A Happy Central Council at St. Albans

The modern City Hall where the Council met was admirable for the meeting with its spacious galleries and loudspeakers. There was a dignified entry of the platform personages. These included the Mayor (Cclr. John Farrelly), the Bishop (the Rt. Rev. E. M. Gresford Jones), the President of the Herts County Association (Mr. Walter Ayre), the President and officers of the Council, and Mrs. Freeman, the wife of the incoming President.

In extending a welcome to the Council the Mayor said he felt like a new boy on the first morning in school, because that was the first occasion since he took office that he had addressed a public gathering in St. Albans. It was a very pleasurable one because it was an historical day for the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers to visit St. Albans and for St. Albans to welcome so many visitors. St. Albans was a very historical city and they were very proud of it with its long tradition of Christianity. It was the home of Christianity to him and to many more in Great Britain. They had in their city a permanent memorial in stone to that long tradition in their Abbey which they looked upon with great affection.

As they thought of bells they thought of one of two things - joy or sorrow. It was a great joy to give praise to Almighty God by ringing, as in these days people were probably more selfish than in the past. It was gratifying to know that there were young and old ringing today, and the youngest was ten years of age.

The Mayor said he was sure it was a happy occasion for Mr. Walter Ayre, who for half a century had given loyal and affectionate service to the Central Council [applause], and it was a proud thing for him that he had seen the Council at St. Albans.

The Bishop of St. Albans also had an encouraging message to give and addressed the members as “fellow ringers”, speaking, he explained, as one who tolled the bell at his institution. It was a great pleasure to hear the Mayor of St. Albans speaking as a practising Christian. On behalf of the diocese he would say how delighted they were to have a Roman Catholic as Mayor and they rejoiced to have an ecumenically-minded Christian holding that important office.

After apologising for the absence of the Dean, the Bishop said they were all aware what happened to one of the Abbey bells - the 11th made in 1699 by Philip Wightman. He noted that the 11th, 7th and 8th were the only bells which did not have an inscription. He would suggest that the following be added when it was rehung, taken from Micah VIII, v. 11: “Rejoice not over me oh my enemy, when I fall I shall arise.” [Applause.]

The Bishop endorsed the Mayor’s remarks concerning Mr. Ayre and thanked the Hertfordshire County Association for the literature he had received from them. The Bishop said he was much impressed by the article in the May issue of the Abbey Magazine, “I am a bell-ringer,” by Miss Elizabeth Barber. The article stated that the bells were the largest voices of their church and the object of their weekly practice was that the quality of their service ringing should be maintained at a consistently high level to His glory.

The next welcome came from Mr. Walter Ayre, who said the Herts County Association was proud of its achievements, but this one beats the lot. They had long desired that the Council should visit them and now the Council had come. They were very grateful to the Corporation for their admirable co-operation.

When the Abbey bells were augmented to 12 he had the honour of being president of the Association and had the pleasure of handing over the ropes to the Dean at the dedication. He never thought that he should be president again to welcome them. As a Lincolnshire man it gave him great pleasure to welcome their new president, who was also a Lincolnshire man.

The President thanked the Bishop for celebrating at Holy Communion that morning and recalled meeting the Bishop years ago at Cambridge. There eight Anglicans rang at the R.C. Church for morning service before going on to ring for C. of E. service. Last Sunday the Mayor told him the Salvation Army Band played at his church. How splendid; perhaps at the last Sunday of his year of office the local hand-bell ringers will attend. The first time he met the Bishop was at Trinity, and at Trinity he (the Bishop) enrolled him as a member of the University Scouts, and he would never forget the look the Bishop gave him of inspiration and encouragement. The Canon commended the St. Albans Diocese on producing “1970 - a Diocese looks forward”. It reminded him of what Bishop Huddleston said the previous week: “What other people regard as a problem I regard as an opportunity.” In these matters ringers would be glad to help in any way they could.

In the Norwich Diocese they were doing a brisk trade in moving bells. Bells were mobile in these days of redundant churches. He hoped that there was a bell expert on each diocesan committee who would see that bells were transferred to where they were wanted. He hoped that any diocese which has not taken such a step would do so without delay.

ATTENDANCE ROLL

Life Members.- E. A. Barnett, V. Bottomley, F. W. Perrens, F. Sharpe, J. F. Smallwood, Canon A. G. G. Thurlow, T. W. White.
Honorary Members.- Mrs. E. A. Bartlett, Mrs. V. Bottomley, J. L. Garner-Hayward, F. E. Haynes, D. Hughes, C. K. Lewis, J. R. Mayne, H. N. Pitstow, G. W. Pipe, H. L. Roper, E. C. Shepherd, R. F. B. Speed, Mrs. R. F. B. Speed, L. Stilwell, P. L. Taylor.
Ancient Society of College Youths.- W. T. Cook, J. S. Mason, R. B. Meadows, W. Williams.
Australia and New Zealand Association.- P. M. J. Gray.
Bath and Wells Diocesan Association.- J. H. Gilbert, E. Naylor, A. H. Reed, H. J. Sanger.
Bedfordshire Association.- J. H. Edwards, K. H. Fleming, A. E. Rushton.
Beverley Association.- R. Ducker.
Cambridge University Guild.- C. M. P. Johnson, B. D. Threlfall.
Chester Diocesan Guild.- B. Jones, A. J. Martin, D. Mottershead.
Coventry Diocesan Guild.- Mrs. D. E. Beamish, H. M. Windsor.
Cumberland and North Westmorland Association.- R. W. D. Wetenhall.
Derby Diocesan Association.- D. R. Carlisle, G. A. Halls, Rev. R. D. St. John Smith.
Durham and Newcastle Association.- K. Arthur, D. A. Bayles.
Fast Grinstead and District Guild.- K. Game.
Ely Diocesan Association.- J. G. Gipson, E. H. Mastin, D. F. Murfet, H. S. Peacock.
Essex Association.- F. B. Lufkin, J. E. G. Roast, J. Armstrong.
Gloucester and Bristol Diocesan Association.- A. L. Barry, A. R. Peake, J. R. Taylor, C. A. Wratten.
Guildford Diocesan Guild.- D. A. R. May, T. Page, W. H. Viggers.
Guild of Devonshire Ringers.- N. Mallett, D. R. Bould, Rev. J. G. M. Scott.
Hereford Diocesan Guild.- P. Hughes, P. J. H. Wycherley, J. F. I. Turney.
Hertford County Association.- W. Ayre, B. M. Barker, R. G. Bell, G. Dodds.
Irish Association.- P. W. Brown, F. E. Dukes, J. T. Dunwoody.
Kent County Association.- P. A. Corby, S. Jenner, I. H. Oram, C. A. Tester.
Ladies’ Guild.- Miss J. Beresford, Miss D. E. Colgate, Mrs. P. J. Staniforth.
Lancashire Association.- N. Bennett, C. Crossthwaite, J. P. Partington, F. Reynolds.
Leicester Diocesan Guild.- S. Burton, J. M. Jelley, P. J. Staniforth, B. G. Warwick.
Lincoln Diocesan Guild.- J. Bray, G. E. Feirn, J. Freeman, J. L. Millhouse.
Llandaff and Monmouth Diocesan Association.- T. M. Roderick.
London County Association.- G. W. Shanks, H. W. Rogers, Mrs. H. W. Rogers, W. G. Wilson.
Middlesex County Association.- F. T. Blagrove, G. W. Critchley, T. J. Lock, C. H. Rogers.
National Police Guild.- N. Bagworth.
North Staffordshire Association.- R. S. Anderson, C. S. Ryles.
North Wales Association.- Dr. E. V. Woodcock.
Norwich Diocesan Association.- P. M. Adcock, M. Cubitt, N. V. Harding.
Oxford Diocesan Guild.- W. Butler, N. J. Diserens, F. C. Price, P. Walker.
Oxford Society.- F. A. H. Wilkins.
Oxford University Society.- J. E. Camp.
Peterborough Diocesan Guild.- E. Billings, J. H. Bluff, J. Linnell.
Railway Guild.- E. J. Franklin.
St. Martin’s Guild, Birmingham.- G. E. Fearn.
Salisbury Diocesan Guild.- Rev. R. Keeley, G. S. Morris, J. T. Barrett, G. J. Hitchens.
Sheffield and District Society.- J. Seager.
Society of Royal Cumberland Youths.- J. S. Barnes, D. Beresford, W. H. Dobbie, D. E. Sibson.
Society of Sherwood Youths.- G. A. Dawson.
South Derbyshire and North Leicestershire Association.- J. E. Collins.
Southwell Diocesan Guild.- J. D. Clarke, W. L. Exton, R. B. Mills, H. Poyner.
Stafford Archdeaconry Society.- C. F. W. Eyre, M. W. Fairey, C. M. Smith.
Suffolk Guild.- T. N. J. Bailey, H. W. Egglestone, C. W. Pipe, Rev. L. R. Pizzey.
Surrey Association.- A. P. Cannon, S. F. W. Kimber, C. F. Mew.
Sussex County Association.- G. Francis, J. R. Norris.
Swansea and Brecon Diocesan Guild.- G. I. Lewis.
Truro Diocesan Guild.- W. C. Boucher, F. M. Bowers, A. J. Davidson, A. Locke.
Universities Association.- Rev. M. Melville.
University of Bristol.- Dr. T. P. Edwards.
University of London.- A. J. Frost.
University of Manchester Guild.- M. C. W. Sherwood.
Winchester and Portsmouth Diocesan Guild.- A. V. Davis, Canon K. W. H. Felstead, J. Hartless, R. R. Savory.
Worcestershire and Districts Association.- B. C. Ashford, A. J. Brazier, D. Beacham, W. B. Cartwright.
Yorkshire Association.- N. Chaddock, W. E. Critchley, D. S. Johnson, W. F. Moreton.

APOLOGIES

G. W. Fletcher, B. E. Bartlett, F. E. Collins, R. W. R. Percy, A. T. Wingate, R. S. Wilson, E. F. Willcox, H. O. Baker, Miss H. Snowden, B. Hendry, Father Paulinus Angold.

An application for membership was received from the University of Manchester Guild of Change Ringers, and the Guild was elected to membership with only two votes against.

NEW MEMBERS

The following new members were welcomed by the President: R. B. Meadows (A.S.C.Y.), K. H. Fleming (Bedfordshire), B. Jones and D. Mottershead (Chester), Rev. R. D. St. John Smith (Derby), K. Game (East Grinstead and Dist.), A. R. Peake (Gloucester and Bristol), T. Page (Guildford), P. Hughes, J. F. I. Turney and P. J. H. Wycherley (Hereford), P. W. Brown (Irish), C. A. Tester (Kent), N. Bennett (Lancashire), G. W. Shanks (London County), C. H. Rogers (Middlesex), M. Cubitt (Norwich), J. E. Camp (Oxford Univ.), J. S. Barnes (Cumberland Y.), R. B. Mills (Southwell), Rev. L. R. Pizzey (Suffolk), C. F. W. Eyre (Stafford Arch.), C. F. Mew (Surrey), J. R. Norris (Sussex), Rev. M. Melville (Universities), D. S. Johnson (Yorkshire), S. J. Hitchins (Salisbury), R. Wetenhall (Cumberland and N. Westmorland), M. C. W. Sherwood (Manchester University).

Gilbert’s Last Words as President

“I would like very briefly to say one or two things which it seems fitting to say, as one looks back on the past and faces the present and future.

(1) I am grateful beyond measure to innumerable fellow-ringers for friendship kindness and hospitality during the last six years.

(2) Amongst many wise words I remember hearing at dinners, meetings and so forth during my time, may I quote just one, worth pondering and acting on, said by a priest at a North Country dinner ‘Amongst the ringers of our land, there is a vast source of potential energy and power, which Church leaders largely leave untapped.’

(3) Value and wherever possible apply the fact which ringing demonstrates, that technology is man’s servant, not his master. In church it is gaining the mastery. The organist who can’t play because electricity fails him and there’s nobody left to blow is matched by the parson who’s lost the art of public speaking because he is used to mumbling into a mike. Keep technology your servant in the belfry. Confine it to perfect tuning and hanging. See that the human element remains dominant otherwise.

(4) Let us see that we keep clergy and people ‘ringing conscious’, not to get glory but just to keep people conscious of the fact that ringing is a very human art, showing the values often lacking today - guts to continue with an activity when initial glamour wears off, guts to continue pursuing a worthy activity all through life and willingness to serve without reward.

