MINUTES of the third session of the twenty-third Council (62nd Annual Meeting), held in the Palace Hotel, Southport, on Whitsun Tuesday, May 9th, 1959.
A welcome was extended to the Council by the Lord Bishop of Liverpool, Dr. C. Martin, the Mayor of Southport, Councillor R. Wood, and the President of the Lancashire Association, the Rev. R. D. St. J. Smith. The President read a letter from Mr. E. H. Lewis thanking the Council on behalf of his wife and himself for a telegram of congratulations and good wishes on the occasion of their golden wedding, on April 29th, 1959. Mr. Lewis then presented to the President a gavel for use at the Council’s meetings. Mr. Sharpe thanked Mr. Lewis on behalf of the members.
PRESENT:-
Life members: Messrs. F. Sharpe, E. A. Barnett, F. W. Perrens, E. H. Lewis, G. W. Fletcher and Mrs. G. W. Fletcher.
Honorary members: Mrs. E. A. Barnett, Messrs. J. P. Fidler, F. I. Hairs, D. Hughes, C. K. Lewis, Mrs. C. C. Marshall, Messrs. W. A. Osborn, A. J. Pitman, A. H. Pulling, E. C. Shepherd, R. F. B. Speed, P. L. Taylor and T. W. White.
Ancient Society of College Youths: Wing Commander J. S. Mason, Messrs. J. F. Smallwood and W. Williams.
Bath and Wells Diocesan Association: Messrs. D. Hoare, H. J. Sanger and Miss N. G. Williams.
Bedfordshire Association: Mr. S. Foskett.
Cambridge University Guild: Mr. B. D. Threlfall.
Chester Diocesan Guild: Messrs. W. Allman, J. W. Clarke and A. J. Martin.
Coventry Diocesan Guild: Mrs. D. E. Beamish and Mr. H. Windsor.
Cumberland and North Westmorland Association: Mr. G. McKay.
Derbyshire Association: Messrs. A. Mould and W. L. Robinson.
Devon Guild: Mr. J. L. S. Glanvill and the Rev. J. G. M. Scott.
Dudley and District Guild: Mr. H. J. Shuck.
Ely Diocesan Association: Messrs. P. Border, J. G. Gipson, F. W. Lack and H. S. Peacock.
Essex Association: Messrs. J. H. Crampion, F. B. Lufkin, L. S. Woods and Miss H. G. Snowden.
Gloucester and Bristol Association: Messrs. A. L. Barry, T. Boreham, W. B. Kynaston and F. Skidmore.
Guildford Diocesan Guild: Messrs. A. C. Hazelden, G. S. Joyce, H. N. Pitstow and W. H. Viggers.
Hereford Diocesan Guild: Messrs. G. J. Lewis and W. F. Moreton.
Hertford County Association: Messrs. W. Ayre, R. G. Bell, G. W. Critchley and E. Edmondson.
Irish Association: Messrs. F. E. Dukes and J. T. Dunwoody and Miss J. Stewart.
Kent County Association: Messrs. J. R. Cooper, T. Cullingworth, Dr. E. S. J. Hatcher and Mr. T. E. Sone.
Ladies’ Guild: Miss D. E. Colgate, Mrs. A. Richardson and Mrs. P. J. Staniforth.
Lancashire Association: Messrs. P. Crook, F. Dunkerley, J. Ridyard and the Rev. R. D. St. J. Smith.
Leicester Diocesan Guild: Messrs. S. Burton, P. A. Corby, A. E. Rowley and P. J. Staniforth.
Lincoln Diocesan Guild: Messrs. G. E. Feirn, J. Freeman and J. A. Freeman.
Llandaff and Monmouth Diocesan Association: Mrs. D. J. King and Mr. T. M. Roderick.
London County Association: Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Rogers and Mr. W. G. Wilson.
Middlesex County Association: Messrs. F. T. Blagrove and T. J. Lock.
Midland Counties Guild: Mr. J. W. Cotton.
National Police Guild: Mr. E. C. Birkett.
New South Wales Association: Mr. P. M. J. Gray.
North Staffordshire Association: Mr. R. S. Anderson.
North Wales Association: Mr. D. H. B. Millward.
Norwich Diocesan Association: Messrs. H. W. Barrett, N. V. Harding and the Rev. A. G. G. Thurlow.
Oxford Diocesan Guild: Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Barker and Mr. A. E. Lock.
