EASTBOURNE gave a great welcome to the Central Council for its 53rd annual meeting, held in the spacious Town Hall Assembly Rooms on Whitsun Tuesday. The president (Mr. E. H. Lewis) requested the Mayor (Ald. R. J. S. Croft) to take the chair at the opening of the proceedings. With the Mayor was the Bishop of Lewes, who was deputizing for the Bishop of Chichester, and also the representatives of the Sussex County Association. With the President were Mr. G. W. Fletcher (hon. secretary), Mr. W. H. J. Hooton (hon. librarian) and Mrs. Fletcher.
In his speech, the Mayor regarded the occasion as memorable to him, as it was the first conference he had welcomed to the county borough since his installation as Mayor the previous Tuesday. He recalled youthful memories of Robertsbridge bells on a Sunday evening.
Eastbourne, he said, was proud of its three rings of bells in use. As to the town, they prided themselves that they were the sun trap of the South - at any rate, that was what the publicity manager told the world (laughter), and they hoped that the warmth of their welcome would equal the sunshine outside.
The Bishop of Lewes mentioned in his greetings to the Council that the previous day he was at Lords watching the cricket, and he told his neighbour that he had to welcome the Central Council of Church Bellringers and asked him for a few hints. His reply was that a most proper address would be on the nature and habits of bats (laughter).
He had had a good deal to do with ringers, having been in charge of two churches that possessed rings of 10 bells. One was Grantham and three years ago he had the great joy of rededicating the bells. During the whole of his parochial life his relationship with ringers, in the words at the end of the King's speech, "continued to be friendly." Not only friendly, but very warm indeed, for he used to hear about if it he did not go up the belfry on most Sundays.
A CRAFT OF THE COUNTRYSIDE.
This was an age of machines and a great many people were disturbed that the craftsmanship of the countryside was being laid aside. He was glad to see that the craft of ringing was still flourishing and as he went about Sussex he found quite a number of young ringers. He thought of one particular belfry full of bright young things all under 20 who had been trained by an old ringer.
"I once asked, as my father was a ringer, how long it would take to learn to ring. An old ringer replied, 'You'll learn something in the first five years and you might be a ringer in ten.'
"I hope that in this materialistic age, which has produced two world wars, that this nation and the world at large will think again; I am certain we are at the beginning of a return from the things that are purely material to the things that are eternal." Thus to the bells they turned in a national emergency to express the nation's thanksgiving and rejoicing and also to express things parochial. It would be a sad day if this craft were to die out and they were not to hear church bells calling out all over their land.
Thanking the Mayor and Bishop for their welcome, the President said those who had come early had learnt to appreciate Eastbourne. A suggestion had been made that instead of holding the first meeting of each triennial session at London it should be held at Eastbourne (hear, hear).
The Bishop had mentioned Grantham bells, continued Mr. Lewis. He had a set of dining room chairs made from the old oak frame of Grantham Church in 1885.
Prayers were then said by the Bishop of Lewes, and the President presented him with a copy of "College Youths" as a memento of the occasion.
ROLL OF THE COUNCIL.
The Hon. Secretary presented the return of representatives, which showed that there were 54 societies affiliated to the Council, an increase of one over last year, in respect of the National Police Guild.
There were 24 associations with four members, 5 with three members, 13 with two members, and 12 with one, making a membership of 149. Three vacancies had been notified. There were 18 honorary members. Subscriptions had been paid by all associations and societies.
ATTENDANCE ROLL.
Ancient Society of College Youths.- Mr. G. W. Cecil, Mr. E. G. Fenn, Mr. A. B. Peck.
Bath and Wells Diocesan.- Mr. S. G. Coles, Mr. J. T. Dyke, Mr. H. J. Sanger, Miss N. G. Williams.
Bedfordshire Association.- Mr. H. Harding, Mr. A. C. Sinfield.
Cambridge University.- Mr. E. M. Atkins.
Chester Diocesan.- Mr. J. E. Bibby, Mr. J. W. Clarke, Rev. J. Kingdon, Mr. C. K. Lewis.
Coventry Diocesan.- Mrs. D. E. Beamish, Mr. F. W. Perrens.
Derbyshire Association.- Mr. G. C. Briggs.
Devon Guild.- Mr. A. L. Bennett, Mr. E. W. Biffin, Mr. T. G. Myers.
Dudley and District.- Mr. F. Colclough.
East Grinstead and District.- Mr. A. Relfe.
Ely Diocesan.- Mr. E. H. Mastin.
Essex Association.- Mr. F. V. Gant, Mr. F. B. Lufkin, Miss H. G. Snowden.
Gloucester and Bristol Diocesan.- Mr. W. B. Kynaston, Mr. S. T. Price, Mr. F. Skidmore, Mr. W. Williams.
Guildford Diocesan.- Mr. G. L. Grover, Mr. A. Harman, Mr. A. C. Hazelden, Mr. A. H. Pulling.
Hereford Diocesan.- Mr. G. J. Lewis.
Hertford County.- Mr. W. Ayre, Mr. H. G. Cashmore, Mr. C. W. Woolley.
Irish Association.- Mr. F. E. Dukes, Mr. J. T. Dunwoody.
Kent County.- Dr. E. S. J. Hatcher, Mr. F. M. Mitchell, Mr. T. E. Sone, Mr. G. H. Spice.
Ladies' Guild.- Mrs. G. W. Fletcher, Mrs. A. Richardson.
Lancashire Association.- Mr. P. Crook, Mr. G. R. Newton, Mr. W. H. Shuker, Mr. A. Tomlinson.
Leicester Diocesan.- Mr. A. Ballard, Mr. J. P. Fidler, Mr. H. J. Poole, Mr. A. E. Rowley.
Lincoln Diocesan.- Mr. J. Bray, Mr. G. E. Feirn, Mr. J. Freeman, Mr. J. A. Freeman.
Llandaff and Monmouth Diocesan.- Mr. J. W. Jones, Mr. E. Stitch.
London County Association.- Mr. H. W. Rogers, Mrs. O. L. Rogers, Mr. T. H. Taffender, Mr. T. W. Taffender.
Middlesex County Association.- Mr. W. H. Coles, Mr. F. A. Finch, Mr. F. W. Goodfellow, Mr. E. C. S. Turner.
Midland Counties Guild.- Mr. J. W. Cotton.
National Police Guild.- Mr. T. R. Butler.
North Staffordshire.- Mr. R. S. Anderson.
Norwich Diocesan.- Mr. W. Duffield, Mr. F. N. Golden, Rev. A. G. G. Thurlow.
Oxford Diocesan.- Mr. A. D. Barker, Mrs. A. D. Barker, Mr. F. D. Boreham, Mr. A. E. Lock.
