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THE CENTRAL COUNCIL OF CHURCH BELL RINGERS

MINUTES OF THE NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE MEETING, 1954

MINUTES of the first session of the twenty-second Council (57th Annual Meeting), held in the Cathedral Library, Newcastle, on Whit Tuesday, June 8th, 1954.

A welcome was extended to the Council by the Lord Mayor and by the Lord Bishop of Newcastle. The thanks of the Council were expressed by the President.

PRESENT:-

Life Members.- Mr. E. H. Lewis, Mr. E. A. Barnett, Mr. F. Sharpe, Mr. G. W. Fletcher, Mrs. G. W. Fletcher.
Honorary Members.- Mrs. E. A. Barnett, Mr. F. I. Hairs, Mr. A. A. Hughes, Mr. C. K. Lewis, Mrs. C. C. Marshall, Mr. E. C. Shepherd, Mr. P. L. Taylor.
Ancient Society of College Youths.- Mr. A. B. Peck.
Bath and Wells Diocesan Association.- Mr. H. J. Sanger, Miss N. G. Williams.
Bedfordshire Association.- Mr. J. M. Stephens, Mr. S. Foskett.
Cambridge University Guild.- Mr. B. D. Threlfall.
Chester Diocesan Guild.- Mr. J. W. Clarke, Mr. R. G. Corby, Rev. J. Kingdon.
Coventry Diocesan Guild.- Mrs. D. E. Beamish, Mr. F. W. Perrens.
Derbyshire Association.- Mr. A. Mould, Mr. W. L. Robinson.
Devon Guild.- Rev. J. G. M. Scott.
Dudley and District.- Mr. H. J. Shuck.
Durham and Newcastle Association.- Mr. F. Ainsley, Mr. W. N. Park.
East Grinstead and District Guild.- Mr. C. A. Bassett.
Ely Diocesan Guild.- Mr. F. W. Lack, Mr. H. S. Peacock.
Essex Association.- Mr. J. H. Crampion, Mr. H. J. Mansfield, Mr. F. B. Lufkin, Miss H. G. Snowden.
Gloucester and Bristol Diocesan Association.- Mr. T. Boreham, Mr. W. B. Kynaston, Mr. F. Skidmore.
Guildford Diocesan Guild.- Mr. A. H. Pulling, Mr. J. R. Worrall.
Hereford Diocesan Guild.- Mr. W. F. Moreton.
Hertford County Association.- Mr. W. Ayre, Mr. R. G. Bell, Mr. E. Edmondson.
Irish Association.- Mr. F. E. Dukes, Mr. J. T. Dunwoody, Miss J. Stewart.
Kent County Association.- Mr. T. Cullingworth, Mr. T. E. Sone.
Ladies’ Guild.- Mrs. A. Richardson.
Lancashire Association.- Mr. F. Dunkerley, Mr. J. Ridyard, Mr. A. Tomlinson.
Leicester Diocesan Guild.- Mr. S. Burton, Mr. P. A. Corby, Mr. H. J. Poole, Mr. A. E. Rowley.
Lincoln Diocesan Guild.- Mr. J. Bray, Mr. G. E. Feirn, Mr. J. Freeman.
Llandaff and Monmouth Diocesan Association.- Miss J. S. Evans, 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. R. F. B. Speed.
Midland Counties Guild.- Mr. J. W. Cotton.
North Staffordshire Association.- Mr. R. S. Anderson.
Norwich Diocesan Association.- Mr. N. V. Harding, 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 Society.- Mr. F. A. H. Wilkins.
Oxford University Society.- Mr. R. B. Meadows.
Peterborough Diocesan Guild.- Mr. P. I. Chapman, Mr. G. W. Jeffs, Mr. E. Nobles, Mr. W. Rose.
St. David’s Diocesan Guild.- Mr. J. A. Hoare.
St. Martin’s Guild, Birmingham.- Mr. G. E. Fearn, Mr. F. E. Haynes.
Salisbury Diocesan Guild.- Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, Mr. W. C. West.
Scottish Association.- Mr. R. St. C. Wilson.
Sheffield and District.- Mr. N. Chaddock.
Society of Royal Cumberland Youths.- Mr. F. E. Hawthorne.
Southwell Diocesan Guild.- Mr. C. Glenn, Mr. J. Segar.
Stafford Archdeaconry Society.- Mr. B. G. Key.
Suffolk Guild.- Mr. C. W. Pipe.
Surrey Association.- Mr. F. E. Collins, Mr. W. F. Oatway, Mr. H. N. Pitstow.
Sussex County Association.- Mr. R. G. Blackman, Mr. H. Stalham.
Swansea and Brecon Guild.- Mr. G. I. Lewis.
Truro Diocesan Guild.- Mr. D. Burnett, Mr. H. Miles.
Universities Association.- Miss M. R. Cross.
Winchester and Portsmouth Guild.- Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, Mr. C. H. Kippin, Mr. G. Pullinger.
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.

