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THE CENTRAL COUNCIL OF CHURCH BELL RINGERS

MINUTES OF THE BOURNEMOUTH MEETING, 1953

MINUTES of the third session of the twenty-first Council (56th Annual Meeting), held in the Town Hall, Bournemouth, on Whit Tuesday, May 26th, 1953.

A welcome was extended to the Council by Canon A. L. E. Williams (Rural Dean of Bournemouth) and Canon C. Carew Cox (Lyme Regis) on behalf of the Dioceses of Winchester and Salisbury.

PRESENT:-

Ancient Society of College Youths.- Mr. G. W. Cecil, Mr. A. B. Peck, Mr. J. F. Smallwood.
Bath and Wells Diocesan Association.- Mr. S. G. Coles, Mr. H. J. Sanger, Miss N. G. Williams.
Cambridge University Guild.- Mr. E. M. Atkins, Mr. S. E. Darmon.
Chester Diocesan Guild.- Mr. J. Worth.
Coventry Diocesan Guild.- Mrs. D. E. Beamish, Mr. F. W. Perrens.
Derbyshire Association.- Mr. D. R. Carlisle, Mr. A. Mould.
Devon Guild.- Mr. E. W. Biffin, Mr. J. E. Lilley, Mr. T. G. Myers.
Durham and Newcastle Association.- Mr. F. Ainsley.
East Grinstead and District Guild.- Mr. C. A. Bassett.
Ely Diocesan Guild.- Mr. F. W. Lack.
Essex Association.- Mr. F. B. Lufkin, Miss H. G. Snowden.
Gloucester and Bristol Diocesan Association.- Miss D. M. Drew, Mr. W. B. Kynaston, Mr. F. Skidmore.
Guildford Diocesan Guild.- Mr. G. L. Grover, Mr. A. Harman, Mr. A. C. Hazelden, Mr. A. H. Pulling.
Hereford Diocesan Guild.- Mr. G. J. Lewis, Mr. W. F. Moreton, Mr. G. E. Oliver.
Hertford County Association.- Mr. R. G. Bell, Mr. C. W. Woolley.
Irish Association.- Mr. F. E. Dukes, Mr. J. T. Dunwoody, Miss J. Stewart.
Kent County Association.- Mr. T. E. Sone, Mr. G. H. Spice, Mr. J. Willis.
Ladies’ Guild.- Miss D. E. Colgate, Mrs. A. Richardson, Mrs. P. J. Staniforth.
Lancashire Association.- Mr. J. Ridyard, Mr. C. Sharples.
Leicester Diocesan Guild.- Mr. H. J. Poole, Mr. A. E. Rowley, Mr. E. C. Turner.
Lincoln Diocesan Guild.- Mr. J. Bray, Mr. G. E. Feirn, Mr. J. Freeman.
Llandaff and Monmouth Diocesan Association.- Mr. T. M. Roderick.
London County Association.- Mr. H. W. Rogers, Mrs. H. W. Rogers, Mr. W. G. Wilson.
Middlesex County Association.- Mr. F. W. Goodfellow, Mr. T. J. Lock, Mr. C. W. Roberts, Mr. E. C. S. Turner.
Midland Counties Guild.- Mr. J. W. Cotton.
North Staffordshire Association.- Mr. R. S. Anderson.
North Wales Association.- Mr. W. Cathrall.
Norwich Diocesan Association.- Mr. W. C. Duffield, Mr. F. N. Golden, Rev. A. G. G. Thurlow.
Oxford Diocesan Guild.- Mr. A. D. Barker, Mrs. A. D. Barker, Mr. F. D. Boreham, Mr. A. E. Lock.
Oxford University Society.- Mr. R. B. Meadows.
Peterborough Diocesan Guild.- Mr. G. W. Jeffs, Mr. W. Rose.
St. David’s Diocesan Guild.- Mr. J. A. Hoare.
St. Martin’s Guild, Birmingham.- Mr. F. E. Haynes.
Salisbury Diocesan Guild.- Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, Mr. G. H. Harding, Mr. F. Precey, Mr. W. C. West.
Sheffield and District Society.- Mr. N. Chaddock.
Society of Royal Cumberland Youths.- Mr. P. N. Bond, Mr. G. H. Cross, Mr. F. E. Hawthorne.
Stafford Archdeaconry Society.- Mr. H. Knight, Mr. C. Wallater.
Suffolk Guild.- Mr. C. W. Pipe.
Surrey Association.- Mr. A. P. Cannon, Mr. F. E. Collins, Mr. D. D. Cooper.
Sussex County Association.- Mr. F. Bennett, Mr. R. G. Blackman, Mr. F. H. Dallaway, Mr. L. Stilwell.
Swansea and Brecon Diocesan Guild.- Mr. G. I. Lewis.
Truro Diocesan Guild.- Mr. H. Miles, Rev. A. S. Roberts, Mrs. A. S. Roberts.
Universities Association.- Miss M. R. Cross.
Winchester and Portsmouth Guild.- Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, Mr. C. H. Kippin, Mr. G. Pullinger, Mr. F. W. Rogers.
Worcestershire and Districts Association.- Mr. B. C. Ashford, Mr. W. B. Cartwright.
Yorkshire Association.- Mr. W. E. Critchley, Mr. P. J. Johnson, Mr. L. W. G. Morris, Mr. S. F. Palmer.
Life Members.- Mr. E. H. Lewis, Mr. E. A. Barnett, Mr. G. W. Fletcher, Mrs. G. W. Fletcher.
Honorary Members.- Mr. J. P. Fidler, Mr. F. I. Hairs, Mr. A. A. Hughes, Mr. C. K. Lewis, Mrs. L. K. Marshall, Mr. W. Osborn, Mr. F. Sharpe, Mr. E. C. Shepherd, Mr. P. L. Taylor, Mr. W. H. Viggers, Mr. A. Walker.