Peterborough Diocesan.- Mr. G. W. Jeffs, Mr. W. Rose, Mr. G. S. Valentine.
St. Martin's Guild.- Mr. F. E. Haynes.
Salisbury Diocesan.- Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, Mr. G. Harding, Mr. W. C. West.
Society of Royal Cumberland Youths.- Mr. P. N. Bond, Mr. G. H. Cross, Mr. F. E. Hawthorne, Mr. F. C. W. Knight.
Stafford Archdeaconry.- Mr. H. Knight, Mr. C. Wallater.
Suffolk Guild.- Mr. C. W. Pipe.
Surrey Association.- Mr. D. Cooper.
Sussex County.- Mr. R. G. Blackman, Mr. F. H. Dallaway, Mr. F. I. Hairs.
Truro Diocesan.- Mr. H. Miles, Rev. A. S. Roberts, Mrs. A. S. Roberts.
Universities Association.- Miss M. Cross.
Winchester and Portsmouth.- Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, Mr. C. H. Kippin, Mr. G. Pullinger, Mr. F. W. Rogers.
Worcester and Districts.- Mr. B. C. Ashford.
Yorkshire Association.- Mr. P. J. Johnson, Mr. L. W. G. Morris, Mr. S. F. Palmer.
Honorary members.- Mr. E. A. Barnett, Mr. G. E. Debenham, Mr. G. W. Fletcher, Mr. W. H. J. Hooton, Mr. A. A. Hughes, Mr. E. H. Lewis, Mrs. C. C. Marshall, Mr. W. Osborn, Mr. C. W. Roberts, Mr. F. Sharpe, Mr. J. F. Smallwood, Mr. W. Viggers, Mr. E. Alex. Young.
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
These were received from Miss J. Southerst and Mr. H. Denman (Southwell Diocesan Guild), Mr. F. Smale (Devon Guild), Mr. C. J. Sedgley and Mr. G. E. Symonds (Suffolk Guild), Mr. H. Bennett (Swansea and Brecon Diocesan Guild), Mr. H. J. Mansfield (Essex Association), Mr. W. N. Park and Mr. F. Ainsley (Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Association), Rev. C. O. Ellison (Yorkshire Association), Mr. G. E. Oliver and Mr. W. F. Moreton (Hereford Diocesan Guild), Alderman A. Paddon Smith (St. Martin's Guild, Birmingham), Mr. C. Dean and Mr. T. Groombridge (honorary members), Miss E. Steel (Ladies' Guild), Mr. C. W. Cook (Ely Diocesan Association).
Rev. B. F. Sheppard (Cambridge University Guild), Mr. G. L. Hewitt (Shropshire Association), Mr. B. C. Key (Midland Counties Guild), Mr. C. Evans (East Derbyshire and Notts Association), Rev. C. Elliot Wigg (Oxford University Society), Mr. R. G. Bell (Hertford County Association), Mr. O. Sippetts (Sussex County Association), Mr. J. D. Johnson and Mr. S. T. Holt (Worcestershire and Districts Association). Miss B. Spice (Oxford University Society), Mr. F. Precey (Salisbury Guild), Mr. A. J. Hughes (North Wales).
WELCOME TO MIDDLESEX.
Before the presentation of new members the President said he extended a particular welcome to the three new members of the Middlesex Association. They had received a letter from that Association expressing regret that there was an irregular election last year, and assuring the Council of the Association's wholehearted desire to co-operate with the Council. He had promised the Rev. P. Gough that he would convey to the Council his personal regrets that he was the culprit for the irregular election which took place.
"I want," continued the President, "to express on behalf of the Council our regret at the fruitless journey to York of three members of the Middlesex Association, which was due to the delay in getting a letter from the secretary pointing out that there was a probable infringement of the rules."
The following new members were presented:
Messrs. F. W. Goodfellow, F. A. Finch and W. H. Coles (Middlesex), C. H. Kippin (Winchester and Portsmouth), Peter N. Bond and F. E. Hawthorne (Society of Royal Cumberland Youths), W. Viggers (hon. member), F. E. Haynes (St. Martin's Guild), Insp. T. R. Butler (Police Guild), Rev. J. Kingdon (Chester Diocesan Guild).
HONORARY MEMBERS.
The President announced that there were three vacancies for honorary members. Mr. Osborn, who was elected in 1947, retired and was eligible for re-election. They had lost by death Canon Coleridge and Mr. C. F. Johnston. The Standing Committee had considered the position and recommended the re-election of Mr. Osborn and the election of Mr. C. K. Lewis, who would drop out of the representation of the Chester Diocesan Guild, and Mr. F. I. Hairs, who ceased to represent the Sussex County Association.
On the proposition of Mr. P. J. Johnson, seconded by Mr. F. H. Dallaway, these three members were elected.
LOSS THROUGH DEATH.
The Council stood as the President read out the list of the following members of the Council who had died during the past year: Mrs. Edwards (honorary member), 1919-1929; J. Morgan (Chester Diocesan Guild), 1915-1918; Canon G. F. Coleridge (Oxford Diocesan Guild, honorary member), 1891-1948, 1948-1949; C. F. Johnston (Surrey Association, honorary member), 1912-1926, 1927-1949; Rev. H. E. Tilney-Bassett (Salisbury Diocesan Guild), 1903-1914; G. W. Steere (Society Royal Cumberland Youths), 1936-1950; W. Andrews (Winchester and Portsmouth), 1943-45.
MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING.
The minutes of the last meeting, which had been published in "The Ringing World," were taken as read on the proposition of the Hon. Secretary, seconded by Mr. F. I. Hairs.
The report of the Hon. Librarian stated that the following books had been presented by their authors and others: "Scottish Rings of Bells" (Ranald Clouston); "Acoustical Measurements on Church Bells and Carillons" (Van Heuven, per Mr. E. H. Lewis); "Towers and Forces" (Mr. E. H. Lewis); MS. on article on bells for new edition of Chambers' Encyclopædia (Ernest Morris); Vol. 1, "Church Bells of Oxfordshire" (F. Sharpe); "Among the Bells," Robinson, bound in red leather (by Mr. F. White); "Elementary Change Ringing," by Rigby (purchased).
Sales of publications continued at a steady level. The Librarian asked if ringers would see that their cash with orders was correct. Prices were given in the current number of "The Ringing World."
The following publications were in the press: "Collection of Major Method Compositions" and "Card of Instructions on the Care of Bells" (revised).
The report acknowledged the services of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Woolley in dealing with orders during the librarian's illness.
Sales during the year amounted to £60 18s. 8d.
