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CENTRAL COUNCIL OF CHURCH BELL RINGERS

Minutes of 1964 Meeting

MINUTES of the Second Session of the Twenty-fifth Council (67th annual meeting) held in the Town Hall, Truro, on Whitsun Tuesday, May 19th, 1964.

A welcome was extended to the Council by the Mayor, Councillor Eric A. Brown, the Lord Bishop of Truro, Dr. J. M. Key and the president of the Truro Diocesan Guild, Mr. Alan Carveth. The president replied on behalf of the Council.

A presentation was made to Mr. Frederick Sharpe in recognition of his services as president from 1957 to 1963.

PRESENT

LIFE MEMBERS.- Canon A. G. Thurlow, Mr. E. A. Barnett, Mr. F. W. Perrens, Mr. F. Sharpe.
HONORARY MEMBERS.- Mrs. E. A. Barnett, Mr. F. I. Hairs, Mr. D. Hughes, Mr. C. K. Lewis, Mr. W. A. Osborn, Mr. H. N. Pitstow, Mr. G. W. Pipe, Mr. H. L. Roper, Mr. E. C. Shepherd, Mr. R. F. B. Speed, Mrs. R. F. B. Speed, Mr. P. L. Taylor, Mr. T. W. White, Mr. J. Willis.
Ancient Society of College Youths: Messrs. W. T. Cook, J. F. Smallwood, W. Williams.
Australia and New Zealand Association: Mr. P. M. J. Gray.
Bath and Wells Diocesan Association: Messrs. J. H. Gilbert, A. H. Reed and H. J. Sanger.
Cambridge University Guild: Dr. C. M. P. Johnson and Mr. B. D. Threlfall.
Chester Diocesan Guild: Miss A. D. Edwards and Mr. J. Scott.
Coventry Diocesan Guild: Mrs. D. E. Beamish.
Derby Diocesan Association: Messrs. G. A. Halls and M. Phipps.
Devon Association: Messrs. B. Bartlett, T. Darch and H. Pidler.
Dudley and District Guild: Mr. H. J. Shuck.
Durham and Newcastle Association: Messrs. K. Arthur and D. A. Bayles.
East Grinstead and District Guild: Mr. E. J. Ladd.
Ely Diocesan Association: Messrs. J. G. Gipson, E. H. Mastin and H. S. Peacock.
Essex Association: Messrs. P. J. Eves, F. B. Lufkin, J. E. G. Roast and Miss H. G. Snowden.
Gloucester and Bristol Diocesan Association: Messrs. A. L. Barry, W. B. Kynaston and C. A. Wratten.
Guildford Diocesan Guild: Messrs. D. A. R. May, S. G. Ponting, W. H. Viggers and J. F. M. Maybrey.
Guild of Devonshire Ringers: Miss B. M. Boyle, Mr. N. Mallett and Rev. J. G. M. Scott.
Hereford Diocesan Guild: Messrs. G. Cousins and P. Morgan.
Hertford County Association: Messrs. W. Ayre, R. G. Bell, G. W. Critchley and G. Dodds.
Irish Association: Mr. F. E. Dukes, Mrs. F. E. Dukes and Mr. J. T. Dunwoody.
Kent County Association: Messrs. P. A. Corby, T. Cullingworth and I. H. Oram.
Ladies' Guild: Miss J. Beresford and Mrs. P. J. Staniforth.
Lancashire Association: Messrs. J. E. Burles, C. Crossthwaite and J. P. Partington.
Leicester Diocesan Guild: Messrs. S. Burton, J. M. Jelley, P. J. Staniforth and B. G. Warwick.
Lincoln Diocesan Guild: Messrs. J. Bray, G. E. Feirn, J. Freeman and J. L. Millhouse.
Llandaff and Monmouth Diocesan Association: Mrs. D. J. King and Mr. T. M. Roderick.
London County Association: Mr. H. W. Rogers, Mrs. H. W. Rogers and Mr. W. G. Wilson.
Middlesex County Association: Messrs. F. T. Blagrove, F. W. Goodfellow, T. J. Lock and J. R. Mayne.
Midland Counties Guild: Mr. J. W. Cotton.
North Staffordshire Association: Mr. R. S. Anderson.
Norwich Diocesan Association: Messrs. H. W. Barrett and N. V. Harding.
Oxford Diocesan Guild: Mr. A. D. Barker, Mrs. A. D. Barker and Mr. P. Walker.
Oxford Society: Mr. F. A. H. Wilkins.
Peterborough Diocesan Guild: Miss S. R. Collins.
St. David's Diocesan Guild: Mr. R. C. Warburton.
St. Martin's Guild, Birmingham: Mr. G. E. Fearn.
Salisbury Diocesan Guild: Messrs. J. T. Barrett, G. H. Harding and G. S. Morris.
Sheffield and District Society: Mr. N. Chaddock.
Shropshire Association: Mr. R. B. Morris.
Society of Royal Cumberland Youths: Messrs. D. Beresford, W. H. Dobbie and Dr. D. E. Sibson.
South Derbyshire and North Leicestershire Association: Mr. J. Collins.
Southwell Diocesan Guild: Messrs. J. D. Clarke and W. L. Exton.
Stafford Archdeaconry Society: Messrs. G. W. Hughes and B. G. Key.
Suffolk Guild: Miss A. E. J. Lester and Mr. C. W. Pipe.
Surrey Association: Messrs. N. S. Bagworth, F. E. Collins and W. Parrott.
Sussex County Association: Mrs. F. I. Hairs, Messrs. R. W. R. Percy, A. V. Sheppard and W. L. Weller.
Swansea and Brecon Diocesan Guild: Mr. G. I. Lewis.
Truro Diocesan Guild: Messrs. W. C. Boucher, D. Burnett, A. J. Davidson and A. Locke.
University of Bristol Society: Dr. T. P. Edwards.
University of London Society: Dr. D. N. Layton.
Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Guild: Mr. A. V. Davis, Canon K. W. H. Felstead and Mr. J. Hartless.
Worcestershire and Districts Association: Messrs. B. C. Ashford, D. Beacham and W. B. Cartwright.
Yorkshire Association: Messrs. G. Benfield, V. Bottomley, W. E. Critchley and W. F. Moreton.