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, making a total membership of 181. There were vacancies for 1 representative member and 8 Honorary Members. All affiliation fees had been paid.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Messrs. A. L. Barry, E. W. Biffin, P. N. Bond, P. Border, W. Cathrall, G. W. Cecil, P. A. F. Chalk, S. G. Coles, Miss D. E. Colgate, G. H. Cross, F. H. Dallaway, G. E. Debenham, J. P. Fidler, T. H. Francis, J. A. Freeman, R. O. Fry, N. Golden, G. H. Harding, Dr. E. S. J. Hatcher, A. C. Hazelden, G. L. Hewitt, Miss K. Higgins, S. T. Holt, D. Hughes, G. J. Lewis, Miss M. Lidgey, J. E. Lilley, W. Longman, T. G. Myers, G. E. Oliver, W. A. Osborn, A. J. Pitman, F. Precey, B. D. Price, Rev. A. S. Roberts, F. W. Rogers, C. J. Sedgley, J. F. Smallwood, Rev. R. D. St. John Smith, Miss M. E. Snowdon, Mrs. J. Staniforth, L. Stilwell, G. E. Symonds, T. H. Taffender, E. C. S. Turner, W. H. Viggers, A. Walker, C. Wallater, J. J. Webb, J. Willis, C. W. Woolley and E. A. Young.

PRESENTATION OF NEW MEMBERS TO PRESIDENT

The following were presented: Mrs. E. A. Barnett (hon. member), Messrs. T. Boreham (Gloucester and Bristol), D. Burnett (Truro), S. Burton (Leicester), P. I. Chapman (Peterborough), P. A. Corby (Leicester), R. G. Corby (Chester), J. H. Crampion (Essex), T. Cullingworth (Kent), E. Edmondson (Hertfordshire), Miss J. S. Evans (Llandaff and Monmouth), G. E. Fearn (St. Martin’s Guild), S. Foskett (Bedfordshire), C. Glenn (Southwell), N. V. Harding (Norwich), B. G. Key (Stafford Archdeaconry), E. Nobles (Peterborough), W. F. Oatway (Surrey), H. S. Peacock (Ely), H. N. Pitstow (Surrey), W. L. Robinson (Derbyshire), Rev. J. G. M. Scott (Devon), J. Segar (Southwell), H. J. Shuck (Dudley and District), R. F. B. Speed (Middlesex), H. Stalham (Sussex), J. M. Stephens (Bedfordshire), B. D. Threlfall (Cambridge University), A. Tomlinson (Lancashire), F. A. H. Wilkins (Oxford Society), R. St. C. Wilson (Scottish) and J. R. Worrall (Guildford).

TELEGRAM TO THE QUEEN

The following telegram was sent to H.M. the Queen:-

‘The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers in annual conference assembled at the Cathedral Library, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, desire to offer your Majesty their loyal congratulations on the happy completion of your royal progress through the British Dominions, which it was the privilege of the ringers to celebrate on the occasion of your Majesty’s return.’

The following reply was received:-

‘The Queen sincerely thanks all assembled at the annual conference of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers for their kind message of loyal congratulations and for the way in which they helped to celebrate Her Majesty’s return to this country.- Private Secretary.’

TELEGRAM TO MR. E. ALEXANDER YOUNG

On the motion of the President, the following telegram was sent to Mr. E. Alexander Young, former Secretary of the Council, who had just entered his 90th year:-

‘Central Council meeting, Newcastle. All send kind regards and best wishes.’

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

President: Mr. E. H. Lewis was re-elected on the proposition of Mr. A. A. Hughes, seconded by the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead.

Hon. Secretary and Treasurer: Mr. E. A. Barnett was re-elected on the proposition of Mr. F. I. Hairs, seconded by Mr. H. J. Poole.

Hon. Librarian: Mr. F. Sharpe was re-elected on the proposition of Mr. E. H. Lewis, seconded by Mr. E. A. Barnett.

ELECTION OF HONORARY MEMBERS

The Standing Committee recommended the re-election of the following retiring members: The Earl of Shaftesbury, Messrs. J. P. Fidler, H. M. Howard, A. A. Hughes, D. Hughes, Mrs. C. C. Marshall, Messrs. E. C. Shepherd, P. L. Taylor, W. H. Viggers and A. Walker.

The committee also recommended the election of Mr. J. T. Dyke and Miss P. J. Ayris.

The recommendations were adopted on the proposition of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. H. Miles.

Mr. C. W. Roberts was elected on the proposition of Mr. F. W. Goodfellow, seconded by Mr. W. G. Wilson.