Mr. Hooton, in moving the adoption of the report, said there was one matter in which he would like the help of associations. Shortly he would be receiving a considerable quantity of books which had been left to the library by the late Mr. J. F. Shepherd, and the result of this would mean a considerable duplication. The Standing Committee had considered the matter, and upon their recommendation he proposed to ask associations or guilds with libraries to let him know and choose from the list such books as they would require. He hoped to publish a list of books received in "The Ringing World."
This was seconded by Mr. Walter Ayre and agreed to.
The statement of accounts of the Council showed that the year started with a balance in hand of £187 9s. 9d. and ended with a balance of £245 4s. 10d. Receipts included affiliation fees £36 10s., subscriptions hon. members 5s., sale of publications (balance) £54 2s. 11d.
By expenses: Library and publications, 12s. 3d.; Biographies Committee, £3 8s. 6d.; expenses of York meeting, £2; stationery, £12 8s. 6d.; postage, telegrams and telephones, £10 8s. 4d.; wreaths, £4 4s.; diocesan map, 1s. 3d.
The Secretary, in moving the adoption, said that their total income from associations was £37 5s., and the expenses were creeping up, and if they were to continue to send out great sheaves of papers their expenses would increase. The accounts were discussed by the Standing Committee and they recommended that they be adopted.
Mr. A. A. Hughes seconded and the accounts were adopted.
The report stated that during last summer enquiries were made for a suitable electric motor and geared reduction unit which would run silently and give a variable range of speeds for operating different numbers of bells. These had been supplied and were tried out during the first week in May, and the results were highly satisfactory. Some alterations in the box under the machine were necessary and it was proposed to renew it and enclose the controls behind a drop out panel at one end.
Mr. A. A. Hughes, in moving the adoption of the report, expressed great admiration for Mr. Douglas Hughes and Mr. Brian Price, who had care of the machine, for its working and efficiency.
Mr. F. I. Hairs seconded and the report was adopted.
The remainder of the morning session and the first hour of the afternoon were occupied with the revision of rules. These were presented to the Council by Mr. G. E. Debenham, a number of amendments having been made by the Standing Committee the previous evening.
The rules as adopted by the Council were as follows:-
TITLE.
1. The Council shall be known as "the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers."
CLASSIFICATION OF MEMBERS.
2. The Council shall consist:-
(i) Of representative members, elected by affiliated societies.
(ii) Of honorary members, not exceeding 24 in number, elected by the Council on the nomination of the Standing Committee.
(iii) Of life members.
[The increase from 20 to 24 honorary members gave rise to a long discussion. An unsuccessful amendment was moved by Mr. J. T. Dunwoody, limiting the number of honorary members to 20, and life members to 10. The Hon. Secretary emphasised the importance of increasing the number of honorary members, pointing out that they rendered special services to the Council. This was supported by Mr. P. J. Johnson, who said it was essential that they should have people capable of undertaking specialised work, and if a specialist failed to secure election from his own association, the Council was placed in a difficulty. The administrative work of the Council would end in chaos without them. Mr. John Freeman pleaded a limitation to the number of life members of 10, but this was not accepted.]
AFFILIATED SOCIETIES.
3. (i) Any society, association or guild of church bell ringers (hereinafter referred to under the general term "society"), numbering not fewer than 75 members, shall, upon application and subject to election by a majority of two-thirds of the members present and voting, be affiliated to the Council and shall subscribe to an undertaking loyally to abide by the rules and decisions of the Council.
(ii) Societies hereafter applying for affiliation shall be classified as either territorial or non-territorial. In deciding whether such a society is to be classified as territorial or non-territorial, the Council shall regard as non-territorial a society whose members are drawn from an unlimited area or from an area already represented by one or more territorial societies.
(iii) The societies who are affiliated to the Council at the date of the passing of these rules and the number of their permitted representatives at that date are specified in the schedule to these rules.
REPRESENTATIVE MEMBERS.
4. (i) Societies hereafter applying for affiliation shall be entitled to elect representative members as follows:-
(a) A territorial society, the number of whose members is 75 or over, but does not exceed 150, one representative member; exceeds 150, but does not exceed 300, two representative members; exceeds 300, but does not exceed 450, three representative members; exceeds 450, four representative members. Four representatives shall be the limit of representation allowed any one society.
For the purpose of this rule the basis of the calculation of membership for territorial societies shall be the number of honorary and ringing members, and resident life members at the time of the election of representative members. That number in respect of either the year of election or (if more readily ascertainable) the year preceding the election shall be certified in writing by the secretary of the territorial society to the secretary of the Council on demand.
(ii) (a) Those societies hereafter affiliated who are classified as non-territorial shall be entitled to one member per society. The representation of the societies now affiliated to the Council shall be as specified in the schedule to these rules unless modified on application to and by permission of the Council.
(iii) No representative member shall be eligible as an honorary member.
(iv) The election of representative members by affiliated societies shall take place triennially, and the names and addresses of those elected shall be forwarded to the secretary of the Council not later than four weeks before the commencement of each triennial session. In the event of a vacancy the new member shall be elected only for the unexpired period of the triennium, and his name and address shall be forwarded to the secretary of the Council.
HONORARY MEMBERS.
5. Honorary members shall be elected for three years and, on retiring, shall be eligible for re-election (retirement and election taking effect as from the end of the annual meeting), provided that any honorary member who during his term of office may be elected a representative or life member shall, ipso facto, vacate his honorary membership. The Council may fill a vacancy among the honorary members at any annual meeting of the Council.
LIFE MEMBERS.
6. (i) Life members shall consist of-
(a) Past and present holders of the office of president, hon. secretary or hon. librarian of the Council, and
(b) those who in the opinion of the Council (expressed by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting) by reason of their services to the art of ringing merit the conferment on them of the honour of life membership.
Life membership shall cease only on death or resignation.
(ii) All nominations for life membership under sub-paragraph (i) (b) of this paragraph shall be sent to the hon. secretary signed by two members of the Council not less than two calendar months previous to a meeting of the Council unless notice of motion has been given at the previous meeting. Such nominations shall appear on the agenda paper.
[Mr. John Freeman again pressed for a limitation of the number of life members to 10, and pointed out, while the president and officers were extremely efficient, they might get a secretary who was not and they might be saddled with him for life. Mr. Dunwoody seconded an amendment to this effect. The Hon. Secretary explained that life membership was created so that they would not clutter up the honorary membership class with those who were too old to undertake the work of the Council. The amendment was defeated by a substantial majority.]
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION.
