MINUTES of the first session of the twenty-first Council (54th annual meeting) held in the Cathedral Refectory, Chester, on Whitsun Tuesday, May 15th, 1951.
The Council was given a warm welcome to Chester by the Bishop of Chester and the Very Rev. Dean of Chester.
The meeting opened with prayer.
PRESENT:-
Ancient Society of College Youths.- Mr. G. W. Cecil, Mr. A. B. Peck, Mr. J. F. Smallwood.
Bath and Wells Diocesan Association.- Mr. J. T. Dyke, Mr. H. J. Sanger, Miss N. G. Williams.
Bedfordshire Association.- Mr. H. Harding.
Cambridge University Guild.- Mr. E. M. Atkins, Mr. S. E. Darmon.
Chester Diocesan Guild.- Mr. J. W. Clarke, Rev. J. Kingdon, Mr. D. Smith, 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. A. L. Bennett, Mr. E. W. Biffin.
Dudley and District Guild.- Mr. F. Colclough.
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. E. H. Mastin.
Essex Association.- Mr. F. V. Gant, Mr. F. B. Lufkin, Mr. H. J. Mansfield.
Gloucester and Bristol Diocesan Association.- Mr. P. E. Baker, Miss D. M. Drew, Mr. W. B. Kynaston, Mr. F. Skidmore.
Guildford Diocesan Guild.- 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. W. Ayre, Mr. R. G. Bell, Mr. C. W. Woolley.
Irish Association.- Mr. F. E. Dukes, Mr. J. T. Dunwoody.
Kent County Association.- Mr. P. A. Corby, Mr. T. E. Sone, Mr. G. H. Spice, Mr. J. Willis.
Ladies’ Guild.- Mrs. G. W. Fletcher, Mrs. A. Richardson, Mrs. P. J. Staniforth.
Lancashire Association.- Mr. F. Dunkerley, Mr. J. Ridyard, Mr. C. Sharples, Mr. L. J. Williams.
Leicester Diocesan Guild.- Mr. A. Ballard, 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, Mr. J. A. Freeman.
Llandaff and Monmouth Diocesan Association.- Mr. J. W. Jones, Mr. T. M. Roderick.
London County Association.- Mr. H. W. Rogers, Mrs. H. W. Rogers.
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.
National Police Guild.- Mr. T. R. Butler.
North Staffordshire Association.- Mr. R. S. Anderson.
North Wales Association.- Mr. A. J. Hughes.
Norwich Diocesan Association.- Mr. W. C. Duffield, Mr. 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. B. P. Morris, Mr. R. C. Noon, 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. Harding, Mr. W. C. West.
Sheffield and District Society.- Mr. N. Chaddock.
Shropshire Association.- Mr. G. L. Hewitt.
Society of Royal Cumberland Youths.- Mr. P. N. Bond, Mr. T. H. Francis, 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. D. Cooper, Mr. F. E. Collins.
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.
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. G. W. Fletcher, Mr. W. H. J. Hooton, Mr. E. Alex. Young.
Honorary Members.- Mr. F. I. Hairs, Mr. A. A. Hughes, Mr. E. A. Barnett, Mr. C. K. Lewis, Mrs. C. C. Marshall, Mr. W. Osborn, Mr. F. Sharpe, Mr. W. H. Viggers, Mr. A. Walker.
SUMMARY.
| Members | |||
| Associations. | Present. | Absent. | |
| Wholly represented | 32 | 81 | |
| Partially represented | 18 | 37 | 25 |
| Not represented | 4 | 6 | |
| 54 | 118 | 31 | |
| Life Members | 4 | ||
| Hon. Members | 9 | 4 | |
| 131 | 35 | ||
REPORT AS TO MEMBERSHIP
The Hon. Secretary reported that 53 Associations were affiliated, entitled to elect 148 members.
The Surrey Association was now entitled to three members and two Associations had each left a vacancy.
Honorary Members numbered 17 making a total membership of 163.
ADMISSION OF A NEW SOCIETY
On the proposal of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. L. W. G. Morris, the Sheffield and District Society was admitted as a non-territorial society. Its membership was reported as being 345 ringing members and 24 honorary members.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
The following apologies were received:- Messrs. K. Beardsall, H. G. Cashmore, S. G. Coles, G. H. Cross, G. E. Debenham, E. G. Fenn, G. L. Grover, A. Harman, W. F. Judge, B. G. Key, J. E. Lilley, T. G. Myers, F. Precey, J. W. Raithby, Rev. A. S. and Mrs. Roberts, Messrs. H. T. Rooke, F. A. Salter, C. J. Sedgley, A. C. Sinfield, G. E. Symonds, T. H. Taffender, T. W. Taffender, Rev. W. H. R. Trewhella, Mr. J. J. Webb and Rev. C. E. Wigg.
