MINUTES of the third session of the twenty-second Council (59th Annual Meeting), held in the Council Chamber, Leicester, on Whitsun Tuesday, May 22nd, 1956.
A welcome was extended to the Council by the Lord Bishop of Leicester and by the President of the Leicester Diocesan Guild. The thanks of the Council were expressed by the President, who recalled his attendance at the previous meeting in Leicester in 1911.
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. J. T. Dyke, Mr. J. P. Fidler, Mr. F. I. Hairs, Mr. A. A. Hughes, Mr. D. Hughes, Mr. C. K. Lewis, Mrs. C. C. Marshall, Mr. W. A. Osborn, Mr. A. J. Pitman, Mr. E. C. Shepherd, Mr. P. L. Taylor, Mr. W. H. Viggers, Mr. A. Walker.
Ancient Society of College Youths.- 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.
Bedfordshire Association.- Mr. B. F. Sims, Mr. S. Foskett.
Chester Diocesan Guild.- Mr. J. W. Clarke, Mr. R. G. Corby.
Coventry Diocesan Guild.- Mrs. D. E. Beamish, Mr. F. W. Perrens.
Derbyshire Association.- Mr. A. Mould, Mr. W. L. Robinson.
Devon Guild.- Mr. E. W. Biffin.
Dudley and District Guild.- 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 Association.- Mr. P. Border, Mr. F. W. Lack.
Essex Association.- Mr. J. H. Crampion, Mr. F. B. Lufkin, Miss H. G. Snowden.
Gloucester and Bristol Diocesan Association.- Mr. A. L. Barry, Mr. T. Boreham, Mr. W. B. Kynaston, Mr. F. Skidmore.
Guildford Diocesan Guild.- Mr. A. C. Hazelden, Mr. A. H. Pulling.
Hereford Diocesan Guild.- Mr. W. F. Moreton, Mr. G. E. Oliver.
Hertford County Association.- Mr. W. Ayre, Mr. R. G. Bell, Mr. E. Edmondson, Mr. C. W. Woolley.
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.- Miss D. E. Colgate, Mrs. A. Richardson, Mrs. P. J. Staniforth.
Lancashire Association.- Mr. F. Dunkerley, Mr. J. Ridyard, Rev. R. D. St. J. Smith, Mr. A. Tomlinson.
Leicester Diocesan Guild.- Mr. S. Burton, Mr. P. A. Corby, Mr. A. E. Rowley, Mr. P. J. Staniforth.
Lincoln Diocesan Guild.- Mr. G. E. Feirn, Mr. J. Freeman, Mr. J. A. 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. T. J. Lock, Mr. R. F. B. Speed, Mr. E. C. S. Turner.
Midland Counties Guild.- Mr. J. W. Cotton.
North Staffordshire Association.- Mr. R. S. Anderson.
Norwich Diocesan Association.- Mr. H. W. Barrett, Mr. F. N. Golden, Mr. N. V. Harding.
Oxford Diocesan Guild.- Mr. A. D. Barker, Mrs. A. D. Barker, Mr. A. E. Lock.
Oxford Society.- Mr. F. A. H. Wilkins.
Oxford University Society.- Mr. R. B. Meadows, Mrs. P. C. Wright.
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.- Mr. G. H. Harding, Mr. W. C. West.
Scottish Association.- Mr. R. St. C. Wilson.
Sheffield and District Society.- Mr. N. Chaddock.
Shropshire Association.- Mr. G. L. Hewitt.
Society of Royal Cumberland Youths.- Mr. P. N. Bond, Mr. F. E. Hawthorne.
Southwell Diocesan Guild.- Mr. B. M. Buswell, Mr. J. W. Raithby, Mr. J. Segar.
Stafford Archdeaconry.- Mr. B. G. Key, Mr. C. Wallater.
Surrey Association.- Mr. F. E. Collins, Mr. W. F. Oatway, Mr. H. N. Pitstow.
Sussex County Association.- Mr. R. G. Blackman, Mr. F. H. Dallaway, Mr. H. Stalham, Mr. L. Stilwell.
Swansea and Brecon Guild.- Mr. G. I. Lewis.