7. All affiliated societies shall subscribe annually, on January 1st for the year commencing on that date, 5s. on behalf of each representative member to whom they are entitled, to meet the expenses of conducting the business of the Council, and no representative member shall be entitled to speak or vote at a meeting of the Council until the subscription of the Society he represents be paid.
MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL.
8. The Council shall meet once annually, about Whitsuntide, in some convenient centre, as decided upon by the Council at the previous meeting or (in the event of unforeseen circumstances) as the Standing Committee of the Council shall decide. Any meeting of the Council may be extended to additional sittings on the same or the following day on a motion for adjournment being put and carried. The president shall have power, in case of emergency, to call special meetings of the Council, and he shall at any time summon such a special meeting on receipt of a requisition signed by twelve members.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
9. At the annual meeting next after each triennial election, a president, an honorary secretary (who shall also act as treasurer) and an honorary librarian shall be elected from among the members to serve for three years. In the event of the president, honorary secretary or honorary librarian vacating office before the expiration of the three years, the ensuing meeting shall elect a member to fill the vacancy during the remainder of the period. The retiring president, honorary secretary and honorary librarian shall be eligible for the re-election at the expiration of their term of office. The president shall retire from the chair immediately his successor in office is elected, but the honorary secretary and honorary librarian shall continue in office till the business of the meeting is concluded. All nominations for these offices shall be sent to the Honorary Secretary, signed by two members of the Council, no less than two calendar months previous to the meeting, and such nominations shall appear on the agenda paper. The next business after the election of the president, honorary secretary and honorary librarian shall be the election of honorary and life members.
ELECTION OF AUDITORS.
10. The Council shall triennially elect from amongst the members of the Council two auditors who shall audit and report upon the annual accounts of the Council with power to employ the services of a professional accountant at the expense of the Council to audit the whole or any particular part of the accounts of the Council.
COMMITTEES.
11. The Council shall appoint a standing committee and shall have power to appoint committees for any purpose for which it may appear desirable; and also, if the state of the funds permit, to allow the necessary expenses of holding the committee meetings. Each committee shall appoint a convener and shall report annually to the Council. All reports, except that of the standing committee, shall be made in writing to the hon. secretary at least 28 days before the meeting. Such reports as have not previously been published or circulated shall be read at the meeting.
VESTING OF PROPERTY.
12. The property funds and assets of the Council shall be vested in the president, honorary secretary and honorary librarian for the time being. They shall have power to invest money and adopt such measures as seem to them necessary in the interest of the Council, subject to the approval of the Council.
NOTICE OF RESOLUTIONS.
13. All resolutions to be proposed shall be sent to the honorary secretary in writing signed by two members of the Council, not less than six weeks previous to the meeting, and shall be placed by him on the agenda, together with the names of the proposer and seconder of the resolution. But it shall be competent, on a vote of the majority of the meeting, for the Council to discuss a subject not upon the agenda paper, provided such subject does not affect the rules or constitution of the Council.
[This rule was amended on the motion of Dr. E. S. J. Hatcher from two months' calendar notice to six weeks' notice being required for resolutions, in order to meet with societies that hold their annual meeting at Easter.]
PROCEDURE AT MEETINGS.
14. At the meetings of the Council the president shall take the chair, and in the event of his absence the members present shall elect a chairman for that meeting. The chairman shall have a casting vote. Twenty members shall form a quorum. Every new member, whether representative or honorary or life, shall, before taking his seat, be introduced by a member to the president, or, in the absence of the president, to the chairman of the meeting.
VOTING RIGHTS.
15. Each member, whether representative, honorary or life, shall have one vote.
NOTICE OF MEETINGS.
16. Provisional notice of the date and items for discussion at the annual meeting shall be given approximately nine weeks previous to such meeting. Full notice of the date, arrangements and agenda for each meeting shall be given not less than five weeks previous to such meeting, such notices shall be given in the ringing paper, but it shall be incumbent on the honorary secretary to send notice to each member. The names of the members present and the business transacted at each meeting shall be entered in the minute book and reported to the ringing paper. Copies of the resolutions passed by the Council and of the decisions of the Council shall be forwarded to the affiliated societies as soon as is convenient after the meeting.
SUBMISSION OF ACCOUNTS.
17. At each annual meeting the honorary secretary and treasurer shall submit the audited statement of accounts for the year to the previous 31st December and the auditors' report for adoption by the meeting.
ALTERATION OF RULES.
18.Alterations in the rules of the Council shall be made only at the annual meetings, and every notice of a proposed alteration shall be sent to the honorary secretary as laid down in Rule 13. All alterations in the rules of the Council shall be passed by a majority of two-thirds.
Mr. R. S. Anderson moved a vote of thanks to Mr. G. E. Debenham for his work in revising the rules.
In acknowledging the compliment, Mr. Debenham said it was not the work of a committee of one, and he had received very able assistance from the hon. librarian.
The report on the Ringers' Roll of Honour stated that there were 25 associations whose lists had not come to hand. The average number of casualties per association in the 1939-45 war, from the lists received, was six, and if this average was maintained, the total for the Roll of Honour, now in the course of production, would be about 300.
The report was presented by Mr. H. Miles, who expressed the hope that representatives would remind the secretaries of their associations to complete their lists at the earliest possible moment. He would have to fix a closing date and names not included would be deleted from the roll.
Mr. F. I. Hairs seconded, and the report was adopted.
The report of this committee, presented by Mr. H. G. Cashmore, stated that the committee had collected the proof of the collection of Major Method compositions and the book was now in the hands of the printers. Work had been commenced on a similar collections for Royal and Maximus, which the committee hoped to present to the Council in due course. Mr. E. A. Barnett seconded and the report was adopted.
The report of this committee, which was proposed by Mrs. E. K. Fletcher and Mrs. L. K. Marshall, gave the following new records on tower bells:-
5,184 Wye Surprise Major, Kent County Association;
5,056 Biddenden Surprise Major, Kent County Association;
5,184 Spalding College Bob Major, Hereford Diocesan Guild;
5,280 Lindsey Surprise Maximus, St. Martin's Guild;
5,056 Bennington Surprise Major, Middlesex County Association;
5,000 Norwich Little Bob Major, Norwich Diocesan Association;
5,280 Bedford Surprise Maximus, Leicester Diocesan Guild;
5,040 Bedford Surprise Royal, Leicester Diocesan Guild;
5,040 Lindsey Surprise Royal, Leicester Diocesan Guild;
5,040 Spliced Grandsire and Double Grandsire Triples, Southwell Diocesan Guild;
5,280 Albanian Surprise Maximus, St. Martin's Guild;
5,184 Wordsworth Surprise Major, Lincoln Diocesan Guild;
5,056 Doncaster Surprise Major, Yorkshire Association;
5,280 Prittlewell Surprise Maximus, St. Martin's Guild;
5,056 Tavistock Surprise Major, Yorkshire Association;
5,088 Deva Surprise Major, Chester Diocesan Guild;
5,152 Radnor Surprise Major, St. Martin's Guild;
5,152 Darlington Surprise Major, Yorkshire Association;
5,004 St. Clement's Bob Caters, Cambridge University Guild;
5,280 Wigston Surprise Maximus, Leicester Diocesan Guild;
5,086 Spliced Stedman and Grandsire Caters, and Plain Bob and Kent Treble Bob Royal, Surrey Association;
5,280 Leicestershire Surprise Maximus, Leicester Diocesan Guild;
5,040 Leicestershire Surprise Royal, Leicester Diocesan Guild;
5,040 Herefordshire Little Surprise Major, Hereford Diocesan Guild;
5,088 Conisborough Surprise Major, Yorkshire Association;
5,280 Aldenham Surprise Maximus, Leicester Diocesan Guild.