PRESENTATION OF NEW MEMBERS TO THE PRESIDENT
New members presented were:- Messrs. S. E. Darmon (Cambridge University), D. Smith and J. Worth (Chester Diocesan), D. Carlisle and A. Mould (Derbyshire Association). C. A. Bassett (East Grinstead Guild), F. W. Lack (Ely), P. E. Baker and Miss D. M. Drew (Gloucester and Bristol), Messrs. P. A. Corby and J. Willis (Kent), Mrs. P. J. Staniforth (Ladies’), Messrs. F. Dunkerley, J. Ridyard, C. Sharples and L. J. Williams (Lancashire), E. C. Turner (Leicester), T. M. Roderick (Llandaff and Monmouth), T. J. Lock (Middlesex), R. B. Meadows (Oxford University), B. P. Morris and R. C. Noon (Peterborough), A. Hoare (St. David’s), N. Chaddock (Sheffield and District), F. Bennett and L. Stilwell (Sussex), A. P. Cannon (Surrey), G. I. Lewis (Swansea), W. B. Cartwright (Worcestershire and Districts), W. E. Critchley (Yorkshire).
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
President.- On the proposal of Mr. G. W. Fletcher (on behalf of the Standing Committee), seconded by the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, Mr. E. H. Lewis was elected for the next three years, 1951-54.
Hon Secretary and Treasurer.- On the proposal of the President Mr. G. W. Fletcher was re-elected, and it was agreed that the appointment be for one year only.
It was further agreed that a committee consisting of the present officers, with powers to co-opt, consider the question of a successor to this office.
Hon. Librarian.- Mr. W. H. J. Hooton was re-elected on the proposal of Mr. H. J. Poole, seconded by Mr. A. Walker.
Life Members.- It was announced that under Rule 6 of the new Rules the following Honorary Members were now Life Members:- Mr. E. H. Lewis, Mr. G. W. Fletcher, Mr. W. H. J. Hooton, Mr. E. A. Young.
Notice of motion was given to propose the election of Mrs. E. K. Fletcher at the next meeting.
Honorary Members.- On the recommendation of the Standing Committee it was proposed by the Hon. Secretary, seconded by Mr. P. J. Johnson, that the retiring members be re-elected viz.:- The Right Hon. The Earl of Shaftesbury, Mrs. C. C. Marshall, Messrs. E. A. Barnett, G. E. Debenham, T. Groombridge, A. A. Hughes, F. Sharpe, W. H. Viggers, and A. Walker, and that the following be elected:- Dr. E. S. J. Hatcher and Messrs. M. Howard, D. Hughes, G. R. Newton, B. D. Price, E. Shepherd and P. L. Taylor.
The recommendation was adopted.
On the proposal of Mr. C. H. Kippin, seconded by Mr. G. Pullinger, Mr. J. P. Fidler was also elected.
Election of Hon. Auditors.- On the proposal of the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, seconded by Mr. H. Miles, the following were elected to serve for 1951-54:- Mr. A. A. Hughes and Mr. F. W. Perrens.
Loss of members through death.- Members stood in silence as the President formally reported the deaths of the following:- W. H. Barber, W. Claydon, C. Dean, J. George, H. R. Newton, W. Pickworth, Rev. R. F. R. Routh, Rev. G. D. Scott, W. Short, W. H. Shuker, O. Sippetts, C. Tyler, J. G. Wall.
Tributes to the memory of W. H. Barber were paid by Messrs. R. S. Anderson and A. Walker, and to W. H. Shuker by Mr. Dunkerley.
Minutes of the last Meeting.- On the proposal of Mr. F. I. Hairs, seconded by Mr. L. W. G. Morris, the minutes as published and circulated were taken as read and approved.
REPORTS
The various reports have been published as indicated and are preserved in the Council’s records.
REPORT OF THE HON LIBRARIAN
(‘Ringing World,’ No. 2,095, May 25th, 1951, page 330.)
Adopted on the proposal of Mr. W. H. J. Hooton, seconded by Mr. F. E. Dukes.
Thanks were expressed to Mr. C. W. Woolley for assistance given during the year.
GENERAL ACCOUNTS
(‘Ringing World,’ No. 2,095, May 25th, 1951, pages 330-1.)
Adopted on the proposal of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. A. A. Hughes.
J. H. Shepherd bequest.- On the proposal of Mr. E. C. S. Turner, seconded by Mr. R. S. Anderson, it was agreed that the surplus be used in the work of the Biographies Committee.
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE CARTER RINGING MACHINE
Mr. A. A. Hughes reported that the machine was now in first-class order but suggested that it be further tested before it was returned to the Museum.
The Report was seconded by Mr. A. Walker and adopted, and thanks were accorded to Mr. A. A. Hughes for providing a new electric motor free of cost to the Council.