(5) In an age often lacking initiative, remember Trevor Huddleston’s words this week: ‘What others regard as a problem, I regard as an opportunity.’ Your P.C.C. and others who should know better may think of those silent, dead bells as a problem. See that the ringers think of them as an opportunity. We all know parishes where the P.C.C. has handed the problem of the dead bells to the ringers; they have risen in strength, grasped the opportunity, raised the money, stirred enthusiasm and given the tower a dynamic life which puts the parish to shame until it does likewise.

I am so grateful to all who have helped during these six years. It is indeed a joy to know that one so universally respected will occupy this chair.

I must now perform one of the pleasantest tasks I have ever performed. The widest possible opportunity under our rules was given to us all, to propose a name different from that expected as your President. No such different name was proposed. So, in a moment, I will declare the Council’s will in this regard. In doing so I can wish him of whom I speak nothing better than that he will be as happy and well supported and warmly welcomed at I have been. He will be able to make far more valuable specialist contributions to our work than I have done. I hope that however deep may be the differences of view amongst speakers in Council, as different they must be in any live society, they will always be as courteous to the Chair as they have been in the past. It is with confidence that every member supports me that I now declare the new President to be Mr. John Freeman. I present to you this shillelagh, presented by the ringers of Ireland at our Dublin meeting in 1958, both as a reminder that ringing extends far beyond our shores and as an alternative, for use if the milder English gavel proves insufficient to recall members to the respect they owe to the Chair.”

NEW PRESIDENT INSTALLED

Having installed Mr. Freeman in the chair, Canon Thurlow presented him with the shillelagh, the gift of the ringers of Ireland in 1958, expressing the hope that he would not have to use it to keep order.

Thanking the Council for the honour, Mr. Freeman said he appreciated it very much and regarded it as a tribute to the Lincoln Diocesan Guild which he represented. At the moment he felt a sense of apprehension with a company facing him well grounded on procedure. As he looked at the Council he remembered the remark of Wellington inspecting recruits before the Battle of Waterloo and saying “I don’t know what they will do to the French, but they frighten me!” [Laughter.] From the members of the Council he had received many kindnesses and understanding, and he hoped as president to justify their confidence.

In thanking Canon Thurlow for his wise guidance in past years, he said that the Canon would be remembered for his sense of humour and also as a person well able to express himself. Amid the welter of words there had always been a worthwhile message. He heard someone describe his mastery of words by saying “If you give Gilbert Thurlow a dead rat, in a quarter-of-an-hour he would turn it into a fairy princess.”

Concluding, Mr. Freeman remarked that he would always remember his installation, which the Council marked by firing a canon! [Laughter.] He then presented Canon Thurlow with a silver ashtray, inscribed: “Gilbert Thurlow, President, Central Council of Church Bell-ringers, 1963-1969.”

Canon Thurlow, in accepting the gift, said; “I thought we made an unwritten law six years ago not to make a presentation. It is nice to know that there is a spirit of freedom that puts the law in its place.” Putting it in his pocket, he said “I will put it next to my heart for the time being.”

Mr. E. A. Barnett was then declared to be vice-president, and thanked the Council; Mr. Frederick Sharpe was declared to be librarian and Mr. Vernon Bottomley hon. secretary and treasurer.

THE BIOGRAPHIES COMMITTEE

J. A. Waugh.- London County Assn, 1936-1938; Ancient Society of College Youths, 1939-1947. Died 3/6/68. (Two meetings.)

A. J. Hughes.- North Wales Association, 1925, 1949-1954. Died June, 1968. (Three meetings.)

T. Tebbutt.- Peterborough Dio. Guild, 1921-1939. Died 11/12/68. (Nine meetings.)

The work of the committee may be considered to be up-to-date, and we have been assisted on a voluntary basis during the year by William Parrott, an immediate past committee member. It would be deemed to be a desirable situation if a member of the newly-elected Council, who is a good penman, would volunteer to be a committee member in order to write the biography sheets.

T. J. LOCK (Convener), 57, Holloways Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts.
W. H. VIGGERS.

Edgar Shepherd - a Life Member

Mr. G. W. Pipe, in proposing that Mr. Edgar C. Shepherd should be elected a life member, said “Mr. Isaac Walton would have described him as a ‘Compleat Ringer’; he was a performer, composer and conductor of note, and his writing had delighted the whole Exercise; he was the most compelling writer since Armiger Trollope and a thoroughly Christian gentleman.”

The Rev. J. G. M. Scott, in seconding, said he was astonished that Mr. Shepherd was not already a life member. He felt it was a shame that it had not been done before. His knowledge and high qualities had already been mentioned, but he would like to say that many times by his speech the whole tone of the Council had been changed by his integrity and irresistible charm. [Applause.]

In reply, Mr. Shepherd said 18 years ago the Council gave him the privilege of being an honorary member, but now they had conferred on him a very great honour and he felt very touched about it. It had been his pleasure and hobby to delve into ringing matters relating to men and women in the past and try to relate them to the affairs of today. If they took the trouble to read back the achievements and the human failings of the men of old they could find a tremendous amount of inspiration and instruction.

It had been his pleasure and desire to help the Exercise and particularly “The Ringing World”, and he remembered reading issue No. 1. His desire was to reward them for the honour done him.

The Standing Committee recommended the election of the following honorary members: Mrs. V. Bottomley, Messrs. D. Hughes, H. N. Pitstow, R. F. B. Speed, P. L. Taylor, F. E. Haynes and J. L. Garner-Hayward.

There were five vacancies and the following were elected: Messrs. R. B. Smith, R. S. Dirkson of Washington Cathedral, Stephen Ivin and Nolan Golden (one vacancy).

THE ACCOUNTS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET as at December 31st, 1968

ASSETS
	£	s.	d.
Library (£10)	10	0	0
Stock of Publications (£816)	550	4	9
Debtors and Payments in advance (£1,207)	919	13	8
Investments at cost (£10,262)	9,262	9	9
Cash & Bank Balances (£3,405)	7,386	14	2
	18,129	2	4

Sundry Creditors (£1,987)	3,453	7	3
Amounts received in advance (£1,617)	3,492	13	3

Net Assets (£12,096)	£11,183	1	10

CAPITAL ACCOUNTS
	£	s.	d.
“The Ringing World” (£10,123)	9,156	15	6
General Fund (£1,021)	1,050	4	0
Clement Glenn Fund (£952)	976	2	4

	£11,183	1	10

**“THE RINGING WORLD”**
INCOME
	£	s.	d.
Publishing House (£2,979)	1,497	0	0
Newsagents (-)	2,209	1	11
Postal Subscribers (£5,791)	6,654	4	7
Donations (£698)	835	4	6
Special Donations (-)	310	9	11
Advertising (£516)	512	0	2
Notices and Peal Reports (£894)	1,034	12	3
Sundry Receipts (£178)	311	12	5
Interest Receivable (£476)	454	13	9
Premiums on Redemption (£86)	30	0	0
Bank Deposit Interest (£47)	54	17	0

Total (£11,758)	£13,903	16	6

EXPENDITURE
	£	s.	d.
Printing, blocks, wrappers and despatch of copies (£10,168)	11,790	13	0
Editorial Office Expenses (£1,505)	1,798	14	9
Accounts and Publishing (£285)	482	12	9
Miscellaneous Expenses (£95)	27	12	6
Audit and Accountancy (£45)	77	10	0
Bad Debt - Publishing House	518	3	10
Taxation (£183)	174	8	6

Total (12,281)	14,869	15	1
Net loss for year (£523)	965	18	7

	£13,903	16	6

The Council’s Income and Expenditure Account showed an excess of income over expenditure of £29 7s. 5d. (£45). Expenditure came to £137 11s. 1d., of which committee expenses were £35 9s. 11d., officers’ expenses £12 2s. 6d., stationery and printing £39 11s. 6d., postages £13 13s. 2d., typing £5 5s., insurance £23 1s., sundries £29 7s. 5d. There was a profit on the Publications Account of £83 8s. 6d. (£56).

The Hon. Treasurer said in the General Fund balance sheet they had rather a lot of money in the bank. That was because 10,000 Beginners’ Handbooks were on order. In the Publications Account the increased profit was attributed to the higher figure of sales and not allowing discounts on the Beginners’ Handbook.

Speaking about “The Ringing World” balance sheet, Mr. Bottomley said some of them might be surprised by the amount of cash lying idle in the bank. Of that, nearly £3,300 was for subscriptions in advance, which was received a few days before the end of the year. About £3,000 of that sum had been invested in unsecured loan stock of very high yield. The investments were £1,200 in Bass, Mitchell and Butler Ltd., £1,000 nominal in Distillers Co. Ltd. and the remainder in Vickers Ltd. Those three investments would produce a gross income of £250 per annum, which was approximately 9 per cent. and there would also be a possible capital gain.

Mr. Frank Haynes asked why Messrs. Vickers was selected. Mr. Bottomley said the stock came available with no transfer fees. It was an allotment he was able to grasp.

Mr. G. Dodds asked was £10 the true value of the library as it appeared in the General Fund.

The hon. treasurer: It is customary in having items like this to put in a nominal amount. The important thing was to see that it was adequately insured for replacements.

Mr. E. A. Barnett said 25 years ago there was a resolution that the library should be valued at £10.

Mr. W. Butler (Oxford Guild) said this year insurance was £23 as against £3 last year.

Mr. Bottomley: During 1968 the Carter Ringing Machine was moved from the Museum for overhaul and the insurance was about £21.

JOHN CARTER RINGING MACHINE

FOLLOWING the excellent repair work carried out on the machine in December, 1967, and January, 1968, by Mr. Walter Dobbie, it has continued to function well throughout the year. Six demonstrations have been given, attended by a total of 155 people, and once again the number and variety of methods set and rung has reached a high figure.

Resetting the machine for a change of method during a demonstration while surrounded with visitors on a hot afternoon is no mean feat, and it reflects well on the patience and ability of our demonstrators that they manage this with remarkably few breakdowns due to mis-setting.

The President thanked Mr. Walter Dobbie for bringing the machine to St. Albans and Mr. Cyril Crossthwaite for bringing the Woodhouse machine.

Press and Literature Report

A FAVOURABLE PRESS - INSTRUCTIVE AND AUTHORITATIVE

WE wonder how many members are aware that our founder and first President, Sir Arthur P. Heywood, was a garden railway enthusiast. The 15-inch gauge railway, with steam locomotives, wagons and passenger stock, which included a dining car and sleeper, was built by Sir Arthur on his estate at Duffield Bank in Derbyshire. “Country Life” devoted two pages, which were illustrated, to this “Victorian Garden Railway”, by Howard Clayton, in its issue of February 1st.

Having commenced our report on a pleasant note, it is gratifying to be able to mention a number of instructive and delightful references to our art. The “Message of the Bells” in the “Western Morning News”, by P. Stephens, dealt with “the not so ancient” aspect of ringing. He mentions Stedman’s “Tintinnalogia” and its effects on the development of the technical side of the Exercise. It is a well-written and authoritative article. “The Field”, through its correspondent Doreen Robinson, described the “Bringing down of the Church Bells” at Edington, Wiltshire, when the six bells were being removed for augmentation to a ring of ten. (We referred to this subject in the report for 1967.) The ease with which Taylor’s removed the bells fascinated her and she gave the details of each of the bells.

In the Country Talk column in the “Daily Telegraph” J. H. B. Peel speaks of the “Distant Music of the Bells”. Opening and closing poetically, he describes how bellringing became a pious hobby for all sorts and conditions of people. Responsibility for the maintenance of bells is referred to and their in olden times as conveyors of news of national importance. The effects of healing on people who had erred from the “straight and narrow” is mentioned. Jeremy Rundall wrote in the “Reading Evening Echo” that “Ringing the Changes needs Skill”. In the article, Mr. Albert Diserens described to the correspondent the three meanings of the term “peal” and the three basic principles of bellringing. It is instructive and authoritative, the accuracy of the contents not being distorted by the usual journalistic jargon.

Perhaps the most delightful reference appeared in the “South Wales Echo”, when Jon Holliday’s article “The Bells are Ringing” appeared. The writer visited Cowbridge, where the boys of the local grammar school “showed him the ropes”. He was taken by the Classics master and ten boys to Llanbethian Church with its six bells, which had remained idle for some years around World War II. The Grammar School provides the ringers to keep these bells ringing. The article is very accurate and instructive, mentioning the simple safety rules and what actually happens when the bells are rung.

Such articles as we have mentioned will do much to enhance and advance our art in the eyes of the non-ringing public.