SUMMARY:-

REPORT AS TO MEMBERSHIP

The Hon. Secretary reported that 54 Associations were affiliated, entitled to 150 members. The Rules provided for 24 Honorary Members, and there were 7 Life Members. Authorised membership was, therefore, 181, but there were vacancies for 2 representative and 5 Honorary Members. All affiliation fees had been paid.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Messrs. W. Ayre, P. E. Baker, A. Ballard, A. L. Bennett, T. R. Butler, H. G. Cashmore, P. A. Corby, J. W. Clarke, G. E. Debenham, J. T. Dyke, F. Dunkerley, C. W. Evans, E. G. Fenn, T. H. Francis, J. A. Freeman, E. S. J. Hatcher, D. Hughes, H. M. Howard, S. T. Holt, W. H. J. Hooton, G. L. Hewitt, J. W. Jones, B. G. Key, Rev. J. Kingdon, H. J. Mansfield, B. P. Morris, G. R. Newton, R. C. Noon, W. N. Park, J. W. Raithby, J. Segar, A. Paddon Smith, C. J. Sedgley, G. E. Symonds, T. H. Taffender, Rev. W. H. R. Trewhella, J. J. Webb, E. A. Young. The Secretary was instructed to write to Messrs. J. T. Dyke, J. A. Freeman and E. A. Young wishing them a speedy recovery from indisposition.

PRESENTATION OF NEW MEMBERS TO PRESIDENT

The following were presented: Mr. W. Cathrall (North Wales), Miss D. E. Colgate (Ladies’ Guild), Miss J. Stewart (Irish Association).

TELEGRAM TO THE QUEEN

On the motion of the President, the following telegram was sent to H.M. The Queen:-

“The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers in annual meeting assembled at the Town Hall, Bournemouth, beg to offer your Majesty their loyal salutations. It will be the proud privilege of ringers to celebrate the forthcoming Coronation with the tribute of the bells, and it is their fervent prayer that your Majesty’s reign may constitute a long and glorious period in the history of our country.”

The following reply was received from Buckingham Palace:-

“Please convey to all members of your Council the sincere thanks of the Queen for their kind and loyal message of good wishes.- Private Secretary.”

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

On behalf of the Council, the President made a presentation to Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Fletcher in recognition of their services to the Council during the previous 21 years. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher expressed their thanks.