REPORT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE
The committee reported that the sub-committee’s reports had been received, considered and circulated. The Agenda had been considered and recommendations made. The Report was adopted on the proposal of Mr. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mr. W. Ayre.
REPORT OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO CONSIDER THE DECISIONS OF THE COUNCIL
The following Report was adopted on the proposal of Mr. J. F. Smallwood, seconded by Mr. F. W. Perrens.
Since making our last report on the various Decisions of the Council, we have received a very small number of communications from the Exercise generally.
These have been carefully considered and we have revised our first suggestions slightly so as to give effect to the useful points which have been raised by correspondents, and also bearing in mind the discussion of the matter by the Council last year.
We have endeavoured to deal with the various controversial subjects, but, as you will no doubt agree, no rules or recommendations can be effective unless they are adhered to in their spirit and in their letter.
We hope the suggestions we have made will find general acceptance.
THE REVISION OF ‘RULES AND DECISIONS’
A Progress Report
‘Rules and Decisions’ first appeared in 1904, and in revised form in 1927, since when there has been no further issue, and copies are nowadays quite scarce. It is timely, therefore, to consider a third edition, more especially as the Rules were completely overhauled in 1950, and the Decisions are now enjoying like treatment.
The planning of such a booklet necessitates choosing its most appropriate form. If it is to be another 24 years before a fourth edition then the contents of the third edition should be such as not to ‘date’ the text unduly. But if the whole policy behind production is towards a more frequent, and hence more up-to-date text, then a sustained demand by the Exercise must be stimulated. It is the latter policy which seems the more valuable and inviting, and the basis of the accompanying proposals is that small supplements should be issued at the beginning of a new Council (a three-year interval), and that the next edition should follow after six or nine years.
The demand for a Central Council HANDBOOK should not, of course, be limited to Council members, or to Guild libraries, but every band of ringers should be encouraged to have a copy in their own tower, whilst there must be many individual ringers who would wish to have their own copy. One important result of such a wide circulation would be to bring a more intimate knowledge of the work of the Council to the notice of many more ringers. and so to further the aims and purposes of the Council.
Regarding production of the handbook it is hoped that the Council will authorise its publication at the coming meeting at Chester, though it is realised that this will involve a laree initial outlay. The price of the 1927 edition was 1s. 3d., so allowing for a rather larger book a present-day price of 5s. would not be excessive. In effect it will be necessary to compile the handbook to economic specification, but with a first printing of 750 or 1,000 an attractive production should be possible at this price, at the same time allowing an adequate working margin of profit.
The committee’s detailed proposals regarding the handbook were published in ‘The Ringing World,’ No. 2,097, June 8th, 1951, page 361.
SCHEDULE TO THE REPORT
The Schedule to the Report was considered in detail and on the President’s motion it was agreed that the committee amend and publish as soon as convenient. Permission was also given to proceed with the handbook.
REPORT OF SUB-COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO PREPARE THE ROLL OF HONOUR
(‘Ringing World,’ 2,097, June 8th, 1951, page 361.)
Adopted on the proposal of Mr. H. Miles, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs, and it was agreed that Mr. J. W. Clarke be co-opted and that further consideration be given to the cost of preparing the Roll
REPORT OF THE FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN SUB-COMMITTEE
(‘Ringing World,’ No. 2,074, December 29th, 1950.)
Adopted on the President’s motion.
RE-APPOINTMENT OF STANDING COMMITTEE
The President announced the names of the officers, past officers and conveners of committees who were ex-officio members.
On the proposal of the Honorary Secretary, seconded by the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, the following were re-appointed:- Messrs. G. E. Debenham, J. T. Dyke, F. I. Hairs, P. J. Johnson, H. J. Poole, A. H. Pulling, Alderman A. Paddon Smith, Rev. A. G. G. Thurlow and Mr. A. Walker, and as a result of a ballot the following were declared elected:- Messrs. E. C. S. Turner, C. K. Lewis and R. S. Anderson.
REPORT OF THE PEAL COLLECTION COMMITTEE
The following report was adopted on the proposal of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. C. W. Woolley:-
‘We have very little to report, as our activities throughout the year have been very quiet. Steady progress has been maintained on the Royal and Maximus Collection.’
RE-APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE
On the proposal of Mr. F. I. Hairs, seconded by Mr. F. W. Perrens, the following were re-appointed:- Messrs. H. G. Cashmore, E. A. Barnett, G. R. Newton and C. W. Woolley.
REPORT OF THE METHODS COMMITTEE
(‘Ringing World,’ No. 2,095, May 25th, 1951, page 331.)
Adopted on the proposal of the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, seconded by Mr. C. K. Lewis, and it was agreed to defer discussion on Method Extension.