“Do-it-yourself” is the theme of a photograph and short note in the “Newark Advertiser”, which shows the Whatton ringers moving one of their bells in the frame to make room for two additional trebles. The bell-ringers themselves are collecting the money to augment the six to eight.

“Bells ring out after 800 years!”, as reported in the “Western Daily Press”, is a misleading mention that five ringers were attempting the first peal on the bells of St. Michael’s Church, Andersleigh, in Devon. It is a pity that reporters cannot keep to true facts.

For the safe return of the three U.S.A. astronauts from their trip around the moon, in which the whole world was interested, we have received only one press cutting. It came from the “Daily Telegraph”, which produced a photograph of some of the ringers taking part in the quarter peal in their honour at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.

The “Irish Times” published a large front page photograph of the late Mr. William E. Lynch standing to a rope in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. “The Old Bells of Limerick” was a 17-verse poem which appeared in the “Limerick Chronicle”. The same paper gave prominent mention to the ringers’ festival held at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick, in celebration of the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Cathedral.

The “Radio Times” published a number of letters following the recording of bells heard in “Dr. Finlay’s Casebook”. The bells, in fact, were those of St. Magnus’ Cathedral, Kirkwall. The bells of Inveraray and their arrival at the church were mentioned in one of these letters.

The fact that the bells of March, Cambs., did not ring at midnight on New Year’s Eve was the subject of a front page story in the “Cambridge Times”. Mr. Trevor Bevis summed up the silent bells subject by expressing the view that the bitter disappointment exhibited by many of the locals indicated that more people wanted to hear the bells than not.

A letter from the Rev. Peter Nourse in the “Hereford Times” endorsed the view that only practising Christians should ring church bells. He added that “anyone who wishes to become a bellringer should, as a matter of course, be expected also to be, or at least to become, a practising churchman.”

The Central Council visit to Worcester prompted the “Worcester Messenger” to refer to the meeting. It also mentioned some accidents in the belfry, peal ringing, the part bells played in mediæval times and some bell customs. “Scope”, the church newspaper for the parish of Stourbridge, had a front page article on the bells of St. Thomas’s Church, Stourbridge, and made a special appeal for funds to rehang the ring of bells. The Worcestershire and Districts Association are to be congratulated on the preparation of an attractive and interesting brochure for the meeting of the Council. It included a brief history of the growth of change-ringing, of the Worcestershire and Districts Association of Change Ringers, of local bellfounders and of Worcestershire churches and their bells. It is certainly an invaluable asset to any library.

In trade journals we have received few references. “Midbank Chronicle News Desk” published a photograph of Midland Bank staff in a belfry. The ringers had travelled from all over the country to meet in London and to ring at a number of churches in the area. The house magazine of Edward Lumley and Sons Limited had an interesting article by Mr. P. D. Dawson-Taylor which explained the basic principles of the art for the benefit of the non-ringer. According to “Municipal Engineering”, a complaint was received by the Public Health Department of Southampton of noise nuisance from a church bell rung for a few minutes at 8.30 on Sunday mornings. When told this was not considered a nuisance the complainer organised a petition to the Health Department. Mr. A. B. Palmer, manager of the Oxford Branch of the Woolwich Equitable Building Society, contributed an interesting article headed “Our Six Bells” to “The New Advance”, the Society’s staff journal. It is the story of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Yarnton, near Oxford.

New publications which appeared during the year include “Bells and Bellfounding,” by J. Llewellin; “Method Splicing - Major,” by Giles B. Thompson; “Discovering Bells and Bellringing,” by J. Camp; “Bellringer’s Guide,” 4th Edition, by R. H. Dove; “The Ringers’ Notebook and Diary,” 1969; “About Bells and Bellringing,” by Roy H. Jones; “Simple Compositions for the Conductor,” by C. F. Mew.

We have also had new editions of “Bell Handling and Control” (College of Campanology); “Ringers’ Handbook,” by E. S. Powell. (It is very pleasing to see the continued appearance of the late Mr. Powell’s attractive primer.)

Bellringing regulars which continue to appear are: “Reverberations,” Journal of the Handbell Ringers’ Guild of Great Britain; “Ringing Towers” from Australia was rather irregular due to changes in publishing methods; “North-East” came from the Essex Association; “Irish Bell News” appeared regularly at quarterly intervals.

We again extend our best thanks to these who forwarded items of interest. We are of the opinion, however, that some material is allowed to slip our notice and would, therefore, repeat our request that all references coming to the notice of our members - no matter how small and apparently insignificant - should be forwarded to the Convener.

EDGAR C. SHEPHERD, (Convener), 46, Manor Gardens, Warminster, Wilts.
FRED E. DUKES.

The report was adopted and Messrs. E. C. Shepherd and F. E. Dukes were re-elected to the committee.

Overseas Committee’s World-wide Survey

AFRICA

Cape Town, where ringing has been in the doldrums recently, came together at the end of the year to give a voyager a ring, and in so doing rekindled interest. Latest news holds out the hope that regular practice has begun again.

Durban. This must be reckoned a rewarding year for Cyril Chambers and the persevering company. Anticipating 1968 by two days, they scored the first quarter for over 12 years and then quickly topped it with two more. Greyville tower was chosen for the peal attempt on a March day, when the temperature had dropped to 70 degrees. The continued ringing on this occasion met with considerable hostility from the neighbours, who eventually broke into the church and summoned four police cars, In the face of all this the successful conclusion of Durban’s first peal calls for sincere congratulations. The stimulus of Geoff Armitage’s short stay yielded one more quarter so that this year’s ringing surpasses all Durban’s previous performances put together. The visits of ten overseas ringers have been a great encouragment during 1968.

Rhodesia has likewise enjoyed the company of several voyagers to that lovely country, and Geoff Armitage, who called a quarter at the Cathedral is, we believe, the first person to have done this in three African towers. An active year began with an open day for the public; ringing for the enthronement of Bishop Burrough made newspaper headlines, and a meeting at Que Que saw the election of the Guild’s first African member. Mr. Stanley has learned to handle a bell and is making progress with change-ringing.

Although performances have been few this year, Salisbury’s bells were rung on 50 Sundays, which we feel is not an unworthy achievement. At the moment, with relatively few learners, the local band strive to improve their striking with the avowed aim of a quarter peal early in 1969. Jolly good luck to their efforts.

ANZAB

At the time of writing we do not have full details of the whole year’s activities in. Australia and New Zealand, but in our “Ringing World” gleanings, correspondence and the two issues of “Ringing Towers” there is ample evidence of the growth of the art in Australasia. With the incidence of emigrants on the increase, and indeed the occasional traveller, local bands will benefit and be augmented, if only temporarily. In retrospect, most of the ringing centres in these countries have “shared” overseas visitors and themselves have increased their repertoire.

Australia. We have noted a peal of Bob Major at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, and one of Minor “in hand” at Perth - the first ladies peal for ANZAB. Quarter peals include Stedman Triples from Adelaide Cathedral and Bob Major from the Town Hall; Triples and Minor from Perth Cathedral, despite the Western Australian earthquake, and several of Spliced Major by their talented handbell band. Melbourne has supplied Stedman, Oxford and St. Clement’s Triples and several of Major. Also many of the Sydney towers have been prominent, particularly Burwood. Bendigo ringers continue to progress, they too scoring several quarters.

It was a great delight for many U.K. ringers to meet Tom Goodyer, who spent a working holiday in England from Sydney. We say “working” because a tally of 30 peals in about as many days is a fair dinkum effort! Tom represented Australian ringers and ringing in the best possible way, it was in this connection that two very enjoyable peals for ANZAB were scored in England during the summer - Double Norwich at North Mymms and Kent Royal at St. Clement Danes’, appropriately conducted by another “overseas” man, Frank Blagrove, ex-Rhodesia. Happily. Philip Gray, the C.C. representative, was able once again to visit his members through a business trip.

New Zealand. What excitement in the lovely country of New Zealand! The possibility of St. Matthew’s octave going again after years of clocking; an earthquake in Christchurch; quarters of London and Cambridge Surprise Minor - to name a few items. The Council will at least have to consider a venue in the Southern Hemisphere before many Whitsuns. At the end of last year the Christchurch band rang the first local Surprise peal ever - Cambridge Minor, conducted by Ray Idle. This was followed-up in March by the first of Major on the 32 cwt. ring - an extremely good performance. All in all an active year for ANZAB, and intending visitors or migrants need have no fears about going hungry.

CANADA

Tower bell ringing has maintained its status quo during 1968 and handbell ringing has shown an upward trend, with the success of the first peal “in hand” in Canada being rung at Hamilton, Ontario, in November.

Calgary bells are rung regularly by an enthusiastic local band, under the direction of Michael and Judy Simpson; two quarter peals were successful.

Mission City, B.C. At Westminster Abbey the ten bells are rung by a band of resident monks for all services; no peals are allowed, and lady ringers are only allowed to ring when with visiting bands.

Vancouver, B.C. The Cathedral bells are rung for Sunday morning services by a go-ahead band. Three quarter peals of Plain Bob Minor have been recorded. One of the four outings held during 1968 was outstanding in that four of the band hired a light aircraft to fly over the Rockies to Calgary for a quarter peal - it is only 520 miles each way!

Victoria, B.C. The Cathedral bells are rung by a local band for both Sunday services in methods extending to Grandsire, Stedman Triples and Kent Major.

AMERICA

The year 1968 has been notable for campanology in the United States. This has been brought about by several factors - the installation of a new ring of bells from the Whitechapel Foundry at Smith’s Girls’ college, Northampton, Mass; the attendant visit and inspection of towers and bells by William Theobald; the relatively numerous visitors from England and Australia; and last but not least the achievements and enthusiasm of the “locals”.

Boston, Perkins School for the Blind. The bells are in ringable condition, but due to severe local opposition they are rarely rung.

Boston, Church of the Advent. These bells are at present only chimed although inspection shows that they could easily be made ringable. It is hoped the local incumbent will shortly start a band.

Chicago. The ten bells are difficult to ring, but under the leadership of Daniel Robbins ringing takes place during lunchtime on Saturdays in school term.

Groton, Mass. The excellent ring of ten bells in the school chapel are rung daily during lunchtime and for Sunday services in term time under the astute leadership of Russell Young. The quality of ringing is high, ranging to Stedman and Plain Bob Caters. One peal of Plain Bob Major, one half peal of Plain Bob Minor, conducted by one of the pupils, Alan MacDonald, and five quarters have been recorded.

Hingham, Mass. Only the top six of the ten in the Memorial Campanile are now regularly rung due to tower weakness. However, it is hoped that these bells may be rehung.

Kent School, Conn. The ten bells are rung regularly by a local band, under the leadership of Bill Howard. There is no further news to date of the possibility of a new ring being installed at the Girls’ School here.

Northampton, Mass. Smith’s College - one of the most delightful rings of eight of this weight in existence. First rung fully open on May 11th by American and English ringers. Practice takes place on Thursdays by the College ringers, guided by Alice Dickinson.

Washington, D.C. The Cathedral’s glorious bells, under the expert direction of Rick Dirksen, are rung daily by local ringers. There are four complete bands, one adult and the other three formed from the Girls’ School. Their achievements are of note, viz.: one peal of Major and ten quarter peals, including two of Grandsire Caters, on tower bells; also one handbell peal of Plain Bob Minor.

A most successful ringing weekend was held in New England last May, with ringers from Canada, England and Australia joining forces with the locals. Five towers were on the itinerary and methods up to Cambridge Surprise Major and Stedman Caters were rung. During May a handbell peal of Plain Bob Major was rung at Peterborough, New Hampshire - first peal in the State - the band being composed of Joan Hutchinson (U.S.A.), Tom Goodyer (Australia), Geoff Davies and Frank Price (G.B.). Groton School was the venue for the spring festival of the New England Guild of Handbell Ringers, at which recitals of tune ringing were given in the Chapel and demonstrations of change-ringing took place in the belfry. Efforts to sow the seeds of a North American Guild of Change Ringers have so far fallen on stony ground - perhaps 1969 will bring renewed vigour to American and Canadian ringers to constitute a flourishing Guild.

It was announced that the Convener had resigned. Elected to the committee were Messrs. F. C. Price (Convener), “Zermatt”, 10, Butler Road, Heathwood Estate, Crowthorne, Berks, G. W. Pipe and Philip Gray.