REPORT AS TO MEMBERSHIP

The hon. secretary reported that 60 Societies were affiliated with 165 members. The rules provided for 24 honorary members and there were seven life members, making a total possible membership of 196. There were five vacancies among honorary members and two among representative members. All subscriptions had been paid.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Messrs. H. O. Baker, T. A. Bevis, E. Billings, L. G. Brett, P. I. Chapman, J. W. Clarke, Miss D. E. Colgate, Mr. J. R. Cooper, Miss M. R. Cross, Messrs. J. T. Dyke, E. H. Edge, J. H. Edwards, J. P. Fidler, G. W. Fletcher, Mrs. G. W. Fletcher, Messrs. N. Golden, F. E. Hawthorne, F. E. Haynes, A. A. Hughes, R. Leigh, Mrs. C. C. Marshall, Messrs. D. H. B. Millward, G. McKay, T. G. Myers, R. H. Newton, C. W. Ottley, A. J. Pitman, T. H. Radford, F. W. Rogers, G. Salmon, D. J. Smith, L. Stilwell, C. G. J. Watts, J. J. Webb, W. C. West, R. St. C. Wilson, H. Windsor and A. T. Wingate.

PRESENTATION OF NEW MEMBERS TO THE PRESIDENT

The following were presented: Messrs. T. Darch and H. Pidler (Devon Association), J. F. M. Maybrey (Guildford Guild), P. Morgan (Hereford Guild), J. P. Partington (Lancashire Association), W. L. Weller (Sussex Association), A. J. Davidson and A. Locke (Truro Guild).

ELECTION OF LIFE MEMBER

Mr. A. A. Hughes was elected, proposed on behalf of the Standing Committee by Mr. F. W. Perrens, seconded by Mr. J. F. Smallwood.

ELECTION OF HONORARY MEMBERS

The retiring members, Mr. G. W. Pipe and Mrs. R. F. B. Speed, were re-elected, and Mr. F. A. White was elected, on the proposition of Mr. F. E. Dukes, seconded by Mr. F. Sharpe.

It was agreed that Mr. John Betjeman be approached with a view to becoming an honorary member.

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. A. C. Hazelden (1930-63); E. H. Lewis (1908-63, president of the Council 1930-57); D. Ogden (1963); W. Rose (1946-56); H. Stalham (1954-62); T. H. Taffender (1900-63); and Canon R. F. Wilkinson (1929-37). Tributes were paid to the memory of all the deceased.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The minutes as published in "The Ringing World" of March 20th, 1964, were adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs.

REPORTS

These have been published in "The Ringing World" as shown:-

HONORARY SECRETARY AND TREASURER
(May 29th, 1964, page 355)

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

HONORARY LIBRARIAN
(June 5th, 1964, page 376)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. F. W. Perrens, seconded by Mr. F. Sharpe. It was agreed that "Village Bells" should not be reprinted.

BALANCE SHEET AND ACCOUNTS
(June 5th, 1964, page 370)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. C. K. Lewis.

TRUSTEES OF THE CARTER RINGING MACHINE
(May 29th, 1964, page 355)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. D. Hughes, seconded by Mr. G. S. Morris.

STANDING COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1964, page 372)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs. The secretary reported that Mr. D. Hughes had been co-opted to the committee under Rule 12 (ii).