The Ringing World, June 9th, 1950, pages 361 to 363
The following is the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Decisions:-
RECOMMENDED DECISIONS.
The following Decisions and Recommendations of the Council have been issued from time to time, for the guidance of the Exercise, and with a view to bringing about uniformity of practice.
PRACTICAL RINGING.
CONDITIONS REQUIRED FOR PEALS.
On all numbers of bells a true peal shall in all cases start and end with rounds.
The use of visible aids to memory in conducting or ringing peals is not permissible.
With the object of emphasising the foregoing rules, and at the same time of giving a complete exposition of its views on the subject of peals in general, the Council in 1902 issued the following code, applying both to ordinary peals and also to peals rung to surpass previous achievements:-
(1) That any shift or error in ringing be immediately corrected.
(2) That no call be made, or, having been made, be altered or withdrawn later than during the change at which a call would properly take effect.
(3) That no other person than those ringing in the peal shall take any part in the calling or in rectifying an error.
(4) That if more than one person shall ring any bell, the fact be stated in publishing and booking the peal.
(5) That every bell must, during the peal, sound at every change.
That in the case of a peal rung to surpass a previous peal, compliance with these further conditions is necessary:-
(i) That not less than seven days' notice shall be given in the columns of "The Ringing World," stating the tower, day and hour at which the attempt is to be made, and the number of changes proposed to be rung.
(ii) That similar notice shall be sent to the secretary of the guild or association under whose title the peal (which it is proposed to surpass) was rung.
(iii) That the conductor of the proposed peal shall take steps to ensure, before the attempt, that the composition is true, and submit the figures to at least two competent persons for proof.
The figures, which shall be strictly adhered to, shall be lodged with the secretary of the guild or association under whose title the peal is to be rung, and in the event of accomplishment this officer shall immediately forward the figures to "The Ringing World" for publication.
(iv) That if possible a competent representative of each of the bands shall be present during the whole of the performance.
(v) That each bell or bells shall be rung throughout the peal by one and the same person.
(vi) That any objection which may be taken to a peal be raised at the earliest date, and in no case after the lapse of three months after publication, unless in respect of the truth of the composition. ((v) and (vi) to be applicable to all peals.)
(vii) In the case of handbell peals, arrangements must be made so that the ringing can be heard by interested parties.
PEALS OF DOUBLES.
Peals of Doubles shall consist of 5,040 or more changes, with or without one covering bell, rung in:-
(a) True and complete six-scores without interval between any two six-scores, and without rounds or any other row being struck more than once before the next change is made.
(b) Round blocks consisting of two or more six-scores, provided that each of the six-scores which comprise the round block shall be itself a true and complete round block.
(c) Twelve six-scores known as Morris' and Pitman's.
(d) Combinations of (a); (b) and (e) or any two of them.
PEALS OF MINOR.
Peals of Minor shall consist of at least seven true and complete 720's rung without a covering bell, the bells striking round once at the end of each 720 and immediately going into the next. A peal may be lengthened by the addition of any number of 720's fulfilling the same conditions, or by one touch of less than 720.
The Bankes-James arrangement for Cambridge Minor, and the Law-James arrangement for London Minor are permitted whilst being outside the normal scope of the definition above, and should only be used when sufficient true 720's are not available to make up a peal unless 5-6 are reversed. The conditions governing these arrangements are that each change should be rung seven times only in each 5,040, and pro rata for longer peals.
PEALS OF TRIPLES.
Peals of Triples shall comprise not less than 5,040 true changes rung with one covering bell and without interval.
PEALS OF CATERS AND CINQUES.
Peals of Caters and Cinques shall comprise not less than 5,000 true changes rung without interval and with one covering bell.
PEALS OF MAJOR, ROYAL AND MAXIMUS.
Peals of Major, Royal or Maximus shall comprise not less than 5,000 true changes rung without interval and without a covering bell.
HANDBELL PEALS.
Handbell peals rung "single handed" shall not be recognised.
CALLS.
On all numbers of bells more than seven, no special calls may be introduced, the regular bob or single of the method being sufficient on all occasions and for all purposes whatsoever.
It is not permissible for any pair or pairs of bells to be still, or for any other special arrangement to be made, on going off into changes, or in returning to rounds.
THE DISCUSSION.
The Secretary said the Standing Committee recommended that members be asked to consider the decisions as recommended, and send their criticisms to the committee as soon as possible, so that the final conclusion can be presented at the next meeting of the Council.
Mr. C. H. Kippin expressed the hope that nothing would be done to challenge the freedom of the Press when members talked about freak performances. Who was going to decide what was a freak performance? It was only a few weeks ago that the Editor was standing up for the amount of latitude allowed him in "The Ringing World" and now they were suggesting that these freak performances would not be published. He did not know how the Editor was going to justify his article. There was another point: the sub-committee had mentioned London Surprise Royal; they seemed to have forgotten Superlative Surprise Royal. Whether it was prejudice against one he did not know.
The President: If you read the report you will see that no decision has been made in regard to London Surprise Royal.
Mr. Kippin: I am sorry I missed that point. The original peal was called London Surprise Royal and that was ruled out by the Council. Later on another band at Brighton rang it and called it a version of London Surprise Royal. That was 24 years ago.
The President: This report refers to the fact that there is a decision on London Surprise Royal and it is quite clear if you read it.
Mr. J. F. Smallwood: I would like to move that you formally adopt our interim report on the Decisions. I am sorry if somebody's toes have been trodden on over these freak performances. We know very well there are freak performances and we should like to see an end of them and that is why the Council decided to overhaul its Decisions and not be overridden by people who desire undue publicity. I hope you will send along your recommendations: they will be sympathetically considered.