Young Men’s Innings at Central Council

EXAMINATION OF PROCEDURE

Have the seeds been sown for the reorganisation of the Central Council by the notice of motion submitted by Mr. Douglas A. R. May, Master of the Guildford Diocesan Guild? His motion was carried, after an amendment which did not disturb the principle at stake.

But who is to make the investigation? The proposer wanted a new committee and not the Standing Committee. The Council favoured the Standing Committee and then decided to ballot for the new committee. Mr. May was an unsuccessful candidate; in fact it was very much the old brigade back on the Committee.

Will a special meeting of the Standing Committee be called to consider the principles at stake? This year’s committee meeting lasted nearly three hours. It will be for the President and the officers to decide how adequate consideration can be given to the questions raised.

“This Council instructs the Standing Committee to examine the constitution of the Council and to make recommendations with a view to ensuring that the business of the Council, particularly at its annual meeting, is completed in a satisfactory manner.”

Proposing, the motion, Mr. May said that after the last Council meeting he wrote an article which was published in “The Ringing World”. It was critical of many aspects of the Council’s procedure, but no one came to the support of the status quo. Many non-members told him that they thought the Council was irrelevant to the needs of the Exercise. This was not true, and it was unfortunate that many people felt that way.

After pointing out that the annual meeting is as all-important to the Exercise. Mr. May said that the time given to the Council’s business should be increased so that discussions and debates did not have to be guillotined. The main purpose of the motion, if carried, would be to take steps to bring the Council operations up-to-date, relating them to the needs of the Exercise, and to make it apparent to the ordinary ringer that the Council had its priorities right. He asked the following questions:-

(1) Is the meeting at the right end of the week-end and, in particular, should it be on a Tuesday?

(3) Should there be a one-day half-yearly meeting either in Birmingham or London? On occasions in the past a matter had been referred to a committee and when the committee reported back it was rejected and a year was wasted.

(4) Should topics requiring a decision, especially technical matters, be referred to the committees as now constituted or would it be better to form committees in the Parliamentary sense which would sit during a Council meet in and report back to the same meeting?

(5) Was the Council too unwieldy? Should membership be reduced to make it an efficient debating chamber that it probably was at inception? If so, how should the reduction be achieved? Apart from the two ancient London Societies, there was little justification for non-territorial Societies to be represented because their members were also represented by territorial Societies. Should Societies not requiring an annual subscription have their number of representatives decided upon in a different way? Should the number of honorary members be reduced?

(6) Should the President chair the meetings or should a chairman be elected annually?

(7) Should everyone be entitled to speak as long as he likes or as often as he could catch the President’s eye?

(8) The Monday ringing arrangements had not received wide publicity this year. Should the procedure be continued or even extended to the rest of the week-end?

(9) Should local dignitaries be asked to welcome the Council? He suspected that most of them felt as much a duty to agree to do so as they felt to listen.

During the last session a little patching-up of Council procedure had been performed, but he was sure that much could be gained from a thorough investigation into the Council’s working. Those responsible should look to the future and not to the past, seeing from an impartial distance rather than the obscurity of close proximity.

Mr. W. F. Moreton said the Yorkshire Association had been thinking about some of the points Mr. May had made in relation to the meeting next year and it was proposed that the reception be held not after the meeting but on the Monday evening. The Council would then be able to start at 9.30 and not restricted to finishing at 4.30.

Mr. C. F. Mew (Surrey Association) moved as an amendment that the Council appoint a committee to examine the position and not put it on the shoulders of the Standing Committee as many of its members were fully occupied with other Council matters. Mr. May had expressed a willingness to sit on such a committee.

He continued that the members were there for three main reasons: to collect information to be disseminated among Associations; to improve relations with the Church and to look after the practical side. The people who elected them might not understand the technical jargon, but they looked to them as leaders of the Exercise to do their best for them. “We must always be willing to be progressive and to change our ways as are necessary.”

The Rev. St. John Smith (Derby Diocesan Association) supported Mr. Mew’s amendment for two reasons. The majority of the members of the Standing Committee were too busy with other committees and the Standing Committee was too large.

It was agreed to amend the motion to instruct the Standing Committee to appoint a small ad hoc committee (ad hoc meaning that the committee would disperse as soon as the work had been done).

Mr. P. A. Corby (Kent) supported the motion because it was intended to do a little investigation into one’s private life. His criticism of the previous speakers was that they had not made any suggestions as to what they wanted to do with the extra time.

They had a duty to elect a new Standing Committee. If they thought they were a lot of old dodderers it was their duty to elect the right one. It was the duty of the Standing Committee to look at the constitution.

Mr. Philip Gray (ANZAB) believed it was something like 20 years since the Council looked through its rules. He was sure it was not true that the same rules had remained since the Council’s inception. After an interval of 20 years, when the people on the Council had almost changed completely, it was necessary to have another check. He supported a motion of this kind.

He would ask the proposer to amend the motion as it implied criticism. The Council could not be asked to vote for something that implied criticism of themselves. The motion should read: “This Council instructs the Standing Committee to examine the constitution of the Council and methods of procedure.”

Mr. T. Lock (Middlesex) suggested that each member body be asked to send in their suggestions within six months to be considered by the Standing Committee. It would be more representative of ringers as a whole.

The amendment appointing an ad hoc committee was defeated, but the motion incorporating Mr. Gray’s amendment was carried.

Mr. H. L. Roper asked if they could be circulated a little earlier. The hon. secretary replied that he had nothing to guide him except precedent.

THE STANDING COMMITTEE

The following were elected by ballot for the 12 vacancies on the Standing Committee: Mrs. E. A. Barnett, Messrs. D. Beresford, W. B. Cartwright, F. E. Dukes, P. M. J. Gray, R. F. B. Speed, P. A. Corby, W. F. Moreton, Rev. J. G. M. Scott, B. D. Threlfall, H. J. Sanger and P. J. Staniforth.

Mr. H. Poyner (Southwell) asked if the Council was satisfied with the constitution of the Standing Committee. They had only 12 elected members. There were 11 convenors of committees and the president, the secretary/ treasurer and the two auditors and the past-president and past-secretary/treasurer as ex-officio members. To what extent was it a self-perpetuating body?

PEALS COLLECTION REPORT

Work has begun on a draft collection of peals in 9- to 12-bell methods, and a manuscript copy may be available in time for the members of the Central Council to inspect.

It was decided to omit Stedman Caters and Cinques in view of the existence of the 1961 collection of these.

W. E. CRITCHLEY (Convener), 28, Brompton Road, Sprotborough, Doncaster.
R. F. B. SPEED, G. E. FEIRN.

Mr. W. E. Critchley, moving the report said there was a MSS. collection in the possession of Mr. Speed which anyone could go through.

The report was adopted and, Messrs. W. E. Critchley (convener), R. F. B. Speed and G. B. Feirn re-elected to the committee.

The Ringing World, June 13, 1969, page 459, correction August 8, 1969, page 620

278 More Peals Rung in 1968

LET us first say that we still cannot understand why some conductors are so dilatory in sending in the peals immediately they are rung, or why we still have so many repeats. PLEASE try and amend your ways, writes Mr. W. Ayre in introducing the report of the Peals Analysis Committee.

The 1967 figures shown include four which were queried in our previous report, thus showing an increase in 1968 of 278 - tower 3,121, an increase of 194; handbells 334, an increase of 84, This gives a grand total of 3,455.

Interesting comparisons can be made from the other figures and firsts in our report. There were 543 first pealers and 79 first as conductor, as reported in “The Ringing World”.

In the table below it will be seen that Kent County and the Chester Guild have exchanged positions from last year, but an ordinary look at the figures will explain why. (We consider this a wonderful achievement.)

Chester Guild - 18,000 Cambridge Royal; 13,140 Kent Maximus and 15,160 Oxford T.B. Royal on handbells. Gloucester and Bristol - 23 Spliced Surprise Major silent and non-conducted. Hertford County - 10,784 Oxford T.B. Major and 17,284 Kent T.B. Major and 30, 26, 25, 21, 18 Spliced Surprise Major on handbells. Lancashire Association - 40 Spliced Surprise Maximus at Liverpool Cathedral. Middlesex County - 28 Spliced Surprise Major on handbells. Society of Royal Cumberland Youths - completing six peals of 9 Spliced Surprise Major on one day. Surrey Association - 9,600 Lincolnshire S. Major, and the increasing number of methods/variations being used in peals of Doubles. Finally, but not least, five peals from America and one from Natal (Doubles) (with four firsts and first as conductor). May the increased peal totals reflect a similar increase in Sunday service ringing!

First pealers down a little, with 543, but not so many first as conductor - 79 as against 103 in our last report. Can something be done about this?

The report was adopted, and Messrs. W. Ayre (convener), Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, H. L. Roper and F. B. Lufkin appointed to the committee.

Council’s Library now Catalogued

During the year the borrowing of books from the Library increased slightly. The Library was administered until October by Mr. Frank Perrens, and at a meeting of the Library Sub-Committee held in Coventry in August it was agreed that during his absence from this country on a world tour I should become the Council’s Acting Librarian. Mr. and Mrs. Perrens left on November 17th, and we wish them a happy journey and safe return, coupled with our most grateful thanks to Mr. Perrens for all he has done during his ten years in office.

The Library was transferred to Launton in October, and at the present time the periodicals and literature of a similar character are housed in Caversfield Church, by courtesy of the Vicar and churchwardens, to whom our sincere thanks are due. The remainder of the contents of the Library are stored at my home and during a period of recuperation from illness I have catalogued the books and manuscripts. This is a task which I hoped to do when formerly I held the office of Librarian, and one which has baffled the past four holders of this office. Each book has been given a catalogue number and endorsed with the Council’s stamp. From the numerical index an Index of Titles has been prepared and is kept in a series of loose-leaf binders with plenty of provision for additions in the future. From the Index of Titles an Index of Authors is being compiled, but is not yet completed.

Gifts to the Library during 1968 are gratefully acknowledged as follows: “Reverberations”, from Mr. J. F. Partington; “Irish Bell News”, from Mr. F. E. Dukes; “The History of the Bells of Westminster Abbey”, from Mr. H. N. Pitstow (author); copies of articles from the publication “Copper” - (1) Repair of Cracked Bells, by Mr. K. J. Clews; (2) A Sound Investment, by Messrs. R Hollis and D. Hughes (per Mr. D. J. Gay); a copy of the manuscripts of W. Crofts, per Mr. D. Stainsby; “The Bellringers Guide to the Church Bells of Britain”, by Mr. R. H. Dove (author) (Fourth Edition).

In conclusion, I appeal to the ten persons who have kept the books they borrowed from the Library since 1967 and earlier to return them for cataloguing, and thank all those who promptly returned books for this purpose its response to the announcement in “The Ringing World”.

Mr. Frederick Sharpe, in moving the adoption of the report, referred to the work of Mr. Perrens over the past years.

The report was adopted and the new committee consists of W. Ayre (convener). Rev. K. W. H. Felstead, Messrs. H. L. Roper and F. B. Lufkin.

BEGINNERS HANDBOOKS SOLD OVER 3,000

Sales of Central Council publications by Mr. J. L. Garner-Haywood during 1968 totalled 5,770. Of these the Beginners Handbook accounted for 3,132. Details are appended.

Mr. F. W. Perrens Thanked

The Vice-President (Mr. E. A. Barnett) said he felt they were in error in allowing Mr. Frank Perrens to depart from the Library without comment. They were all very grateful for the work he did in that capacity for a period of ten years. Mr. Perrens was one of the senior members of the Council, being a member for 42 years. It was with great regret that they learned he was giving up the position of librarian through moving into a smaller house.

Thanking the Council, Mr. Perrens said he was in Uganda when he was elected librarian.

Tongue-tied Critics over “Ringing World” Report

For the past four years the reception of the report of “The Ringing World” Committee has given rise to very critical debates. This year there was a complete absence of criticism and not a single question was raised.

The report gave an admirable survey of the past three years of the 26th Council, revealing a 17 per cent. increase in space and 7.7 per cent. increase in sales.

Financially it was not a good year, with a loss of £966, which was aggravated by a bad debt of £518. The forecast for the coming year is that the journal will break even.

The 26th Council has seen great changes in “The Ringing World”, and at the end of this Council’s term it is worth placing some of these on record.

In 1966 the standard paper was 16 pp. and only one issue had a coloured cover, but this idea has been developed to where 20 pp. and a coloured cover is the standard, as the table shows:-

The average weekly sales in the three years have been: 1966, 5,646; 1967, 5,878; 1968, 6,081; an increase of 7.7%.