ELECTION OF HON. LIBRARIAN

Mr. F. Sharpe was elected on the proposition of the President in the place of Mr. W. H. J. Hooton, who had been compelled to retire through illness. Mr. Sharpe expressed his thanks.

ELECTION OF HONORARY MEMBERS

The retiring members, Messrs. F. I. Hairs, C. K. Lewis and W. Osborn, were re-elected on the proposition of Mr. E. C. S. Turner, seconded by Mr. H. Miles.

Mr. A. J. Pitman was elected, proposed by Mr. J. A. Hoare, seconded by Mr. C. W. Roberts.

Mrs. E. A. Barnett was elected, proposed by Mr. F. E. Dukes, seconded by Mr. J. T. Dunwoody.

LOSS OF MEMBERS THROUGH DEATH

The President reported the death of the following former members of the Council, the members standing in silence:-

J. Broadley, W. H. D’Aeth, C. Edwards, A. J. Harris, R. T. Holding, jun., C. H. Perry and R. Sperring.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The Minutes as published in “The Ringing World” of May 1st, 1953, and circulated to members were approved on the proposition of Mr. A. A. Hughes, seconded by the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead.

REPORTS

These have been published as shown:-

HON. LIBRARIAN
(“Ringing World,” June 5th, 1953, page 362)

Adopted on the proposal of Mr. F. Sharpe, seconded by Mr. R. S. Anderson.

The Secretary was instructed to express the thanks of the Council to Mr. Hooton for his past services, to Miss P. J. Ayris for her assistance to Mr. Sharpe and to the Rev. E. S. Tarrant, Rector of Launton, for providing accommodation for the library.

“RINGING WORLD” COMMITTEE
(“Ringing World,” June 5th, 1953, page 362)

Adopted on the proposal of Mr. J. F. Smallwood, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs.

“THE RINGING WORLD” ACCOUNTS
(“Ringing World,” June 5th, 1953, page 363)

Adopted subject to audit on the proposition of Mr. A. A. Hughes, seconded by Mr. F. W. Perrens.

GENERAL ACCOUNTS
(“Ringing World,” June 5th, 1953, page 363)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. A. A. Hughes, seconded by Mr. F. W. Perrens.

TRUSTEES OF THE CARTER RINGING MACHINE
(“Ringing World,” June 5th, 1953, page 363)

Adopted on the proposal of Mr. A. A. Hughes, seconded by Mrs. G. W. Fletcher.

Mr. Hughes considered that the machine should be inspected twice yearly, followed by public demonstrations at a time and date to be advertised in “The Ringing World.”

STANDING COMMITTEE

(a) Carter Broadsheet.
(“Ringing World,” June 5th, 1953, p. 363)

On the proposition of the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, seconded by Mr. C. H. Kippin, it was agreed not to proceed with the reprint.

The report was adopted on the proposal of Mr. A. Walker, seconded by the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead.

(b) Handbook.
(“Ringing World,” June 12th, 1953, p. 377)

Adopted on the proposal of Mr. F. I. Hairs, seconded by Mrs. L. K. Marshall.

(c) Roll of Honour.
(“Ringing World,” June 12th, 1953, p. 377)

On the proposition of Mr. F. E. Collins, seconded by Mr. F. W. Rogers, it was agreed that the Roll be housed in St. Paul’s Cathedral.

A proposal that the Roll be brought to each Council meeting was not carried.

It was proposed by the Rev. A. G. G. Thurlow, seconded by Mr. P. J. Johnson and carried that a photostat copy of the Roll be made, to be taken to Council meetings.

Mr. R. S. Anderson proposed, and Mr. F. I. Hairs seconded, that a case to house the Roll be provided, and that subscriptions of ten shillings towards the cost of this be invited from each affiliated Society. This was carried.

The report was adopted on the proposal of Mr. H. Miles, seconded by Mr. A. A. Hughes.

A vote of thanks to Mr. Miles for his efforts was proposed by Mr. P. J. Johnson, seconded by Mr. R. S. Anderson and carried with acclamation.

It was proposed by Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. P. J. Johnson and carried that Mr. Miles be appointed Trustee of the Roll.