ELECTION OF HONORARY AUDITORS

Messrs. A. A. Hughes and F. W. Perrens were re-elected on the proposition of Mr. R. S. Anderson, seconded by Mr. W. Ayre.

LOSS OF MEMBERS THROUGH DEATH

The President reported the death of the following former members of the Council, the members standing in silence: Messrs. H. R. Butcher, D. D. Cooper, W. H. J. Hooton, T. Law, G. R. Newton, W. Perkins and J. H. W. White.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The Minutes as published in ‘The Ringing World’ of April 30th, 1954, and circulated to members, were adopted.

REPORTS

These have been published as shown:-

HON. SECRETARY
(‘Ringing World,’ June 18th, 1954, page 394)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mrs. G. W. Fletcher.

It was agreed to send a message of good wishes to Mr. J. W. Jones, who had retired after 46 years’ membership of the Council.

HON. LIBRARIAN
(‘Ringing World,’ June 18th, 1954, page 394)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. F. Sharpe, seconded by the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead.

It was agreed that ‘Preservation of Bells’ and ‘Collection of Minor Methods’ (with amendments) should be reprinted and that ‘Double Norwich Court Bob Caters,’ ‘Variation and Transposition’ and ‘Collection of Peals, Section II.’ (1904) should not be reprinted.

GENERAL ACCOUNTS
(‘Ringing World,’ June 18th, 1954, page 394)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. A. A. Hughes.

TRUSTEES OF THE CARTER RINGING MACHINE
(‘Ringing World,’ June 18th, 1954, page 395)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. A. A. Hughes, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs.

STANDING COMMITTEE

(a) Handbook Sub-Committee.
Dr. E. S. J. Hatcher had resigned and no report was submitted. The Standing Committee recommended the appointment of Mr. E. A. Barnett and Mr. C. K. Lewis, and this was agreed.

(b) Roll of Honour Sub-Committee.
(‘Ringing World,’ June 18th, 1954, page 395.)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. H. Miles, seconded by Mr. P. J. Johnson. It was agreed to proceed with the construction of a case and to put in hand the matter of a photostat copy.

REAPPOINTMENT OF STANDING COMMITTEE

The President announced the names of the following ex-officio members: Messrs. E. H. Lewis, E. A. Barnett, F. Sharpe, G. W. Fletcher, A. A. Hughes, F. W. Perrens, E. A. Young and all conveners of committees.

On the proposition of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. H. Miles, the following were reappointed: Messrs. R. S. Anderson, F. I. Hairs, P. J. Johnson, C. K. Lewis, H. J. Poole, A. H. Pulling, Rev. A. G. G. Thurlow and Mr. E. C. S. Turner.

Mr. J. T. Dyke was elected on the proposition of the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs.

Mr. W. B. Cartwright was elected on the proposition of Mr. H. J. Poole, seconded by Mr. F. W. Perrens.

Mr. J. Freeman was elected on the proposition of Mr. F. I. Hairs, seconded by Mr. G. E. Feirn.

Mr. F. E. Dukes was elected on the proposition of Mr. J. T. Dunwoody, seconded by Miss J. Stewart.

‘RINGING WORLD’ COMMITTEE
(‘Ringing World,’ June 25th, 1954, page 409)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. H. J. Poole, seconded by Mr. A. B. Peck.

The committee (Messrs. J. F. Smallwood, F. I. Hairs, J. T. Dyke, H. J. Poole and R. S. Anderson) were reappointed on the proposition of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. W. Ayre.

‘THE RINGING WORLD’ ACCOUNTS
(‘Ringing World,’ June 25th, 1954, page 409)

Adopted subject to audit on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs.

BIOGRAPHIES COMMITTEE
(‘Ringing World,’ June 25th, 1954, page 410)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. R. G. Blackman.

The committee (Messrs. A. C. Hazelden, W. H. Viggers, L. Stilwell and J. Willis) were reappointed on the proposition of Mr. P. J. Johnson, seconded by Mr. A. D. Barker.

PEALS COLLECTION COMMITTEE
(‘Ringing World,’ June 25th, 1954, page 410)

The majority report was adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead.

Messrs. C. W. Woolley, C. W. Roberts and A. J. Pitman were reappointed on the proposition of Mr. R. S. Anderson, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs, with power to co-opt. Mr. W. E. Critchley was added on the proposition of Mr. N. Chaddock, seconded by Mr. H. Miles.

METHODS COMMITTEE
(‘Ringing World,’ July 2nd, 1954, page 425)

Adopted on the proposition of the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, seconded by Mr. C. K. Lewis.

The Rev. K. W. H. Felstead and Messrs. F. N. Golden, C. H. Kippin and C. K. Lewis were reappointed on the proposition of Mr. W. Ayre, seconded by Mr. J. H. Crampion.

The committee agreed to consider revising the Collection of Triples Methods.