In 1968 the figure for the first half was 6,150 and for the second half it fell to 6,012 after the price increase. For the first ten issues of 1969 the average has been 5,907 and we are encouraged that the loss so far does not exceed 250. The reduction is almost entirely on supplies through newsagents as Rolls House ordered more than sales to cope with contingencies. Our figures are actual sales.

Improvements cost money, and the accounts show the combined effects of more coloured issues, more pages, increases in basic printing costs and the increase in postal charges in September, 1968. Costs have already gone up again from March, 1969. Income has had to be increased by raising the charges for notices and advertisements and the price of the paper itself was raised to 1/- in July, 1968. The investment policy has been reviewed and further adjustments have been made since the 1968 accounts were completed. The effects of these changes showed through to some extent in the second half-year. As reported at Worcester the draft accounts by the Auditor for January to April, 1968, showed a loss of £458 and, on this basis, it may reasonably be assumed that the loss for the first half of 1968 would be about £750 when additional costs were taken into consideration. The figure for the whole of 1968, less the bad debt referred to below, means that the second-half made a surplus of £300 in the opinion of our Auditor.

The financial position of “The Ringing World” would be much worse but for the generous donations that many people continue to send. Quarter peal ringers contributed well over half the donations for 1968 and, in addition, there were special donations of £310 from voluntary payments by 600 people of the increased rates on unexpired postal subscriptions. At the time of writing further special donations totalling £112 have been received in 1969. Our sincere thanks are expressed to all these kind donors.

In June, 1968, Rolls House gave notice that they would cease trading because of difficulties with their accommodation. At very short notice Mr. W. G. Wilson and the Editor, with the willing co-operation of the “Surrey Advertiser”, negotiated alternative arrangements which have continued the circulation through newsagents without interruption and have given us a slightly higher proportion of the revenue from those sales. We are now our own publishers.

Unfortunately, Rolls House were not completely frank in their reason for closing down and in September, 1968, a statutory meeting of creditors was held. Mr. W. G. Wilson and our Auditor attended that meeting. On hearing that a very large claim of over £30,000 had been lodged, although vigorously disputed by Rolls House, the committee agreed unanimously that “The Ringing World” claim of £518 should be written-off as a bad debt in the 1968 accounts. It is not possible at this stage to say what, if any, dividend will be received.

Mr. T. W. White has continued his untiring efforts as Editor throughout. He has also set up a shadow organisation to cope with emergencies but no permanent successor has yet been found. The Accountant’s duties were taken over by Mr. C. W. Lucas after the death of Mr. Jeater. This new arrangement, which has brought all the work under one roof at Guildford, has been of material help to the Editor. Mr. Lucas readily took on the extra work on accounts that was entailed in becoming our own publishers. Mrs. Lucas has continued to assist in the office work. All of them deserve our special thanks.

Mr. Jeater’s death in May, 1968, cannot be allowed to pass without our written acknowledgment of his many years of faithful service as our Accountant, and to express our sympathy for his family. We are indebted to those who undertook responsibility for transferring his books and papers to Guildford.

A milestone was reached in 1968 with issue No. 3000 on October 18th, and we salute all the select and faithful band who have taken the paper from its first issue. We are grateful to all subscribers, old and new, and to those who supply news and articles to fill the space that has been provided.

Of the Committee itself, it may be noted that two major changes were introduced after the Council meeting at Bath in 1966. The size of the Committee was increased and it began to meet more frequently. During the past three years the membership has varied between 3 and 6 and the total of meetings held has been 10. Since Worcester the present Committee of 5 has met three times and attendance of elected members has been 100%. The Editor and Treasurer of “The Ringing World” and the Secretary of the Central Council have also been in almost 100% attendance throughout and the Vice-President of the Central Council has attended all the meetings in the past year.

On the basis of the 1968 Accounts, received in good time, a budget has been agreed for 1969. At the last meeting approval was given to the recommendations of the Auditor for improvements in the accounting system to provide easier interim checks on the financial position.

Looking to the future, our budget anticipates that the accounts will at least “break even” and possibly show a small surplus in 1969 with the present standard of the paper maintained. Finance is not the only limiting factor at this stage for in some weeks the Editor is short of good copy. It would seem that the next year or two should be a period of consolidation and it is hoped that everyone will give what support they can to increase circulation and to maintain and improve the appeal of the paper by their contributions of news and articles.

We end on a more personal note with thanks to various kind friends who have provided accommodation and hospitality for our meetings.

R. S. ANDERSON (Convener), 76, Dimsdale View, Porthill, Newcastle, Staffs.
D. BAYLES, R. F. B. SPEED, P. J. STANIFORTH (Mrs.), W. G. WILSON.

The report was moved by Mr. R. S. Anderson and adopted without comment. The committee consists of Messrs. W. G. Wilson (convener), R. S. Anderson, D. A. Bayles, R. F. B. Speed and Mrs. Staniforth.

SUMMARY OF ATTENDANCE

Busy Year for Sunday Service and Education Committee

During 1968 the film went out on hire six times and so far there are six bookings for 1969. The film is still in very good condition.

Following the appearance of our 1967 report in “The Ringing World” two people have written to the Convener offering to help in the production of an 8 mm. instructional film on bellringing. Although the Convener has drawn up suggestions for the content of an 8 mm. instructional film, as requested, progress in organising its production has been postponed because of -

(2) The desirability of linking the techniques to be shown in the film with those advocated in the Tutors Handbook.

It is suggested that the Council offer a number of substantial prizes for the best amateur 8 mm. instructional films submitted to them by a certain date. Any such competition would need to -

(c) provide the Council with the ownership of the films selected so that they would be available for hire on the Council’s terms.

The Convener has also had an offer of assistance in the production of a 16 mm. general interest film on bellringing, and as requested has supplied an outline of what might be included in the film. As the cost of this suggested film will be approximately £15 per minute for a 20-minute film (£300), it has not been possible to take any definite action until the Council has discussed it.

The illness of Mr. F. Shape has prevented implementation of this commitment, but it is hoped to meet it in the near future.

In conjunction with the Hereford Guild Mr. Moreton again organised a successful weekend course at Hereford Training College during Easter. For 16 of the students the course was extended to five days, a venture which proved to be very worthwhile and successful. A three-day course is planned for 1969.

Mr. Chaddock assisted the Lincoln Diocesan Guild with their one-day course at Lea in October. Following his 1968/69 evening institute course at Market Weighton, a one-day course has been arranged on May 10th, 1969, for the Beverley and District Society and the East Riding Education Authority.

The Warden of Grantley Hall, Yorkshire, has again invited Mr. Chaddock to organise a week-end course there. This will be during the week ending November 14th-16th, 1969. Assistance was given to the Lincoln Guild with a week-end course at Brant Broughton in March, 1969.

Mr. Sharpe assisted with the Hereford Course last year and in the period January-September, prior to his illness, gave some 20 instructional and training lectures. Seven of these were given to non-ringing societies or Church organisations and brought in the usual few recruits. Following his illness he gave one lecture in Oxford during December.

Messrs. Saydisc have undertaken to produce this for us from our own master tape. A draft has been prepared of-

(2) The list of examples of good striking recorded on the disc, together with a brief note on each. This will be printed on the front of the sleeve with a suitable illustration to make an attractive cover.

Ninety-nine 12in. long play records will be produced; the cost of these, including labels and sleeves, will be just under the £100 allocated by the Council in 1968. The selling price of one record will be around 25/-.

As the recordings are being made from outside the towers, progress has been hindered by the adverse weather of recent months. Mr. Clive Smith is, however, pressing on with the task of completing the recordings.

We continue to make contact within the Theological Colleges, and it is interesting to note that on one occasion last year a lecture was given by a member of the clergy. Needless to say, a “ringing cleric” is an ideal lecturer and it is hoped to find more of these contacts as time goes by to assist in this field. Any members aware of such contacts are asked to let Mrs. Staniforth know. Thanks are expressed to secretaries of Associations who have volunteered information about their local colleges and so lighten the amount of written work involved.

The final re-drafting of this, following the receipt of comments on the draft circulated early in 1968, has been a time-consuming task. However, Part I (Bell Control) is now on sale. Part II (Elementary Change Ringing) is completed and should be available shortly.

NORMAN CHADDOCK (Convener), Blencathra, Spring Road, Market Weighton, near York.
WILFRID F. MORETON, FREDERICK SHARPE, JILL STANIFORTH, MARIE R. CROSS, CLIVE M. SMITH.

Mr. N. Chaddock moved the adoption of the report with the exception of the paragraph linking a film with the Tutor’s Handbook.

Mr. W. G Wilson congratulated Mr. Moreton and those responsible for the production of Part I of the Tutor’s Handbook.

Mr. Chaddock said regarding a film on bell-ringing, they had several offers of assistance after the last report in “The Ringing World”. They had now had the offer of a 16 mm. film through Mr. Richard Bell. It would cost about £500 to £600 for a colour film for about 20 minutes. They would need a working script by next Council meeting.

The General Secretary: It seems to me that financial matters are involved and a small ad hoc committee - perhaps Mr. Chaddock and myself - should be appointed.

Mr. H. L. Roper said they ought to endeavour to get a good film on bell ringing and not just good film technique.

Mrs. Staniforth (Ladies’ Guild): Are we right in waiting 12 months before we know what the project is?

The secretary suggested that the committee be allowed within the limit of the funds in the Clement Glenn bequest.

This was agreed to and Messrs. R. G. Bell, Moreton, the President and Secretary were appointed to this committee.

The Sunday Service Committee was elected: Mr. N. Chaddock (convener), Mrs. J. Staniforth and Messrs. W. F. Moreton, F. Sharpe and C. M. Smith.

Miscellaneous items included requests for film-strip and notes on “Bell Control”, teaching aids and visual aids, tune-ringing technique and music.

HON. SECRETARY AND TREASURER’S REPORT

Most of the work may be regarded as routine. I am often asked about the volume. In 1968 there were nearly 500 items of outgoing mail in addition to the 200 pre-meeting packages of reports.

I have not yet been able to find the appropriate authority to whom the Council’s interest in the “1970 Report” may be declared. I shall be glad to have the information from anyone with it. I should also like to be given accurate information about redundant bells.

I have dealt with three cases where there has been the threat of action under the Noise Abatement Act. I presume that action has not followed because I have not had any further report. It may be that those concerned have taken my advice to consult the appropriate chapter on sound control in the Preservation Handbook.- VERNON BOTTOMLEY.

Moving the adoption, the hon. secretary said in regard to paragraph 2, the Paul report was likely to be adopted in every diocese in the country. The Standing Committee recommended that Ringing Associations should seek representation on the Diocesan Advisory Committees in order to give advice and see that the interests of ringers were safeguarded.

Report of the Broadcasting and Television Committee for 1968

FROM the regional reports it would appear that there has been a falling-off in the use of bells on the air during this year, but one wonders whether we are being informed of all that happens. We do reiterate our plea of previous years that ringers in the towers concerned should inform this committee when their bells are broadcast so that the event can be recorded.

North Region.- The only bells noted have been those rang before some of the morning services broadcast by I.T.V. The recorded epilogues mentioned in last year’s report were broadcast by Tyne-Tees T.V. in 1968 - Canon Thurlow’s remaining two appearing in July, and three by Denis Bayles on “My Job in the Church” in September. This region’s nomination for the Christmas broadcast was accepted by the B.B.C. The outcome was a very satisfactory item from St. John’s, Preston, to which proper thought in the organisation may well have made some contribution.

Ireland.- In March, Radio Eireann gave a feature item, “The Bell Invites Me”, in which the bells of St. Anne’s, Sheldon; St. Mary’s (R.C.) Cathedral Cork; St. Finbarre’s (I.C.) Cathedral, Cork, and Cobh Cathedral carillon were heard. Several members of the St. Finbarre’s ringers were interviewed in the programme. Other bells heard on the air during the year were those of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin - muffled and open - Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, and St. Mary’s, Limerick. This region’s contribution to the Christmas bells programme came from St. Mark’s, Dundela.

Scotland.- Most of the churches here from which services are broadcast have no bells, and therefore ringing in this region is not heard very often. Ringing at St. James’, Leith, was featured in a news item by Scottish T.V. and the bells of this church were heard in the Christmas bells programme.

Midland and East Anglia.- In this region television seems to have been the only medium to broadcast bells. B.B.C. interviewed M. J. Clack, aged 90, of Warboys, in May and later G. B. Symonds, aged 93, after ringing a peal. On Anglia T.V. bells preceded the services broadcast from Yoxford Parish Church, Suffolk, and from St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich. The handbell ringers from Redenhall Secondary Modern School Norfolk, appeared in the programme “About Anglia” on Christmas Eve. In the Christmas programme Debenham provided some well-struck Major ringing.