Mr. P. J. Johnson seconded.
Mr. C. K. Lewis wanted the last paragraph of decision 6 to be deleted. "I have little sympathy with freak performances," he said, "but I think sometimes out of freak performances you get advancement. Spliced Surprise met with strong opposition when it was first mooted, but it is accepted by the Exercise to-day."
Mr. T. R. Butler agreed with Mr. Lewis, and asked who was qualified to determine what was and was not a freak performance. Another point was that ringing Minor with a cover was a freak, and Triples without a cover was also a freak. The reasons given were that they were unmusical. As to the musical properties, he said a few years ago he made a test with a schoolgirl of eight and a chief constable, and they both regarded Minor with a cover as more musical.
Mr. P. J. Johnson reminded the Council that there were existing Decisions on the two points raised by Mr. Butler. The aim of the new Decisions was to codify the present position.
Mr. Kenneth Lewis: There seems to be a side-track to attack the freedom of the Press. I quite agree that "The Ringing World" is our official organ, but let it have some freedom. I don't think you are going to get any reputable journalist to put in what is dictated to him.
The President: If you send in your suggestions as recommended the committee will get on with its work.
Mr. P. J. Johnson: Mr. Smallwood has already circularised the associations through "The Ringing World," and he has had only one reply. Why bring this red herring to the meeting?
Mr. Kippin: This is the place.
Mr. Johnson: Not necessarily. Are you treating this committee with courtesy? We sent out asking for suggestions and we get two replies.
Mr. Butler: May I assure you that no discourtesy is intended.
Mr. C. W. Roberts explained that as a co-opted member of the committee they had mainly taken up the Decisions of the previous Council and had adhered to them in spirit. Everyone knew that a peal of Triples without a cover was an inartistic thing, and Minor with a cover was exactly the same. There were certain things in their art which were not necessary to put into rules; they were simply not done.
In regard to the question on the alternative form of bob, Mr. Roberts said there were certain things done to-day that would have been severely criticised by the Council in years gone by. The sole aims of the Decisions were to prevent performances which were arranged for the sole purpose, of getting round the Decisions of the Council, which were worded rather loosely. To attempt this was a retrograde step.
The report was then adopted.
The report of the Methods Committee was as follows:-
The Methods Committee has considered various items during the year. The Surprise Methods book was received from Mr. E. C. S. Turner, the only surviving member of the last committee, and, although a work of very great merit as is to be expected since it came primarily from the pen of the late Mr. J. A. Trollope, the present committee recommends that its publication be left for the present owing to the cost of printing and the lessened need for it through Mr. Corrigan's book. Some of the committee, however, consider it desirable that there should be ultimately an "official" publication on Surprise Methods by the Council.
The Plain Major book has been completely revised and its MSS. is almost ready for the press. The old edition has been out of print for many years and we hope this new one will meet with the approval of the Exercise as a whole.
We have gone a long way towards completing our report on the extension of methods, but this very difficult subject, which the Council asked us to investigate, needs final decision on a few important points.
Finally we have made some preliminary observations towards producing a book of Doubles Methods. Before we can go further we should like the Council's approval of the following departures from its decision to apply to Doubles Methods only:-
(a) The working bells need not be in the same coursing order at each lead head and end in the plain course.
(b) No bell shall strike more than four consecutive blows in any one place, usually in 5ths place when the treble leads in a 2nds place method, or at the lead in the reverse of such a method, or, if found to be necessary, at other times also.
The Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, in moving the adoption of the report, said, "The manuscript of Surprise Methods Book was considered by the Standing Committee last night, and the committee was instructed to go into the matter more fully, and perhaps publish Mr. Trollope's work, particularly in relation to the history of Surprise ringing, which was of value to the Exercise. The manuscript was of very great merit. The committee had presented an interim report on the Extension question. When the final report comes before them they hoped it would be met with approval. They were trying to avoid any great controversial matters, quite cleverly perhaps, but the decision would rest with the Council." Mr. F. W. Rogers seconded and the report was adopted.
The report of this committee stated that during 1949, 2,524 peals were rung on tower bells and 382 on handbells, making a total of 2,906. The Leicester Diocesan Guild headed the list with 267, with Kent County next having a total of 168. The Winchester and Portsmouth Guild accounted for practically a quarter of the handbell peals with 95, mainly due to the efforts of the Bournemouth band.
Not included in the list were the following peals:-
A peal of Doubles, for the Irish Association which was recorded twice, only counted once; a peal of Doubles rung for the Yorkshire Association which was not counted owing to the treble leading continuously.
The committee had included in its total the following two peals, but wanted information as to how they should be recorded:
A peal of Minor rung at Frant on August 9th, 1949, for the Sussex Association, which recorded a 720 each of eight methods, but only gave 5,040 changes. "Was the last 720 (Reverse and Plain Bob) spliced?" A peal of Cambridge Major at St. Michael's, Southampton, on June 3rd, 1949, which had 6th place bobs. "Should this be a peal of Spliced Surprise Major in two methods, as the bob is normally the Primrose Surprise Bob?"
Mr. P. J. Johnson said that in regard to the peal of Doubles at Bridlington, it had not been included in the report of the Yorkshire Association.
Mr. C. H. Kippin asked whether a 6th place bob in a peal would be recognised as Cambridge Surprise Major.
Mr. H. G. Cashmore said the unit was the same, and only one peal. He suggested it should be recognised as Cambridge Surprise.
Mr. C. W. Roberts said he had also given the matter consideration, and he had come to the conclusion that it was a peal of Cambridge Surprise Major.
The Rev. K. W. H. Felstead also announced that the Methods Committee was quite unanimous on this point.
The Council agreed to regard this as a peal of Cambridge Surprise, and the report was adopted.
The Chairman presented a verbal report and stated that during the year the members of the committee received 61 requests for advice (of these 32 came from Mr. Sharpe) covering questions of general overhaul, ringing, hanging of bells, and damage to towers. There were nine cases of modification of sound. The need for overhaul in some cases was due to the lack of attention by the steeplekeepers. During the year Mr. F. Sharpe wrote a short note on the care of bells, which had been circulated to the diocesan authorities with a request that it should be published in the Diocesan Magazine. In some cases this had been done. They had received a letter from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Churches, and pointed out that Mr. Hughes and himself were going to talk to the Society's next meeting, and would be very glad if other members of the Council were present.
