Home → Archive

CENTRAL COUNCIL OF CHURCH BELL RINGERS

Minutes of the Exeter Meeting

Minutes of the third session of the nineteenth Council (50th annual meeting), held at the Guildhall, Exeter, on Whit Tuesday, May 27th, 1947.

A civic welcome to Exeter was extended by the Mayor, and the Lord Bishop of Exeter extended a cordial welcome on behalf of the Diocese.

The Council’s thanks were expressed by the President. Prayers were offered by the Lord Bishop.

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.
Cambridge University Guild.- Mr. E. M. Atkins, Rev. B. F. Sheppard.
Chester Diocesan Guild.- Mr. J. Cooke, Mr. J. W. Clarke.
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, Mr. G. C. Woodley.
Dudley and District Guild.- Mr. F. Colclough.
Durham and Newcastle Association.- Mr. W. H. Barber.
Ely Diocesan Association.- Mr. C. W. Cook.
Essex Association.- Mr. F. B. Lufkin, Mr. H. J. Mansfield, Miss H. G. Snowden.
Gloucester and Bristol Diocesan Association.- Rev. N. E. Hope, 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.
Hereford Diocesan Guild.- Mr. W. F. Moreton, Mr. W. T. Poston, Mr. G. J. Lewis.
Hertford County Association.- Mr. W. Ayre.
Irish Association.- Mr. F. E. Dukes.
Kent County Association.- Mr. E. A. Barnett, Mr. T. E. Sone, Mr. G. H. Spice.
Ladies’ Guild.- Mrs. E. K. Fletcher, Mrs. A. 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.
Lincoln Diocesan Guild.- Mr. S. Bennett, Mr. J. Bray, Mr. G. E. Feirn, Mr. J. A. Freeman.
Llandaff and Monmouth Diocesan Association.- Mr. J. W. Jones, Mr. E. Stitch.
London County Association.- Mr. H. W. Rogers, Mr. T. H. Taffender, Mr. T. W. Taffender.
Middlesex County Association.- Mr. J. E. L. Cockey, Mr. G. W. Fletcher, Mr. T. J. Lock.
Midland Counties Guild.- Mr. J. W. Cotton.
Norwich Diocesan Association.- Mr. W. C. Duffield, Mr. N. Golden, Rev. A. G. G. Thurlow.
Oxford Diocesan Guild.- Mr. A. D. Barker, Mr. A. E. Lock, 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, Mr. G. S. Valentine.
St. David’s Diocesan Guild.- Mr. J. A. Hoare.
St. Martin’s Guild, Birmingham.- Mr. A. Paddon Smith.
Salisbury Diocesan Guild.- Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, Mr. G. Harding, Mr. W. C. West.
Shropshire Association.- Mr. G. L. Hewitt.
Society of Royal Cumberland Youths.- Mr. G. H. Cross, Mr. G. W. Steere.
Society for Archdeaconry of Stafford.- Mr. H. Knight, Mr. C. Wallater.
Suffolk Guild.- Rev. H. Drake, Mr. C. W. Pipe.
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. D. H. Bennett.
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. F. W. Rogers, 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, Mr. L. W. G. Morris, Mr. S. F. Palmer.
Honorary members.- Miss L. K. Bowling, Mr. C. Dean, Mr. W. H. J. Hooton, Mr. A. A. Hughes, Mr. C. H. Kippin, Mr. E. H. Lewis, Mr. F. Sharpe, Mr. J. F. Smallwood, Mr. E. C. S. Turner, Mr. A. Walker, Mr. E. A. Young.

SUMMARY.

REPORT AS TO MEMBERSHIP.

The Hon. Secretary reported that 52 Associations and Guilds were now affiliated, entitled to a representation of 139 members as follows: 23 Associations entitled to four members; 4 to three; 10 to two; and 15 to one.

The North Notts Association had merged with the Southwell Diocesan Guild, and the St. David’s Guild was now included.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

Apologies were received from Mr. W. J. Davidson, Durham and Newcastle; Mr. A. Relfe, East Grinstead; Mr. F. W. Warrington Ely; Mr. G. E. Oliver, Hereford; Messrs. H. G. Cashmore and C. W. Woolley, Hertford County; Mr. F. M. Mitchell, Kent County; Miss E. Steel, Ladies’; Mrs. O. L. Rogers, London County; Mr. W. G. Wilson, Middlesex; the Rev. Canon G. F. Coleridge, Oxford Diocesan; Rev. Elliott Wigg, Oxford University; Mr. J. T. Godwin, Salisbury; Mr. J. Parker, Society of Royal Cumberland Youths; Messrs. H. Denman and T. Groombridge, jun., Southwell Diocesan; Mr. C. J. Sedgley, Suffolk; the Rev. Canon C. C. Marshall, Yorkshire; and honorary members, Messrs. G. E. Debenham, T. Groombridge, sen., C. F. Johnston and J. A. Trollope.