In the West region bells have been used much less than usual. They were heard preceding services broadcast from Sherborne Abbey on Radio 4, Trent Parish Church, Dorset, and Witheridge Parish Church, Devon - both on World Service.

Wells Cathedral bells were heard for some minutes when shots of the Cathedral were on the screen at the time when the police were investigating thefts from the Cathedral. This heavy ten were recorded and broadcast prior to a service of carols on Christmas Eve, and Harry Sanger was invited to supervise the recordings. The bells were rung by a local band which included several young ringers who acquitted themselves quite creditably.

Wales.- Here we have reports of many more occasions when bells were heard on the air. The B.B.C.’s “Songs of Praise” programme in January came from Ebbw Vale and was preceded for some minutes by Grandsire Doubles. As two of the ringers were needed in the choir only six of the bells could be rung. In June the I.T.V. morning service was televised in Cheltenham Parish Church and from its tower came some 12-bell ringing. B.B.C. 2 visited St. David’s in July to make a film of the Cathedral for showing at a later date. Shots were taken of the bells in motion and of the ringers, and the producer featured the action of the hands of two of the ringers.

July 17th was the occasion of the enthronement of the new Archbishop of Wales, and B.B.C. televised the service. Viewers saw some good shots of Llandaff Cathedral and heard Stedman Caters being rung on the Cathedral bells. The commentator made mention of the fact that the conductor - Nicholas Simon - is the son of the Archbishop.

These bells were heard again on December 31st in the B.B.C.’s “The end of the year from Llandaff Cathedral”. When the Archbishop in his address referred to the “sound of the bells” some good Grandsire Caters rang out for about two minutes.

Harlech T.V. programmes for New Year’s Eve were introduced with good shots of bells ringing.

For the Christmas bells programme Cadoxton, Neath, provided some well-struck Stedman Doubles.

London.- In this region there is singularly little to report. There was the repeat at the end of the year of the “Blue Peter” programme filmed at All Saints’, Kingston, which sparked-off some correspondence in “The Ringing World”. There have been two or three occasions when bells have been used very briefly as a background to a view of a cathedral or church.

If is significant that far more news of the broadcasting of bells has come from Wales than from any other region, and unless one is prepared to accept the conclusion that there is more interest in the Principality in bellringing than elsewhere, this must indicate that other regions do not report what happens. It is to be hoped that this will be remedied in future.

The Convener has had useful discussions with the B.B.C. regarding the Christmas bells programme, and particularly the use of bells to introduce Sunday morning broadcasts, and although at the time of writing this report no decision has been reached, there is reason to hope that changes will be effected in the near future.

H. N. PITSTOW (Convener), “Saffron”, High Street, Banstead. Surrey.
D. A. BAYLES, J. T. DUNWOODY, R. S. WILSON, G. E. FEARN. A. G. THURLOW, J. S. KING (Mrs.), H. J. SANGER.

Mr. H. N. Pitstow said regarding Sunday broadcasting, the report finished with an expression of hope. Since then the B.B.C. had agreed to eight records instead of four being used for Sunday mornings. Up to the present to the old four they had added three more - St. Peter Mancroft (10), West Wickham (6), St. Philip’s, Birmingham (12). His interview with them was in February and he heard the result in May.

GLOSSARY OF RINGING TERMS DEBATE

A motion proposing the publication of a booklet containing a glossary of technical ringing terms to supersede that previously published circa 1901 was proposed by Mr. C. F. Mew. He said that there was a list in the ringing handbook by Powell and also by Mr. Wilson. With the exception of Mr. Wilson’s “On Conducting” there was no book containing an explanation of the terms used. When he was learning he had to go to two old ringers for an explanation of some of the technical terms used.

Mr. P. Gray said the Tutor’s Handbook had a good glossary of terms. It would be published by the Council and cover the terms of the motion.

Mr. Norman Chaddock confirmed that all technical terms for beginners were explained in the Tutor’s Handbook.

Mr. C. K. Lewis said ringing terms were often local and not national. The 1901 glossary had to be given away to get rid of it.

Mr. John Seager (Yorkshire) said it was important that what was published should be understood nationally. An agreed vocabulary was needed.

The Rev. J. G. M. Scott (Guild of Devonshire Ringers) warned the Council that among many Devon ringers a rise and 60 changes constituted a peal. They would not change their term.

REVISED DECISIONS OF THE COUNCIL

There were two notices of motion before the Council relating to methods and calls and peal ringing. These were proposed by Mr. F. T. Blagrove and seconded by Dr. D. E. Sibson.

During the debate, which lasted over two hours, a number of amendments were accepted and parts of the original minutes of the Joint Committee were taken back for further consideration. Below we print the revised Decisions which were accepted by the Council.

The Rev. J. G. M. Scott expressed thanks to Mr. Blagrove for his clear explanations of points raised. Thanks to the Joint Committee were expressed by Mr. J. C. Millhouse, who asked that recommendations on parts taken back be circulated to members as early as possible.

(D) PEAL RINGING

A. Conditions required for all peals.

B. Particular conditions required for peals on different numbers of bells.

C. Peals in more than one method.

D. Record Length Peals.

The Record Length Peal in a method or group of methods on a given number of bells shall be the longest length recognised as a peal by the Council. Tower bell and handbell records shall be kept separately.

Any attempt for a peal of 10,000 or more changes which would surpass in length an existing record or which would be the first peal in that method on that number of bells, must comply with the additional conditions, below. Any such performance not rung in full compliance with these conditions shall not be recognised as a peal and shall not be published in “The Ringing World”.

(a) Not less than 14 days’ notice shall be given in “The Ringing World”, stating the place, date and hour at which the attempt is to be made, and stating the method, number of bells and number of changes proposed to be rung.

(b) The ringing to be heard and the figures of the composition to be checked throughout the peal by a competent umpire or umpires.

(c) If a record length is rung the peal report and the figures of the composition, if not previously published, shall be sent immediately to “The Ringing World”.

(d) For handbell peals, every ringer shall ring at least two bells. Additionally, arrangements shall be made for interested persons to be able to hear the attempt.

E. Recognition.

The Council shall recognise all peals rung in complete conformity with parts A to D above, and such peals shall be included in the analysis.

In the case of peals not strictly complying with parts A to C above, the Council will decide whether or not to include such peals in the Analysis, regard being had to the merit of performance. In considering the merit of a performance, regard shall be had to local circumstances and/or the technical implications of the performance.

F. The Technical Committees.

The Peals Analysis Committee shall prepare an annual report and analysis of all peals. Peal reports should indicate all “first peals” and “first peals as conductor”, for inclusion in the analysis. The Committee shall not be held responsible for the non-inclusion in the analysis of any peal not published in “The Ringing World” before the end of February in the following year.

The Records Committee shall maintain a record of the first peal in each method on each number of bells, for both tower bells and handbells, and subsequent record length peals, together with the compositions used. Also a record of new methods included in multi-method peals, and a record of the progressive number of methods rung in peals of different groups of methods.

The Peals Collection Committee shall maintain a comprehensive collection of compositions of 5,000 changes and upwards, and shall prepare for publication such collections as the Council shall direct.

The Methods Committee shall consider all questions arising from the nomenclature used for any method, and the findings of the Committee shall be published in “The Ringing World”.

(E) METHODS AND CALLS

A. Definitions and requirements.

B. Regular methods.

The Council agreed to the request of the committee, that they give further consideration to Regular Methods.

C. Classification of methods with one hunt bell.

D. Classification of methods with two or more hunt bells.

These methods are in three groups With the treble as principal hunt, being unaffected by calls, these are:-

(a) Those methods in which all the secondary hunts have the same path as the treble. These are classified as for single hunt methods but with reference to all the hunts.

Plain methods with an internal place immediately above or below the crossing of the treble with a secondary hunt, or immediately above the crossing of two secondary hunts at treble’s lead, or immediately below the crossing of two secondary hunts at treble’s whole pull behind are classified as Bob.

(b) Those methods in which one, or more, secondary hunts pivots at the same time as the treble. These are classified as for single hunt methods with reference to the treble.

Plain methods in which the seconds place bell is one of these secondary hunts are classified as Slow Course.

(c) Other methods in which the paths of the secondary hunts are not related to that of the treble as in (a) and (b). These are classified as for single hunt methods with reference to the treble or with reference to treble and all secondary hunts having the same path as the treble.

E. Nomenclature and Extensions.

Any correspondence can be addressed to “The Ringing World” or to F. T. Blagrove, 57, St. Andrew’s Crescent, Windsor, Berkshire.

SOUTHWELL GUILD’S CONCERN

A notice of motion which did not appear on the agenda was submitted by Mr. W. L. Exton on behalf of the Southwell Diocesan Guild. It read:-

“That this Council through its Towers and Belfries Committee seeks early consultation with the Council for the Care of Churches and the principal bellfounders to revise and bring up to date their agreed policy on bells and bell frames, with particular regard to (a) the recasting of bells and (b) the position of bells in churches which are, or are about to become, redundant or closed.”

Mr. Exton in his speech pointed out, the forward policy of the Southwell Guild in regard to the care of bells; last year their belfry repair fund exceeded £200. Of the 322 churches in the diocese, 92 had bells and five of these were unringable.

The Rev. J. G. M. Scott congratulated Southwell on its work. He said the position with the Central Council for the Care of Churches was delicate, and it was felt that rather than report an acrimonious debate it would be better to discuss it with the Council for the Care of Churches first. It was for that reason the motion was not on the agenda.

Mr. P. A. Corby moved that the Council proceed with the next business, and this was agreed to by a large majority.

NEXT MEETING

On behalf of the Yorkshire Association, Mr. W. F. Moreton proposed and Mr. W. E. Critchley seconded that the next annual meeting be held at Ilkley, from May 23rd to May 26th, the Spring Bank Holiday. This was agreed to.

The secretary reported that no invitation had been received for the 1971 meeting.

Mr. J. Garner-Hayward invited the Council to visit the Coventry Diocese on behalf of the Coventry Diocesan Guild. The invitation was accepted.

OPENING WITH PRAYER

Mr. W. G. Wilson said they were promised at the last meeting that proceedings would open with prayer. They had that morning the Lord Bishop and also a canon but they did not open with prayer.

Mr. R. S. Anderson congratulated the new President on his election and conduct of the meeting that day. They wished him well, for the future.

The Ringing World, June 20, 1969, pages 479 to 480, correction July 11, 1969, page 545

Guild Peal Records for 1968

A. Socy College Youths.- Max. 12, Cinques 8, Royal 8, Caters 1, Major 11, Triples 4. Total 44.

Bath and Wells.- Royal 3, Caters 4, Major 32, Triples 10, Minor 26, Doubles 52. Total 127.

Cambridge University.- Cinques 2 (1), Royal 3 (2), Caters 3 (1), Major 12 (3), Triples 3, Minor 1 (3), Doubles 1. Total 35 (10).

Chester G.- Max. 4 (13), Royal 8 (15), Caters 1 (3), Major 72 (27), Triples 4, Minor 45 (21), Doubles 16 (24). Total 253 (103).

Coventry G.- Royal 2 (1), Caters 2, Major 23 (3), Triples 1, Minor 24, Doubles 4. Total 60 (4).

Derby D.A.- Royal 7 (2), Caters 5, Major 32 (1), Triples 2, Minor 34 (12). Total 95 (15).

G. of Devonshire.- Cinques 1, Major 13, Triples 5, Minor 2 (1), Doubles 1. Total 23 (1).

Durham and Newcastle.- Max. 2, Cinques 1, Royal 3, Caters 2, Major 26, Triples 3, Minor 1 (1). Total 39 (1).

Essex Association.- Max. 6, Cinques 1, Royal 4, Caters 5, Major 50 (1), Triples 4, Minor 40, Doubles 1. Total 112 (1).

Glouc. and Bristol.- Max. 3, Royal 2 (1), Caters 3, Major 13 (4), Triples 6, Minor 12 (1), Doubles 6. Total 51 (6).

Guildford D.- Royal 2, Caters 4, Major 16, Triples 9, Minor 4, Doubles 1. Total 36.

Hereford G.- Royal 1, Caters 1, Major 16, Triples 1, Minor 15, Doubles 8. Total 42.

Hertford C.- Max. 1 (5), Cinques 2, Royal 9 (3), Major 46 (39), Triples 4, Minor 27 (4), Doubles 2. Total 142 (51).