"THE RINGING WORLD" COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1964, page 370).

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. J. F. Smallwood, seconded by Mr. R. S. Anderson. Mr. Smallwood informed the members that he had retired as convener of the committee and that Mr. Anderson had taken over.

Mr. J. E. Jeater, who for many years had kept the accounts of the paper, was introduced to the meeting amid applause. Mr. Jeater expressed thanks for his reception.

The secretary gave notice on behalf of the Standing Committee under Rule 7 (ii) that the election of Mr. Smallwood as a life member under Rule 7 (i) (b) would be proposed in 1965.

SUNDAY SERVICE RINGING AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1964, page 373)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. N. Chaddock, seconded by Mr. F. B. Lufkin.

LITERATURE AND PRESS COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1964, page 374)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. C. Shepherd, seconded by Mr. F. E. Dukes.

TOWERS AND BELFRIES COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1964, page 372)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. F. Sharpe, seconded by the Rev. J. G. M. Scott. It was agreed that the committee could spend up to £500 on the production of a comprehensive book on the preservation, etc., of church bells.

BROADCASTING AND TELEVISION COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1964, page 371)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. H. J. Sanger, seconded by Mr. D. A. Bayles.

BIOGRAPHIES COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1964, page 377)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. W. H. Viggers, seconded by Mr. J. Willis. Mr. W. Parrott was added to the committee. It was noted that Mr. T. J. Lock had become convener.

PEALS ANALYSIS COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1964, page 375)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. W. Ayre, seconded by Canon K. W. H. Felstead.

OVERSEAS RINGING COMMITTEE
(June 12th, 1964, page 397)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. G. W. Pipe, seconded by Mr. A. V. Sheppard. It was agreed that the terms of reference of the committee should be:-

"To keep in touch with and report to the Council on the activities of ringers and ringing outside the British Isles; to provide all possible information and assistance, when requested or when thought desirable, and when practicable to establish contact with visiting overseas ringing."

Mr. G. W. Pipe gave a report on the Washington visit.

PEALS COLLECTION COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1964, page 375)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. W. E. Critchley, seconded by Mr. G. E. Feirn.

METHODS COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1964, page 377)

Adopted on the proposition of Mr. C. K. Lewis, seconded by Mr. F. T. Blagrove. It was agreed to refer the method rung to a peal as Burslem Delight Major to the Southwell Diocesan Guild, requesting them to ask the conductor to change the name as it was not a correct extension of the Minor.

RECORDS COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1964, page 376)

Adopted as amended on the proposition of Mr. F. T. Blagrove, seconded by Mr. J. R. Mayne.

AMENDMENT OF RULE

Rule 9 (Meetings of the Council) was amended by substituting the words "at a previous meeting" for "at the previous meeting" on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett on behalf of the Standing Committee, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs. This was to permit meetings being arranged more than one year ahead if desired.

MOTIONS

(a) Proposed by Mr. D. A. Bayles, seconded by Mr. K. Arthur:

"That this Council shall no longer recognise as regular any even-bell method on six or eight bells which has four places made between successive rows on more than one occasion in the half-lead."

A proposition by Mr. R. S. Anderson, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs, that the matter be referred to the Methods Committee for investigation and report was not carried. The motion was lost.

(b) Proposed by Mr. D. A. Bayles, seconded by Mr. K. Arthur:

"That this Council investigate and report on the possibilities of systematic nomenclature for methods."

After discussion the Council proceeded to the next business on the proposition of Mr. J. Freeman, seconded by Mr. W. E. Critchley.

(c) With the permission of the Council the following motion not on the Agenda paper was proposed by Mr. A. D. Barker, seconded by Mr. W. Ayre, and carried:

"That this Council urges all ringing associations to press for proper insurance of all ringers, preferably under a group accident policy."

PLACE OF THE NEXT MEETING

Invitations had been received from the Coventry and Peterborough Diocesan Guilds to visit Coventry and Northampton respectively. It was decided by a majority to accept the invitation to Northampton.

OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. C. K. Lewis reminded members of the Standing Committee's recommendation in 1963 that ringers should mark the forthcoming retirement from Parliament of Sir Winston Churchill.

VOTES OF THANKS

On the motion of the president, the thanks of the Council were expressed to the Mayor of Truro, the Bishop of Truro and the president of the Truro Diocesan Guild for their welcome; to the Dean of Truro for the use of the Cathedral for the Holy Communion service; to the president, the hon. secretary (the Rev. A. J. Vincent), the Ringing Master (Mr. D. Burnett) and other members of the Truro Diocesan Guild for local arrangements; and to local incumbents and towerkeepers for the use of the bells.

After the meeting the members were the guests of the Truro Diocesan Guild at tea.

The Ringing World, March 19, 1965, pages 198 to 199