Truro Diocesan Guild.- Mr. D. Burnett, Mr. A. Carveth, Miss M. Lidgey, Mr. H. Miles.
Universities Association.- Miss M. R. Cross.
University of London Society.- Mr. D. N. Layton.
Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan 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.
SUMMARY:-
| Members | |||
| Assoc. | Present | Absent | |
| Wholly represented | 33 | 76 | - |
| Partially represented | 17 | 40 | 25 |
| Not represented | 5 | - | 8 |
| 55 | 116 | 33 | |
| Life Members | 5 | 2 | |
| Hon. Members | 14 | 4 | |
| 135 | 39 | ||
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 two Representative and five Honorary Members. All affiliation fees had been paid except those of the East Derby and Notts Association. (It was later found that these had been lost in transit.)
APPLICATIONS TO AFFILIATE
Applications had been received from the University of London Society and the New South Wales Association. The affiliation of the former as a non-territorial society was agreed on the proposition of Mr. W. Ayre, seconded by Mr. N. Chaddock, and of the latter on the proposition of Mr. R. S. Anderson, seconded by Mr. L. W. G. Morris.
It was noted that the New South Wales Association was the first overseas Society to affiliate with the Council.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Messrs. F. D. Boreham, J. Bray, T. R. Butler, W. Cathrall, P. A. F. Chalk, G. H. Cross, Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, Messrs. T. H. Francis, R. O. Fry, F. W. Goodfellow, Dr. E. S. J. Hatcher, Rev. J. Kingdon, Messrs. G. J. Lewis, J. E. Lilley, T. G. Myers, H. S. Peacock, C. W. Roberts, Rev. J. G. M. Scott, Mr. C. J. Sedgley, Mrs. P. J. Steeples, Messrs. G. E. Symonds, T. H. Taffender, B. D. Threlfall, Rev. A. G. G. Thurlow, Messrs. J. J. Webb, J. Willis, J. R. Worrall and E. A. Young.
TELEGRAM TO MR. E. ALEXANDER YOUNG
The President said that a telegram of congratulation and good wishes was being sent to Mr. E. Alexander Young, a former Secretary of the Council, whose 91st birthday occurred that day.
PRESENTATION OF NEW MEMBERS TO THE PRESIDENT
The following were presented: Messrs. B. M. Buswell (Southwell Diocesan), A. Carveth (Truro Diocesan), D. N. Layton (University of London), A. J. Pitman (Honorary), B. F. Sims (Bedfordshire) and P. J. Staniforth (Leicester Diocesan).
ELECTION OF HONORARY MEMBERS
The following retiring members were re-elected on the proposition of Mr. L. W. G. Morris, seconded by Mr. J. T. Dunwoody: Mrs. O. D. Barnett, Messrs. F. I. Hairs, C. K. Lewis, W. A. Osborn and A. J. Pitman.
LOSS OF MEMBERS THROUGH DEATH
The President reported the death of the following members and past members of the Council, the assembly standing in silence: Messrs. J. Ashmole (Chester), W. H. L. Buckingham (St. James’ Society and Middlesex Association), Rev. W. W. Covey-Crump (Ely), Messrs. C. Glenn (Yorkshire and Southwell Diocesan), A. W. Groves (Sussex), S. J. Hughes (Dudley and District), J. W. Jones (Llandaff and Monmouth), W. E. Longman (Chester), J. Maddock (Bath and Wells), J. C. Mitchell (Honorary), H. J. Poole (Midland County and Leicester) and Mrs. A. S. Roberts (Truro).
Tributes were paid to the memory of Messrs. Buckingham, Mitchell, Jones and Poole.
MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The Minutes as published in “The Ringing World” of March 16th, 1956, were adopted on the proposition of Mr. C. K. Lewis, seconded by Mr. E. C. S. Turner.
These have been published as shown:-
HON. SECRETARY AND TREASURER
(“Ringing World,” June 1st, 1956, page 346)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs.
HON. LIBRARIAN
(“Ringing World,” June 8th, 1956, page 361)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. F. Sharpe, seconded by Mr. L. W. G. Morris, with thanks to the President for his gift of foreign books on bells.