Mr. F. Sharpe, in seconding, said that he had nothing to add. It was a great pleasure to go and visit these churches, and also to endeavour to persuade the diocesan committees to do the jobs properly instead of "patch up" work. In the past year they had been able to advise thorough restoration in place of "patch up." They had been able to save one or two old mediæval bells and get them replaced by new ones. In one tower he visited the key had been lost 32 years ago and they had to break open the tower door to get in. The tower was in a frightful condition. Many members of the Council had no idea of the frightful conditions under which some bells were rung.
The Rev. A. G. G. Thurlow said that at the York conference he referred to a Norwich firm's publicity in regard to electronic bells. The firm have now prepared a lovely brochure setting out the electric bells they had in all parts of this country, and also in Glasgow and New Zealand. The brochure pointed out the great advantage of the bells being played by one performer. They could also arrange in towers where there were ringers for each man to ring his own bell (laughter). There was no mention in the brochure as to cost. He knew that an electric organ costs from £400 to £3,000, and in the brochure it stated that if D.C. was required another £50 was necessary.
Mr. A. A. Hughes pointed out that the firm exhibited at the British Industries Fair at Wembley.
LITERATURE, PRESS AND BROADCASTING COMMITTEE.
A comprehensive report on this subject was submitted by the Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, in which he stated that bells and bellringing had figured very prominently in the Press during the past 12 months, and it appeared quite evident that the journalists of to-day take far more trouble to ensure accuracy in this connection than was formerly the case.
On the question of broadcasting the report stated:-
Our report on broadcasting is marked by two outstanding features. One is that television is now giving added publicity to the art of ringing. The other is that a defect, to which our report has repeatedly called attention, has this year been remedied. Easter Day, 1950, was worthily celebrated with a broadcast of bells from all parts of the British Isles, ending by a felicitous inspiration with the bells of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, which thus corresponded to the bells of Bethlehem at Christmas.
The televised broadcast from St. Paul's Cathedral was in truth a memorable event. Mr. Herbert Langdon presented the ringers to Richard Dimbleby on the Cathedral steps, the ringers in the belfry and the bells revolving above were clearly seen and heard, with Mr. Smallwood and Mr. Dimbleby "starring" together in the descriptive comment. Another notable example of television was that of the dedication of Burnham bells in January, when bellfounder, Bishop, ringers and bells were all seen performing their respective parts. Publicity of this kind may well prove of great value both in encouraging general interest and in attracting recruits to the belfry.
Both tower and handbells have found a place in many of the radio programmes. An outstanding instance was the broadcast headed "From Tower and Steeple," which was given in the West Home Service on August 4th and subsequently repeated. A broadcast of ringing from Hunton in January was in every way admirable. In a broadcast from Aldbourne, the Wiltshire home of the Wells foundry of a bygone age, ringers with handbells took a part. Many of the broadcast services have been preceded by ringing. In this connection a marked tendency still persists to curtail even the brief 1½ minutes allowed for the bells. Two conspicuous instances occurred at St. Martin's, Birmingham, when a "ration" of some 30 seconds allowed only six or eight changes of Stedman Caters to be heard before coming into rounds, and at Oxford, where after about a dozen well-struck changes, the fine bells of the University Church were shouted down by a lusty voice. This is a point that calls for careful watching and tactful admonition. In other respects the B.B.C. have given good cause for satisfaction.
The Rev. F. Ll. Edwards, in moving the adoption of the report, said they had criticised the B.B.C. in one or two previous reports for not broadcasting bells on the great festivals of the Church, but this year they had done so. The influence of television into the broadcasting activities, he felt, would lead to greater interest on the part of the public in ringing. Mr. F. Smallwood seconded and the report was adopted.
A verbal report was presented by Mr. Walter Ayre, who said he hoped to have the records which were in Mr. Wilson's possession in a week or two. He would go through them, publish a final reminder in "The Ringing World" and then the work of the committee could be closed.
The report was presented by Mr. A. C. Hazelden, who stated that they now had a list of 100 past members of the Council, whose records had been completed, to the Council's requirements as laid down in 1935 when the committee was established. The committee had considered the preservation of these records in a worthy and accessible form, and suggested an album containing, on loose leaves, the leading particulars of the member's career, with a photograph, and, secondly, a filing system which would preserve the personal letters and papers. The report asked members of the Council to fill in the Biography Questionnaire form. Mr. Hazelden moved the adoption of the report. Mr. W. H. Viggers, in seconding, said the album they had in view would cost £15. It would be in leather and suitably bound and he would like someone to present it to the Council.
The profit and loss account of "The Ringing World" showed a net profit during the year of £29 14s. 7d. The income was as follows: Rolls House Publishing Company, £1,208 15s. 11d.; postal subscribers, £1,107 15s. 2d.; advertisements, £186 6s.; notices, £358 6s. 4d.; "History of College Youths," £14 15s.; making a total of £1,275 18s. 5d.
The balance sheet showed a balance carried forward of £1,372 18s. In moving the adoption of the report, Mr. G. W. Fletcher said his forecast last year that they would just about make ends meet had been justified. It was too early to foresee what the result would be of the increased selling price that came into force on January 1st. At the present time they were printing 5,010 copies per week. The accounts had been audited by a chartered accountant.
The income tax position was under consideration, and he hoped that by the same time next year he would be in a position to say how much tax, if any, they had to pay.
Mr. A. A. Hughes seconded.
Mr. C. H. Kippin asked how many years back did the income tax question go.
Mr. Fletcher replied that it was from the date of the purchase of "The Ringing World."
Mr. Kippin: If the Council had to make an unpleasant decision, it could be a financial responsibility.
The Ringing World, June 16th, 1950, pages 377 to 379
FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN.
The following notice of motion was proposed by Dr. E. S. J. Hatcher: "That this Council, through an appropriate committee and by liaison with the organizers, should determine the nature of the part to be played by the Ringing Exercise in the Festival of Britain."
Dr. Hatcher said that he supposed all of them were fully alive to the festival being organised for 1951. In various parts of the country they had started discussing "ways and means" six months ago, and had formed district committees. The festival was the centenary of the Great Exhibition of 1851, but this one would be on a much greater scale.
He felt that all guilds and associations should consider their responsibility in regard to the festival, and do something to mark the occasion. The Council should also consider doing something on a national level. He suggested that all ringers should get into touch with the chairman of their local festival organisation and express their willingness to co-operate.
Among the suggestions he had heard was in regard to St. John's, Waterloo Road, which adjoined the exhibition. This church was destroyed by fire and it was suggested that the bells could be put in a ringing condition, to be rung during the course of the festival year.
They had all read the idea of another ringer, of a campanile on perspex lines so that people could see the bells ringing. If such a tower was erected at the exhibition, it would create great interest, and the Exercise would derive much benefit by the advertisement.
Mr. G. H. Spice seconded the motion.