Oxford University Society: Mr. R. B. Meadows.
Peterborough Diocesan Guild: Messrs. P. I. Chapman, G. W. Jeffs, E. Nobles and E. G. Orland.
St. David’s Diocesan Guild: Mr. C. H. Hawkins.
St. Martin’s Guild, Birmingham: Messrs. G. E. Fearn and F. E. Haynes.
Salisbury Diocesan Guild: Messrs. G. H. Harding and G. S. Morris.
Sheffield and District Society: Mr. N. Chaddock.
Shropshire Association: Mr. F. H. Bennett.
Society of Royal Cumberland Youths: Messrs. P. N. Bond and F. E. Hawthorne.
Southwell Diocesan Guild: Messrs. B. M. Buswell, J. D. Clarke and J. Segar.
Stafford Archdeaconry Society: Messrs. B. G. Key and G. W. Hughes.
Suffolk Guild: Messrs. J. W. Blythe, L. G. Brett and C. W. Pipe.
Surrey Association: Messrs. A. P. Cannon, F. E. Collins and W. F. Oatway.
Sussex County Association: Messrs. R. G. Blackman, F. H. Dallaway and H. Stalham.
Swansea and Brecon Guild: Mr. G. I. Lewis.
Truro Diocesan Guild: Messrs. W. C. Boucher, D. Burnett and H. Miles.
Universities Association: Miss M. R. Cross.
University of London Society: Dr. D. N. Layton.
Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Guild: The Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, Messrs. C. H. Kippin, G. Pullinger and F. W. Rogers.
Worcestershire and Districts Association: Messrs. B. C Ashford, D. Beacham and W. B. Cartwright.
Yorkshire Association: Messrs. G. Benfield, W. E. Critchley and L. W. G. Morris.
SUMMARY:-
| Members | |||
| Assoc. | Present | Absent | |
| Wholly represented | 32 | 75 | - |
| Partially represented | 20 | 49 | 23 |
| Not represented | 15 | - | 6 |
| 57 | 124 | 29 | |
| Life Members | 6 | 1 | |
| Hon. Members | 13 | 8 | |
| 143 | 38 | ||
REPORT AS TO MEMBERSHIP
The hon. secretary reported that 55 Associations were affiliated to the Council, entitled to 153 members. The rules provided for 24 honorary members and there were seven life members, making a total membership of 184. There were two vacancies among representative members and three among honorary members. All subscriptions had been paid.
APPLICATIONS TO AFFILIATE
Application from the Cumberland and North Westmorland and the North Wales Association were agreed on the proposition of Mr. L. W. G. Morris, seconded by Mr. J. P. Fidler.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Messrs. F. Ainsley, C. A. Bassett, J. Bray, W. Butler, S. G. Coles, G. H. Cross, F. J. Cullum, J. T. Dyke, N. Golden, F. W. Goodfellow, J. E. Hobbs, A. A. Hughes, J. R. Mayne, T. G. Myers, Dr. D. H. Niblett, R. Overy, W. N. Park, Rev. A. S. Roberts, C. W. Roberts, Miss M. E. Snowdon, Mrs. P. J. Steeples, L. Stilwell, T. H. Taffender, A. Walker, W. C. West, J. Willis and R. St. C. Wilson.
PRESENTATION OF NEW MEMBERS TO THE PRESIDENT
The following were presented: Messrs. J. W. Blythe (Suffolk Guild), J. L. S. Glanvill (Devon Guild), C. H. Hawkins (St. David’s Guild), D. Hoare (Bath and Wells), G. McKay (Cumberland and North Westmorland), D. H. B. Millward (North Wales), H. Windsor (Coventry Guild) and L. S. Woods (Essex Association).
ELECTION TO HONORARY MEMBERS
The retiring members, Mrs. O. D. Barnett and Messrs. F. I. Hairs, C. K. Lewis, W. A. Osborn and A. J. Pitman were re-elected on the proposition of Mr. A. D. Barker, seconded by Mr. R. G. Blackman. Mr. H. L. Roper was elected on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett on behalf of the Standing Committee, seconded by Mr. W. F. Moreton.
ELECTION OF HONORARY AUDITOR
Mr. H. N. Pitstow was elected to the vacancy caused by the election of Mr. F. W. Perrens as Librarian, on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. F. W. Perrens.