TELEGRAMS.

It was agreed that a telegram of good wishes be sent to each of the following absent members: Rev. Canon G. F. Coleridge, Rev. Canon C. C. Marshall and Mr. J. A. Trollope.

PRESENTATION OF NEW MEMBERS TO THE PRESIDENT.

The following new members were presented in accordance with Rule 11: Mr. J. W. Clarke, Chester; Mr. H. J. Mansfield, Essex; Rev. N. E. Hope, Gloucester and Bristol; Messrs. G. J. Lewis, W. F. Moreton and W. T. Poston, Hereford; Mr. F. E. Dukes, Irish; Mr. S. E. Bennett, Lincoln; Mr. J. A. Hoare, St. David’s; and Mr. C. H. Kippin, Hon. Member.

ELECTION OF HONORARY MEMBERS.

On the recommendation of the Standing Committee, Mr. W. Osborn was elected, proposed by Mr. H. Sanger, seconded by Mr. S. G. Coles.

LOSS OF MEMBERS THROUGH DEATH.

The death of the following members was formally reported by the President: Rev. E. Bankes James, Major J. H. B. Hesse, Mr. D. H. Argyle, Mr. H. S. Brocklebank, Mr. A. E. Coles, Mr. J. Evans, Mr. R. Richardson, Mr. E. Shepherd.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING.

It was proposed by Mr. F. I. Hairs, seconded by Mr. E. C. S. Turner and resolved that the Minutes as published in “The Ringing World,” May 9th, 1947, pages 213-214, be approved.

REPORT OF THE HON. LIBRARIAN.

The Hon. Librarian reported a steady sale of publications. The stock of Doubles and Minor Methods was now exhausted and enquiries were still being received for Major and Cater Methods. The report acknowledged gifts for the library from Mr. F. Sharpe, Canon C. C. Marshall, Mr. P. Crook, Mr. Dew and Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher.

The report was adopted on the proposal of Mr. W. H. J. Hooton; seconder Mr. W. Ayre.

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS.

The accounts showed an excess of income for the year of £20 19s. 2d. The total income, including sales of publications of £26 10s. 1d., was £63 5s. 1d. The expenses amounted to £42 5s. 11d. and included cost of printing method sheets £6 6s., repayment of advances in respect of Surprise book £6 4s. 3d., carriage and insurance of library £3 19s. 4d. The closing balance was £324 9s. 1d.

The accounts were adopted, subject to audit, on the proposal of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs.

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE CARTER RINGING MACHINE.

A verbal report, presented by Mr. E. A. Young, was seconded by Mr. A. Paddon Smith and adopted.

It was also agreed to pay the usual fees to the demonstrator and to allow the trustees to expend a sum up to £1 on necessary repairs.

REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE.

A formal report by the committee as to their recommendations was adopted on the motion of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. A. Paddon Smith.

REPORT OF THE PEAL COLLECTION COMMITTEE.

The committee reported that the collection of Triples and Major compositions was expected to be ready for presentation to the Council in 1948. Under the powers granted, Mr. E. A. Barnett had been co-opted.

The report was adopted on the proposal of Mr. G. R. Newton, seconded by Mr. E. A. Barnett.

REPORT OF THE METHODS COMMITTEE.

Mr. Turner reported that the committee continued to answer the many questions received concerning methods and compositions.

The report was adopted on the motion of Mr. E. C. S. Turner, seconded by Mr. A. Walker.

REPORT OF THE PEAL ANALYSIS COMMITTEE.

The report was presented by Mr. C. Dean, and the committee drew attention to the exclusion of certain peals which did not conform to the usual ringing practice in the Exercise, i.e., a peal of Minor in which the conductor did not take a physical part, a peal of Minor with a covering tenor, and a peal of Kent Treble Bob Major with a covering tenor.

The adoption was seconded by Mr. W. Ayre and carried.

REPORT OF THE RECORDS COMMITTEE.

A report of new methods and progressive lengths was adopted on the proposal of Mrs. E. K. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. E. C. S. Turner. Conductors were again urged to forward particulars of all, new methods and compositions of progressive lengths.