The committee consisting of the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead and Messrs. E. A. Barnett, H. G. Cashmore, F. N. Golden and C. K. Lewis were re-appointed on the proposal of Mr. R. S. Anderson, seconded by Mr. H. J. Poole.
REPORT OF THE PEAL ANALYSIS COMMITTEE
(‘Ringing World,’ No. 2,096, June 1st, 1951, page 345.)
Adopted on the proposal of Mr. W. Ayre, seconded by Mr. P. J. Johnson.
The following committee were reappointed on the proposition of Mr. F. W. Perrens, seconded by Mr. J. T. Dunwoody:- Messrs. W. Ayre, G. L. Grover and H. Miles.
REPORT OF THE RECORDS COMMITTEE
(‘Ringing World,’ No. 2,096, June 1st, 1951, page 345.)
Adopted on the proposal of Mrs. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mrs. C. C. Marshall.
The committee - Mrs. G. W. Fletcher and Mrs. C. C. Marshall - were re-appointed on the proposition of Mr. F. I. Hairs, seconded by Mr. F. W. Perrens.
REPORT OF THE TOWERS AND BELFRIES COMMITTEE
Members of the committee reported verbally - see ‘Ringing World,’ No. 2,096, June 1st, 1951, page 345.
The report was adopted on the proposal of Mr. E. H. Lewis, seconded by Mr. F. Sharpe.
The committee - Messrs. E. H. Lewis, W. Osborn, F. Sharpe and E. Alex. Young - were re-appointed on the proposal of the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, seconded by Mr. F. W. Perrens.
REPORT OF THE LITERATURE, PRESS AND BROADCASTING COMMITTEE
(‘Ringing World,’ 2,096, June 1st, 1951, pages 345-6.)
Adopted on the proposal of the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, seconded by Mr. J. F. Smallwood.
The following committee were re-appointed on the proposal of Mr. R. S. Anderson, seconded by Mr. F. E. Dukes:- Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, Alderman A. Paddon Smith and Mr. A. Walker.
REPORT OF THE PEAL BOARDS COMMITTEE
A verbal report was presented by Mr. W. Ayre, see ‘Ringing World,’ No. 2,096, June 1st, 1951, page 346. The report was seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs and adopted.
The committee were re-appointed on the proposal of Mr. P. J. Johnson, seconded by Mr. R. G. Blackman, and on the proposal of Mr. W. Ayre, seconded by Mr. A. Ballard, Mr. J. P. Fidler was added.
REPORT OF THE BIOGRAPHIES COMMITTEE
(‘Ringing World,’ 2,096, June 1st, 1951, page 346.)
Adopted on the proposal of Mr. A. C. Hazelden, seconded by Mr. W. H. Viggers.
The committee were re-appointed on the proposal of Mr. A. D. Barker, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs, and it was also agreed to add Mr. E. A. Barnett.
REPORT OF THE ‘RINGING WORLD’ COMMITTEE
(‘Ringing World,’ No. 2,096, June 1st, 1951, page 346.)
Adopted on the proposal of the President, seconded by Mr. H. Miles, and it was also agreed to appoint a new committee consisting of Messrs. J. F. Smallwood, F. I. Hairs, J. T. Dyke and H. J. Poole with power to co-opt and with full power to advance the price of the paper should it prove necessary to meet increasing costs.
Thanks for past services were accorded to the retiring committee on the proposal of Mr. W. Ayre, seconded by Mr. A. D. Barker.
PLACE OF NEXT MEETING
On the recommendation of the Standing Committee it was, on the proposal of the Hon. Secretary, seconded by Mr. T. R. Butler, agreed to accept the invitation of the Lincoln Diocesan Guild, to visit Lincoln.
BARRON BELL TRUST
A short discussion ensued as to the operations of this Trust and the difficulties experienced in the endeavours to obtain grants.
COMPETITION RINGING
The President reported as to suggested competitions proposed by Butlin’s Camps. The Council endorsed the action of the officers in opposing the scheme and it was agreed that the President communicate with those Bishops who had given their support.
PUBLICATION OF MISCELLANEOUS PERFORMANCES
It was agreed to ask ‘The Ringing World’ committee to consider the publication of those performances which could not be accepted as peals where these were rung by young or new bands.
VOTES OF THANKS
On the President’s motion, thanks were expressed to the Bishop and Dean of Chester for the use of the Refectory; to the Chester Diocesan Guild, its Master and Hon. Secretary for hospitality and arrangements; to Mr. Edwards for peal arrangements; and to all incumbents and tower keepers for ringing arrangements.
On the proposal of Mr. A. D. Barker, seconded by Mr. T. R. Butler, thanks were accorded to the President, and Mr. F. E. Dukes expressed the Council’s thanks to the Hon. Secretary, Hon. Librarian, Mrs. G. W. Fletcher and Mr. T. W. White.
The Ringing World, May 16, 1952, pages 316 to 317