LITERATURE, PRESS & BROADCASTING COMMITTEE
(‘Ringing World,’ July 2nd, 1954, page 425)

Adopted on the proposition of the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, seconded by Mr. H. J. Poole.

The committee did not seek reappointment, and the thanks of the Council were expressed to them (the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards and Messrs. A. Paddon Smith and A. Walker) for their long service. It was agreed that the functions of the committee should be divided.

APPOINTMENT OF LITERATURE AND PRESS COMMITTEE

On the proposition of the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, seconded by Mr. H. J. Poole, the following were appointed: Messrs. E. C. Shepherd (convener) and F. E. Dukes.

APPOINTMENT OF BROADCASTING & TELEVISION COMMITTEE

On the proposition of Mr. A. A. Hughes, seconded by Mr. A. D. Barker, the following were appointed, with power to co-opt: Messrs. H. J. Sanger (convener), G. E. Fearn and J. T. Dunwoody. Mr. A. A. Hughes was added to the committee on the proposition of Mr. J. H. Crampion, seconded by Mr. F. E. Collins.

TOWERS AND BELFRIES COMMITTEE
(‘Ringing World,’ July 2nd, 1954, pp. 425-6)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. F. Sharpe, seconded by Mr. F. E. Collins.

The committee (Messrs. F. Sharpe, E. H. Lewis, W. Osborn, J. W. Clarke, F. E. Collins and E. A. Young) were reappointed, with the addition of Mr. J. Freeman.

RECORDS COMMITTEE
(‘Ringing World,’ July 2nd. 1954, page 426)

Adopted, subject to the deletion of Pudsey Surprise Royal, on the proposition of Mrs. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mrs. C. C. Marshall, who were reappointed on the proposition of Mr. P. J. Johnson, seconded by Mr. H. Miles.

PEAL BOARDS COMMITTEE
(‘Ringing World,’ July 2nd. 1954, page 426)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. J. W. Clarke, seconded by Mr. W. Ayre.

The following were reappointed on the proposition of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead: Messrs. J. W. Clarke, W. Ayre and J. P. Fidler.

PEALS ANALYSIS COMMITTEE
(‘Ringing World,’ July 9th, 1954, page 441)

After discussion, the report was adopted with the exception of a paragraph concerning peals of Bob Triples, which was deferred until 1955, on the proposition of Mr. H. J. Poole, seconded by Mr. J. T. Dunwoody.

On the proposition of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. F. W. Perrens, the following were appointed to the committee, with power to co-opt: Messrs. W. Ayre, H. Miles and the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead.

On behalf of the Standing Committee, the Secretary gave notice that peals not conforming to the Council’s Decisions would not in future be included in the Analysis; they would, however, if sent, be published in ‘The Ringing World.’

THANKS TO COMMITTEES

The President expressed the thanks of the Council to the retiring committees.

MOTIONS

(a) Proposed by Mr. F. E. Hawthorne, seconded by Mr. W. Ayre, and carried:-

‘That this Council deprecates the increasing number of installations of synthetic and recorded bells, which it considers to be unworthy of use in the house of God, and wishes to support the responsible authorities in the steps they are taking to prevent their installation.’

(b) Proposed by Mr. J. R. Worrall, seconded by Miss J. S. Evans:-

‘That this Council disapproves of the ban on the publication in “The Ringing World” of letters signed with a pen-name, and instructs the Editorial Committee to rescind it forthwith; furthermore, that this Council expresses its complete confidence in the ability of the Editor of “The Ringing World” to select only such letters as he considers suitable for publication.’

The following amendment, proposed by Mr. G. W. Fletcher and seconded by Mr. P. A. Corby, was carried:-

‘That this Council expresses its complete confidence in the ability of “The Ringing World” Committee to select such letters as it considers suitable for publication.’

The motion, as amended, was carried.

PLACE OF NEXT MEETING

Invitations had been received from Bristol and Leicester. On the proposition of Mr. F. I. Hairs, seconded by Mr. W. B. Kynaston, it was decided to visit Bristol in 1955. The Council took note of an invitation from Mr. H. J. Poole to visit Leicester in 1956.

VOTES OF THANKS

On the motion of the President, thanks were expressed to the Provost and Chapter of Newcastle Cathedral for the use of the Cathedral Library; the Provost for officiating at Holy Communion; the Lord Bishop of Newcastle and the President of the Durham and Newcastle Association (Mr. R. A. Gofton) for their welcome; Mr. D. A. Bayles (secretary of the Durham and Newcastle Association) and Mr. K. Arthur for local arrangements; and all incumbents and towerkeepers for the use of their bells.

A vote of thanks to the President was proposed by Mr. A. A. Hughes.

A civic reception was afterwards given to members and friends by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress in the Laing Art Gallery.

The Ringing World, April 8, 1955, pages 218 to 219, correction March 16, 1956, page 172