REPORT OF THE TOWERS AND BELFRIES COMMITTEE.

Mr. E. H. Lewis reported at length on the work of the committee during the year, and in particular the matters he had dealt with. A further report was given by Mr. F. Sharpe. On the motion of Mr. E. H. Lewis, seconded by Mr. F. Sharpe, the report was adopted, and it was agreed to add Mr. W. A. Osborn to the committee.

It was further agreed to obtain a photographic copy of the Book of Calculations of horizontal and vertical forces, by Mr. E. H. Lewis, which was now accepted as the standard theory on the subject.

REPORT OF LITERATURE, PRESS AND BROADCASTING COMMITTEE.

The report, see “Ringing World,” June 13th, 1947, was adopted on the motion of the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, seconded by Mr. A. Walker.

The committee invited those arranging broadcasts to acquaint “The Ringing World” of the date and time.

REPORT OF THE PEAL BOARDS COMMITTEE.

A verbal report that progress was being made was adopted on the motion of Mr. W. Ayre, seconded by Mr. P. Crook.

REPORT OF THE BIOGRAPHIES COMMITTEE.

Mr. Hazelden reported on the work now being done with a view to making the records more complete. The report was adopted on his motion, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs. Permission was granted to expend moneys on copying photographs sent on loan.

REPORT OF “THE RINGING WORLD” COMMITTEE.

The Hon. Secretary presented the accounts for the year to September 30th, 1946, showing revenue of £1,918 11s. 7d. and a profit of £158 9s. 7d.

The accounts were adopted on the proposal of Mr. A. D. Barker, seconded by Mr. C. H. Kippin, and it was agreed that future accounts be made up to December 31st. Congratulations were extended to the Editor, Mr. White, for his excellent work.

It was agreed on the motion of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, that the sum of £1 per week be paid to Mr. J. A. Trollope, and the matter be again reviewed at the next meeting.

It was further agreed on the proposal of Mr. F. Perrens, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs, that the accounts be circulated to all Associations.

REVISION OF RULES.

On the motion of Mr. P. J. Johnson, seconded by the Rev. H. Drake, it was resolved that the Standing Committee be asked to consider the present rules of the Council and to make recommendations.

HANDBOOK.

On the motion of Mr. J. P. Fidler, seconded by Mr. F. E. Dukes, permission was given to expend moneys on printing a handbook to be prepared and approved by the Standing Committee.

PLACE OF NEXT MEETING.

It was announced that in accordance with rule, the next meeting would be held in London.

ROLL OF HONOUR.

On the motion of the Hon. Secretary, seconded by Mr. E. A. Young, it was agreed to ask the Standing Committee to appoint a sub-committee to consider the preparation of this roll.

MEMORIALS.

On the proposal of Mr. E. C. S. Turner, seconded by Mr. A. B. Peck, the sum of £3 3s. was voted to the memorial being raised in memory of the late C. T. Coles.

VOTES OF THANKS.

On the President’s motion, thanks were accorded to the Mayor for his welcome and use of the Council Chamber, the Lord Bishop of Exeter for his welcome, the Dean and Chapter for the use of the Cathedral bells, Archdeacon Thompson for conducting members through the Cathedral, the incumbents of the various churches for the use of bells, and tower-keepers for arrangements, the Devon Guild for hospitality, and the committee, particularly Mr. F. C. Smale and Mr. E. W. Biffin, for arrangements, and to Mr. and Mrs. Stokes for their delightful hospitality.

It was further agreed that the sum of £5 5s. be forwarded to the Cathedral Damage Fund.

The Ringing World, April 23rd, 1948, pages 167 to 168

(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), Rev. J. D. Pearson and J. Swindley (Chester Dio. Guild), W. Lancaster (Derby & District Assn.), C. W. Evans (East Derbys & Notts Assn.), E. J. Butler (Essex Assn.), E. Guise (Gloucester & Bristol Dio. Assn.), L. Evans (Hereford Dio. Guild), H. E. C. Goodenough (Hertford County Assn.), R. S. F. Murphy (Irish Assn.), A. E. Rowley (Leicester Dio. Guild), A. Thompson (North Staffs Assn.), H. Baxter (Peterborough Dio. Guild), W. C. G. Jinkins (Scottish Assn.), G. Gilbert (Society of Royal Cumberland Youths) and W. M. Rowe and the Earl of Shaftesbury (Honorary))