LOSS OF MEMBERS THROUGH DEATH
The President reported the death of the following members and former members of the Council, the assembly standing in silence: Messrs. W. Bedwell (Kent), E. J. Butler (Essex), H. Dew (Chester), Rev. J. B. Frith (N. Staffs), S. J. Hughes (Dudley and District), P. J. Johnson (Leeds and District, and Yorkshire), H. Knight (Stafford Archdeaconry), J. L. Morris (Royal Cumberland Youths), H. H. Palairet and A. Smith (Salisbury) and R. Stredwick (Sussex).
Tributes were paid to the memory of Messrs. Butler, Dew, Johnson, Knight and Morris and the Rev. J. B. Frith.
MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING
The minutes as published in ‘The Ringing World’ of March 13th, 1959, and circulated to members were adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett seconded by Mr. W. Ayre.
These have been published in ‘The Ringing World’ as shown:-
HON. SECRETARY AND TREASURER
(May 29th, 1959, page 350)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs.
HON. LIBRARIAN
(May 29th, 1959, page 351)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. F. W. Perrens, seconded by Mr. W. F. Oatway. It was agreed that the Librarian be given power to dispose of copies in excess of two of books in the Library printed since 1850. Thanks were expressed to Mr. Perrens and Mr. and Mrs. R. F. B. Speed for their work during the year.
BALANCE SHEET AND ACCOUNTS
(June 5th, 1959, page 368)
Adopted subject to audit on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. J. F. Smallwood.
TRUSTEES OF THE CARTER RINGING MACHINE
(May 29th, 1959, page 350)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mrs. P. J. Staniforth.
STANDING COMMITTEE
(Report on Co-option)
(May 29th, 1959, page 352)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. W. B. Cartwright.
‘THE RINGING WORLD’ COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1959, pages 367-8)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. J. F. Smallwood, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs.
BROADCASTING AND TELEVISION COMMITTEE
(May 29th, 1959, page 351)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. H. J. Sanger, seconded by the Rev. A. G. G. Thurlow.
BIOGRAPHIES COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1959, page 371)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. A. C. Hazelden, seconded by Mr. W. H. Viggers. Authority was given for the expenditure of £15 on a cover to contain completed biographical sheets. Tribute was paid to the work of Mr. J. Willis in writing up biographies.
BEGINNERS’ HANDBOOK COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1959, page 369)
After an amendment proposed on behalf of the Standing Committee by Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. G. W. Fletcher, that the committee remain in being to revise the book as necessary had been lost, the report was adopted on the proposition of Miss M. R. Cross, seconded by Mr. W. G. Wilson, and the disbandment of the committee agreed to.
SUNDAY SERVICE RINGING COMMITTEE
(June 12th, 1959, pages 385-8)
Section I.- General. Adopted on the proposition of Mr. N. Chaddock, seconded by Mr. R. S. Anderson.
Section II.- Theological Colleges. Adopted on the proposition of Mr. N. Chaddock, seconded by Mr. P. M. J. Gray.
Section III.- Suggestions for possible future lines of action by the Committee.
(1) Agreed on the proposition of Mr. J. L. S. Glanvill, seconded by Mr. J. T. Dunwoody, that an edited version of the report be printed and circulated to church authorities.
(2) Agreed on the proposition of Mr. N. Chaddock, seconded by Mr. J. H. Crampion, that a draft leaflet be prepared embodying information and ideas included in the Survey.
(3) Agreed on the proposition of Mr. N. Chaddock, seconded by Mr. W. Ayre, that continuous contact be maintained with Theological Colleges through Associations and Guilds.
(4) Agreed on the proposition of Mr. N. Chaddock, seconded by Mr. J. H. Crampion, that the Committee consider, and make further suggestions in 1960 on ways to bring about an improvement.
(5) Agreed on the proposition of Mr. N. Chaddock, seconded by the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, that guidance regarding Sunday Service ringing be given on request.
(6) Agreed on the proposition of Mr. N. Chaddock, seconded by Mr. F. B. Lufkin, to investigate means of getting more propaganda into Church publications.
(7) Agreed on the proposition of Mr. N. Chaddock, seconded by the Rev. R. D. St. J. Smith, that the Committee facilitate the carrying out of suggestions from Associations arising from their study of the report, which should be submitted by Council representatives to each affiliated association’s general meeting for discussion.