BIOGRAPHIES COMMITTEE
(“Ringing World,” June 12th, 1953, page 377)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. A. C. Hazelden, seconded by Mr. W. H. Viggers. It was agreed that Mr. J. Willis be co-opted to the committee.

PEALS COLLECTION COMMITTEE

The committee reported that no work had been undertaken during the year.

The report was adopted on the proposition of Mr. C. W. Woolley, seconded by the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead.

It was proposed by the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, seconded by Mr. E. C. S. Turner and carried that the committee be asked to consider the possibility of publishing a small collection of peals of Stedman Caters and Cinques. It was agreed that Messrs. C. W. Roberts and A. J. Pitman be co-opted to the committee for the purpose.

METHODS COMMITTEE
(“Ringing World,” July 17th, 1953, pages 472-3, July 24th, 1953, page 489, and July 31st, 1953, pages 504-5)

The section dealing with extension was adopted on the proposition of the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, seconded by Mr. C. K. Lewis.

The recommendations that irregular Minor methods continue to be disallowed and that three-lead course Royal methods should not, in future, be included in Spliced peals were also adopted on the proposition of the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, seconded by Mr. C. K. Lewis. The report was then formally adopted.

LITERATURE, PRESS & BROADCASTING COMMITTEE
(“Ringing World,” June 12th, 1953, page 378)

Adopted on the proposition of the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, seconded by Mr. A. Walker.

TOWERS AND BELFRIES COMMITTEE

Mr. F. Sharpe reported on behalf of the committee (see “Ringing World,” June 19th, 1953, page 397). The report was seconded by Mr. W. Osborn and adopted.

It was agreed that a written report should be submitted in future.

RECORDS COMMITTEE
(“Ringing World,” June 12th, 1953, page 377)

Adopted, subject to the withdrawal of Chesterfield Surprise, of which the composition was false, on the proposition of Mrs. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mrs. L. K. Marshall.

PEAL BOARDS COMMITTEE

It was agreed on the proposition of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. R. S. Anderson, that the records, when completed, be handed to the Librarian for custody.

ANALYSIS COMMITTEE
(“Ringing World,” June 19th, 1953, page 397)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. H. Miles, seconded by Mr. G. L. Grover.

MOTIONS

(a) Proposed on behalf of the Standing Committee by Mr. J. F. Smallwood, seconded by Mr. A. Walker and carried:-

“That the annual affiliation fee to the Council be increased to ten shillings per representative with effect from January 1st, 1954.”

(b) Proposed by Mr. H. Miles, seconded by Mr. N. Chaddock:-

“That on and from the 1st January, 1954, a charge of one shilling shall be made for every peal and quarter peal published in ‘The Ringing World.’”

The motion was not carried.

(c) Proposed on behalf of the Suffolk Guild by Mr. C. W. Pipe, seconded by Mr. J. E. Lilley:-

“That an effort should be made by the Central Council to establish closer relations with, and recognition by, the B.B.C.”

It was agreed on the proposition of Mr. H. J. Poole, seconded by the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, that this matter should be left to Associations and Guilds.

PLACE OF NEXT MEETING

On the proposition of Mr. F. W. Perrens, seconded by Mrs. P. J. Staniforth, it was decided to accept an invitation to visit Newcastle-on-Tyne.

VOTES OF THANKS

On the motion of the President, thanks were expressed to the Mayor and Corporation of Bournemouth, the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, Mr. G. Pullinger and Mr. A. V. Davis (Winchester and Portsmouth Guild) for local arrangements; Canon A. L. E. Williams, Vicar of St. Peter’s, Bournemouth, for officiating at Holy Communion and for the use of St. Peter’s Hall; Canon C. C. Cox for his welcome on behalf of the Salisbury Diocesan Guild; Mr. A. F. Martin Stewart for his hospitality; and all incumbents and towerkeepers for the use of bells.

A vote of thanks to the President was proposed by Mr. R. S. Anderson.

Members and friends were afterwards entertained to tea by the Mayor and Corporation, presided over by the Deputy Mayor. The thanks of the Council were expressed by the President.

The Ringing World, April 30, 1954, pages 284 to 285