Kent C.A.- Max. 1, Cinques 1, Royal 5 (4), Caters 3 (2), Major 80 (4), Triples 14 (1), Minor 47 (1), Doubles 6 (1), Minimus 1. Total 171 (13).

Lancashire A.- Max. 8, Cinques 3, Royal 20 (1), Caters 3, Major 81, Triples 14, Minor 30 (23), Doubles 4, Minimus 1. Total 188 (24).

Leicester G.- Max. 6, Cinques 3, Royal 18 (4), Caters 2 (2), Major 77 (14), Triples 7 (1), Minor 37 (10), Doubles 6. Total 187 (31).

Lincoln G.- Max. 2, Cinques 3, Royal 2 (1), Caters 2 (3), Major 17 (2), Triples 4 (1), Minor 21 (1), Doubles 13. Total 72 (8).

Llandaff and M’mouth.- Max. 2, Royal 8, Caters 6, Major 25, Triples 11, Minor 18, Doubles 16. Total 86.

Middlesex C.- Royal 2, Caters 2, Major 38 (2), Minor 4, Triples 1 (1), Doubles 1. Total 51 (3).

Norwich D.- Max. 3, Cinques 2, Royal 4, Caters 3, Major 28, Triples 3, Minor 31, Doubles 3. Total 77.

Oxford D.G.- Max. 3, Cinques 1, Royal 7, Caters 4, Major 68 (3), Triples 24, Minor 41 (7), Doubles 6. Total 164 (10).

Peterborough D.- Royal 13, Caters 2, Major 40 (1), Triples 3, Minor 54, Doubles 8. Total 121 (1).

St. Martin’s G.- Max. 21, Cinques 3, Royal 14, Caters 1, Major 24, Triples 3, Minor 1. Total 67.

Salisbury G.- Max. 1, Cinques 2, Royal 3, Caters 2, Major 21, Triples 6, Minor 20 (2), Doubles 3. Total 60 (2).

Soc. R. Cumberland Y.- Max. 5, Cinques 2, Royal 2, Major 30, Triples 1, Doubles 1. Total 41.

Southwell D.- Max. 3, Cinques 5, Royal 5, Caters 2, Major 12 (1), Triples 9, Minor 44, Doubles 22. Total 103 (1).

Stafford Arch.- Cinques 1, Royal 1, Caters 1, Major 12, Triples 5, Minor 6, Doubles 1. Total 27.

Suffolk G.- Royal 7, Caters 1, Major 45, Minor 46, Doubles 9 (1). Total 109 (1).

Surrey A.- Cinques 1, Royal 1 (1), Caters 1, Major 18, Triples 3, Minor 1 (2), Doubles (3). Total 31 (6).

Sussex C.- Caters 4, Major 34, Triples 8, Minor 23, Doubles 9, Minimus 1. Total 79.

University of Bristol.- Maximus 1, Cinques 1, Caters 3, Major 4, Triples 2. Total 11.

Winchester and Portsmouth.- Maximus 1, Cinques 3, Royal 6, Caters 2, Major 24 (1), Triples 10, Minor 18, Doubles 39, Minimus 2. Total 106 (1).

Worcester and District.- Maximus 6, Caters 2, Major 67, Triples 3, Minor 11, Doubles 5. Total 94.

Yorkshire Assn.- Maximus 2, Cinques 2, Royal 26 (1), Caters 2, Major 109 (1), Triples 7, Minor 53 (6), Doubles 8 (3). Total 220 (11).

Other Societies, etc.- Maximus 1, Cinques 1, Royal 2, Caters 1, Major 26 (9), Triples 3, Minor 13 (9), Doubles 4. Total 69 (18).

VOTE OF THANKS

The customary vote of thanks to all who had helped in the arrangements was proposed by the President. He said his predecessor had thanked the Bishop, Dean and Chapter, and it fell to him to thank the members of the Hertford County Association. The sub-committee had done most of the work with Mr. Walter Ayre, the President, Brian Barker, Geoffrey Dodds, Rex Agg, Howard Collins and Mary Colbourne. They also thanked the District officers, the clergy for the use of the bells, and Miss Doris Colegate who had helped Tom White in reporting the proceedings.

At the civic reception which followed in the Town Hall, the President thanked the Mayor and the City Council for their hospitality. A great attraction was the two ringing machines. The social evening given by the Hertford County Association followed.

TOWERS AND BELFRIES

Advice given to 158 Churches

THE work of the committee increased during 1968 in greater proportions than in any previous year. In contrast to 1967, in which an all-time record was achieved and enquiries from 120 churches were dealt with, advice on bell and tower restoration was given by members of the committee this year in 158 churches. Thirty-one enquiries were dealt with by correspondence; the remainder necessitated visits to the churches concerned.

As in previous years, the report of the committee’s work has been compiled by the convener from statistics sent in by the members, and by reason of its special nature it is only possible to give a brief summary here. It is estimated that the reports cover 900 closely-typed quarto size pages. Members of the committee travelled approximately 7,000 miles to inspect towers and wrote over 500 letters.

The 158 churches in which advice was given: Beds 1, Berks 12, Bucks 6, Cambs 15, Cards 2, Carms 1, Derbys 2, Dorset 2, Devon 20, Essex 3, Glam 3, Glos 4, Hants 3, Herefords 5, Herts 1, Hunts 5, Lancs 1, London 6, Mon 1, Norfolk 3, Northants 3, Oxon 8, Salop 2, Som 30, Staffs 2, Surrey 1, Sussex 1, Warks 4, Wilts 5, Worcs 2, Yorks 2, Australia 1, Scotland 1.

Maintenance of existing bell gear, 93 churches; recasting cracked or unsatisfactory bell, 25; augmentation of rings, 14; repair of existing frames and gear, 73; rehanging bells with new gear, 71; installation of new bell frames, 37; oscillation of towers and structural repairs to masonry, 45; bell acoustics and sound control, 61.

Thirty-one lectures have been given to diocesan, architectural and professional organisations, parish church councils and resident ringing courses, and a sub-committee is investigating the welding of bells. The committee regrets that it has not made as much progress as it had hoped in the production of the proposed two new handbooks. This is partly due to the great influx of tower inspection work and also to the illness at the end of the year of the convener, who apologises for delay in dealing with some enquiries, and tenders his sincere thanks to the other members of the committee who deputised for him during that period.

Fdk. SHARPE (Convener), F.S.A., F.I.O.B.
B. AUSTIN, A.R.I.B.A.
F. E. COLLINS, M.J.Inst.E.
J. FREEMAN, M.I.Mun.E.
A. J. FROST, A.R.I.B.A.
H. J. SANGER
J. G. M. SCOTT, M.A.
T. M. RODERICK, N.A.M.M.
B. D. THRELFALL, M.A., A.M.I.C.E.

Proposing the adoption of the report, Mr. Frederick Sharpe said he would like to thank the members of the committee for the vast amount of work and particularly Mr. Threlfall for technical evidence in a case in the Consistory Court that lasted two days.

Mr. N. Chaddock proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Sharpe, and this was supported by Mr. Corby. The committee was re-elected, consisting of Messrs. F. Sharpe (convener), B. Austin, F. E. Collins, J. Freeman, A. J. Frost, H. J. Sanger, T. M. Roderick, B. D. Threlfall and Rev. J. G. M. Scott.

THE OBITUARY LIST

J. A. Waugh: London County Association 1936-1938, A.S.C.Y 1939-1947; died June 3rd, 1968.

RECORDS COMMITTEE REPORT FOR 1968

A. New Methods and Performances on Tower Bells
January
4	5152	Whitehall S. Maj., Hertford.
19	5024	Littleport Little S.R., Peterborough.
20	5184	Greasley S. Maj., Derby.
February
1	5088	Belmont S. Maj., Middlesex.
3	5056	Burford S. Maj., Oxford.
8	5024	Honiton S. Maj., Middlesex.
13	5280	Wollaton S. Maj., R. Cumberlands.
March
2	5040	Putney S. Royal, Surrey.
2	5088	Osmaston S. Maj., Derby.
2	5024	Ulpha S. Maj., Peterborough.
9	5088	Ugley S. Maj., Essex.
April
3	5184	Whalley S. Maj., Hertford.
4	5152	Zebedee S. Maj., Worcestershire.
14	5080	Cork S. Royal, Peterborough.
15	5184	St. Simon’s Coll. Bob Cat., London.
20	5088	Basing S. Maj., Win. and Ports.
27	5184	Rothwell S. Maj., Peterborough.
May
3	5152	Vanderplanck S. Maj., Peterborough.
4	5152	Dougal S. Maj., Worcestershire.
12	5040	Shortheath S. Royal, Peterborough.
23	5056	Isis S. Major, Oxford.
24	5056	Stour S. Major, Worcestershire.
30	5056	Morley S. Major, Derby.
June
6	5152	Haymarket S. Major, Hertford.
15	5024	Quainton S. Major, Oxford.
22	5088	Westhoughton S. Maj., Lancashire.
29	5056	Vectis S. Major, Oxford.
July
9	5184	Benson S. Major, Yorkshire.
24	5056	Badsey S. Major, Worcestershire.
August
15	5184	Horncastle S. Maj., Middlesex.
15	5056	Ipplepen S. Maj., Sussex
17	5056	Moulton S. Maj., Peterborough.
28	5056	Hungerford S. Maj., Hereford.
31	5024	Petworth S. Maj., Sussex.
September
8	5000	Banbury S. Royal, Peterborough.
27	5152	Colegate S. Maj., Norwich.
28	5184	Barnes S. Major, Surrey.
28	5056	Kinver S. Major, Glos. and Bristol.
October
4	5056	Hillmorton S. Maj., Peterborough.
14	5056	Southam S. Maj., Coventry.
19	5184	Welford S. Maj., Peterborough.
24	5056	Ulceby S. Maj., Hertford.
November
2	5040	Faxton S. Royal, Peterborough.
2	5152	Holbeach S. Maj., Kent.
10	5040	Everdon S. Royal, Peterborough.
16	5056	Mortlake S. Major, Middlesex.
23	5088	Yorktown S. Major, Guildford.
28	5024	Reigate S. Major, Middlesex.
December
3	5056	Yass S. Major, Midland Counties.
5	5152	Double Glasgow S. Maj., Hertford.
6	5056	Zanzibar S. Major, Oxford.
7	5088	Rockingham S. Maj., Peterborough.
8	5040	Harpole S. Royal, Peterborough.
12	5056	Inglewood S. Major, Middlesex.
15	5088	Thanet S. Maj., Lancashire.
21	5040	St. Martin’s Bob Triples, Yorkshire.
23	5056	Grandpont S. Major, Oxford.
23	5120	Lambeth Delight Maj., Middlesex.
26	5088	Fourgates S. Major, Lancashire.
27	5184	Okeford S. Major, Sussex.

March
2	5040	50-Spliced Sur. Royal, Glos. & Bris.
16	5040	14-Spliced Sur. Royal (all the work), Lancashire.
April
6	5600	25-Spliced Sur. Major (all the work), Middlesex.
August
17	5040	40-Spliced Sur. Max., Lancashire.
February
18	5152	23-Spliced Sur. Major (all the work), silent, Glos. and Bristol.

January
6	12096	Glasgow S. Major, Lancashire.
February
10	16559	Grandsire Caters, Oxford.
April
20	18000	Cambridge S. Royal, Chester.
June
8	9600	Lincolnshire S. Major, Surrey.
B. New Methods and Performances on Handbells
March
21	5088	Glasgow S. Major, Hertford.
September
27	5152	Nettleden S. Major, Hertford.
October
18	5088	Kent and Oxford T.B. Maximus (Ilkeston Var.), Hertford.
December
3	5120	Real Rev. Bob Maj., Glos. & Bris.
17	5040	Real Double Bob Maj., Glos. & Bris.

February
27	5072	48-Spliced Pl. Maj., Birmingham University Society.
March
12	5384	61-Spliced Pl. Maj., Birmingham University Society.
August
26	5120	26-Spliced Sur. Major, Hertford.
September
23	5120	28-Spliced Sur. Major, Hertford.
December
2	5120	30-Spliced Sur. Major, Hertford.

May
5	10784	Oxford T.B. Major, Hertford.
26	17824	Kent T.B. Major, Hereford.
July
6	13140	Spliced Kent T.B. and Kent Little Court Maximus, Chester.
December
21	15160	Oxford Treble Bob Royal, Chester.