GENERAL ACCOUNTS
(“Ringing World,” June 1st, 1956, page 346)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. A. A. Hughes. Arising from this, the President announced that the Council had been bequeathed £805 15s. 5d. by the late Clement Glenn, and that a sub-committee consisting of the officers of the Council had been appointed to consider the use of the money. It had also been decided to send ten guineas to the appeal for the restoration of Bow Bells.
TRUSTEES OF THE CARTER RINGING MACHINE
(“Ringing World,” June 1st, 1956, page 348)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. A. A. Hughes, seconded by Mr. A. Walker. A recent diagram made by the machine was passed round for inspection.
STANDING COMMITTEE
The formal report of the Standing Committee was adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. F. W. Perrens.
(a) Handbook Sub-Committee.
(“Ringing World,” June 8th, 1956, page 361)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. C. K. Lewis.
“RINGING WORLD” ACCOUNTS
(“Ringing World,” June 1st, 1956, page 347)
Adopted subject to audit on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs. The following comparative weekly circulation figures were given: April 22nd, 1955 - Rolls House, 3,406; Postal, 2,144; others, 22; total, 5,572. April 27th, 1956 - Rolls House, 3,276; Postal, 2,078; others, 17; total, 5,371.
“RINGING WORLD” COMMITTEE
(“Ringing World,” June 1st, 1956, pages 347-8)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. J. F. Smallwood, seconded by Mr. R. S. Anderson.
NOMINATION COMMITTEE
(“Ringing World,” June 8th, 1956, page 361)
On the proposition of the Rev. R. D. St. J. Smith, seconded by Mr. E. C. Shepherd, the Council endorsed the Committee’s view that a badge of office for the President was unnecessary. Mr. R. S. Anderson moved and Mr. A. A. Hughes seconded that the Council approve the recommendation that a Vice-President be appointed and that the Rev. A. G. G. Thurlow be nominated for that office. This was agreed.
The report was adopted on the proposition of Mr. F. W. Perrens, seconded by Mr. R. S. Anderson.
The Hon. Secretary gave notice of motion to amend the appropriate Rules of the Council accordingly.
BROADCASTING AND TELEVISION COMMITTEE
(“Ringing World,” June 8th, 1956, pages 361-2)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. H. J. Sanger, seconded by Mr. J. T. Dunwoody.
LITERATURE AND PRESS COMMITTEE
(“Ringing World,” June 8th, 1956, page 363)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. C. Shepherd, seconded by Mr. F. E. Dukes.
BIOGRAPHIES COMMITTEE
(“Ringing World,” June 8th, 1956, page 362)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. A. C. Hazelden, seconded by Mr. W. H. Viggers. It was noted that two past members shown as over 90 years of age had died and that a third, Mr. F. G. May, had not yet reached this age.
RECORDS COMMITTEE
(“Ringing World,” June 15th, 1956, page 377)
Adopted on the proposition of Mrs. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mrs. C. C. Marshall.
PEALS COLLECTION COMMITTEE
(“Ringing World,” June 8th, 1956, page 362)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. C. W. Woolley, seconded by Mr. W. E. Critchley. It was agreed that the Collection of compositions of Stedman Caters and Cinques, when complete, would be printed.
PEALS ANALYSIS COMMITTEE
(“Ringing World,” June 8th, 1956, page 362)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. W. Ayre, seconded by the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead.
METHODS COMMITTEE
(“Ringing World,” June 15th, 1956, page 377)
Adopted on the proposition of the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, seconded by Mr. F. W. Rogers. The Committee took note of the motion on the Agenda, which was not voted upon, stressing the desirability of reprinting as soon as possible the Collection of Minor Methods and the Collection of Triples Methods.
PEAL BOARDS COMMITTEE
(“Ringing World,” June 15th, 1956, page 377)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. J. W. Clarke, seconded by Mr. W. Ayre.
TOWERS AND BELFRIES COMMITTEE
(“Ringing World,” June 15th, 1956, pages 377-8)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. F. Sharpe, seconded by Mr. J. W. Clarke.