It was agreed on the proposition of Mr. P. M. J. Gray, seconded by Mr. N. Chaddock, to add Mr. W. F. Moreton and Dr. D. N. Layton to the Committee. A vote of thanks to the Committee was proposed by Mr. H. W. Rogers, seconded by Dr. E. S. J. Hatcher.
METHODS COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1959, page 370)
Adopted on the proposition of the Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, seconded by Mr. F. Dunkerley.
LITERATURE AND PRESS COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1959, page 369)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. C. Shepherd, seconded by Mr. F. E. Dukes.
PEALS ANALYSIS COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1959, page 370)
Adopted, subject to deletion of the reference to a peal of Double Grandsire Doubles, on the proposition of Mr. W. Ayre, seconded by Mr. H. Miles. It was agreed that a peal in which the clappers were tied and the sound came from electrically-operated handbells should not be accepted. Mr. H. L. Roper was added to the Committee.
PEAL BOARDS COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1959, page 368)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. J. W. Clarke, seconded by Mr. W. Ayre. The terms of reference of the Committee were amended to extend its activities to 1881 on the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. B. G. Key.
PEAL COLLECTION COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1959, page 371)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. W. E. Critchley, seconded by Mr. C. K. Lewis. It was agreed that the collection of peals of Stedman Caters and Cinques should be proceeded with that Mr. C. W. Roberts be asked to forward such compositions as he has collected to Mr. Critchley.
RECORDS COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1959, page 370)
Adopted on the proposition of Mrs. G. W. Fletcher, seconded by Mrs. C. C. Marshall.
TOWERS AND BELFRIES COMMITTEE
(June 5th, 1959, page 371)
Adopted on the proposition of Mr. E. H. Lewis, seconded by Mr. F. E. Collins. Mr. J. H. Crampion paid tribute to the work of the Committee.
ALTERATION OF RULES
On the proposition of Mr. E. A. Barnett, seconded by Mr. A. D. Baker Barker, Rule 11(i) was amended by deleting all after the words ‘Honorary Secretary’ in line 9 and substituting ‘by not later than 31st March before the meeting.’
MOTIONS
(a) Proposed by Mr. W. F. Moreton, seconded by Mr. H. Miles:-
‘That this Council considers the organisation of courses which would cater, possibly by means of simultaneous lectures, for the needs both of more experienced and less experienced ringers, and if in favour of such courses, begins to hold them as soon as possible.’
An amendment proposed by Mr. F. W. Perrens, seconded by Mr. G. McKay, to delete all after ‘begins’ and substitute ‘to organise such courses as soon as possible, provided no expense to the Council is incurred,’ was carried. The motion as amended, was carried and it was agreed that the matter be left to the Sunday Service Committee.
(b) Proposed by Mr. A. J. Pitman, seconded by Mr. G. I. Lewis, and carried:-
‘That although true six-scores of Double Grandsire Doubles cannot be obtained without calls when the treble is behind as well as when it is on the front, in view of the fact that twelve-scores on the same principle as Pitman’s twelve-scores of Grandsire Doubles have been obtained, Double Grandsire Doubles consisting of such twelve-scores shall be recognised by the Council.’
(c) Proposed by Mr. J. W. Clarke, seconded by Mr. A. J. Martin:-
‘That in any record attempt the bells shall be clearly audible outside the tower or other building in which they are contained and that during such an attempt neither food nor drink shall be partaken of by any member of the band.’
The motion, as amended, was carried.
An amendment proposed by Mr. F. Dunkerley, seconded by the Rev. J. G. M. Scott, to insert the words ‘on tower bells’ after ‘record attempt’ and delete all after the word ‘contained’ was carried.
The motion, as amended, was carried.
PLACE OF NEXT MEETING
Invitations had been received from the North Staffordshire and Kent County Associations. The latter was accepted, the venue to be as decided by the Association.
VOTES OF THANKS
On the motion of the President, the thanks of the Council were expressed to the Mayor of Southport, the Lord Bishop of Liverpool and the President of the Lancashire Association for their welcome; to the Vicar of Christ Church. Southport. for the use of his church for Holy Communion and to the Lord Bishop for officiating; to the Rev. R. D. St. J. Smith, Mr. F. Dunkerley and other members of the Lancashire Association for local arrangements; to the Lancashire Association for its hospitality and to local incumbents and tower-keepers for the use of their bells.
After the meeting the members were the guests of the Mayor and Corporation of Southport at tea.
The Ringing World, March 18, 1960, pages 196 to 197, corrections March 3, 1961, page 148