 3s. 9d. and liabilities £564 8s. 10d. The balance on capital account being £1,046 14s. 11d.

On the motion of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. F. W. Perrens, the accounts were adopted, and on the motion of Mr. F. W. Perrens, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs, it was agreed that a copy be sent to each affiliated association.

PRESENTATION TO MR. AND MRS. G. W. FLETCHER.

On the motion of the Rev. Canon C. C. Marshall, seconded by the Rev. Canon G. F. Coleridge, the sum of £200 was voted to Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Fletcher for their work.

ALTERATIONS TO RULES.

The Hon. Secretary reported that owing to the death of Mr. C. T. Coles, no motion was before the Council, although notice of motion was given last year.

AS TO COUNCIL’S PUBLICATIONS.

The following resolution, proposed by Mr. C. J. Sedgley, seconded by Mr. F. Nolan Golden, was lost:-

That in future all publications, issued by the Central Council have the compositions in them printed correctly, i.e., with the notation in front of the resulting course-end.

AS TO “THE RINGING WORLD.”

The following motion, proposed by Mr. G. W. Steere, seconded by Mr. G. H. Cross, was, after discussion, not proceeded with, a resolution to pass to the next business being moved by Mr. C. Dean, seconded by the Rev. H. Drake:-

“That for some time past the contents of ‘The Ringing World’ have not been conducive to the fostering of our art, especially among the younger generation of ringers. In their interests it is suggested that more space be made available for current affairs by the exclusion of irrelevant matter, by setting the leader in smaller type; also the notice of officials of the paper could be condensed or only inserted in alternate weeks.”

PLACE OF NEXT MEETING.

On the invitation of Mr. F. C. Smale, and on his proposal seconded by Mr. R. Richardson, Exeter was chosen for the next meeting.

VOTES OF THANKS.

On the proposal of Mr. W. Ayre, seconded by Mr. G. Pullinger, supported by Mr. J. E. Spice, thanks were accorded to the Lord Mayor for the use of the Council Chamber and his welcome, the Town Clerk for arrangements, the Lord Bishop of Norwich, the Rev. St. J. Heard, the Rev. A. G. G. Thurlow and the Norwich Diocesan Association, for hospitality and arrangements, Mr. F. Nolan Golden for peal arrangements, all incumbents and tower-keepers for ringing arrangements.

The President also expressed the Council’s thanks to the Rev. J. Waddington for the use of the vestry at St. Peter Mancroft.

A vote of thanks, to the president, proposed by the Rev. Canon G. F. Coleridge, terminated the meeting.

The Ringing World, May 9th, 1947, pages 213 to 214

(Archivist’s note: also absent were E. G. Fenn, H. R. Newton and J. A. Waugh (Ancient Society of College Youths), H. Chant (Barnsley & District Guild), E. M. Atkins and Rev. B. F. Sheppard (Cambridge Univ. Guild), J. Cooke, J. W. Milner, Rev. J. D. Pearson and J. Swindley (Chester Dio. Guild), G. C. Woodley (Devon Guild), A. Relfe (East Grinstead & District Guild), E. J. Butler and H. J. Mansfield (Essex Assn.), E. Guise and Rev. N. E. Hope (Gloucester & Bristol Dio. Assn.), A. W. Davis and W. T. Poston (Hereford Dio. Guild), H. E. C. Goodenough (Hertford County Assn.), R. S. F. Murphy (Irish Assn.), G. H. Spice (Kent County Assn.), H. Denman (North Notts Assn.), W. C. G. Jinkins (Scottish Assn.), G. Gilbert (Society of Royal Cumberland Youths) and the Earl of Shaftesbury (Honorary))