The Hon. Secretary said the view of the Standing Committee was that this was a matter of urgency and anything that had to be done would have to be done at once. They suggested the appointment of Dr. Hatcher and Mr. Spice as a sub-committee to make a report which would be presented to the Standing Committee. The Standing Committee should be given power to act upon the receipt of that report.
The Rev. A. G. G. Thurlow said there was one thing that was particularly urgent in giving publicity to any efforts which were likely to be made, because the various national and regional handbooks in connection with the festival were now in preparation. He was asked for an article of 500 words on Norwich churches to go in the Norwich Festival Handbook, and he would certainly say something about the bells.- The motion was carried.
METHODS COMMITTEE'S DECISIONS.
With the permission of the chairman, Mr. Harold J. Poole amended the notice of motion which appeared under his name in the agenda to read: "That the unanimous decision of the Methods Committee upon matters with which they were authorised by the Council to deal shall be published at once in 'The Ringing World' and submitted to the next meeting of the Council for consideration."
Mr. Poole said the thing that brought this matter to his mind was the publication of a peal in "The Ringing World" as Steadfast. He felt that in the past there had been a lack of definite decisions of the Council. Here was a case where the Methods Committee came to a unanimous decision and printed that decision in "The Ringing World," and within a fortnight they were challenged that they had no authority to do so, and they were wrong in doing it.
The Methods Committee had been selected especially for their ability and the only thing they could do was to stand by them and uphold their unanimous decisions. It might be true that they did get some cranks in ringing. Any decisions by the Methods Committee should be published at once as a guidance to the Exercise.
Mr. A. Ballard seconded the motion, which was then carried.
The Rev. K. W. H. Felstead said in regard to the Shipway-Steadfast controversy, the Methods Committee were asked for a decision, and he regretted that it had not been put into the report of his committee. He asked if the Council would accept that decision now.
Mr. H. J. Poole proposed that such action should be taken, as it would be another twelve months before the next meeting of the Council.
The Rev. Felstead said that they had received a request about Steadfast, and at first they were inclined to ignore the whole business, as things were apt to die a natural death, but when peals began to be published in that method and there was a possibility of someone attempting a peal, they thought some action should be taken. The unanimous view of the committee was published in "The Ringing World." In his letter he did try to express the committee's opinion that Steadfast was no different from Shipway's principle 150 years ago.
Mr. C. H. Kippin seconded.
Mr. E. A. Barnett supported the decision and said he did write to "The Ringing World" on the subject because he thought they should make it quite clear that Steadfast did not differ from Shipway.
THE NEXT MEETING.
The Chairman said that under the old rule the next meeting of the Council should be in London, but the new rule enabled them to go where they liked. London would be a very difficult place next year, as he understood a great deal of the accommodation was already booked, and prices were high. The Standing Committee had an invitation to go to Chester, and suggested it should be accepted.
Mr. R. S. Anderson asked the Council seriously to consider visiting London next year in view of the festival. London was the centre of the country. He moved that the Council go to London. Dr. Hatcher seconded.
Mr. G. Pullinger asked if a place near London could be selected.
Mr. F. Sharpe proposed the recommendation of the Standing Committee that the invitation of the Chester Diocesan Guild should be accepted.
Mr. T. R. Butler seconded, saying that it was 25 years ago since the Council went to Chester.
Mr. J. W. Jones supported the old rule of the Council meeting in London. "London," he said, "is a very 'getatable' place and I never experienced any difficulty in getting accommodation."
The vote of the Council was: Chester 62, London 49.
MEMORIAL TO CANON COLERIDGE.
The President said that the Oxford Diocesan Guild was proposing to build a memorial to Canon Coleridge. It would take the form of a tablet in the cloisters of Christ Church, similar to those erected for, the Rev. F. E. Robinson and the Rev. C. W. O. Jenkyn. It was also proposed to recast the second bell at Christ Church, add a new treble, alter the rope circle, and do other work which would be necessary.
The Standing Committee considered this proposal and they felt that it should be a national memorial. They recommended that the Council contribute the sum of £50 towards the total cost of £450.
Mr. Harry Miles seconded and this was agreed to.
PEAL ANALYSIS COMMITTEE.
Mr. H. Miles was appointed to the Peal Analysis Committee in the place of Mr. C. Dean, who had to give up the work owing to illness.
ATTENDANCE ROLL.
The Hon. Secretary presented the Attendance Roll, which showed that 24 societies were fully represented and 11 societies not represented. The total number of representative members was 108, and honorary members 13, giving a total of 121.
VOTE OF THANKS.
The President proposed an omnibus vote of thanks to those who made their visit to Eastbourne so successful. He asked in the first place that the Council should send a letter to Mr. Oliver Sippetts regretting his illness, and wish him the best possible return to health. Continuing, Mr. Lewis said he wished to propose a vote of thanks to the Mayor and Corporation of Eastbourne for the use of hall, for the entertainment which they were presenting and for the privileges granted to the conference during the week-end. He would like to especially thank them for the special bus they ran to take the members to the Holy Communion service in the Parish Church that morning.
They also thanked the Bishop of Lewes for coming to give them a welcome. He expressed the hope that the Bishop of Chichester, who had been overworked, would soon feel better. They also thanked the Vicar of Eastbourne for arranging the Communion service, the Sussex County Association for all they had done, Mr. F. I. Hairs, Mr. Wallater, Mr. R. G. Blackman and Mr. F. H. Dallaway.
The Hon. Sec. said he would like to add his own thanks to Mr. P. H. Rollison, who had done such an immense amount of work in arranging for the visit to Eastbourne.
Mr. J. W. Clarke, Master of the Chester Diocesan Guild, expressed his pleasure that the Council had accepted the invitation to visit Chester, and assured them of a hearty welcome. The President also proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher for the careful way they had prepared the reports for the Council meeting.
In conclusion, a vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. H. W. Rogers to the president and officers, the Standing Committee and sub-committees for the work they had carried out during the past year.
CIVIC RECEPTION.
The conference was followed by a civic reception at the Winter Gardens, where the members of the Council and their wives were received by the Mayor and Mayoress. A strawberry and cream tea followed. It was enjoyed by a company numbering about 200.
Mr. E. H. Lewis voiced the thanks of the company to the Mayor and Mayoress for their delightful hospitality. He felt that the meeting at Eastbourne had been one of the most outstanding in the history of the Council. "I do not think we have ever had better arrangements or received greater hospitality."
In acknowledging the vote of thanks, the Mayor said he hoped their proceedings had been profitable, and they would take away with them pleasant memories of Eastbourne.
A social evening was afterwards held in the Town Hall.
The Ringing World, June 23rd, 1950, page 393