ALTERATION OF RULE 11
Mr. E. A. Barnett proposed and Mr. C. K. Lewis seconded that Rule 11 (Committees) be amended by the addition of the following clauses:-
“(ii) The Standing Committee shall consist of
(a) Past and Present holders of the office of President, Honorary Secretary and Treasurer, and Honorary Librarian of the Council.
(b) Honorary Auditors and Conveners of Committees ex-officio.
(c) Twelve elected members (chosen by ballot if more than 12 are proposed). The 12 retiring members to be the first names to be proposed.
The Committee shall have power to co-opt not more than two other members of the Council.
(iii) At the Annual Meeting next after each Triennial Election members of any Committee who have not been re-elected to the Council shall (when such Committee has a report to present) have the right to attend and speak on any matter arising exclusively out of that report.”
An amendment proposed by Mr. P. A. Corby and seconded by Mrs. P. J. Staniforth to delete from clause (ii) (c) the words “The twelve retiring members to be first to be proposed” was carried.
The amended rule, as further amended, was carried.
MOTIONS
(a) Proposed by Miss M. R. Cross, seconded by Mr. R. F. B. Speed, and carried:-
“That the Central Council publication ‘Hints to Instructors and Beginners’ be revised in the light of recent advances and experiments in teaching technique, and that such revision should contain not only sections intended primarily for instructors on the teaching of handling a bell, instruction in ringing rounds and method ringing in its early stages, but also a section on these matters which can easily be understood by beginners.”
It was agreed that a Committee be appointed consisting of Miss M. R. Cross (convener) and Messrs. J. T. Dyke, R. F. B. Speed and W. G. Wilson to draw up a book on the lines suggested.
(b) Proposed by Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. C. K. Lewis:-
“That no peal of Doubles or Minor shall be recognised in which, for any reason, the bells strike in rounds other than
(i) at the beginning and end of the peal;
(ii) at the beginning of each extent;
(iii) when round blocks of two or more extents are used, at the appropriate places in the round blocks.
That no peal on higher numbers of bells shall be recognised in which, for any reason, the bells strike in rounds other than at the beginning and end of the peal.”
After discussion, the Council passed on to the next item on the proposition of the Rev. R. D. St. J. Smith, seconded by Mr. P. J. Johnson.
(c) Proposed by Mr. J. Segar and seconded by Mr. P. A. Corby:-
“That this Council disapproves of the twin bob mark ‘X’ being used to indicate one bob only in compositions printed in ‘The Ringing World’.”
The motion was lost.
(d) By permission of the Council, the following motion, not on the Agenda paper, was proposed by Mr. H. W. Rogers:-
“Following the report of ‘The Ringing World’ Committee to the effect that under present circumstances and circulation a deficit is likely to be encountered in 1957, the Council urges
That all ringers, and particularly Association officers and peal ringers, endeavour to increase circulation by encouraging many more ringers to purchase regularly copies of ‘The Ringing World.’
That all peal ringers should be asked to send voluntary subscriptions with peal reports.”
Mr. R. G. Blackman seconded the motion, which was carried.
PLACE OF NEXT MEETING
Invitations had been received from the Oxford Diocesan Guild and the Essex Association. On the proposition, of Mr. F. E. Dukes, seconded by Mr. E. C. Shepherd, it was decided to visit Essex, the actual meeting place being left to the Association.
VOTES OF THANKS
A vote of thanks to the President was proposed by Mr. R. S. Anderson, who mentioned that the meeting was the last at which Mr. Lewis would preside, and carried with acclamation. The President expressed his thanks.
On the motion of the President, the thanks of the Council were expressed to the Lord Mayor and Corporation of Leicester for the use of the Council Chamber; to the Lord Bishop of Leicester and the President of the Leicester Diocesan Guild (Mr. P. L. Taylor) for their welcome; to the Provost for officiating at Holy Communion that morning; to the Leicester Entertainment Committee for local arrangements, Mr. Shirley Burton for arranging peal attempts, and all local incumbents and steeplekeepers for the use of their bells.
CIVIC RECEPTION
A civic reception was afterwards given by the Lord Mayor, at which the President expressed the Council’s thanks. Later, a social and dance was given by the Leicester Diocesan Guild at the Bell Hotel.
The Ringing World, April 19, 1957, pages 252 to 253