C. Work is proceeding on the completion of records of all methods rung to peals, of their record length peals, of their extension to higher numbers and of the Edith Fletcher Memorial Volumes.

F. T. BLAGROVE (Convener), 57, St. Andrew’s Crescent, Windsor, Berkshire.
J. A. AINSWORTH, G. DODDS, J. R. MAYNE, D. E. SIBSON, C. A. WRATTEN, C. M. SMITH.

Mr. G. Dodds asked for another name than Double Glasgow to be chosen. He knew there was a precedent in Double Dublin. They knew that Glasgow was the name for a most difficult of methods; could they not seek two different names and ask for the name to be changed?

The committee elected was Messrs. F. T. Blagrove (convener), G. Dodds, J. R. Mayne, D. E. Sibson, C. M. Smith and C. A. Wratten.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE RINGING

Methods in which Ten or More Peals were Rung in 1968

Compiled by Peal Analysis Committee

Major.- Spliced Surprise over 12 methods 10; 9 methods 16; 8 methods 20; 5 methods 12; 4 methods 43; Bristol 64, Cambridge 133, Glasgow 20, Lincolnshire 67, London 95, Pudsey 26, Rutland 86, Superlative 33, Yorkshire 195, Kent T.B. 25, Oxford T.B. 14, D. Norwich 65, Plain Bob 264, Little Bob 14.

Minor.- Over 30 methods 11; 15-30, 31; 14, 12; 13, 12; 11, 14; 9, 12; 8, 16; 7, 174; 6, 28; 5, 57; 4, 66; 3, 52; 2, 42; 1, 376.

Doubles.- Over 40 M/V, 34; 15-40, 42; 14, 11; 7, 24; 6, 12; 5, 21; 4, 12; 3, 27; 2, 18; 1, 78.

The sorting out of the Doubles M/V may not suit all tastes, but the members will obtain some idea of what has happened with the figures shown.

Note the rise in Cambridge Maximus and Royal, Bristol, Cambridge, London, Yorkshire and Double Norwich Major, with the decline of Kent T.B. Major.

Chester G.- Frodsham: 5,056 Plain Bob Major, September 9th, cond. J. R. Bibby; 5,056 Plain Bob Major, September 23rd, cond. J. R. Bibby.

Shropshire A.- St. Martin’s: 5,040 Minor, 1 method, December 28th, cond. D. Parry; 5,040 Doubles, 2 methods, December 31st, cond. D. Parry.

Records Committee

APPENDIX E

The following will bring up to date the Central Council Collection of Surprise methods as far as the end of 1968.

1. NUMERICALLY ORDERED TABLE

(a) Surprise Major Methods
1E.	Reigate	(k) -34.58.14-58-36-14-58-14-1.
2E.	Ugley	(f) -38-14-12-16-34-1238-34-5.
3E.	Horncastle	(c) -38-14-12-38-12-38-56-1.
4E.	Honiton	(e) -38-14-12.58.16.34-14.58-14-1.
5E.	Badsey	(b) -38-14-1258-1236-12-1238-16-7.
6E.	Mortlake	(b) -38-14-1258-1236-12-1458-16-7.
7E.	Burford	(b) -38-14-1258-1236-34-38-16-7.
8E.	Rothwell	(b) -38-14-1258-16-12-38.14.36.12.7.
9E.	Kinver	(b) -38-14-1258-16-14-1238-12-7.
10E.	Vectis	(b) -38-14-1258-16-14-1238-56-7.
11E.	Yass	(b) -38-14-1258-16-14-38-56.34.7.
12E.	Ulceby	(b) -38-14-1258-16-14-38.12-12.7.
13E.	Grandpont	(b) -38-14-1258-16-14-38.56-56.7.
14E.	Welford	(b) -38-14-1258-16-34-3458-16-7.
15E.	Morley	(b) -38-14-1258-16-34-58.14.36.14.7.
16E.	Osmaston	(f) -38-14-1258-16-34-58.36.14.36.1.
17E.	Zebedee	(b) -38-14-1258-36-12-38-16.34.7.
18E.	Greasley	(b) -38-14-1258-36.14-14.38.56.12-7.
19E.	Westhoughton	(f) -38-14-56-38-14-1238-56-3.
20E.	Fourgates	(f) -38-14-56-38-14-38-56-3.
21E.	Yorktown	(b) -38-14-58-16-14-1258.36.12-7.
22E.	Rockingham	(b) -38-14-58-16-34-1458-36.14.7.
23E.	Nettleden	(b) -38-14-58-36-14-1458-36-7.
24E.	Plumstead	(b) -38-14-58-36.14-14.38.56-36.7.
25E.	Colegate	(b) -38-14-58-36.14-14.58-36-7.
26E.	Dougal	(b) -38-14-58.12.36-12-38-16-7.
27E.	Barnes	(b) -38-14-58.12.36-34-1458-16-7.
28E.	Holbeach	(b) -38-1456-56-16-12-58-16-5.
29E.	Isis	(b) -38-1458-12-36-12-38-16-7.
30E.	Hillmorton	(g) -56-14-56-38-14-38-14-3.
31E.	Moulton	(d) -58-14-12-16-12-58.16-16.7.
32E.	Inglewood	(b) -58-14-56-36-34-1458-36-1.
33E.	Belmont	(g) -58-14-58-16-34-58-34-1.
34E.	Petworth	(mx) -58-14.58-58.1236-14-1458-14-3.
35E.	Zanzibar	(d) -58-1456-56-36-12-1238-14-7.
36E.	Basing	(b) -58-16-12-1238-14-58-14.36.7.
37E.	Stour	(d) -58-16-12-1238-14-58.14-14.5.
38E.	Quainton	(d) -58-16-12-16-34-1458-14-7.
39E.	Southam	(f) -58-16-12-36-12-58-1236-3.
40E.	Thamesmead	(b) 34-34.16-58-36.14-14.38-34-7.
41E.	Wollaton	(mx) 36-34.16.58-12.38.14-12.58-14.56.1.
42E.	Ulpha	(e) 38-58.16-56-36-14-58-16-3.
43E.	Vanderplanck	(c) 38-58.16-56-36-14-58.14-14.7.
(b) Surprise Royal Methods
44E.	Harpole	(mx) -30-14-12-30-14-30-16-50-14-3.
45E.	Putney	(b) -30-14-50-1236-1470-58-16-70-18.56.9.
46E.	Wrington	(f) -30-14-50-16-1270-18-16-30.14.38-3.
47E.	Chepstow	(f) -30-14-50-16-1470-38-16-70.18.56.18.7.
48E.	Evercreech	(f) -30-14-50-16-70-18-36-70-18-7.
49E.	Fishponds	(f) -30-14-50-36-1470-38-16-30.14.38-3.
50E.	Merrywood	(f) -30-14-50-36-70-18-16-30.14.38-3.
51E.	Appleton	(f) -30-16-50-18-14-50-16-50.78.16.78.5.
52E.	Poole	(e) -30-16-50-38-1270-18-16-50-18-3.
53E.	Stapleton	(f) -50-14.50-12.30-14-50-14-50-12-5.
54E.	Horfield	(f) -50-14.50-12.30-14-50-14-50-34-5.
55E.	Faxton	(b) -50-16-12-30-14-30-14-70-18-9.
56E.	Bishopsworth	(f) -50-16-50-36-1470-58-36-1450-38-3.
57E.	Cork	(f) 30-30.14-12-30.14-14.50.14-36.70.18-78.9.
58E.	Everdon	(mx) 56-50.14-50-36.14-70.58-16-70.16-56.1.
(c) Little Surprise Royal Method
59E.	Littleport	(mx) -50-14.50-50.36.14-14.50-14-18.
(d) Triple Hunt Surprise Royal Method
60E.	Shortheath	(1236485079) 30-30.14-12-30.14-14.50.16-16.70.14-58.9.
(e) Surprise Maximus Methods
61E.	Quex	(b) -38-147T-1250-369T-147T-58-169T-70-18-9T-10-E.
62E.	Kidderminster	(b) -38-147T-50-169T-7T-18-129T-30-14-5T-16-E.
63E.	Conisbrough	(f) -3T-14-12-36-12-3T-16-3T-16-3T-16-3.

2. TABLE OF FIRST PERFORMANCES

(a) Surprise Major Methods
Badsey	24- 7-68	Badsey	5E.
Barnes	28- 9-68	Barnes	27E.
Basing	20- 4-68	Kingsclere	36E.
Belmont	1- 2-68	Harrow Weald	33E.
Benson	9- 7-68	Guiseley	63C.
Burford	3- 2-68	Burford	7E.
Colegate	27- 9-68	Gressenhall	25E.
Dougal	4- 5-68	Mickleton	26E.
Fourgates	26-12-68	Westhoughton	20E.
Grandpont	23-12-68	St Ebbe’s, Oxford	13E.
Greasley	20- 1-68	Greasley	18E.
Hillmorton	4-10-68	Daventry	30E.
Holbeach	2-11-68	Woolwich	28E.
Honiton	8- 2-68	Willesden	4E.
Horncastle	15- 8-68	Willesden	3E.
Hungerford	28- 8-68	Llanfigan	64C.
Inglewood	12-12-68	Willesden	32E.
Ipplepen	15- 8-68	Lower Beeding	37C.
Isis	23- 5-68	Islip	29E.
Kinver	28- 9-68	St Mary-de-Crypt, Gloucester	9E.
Morley	30- 5-68	West Hallam	15E.
Mortlake	16-11-68	Chiswick	6E.
Moulton	17- 8-68	Moulton	31E.
Nettleden	27- 9-68	Watford (on handbells)	23E.
Okeford	27-12-68	Slaugham	21D.
Osmaston	2- 3-68	Bottesford	16E.
Petworth	31- 8-68	Petworth	34E.
Plumstead		Rung in Spliced	24E.
Quainton	15- 6-68	Stewkley	38E.
Reigate	28-11-68	Willesden	1E.
Rockingham	7-12-68	Desborough	22E.
Rothwell	27- 4-68	Rothwell	8E.
Southam	14-10-68	Southam	39E.
Stour	24- 5-68	Netherton	37E.
Thamesmead		Rung in Spliced	40E.
Thanet	15-12-68	Helmshore	60.
Ugley	9- 3-68	Felstead	2E.
Ulceby	24-10-68	All Hallows’, Tottenham	12E.
Ulpha	2- 3-68	Weedon Bec	42E.
Vanderplanck	3- 5-68	Daventry	43E.
Vectis	29- 6-68	Deddington	10E.
Welford	19-10-68	Welford	14E.
Westhoughton	22- 6-68	Westhoughton	19E.
Whalley	3- 4-68	Bushey	86C.
Wollaton	13- 2-68	Bushey	41E.
Yass	3-12-68	Overseale	11E.
Yorktown	23-11-68	Yorktown	21E.
Zanzibar	6-12-68	Islip	35E.
Zebedee	4- 4-68	Hinton-on-the-Green	17E.
(b) Surprise Royal Methods
Appleton		Rung in Spliced	51E.
Banbury	8- 9-68	Daventry	682.
Bishopsworth		Rung in Spliced	56E.
Chepstow		Rung in Spliced	47E.
Cork	14- 4-68	Daventry	57E.
Evercreech		Rung in Spliced	48E.
Everdon	10-11-68	Daventry	58E.
Faxton	2-11-68	Swindon	55E.
Fishponds		Rung in Spliced	49E.
Harpole	8-12-68	Daventry	44E.
Horfield		Rung in Spliced	54E.
Littleport Little	19- 1-68	Daventry	59E.
Merrywood		Rung in Spliced	50E.
Poole		Rung in Spliced	52E.
Putney	2- 3-68	St Nicolas’, Guildford	45E.
Shortheath	12- 5-68	Daventry	60E.
Stapleton		Rung in Spliced	53E.
Wrington		Rung in Spliced	46E.
(c) Surprise Maximus Methods
Conisbrough		Rung in Spliced	63E
Kidderminster		Rung in Spliced	62E
Quex		Rung in Spliced	61E

The Ringing World, July 4, 1969, page 523, corrections July 11, 1969, page 545, July 25, 1969, page 594 and August 29, 1969, page 668

	Copies sold	Stock
Preservation of Bells	205	83
Beginners Handbook	3132	2094
Popular Major Compositions	104	651
False Course Heads	34	89
Minor Methods	169	163
Stedman Compositions	23	516
Doubles Methods	169	651
Ringing for Service	316	1420
On Conducting	196	231
C.C. Handbook	126	141
Method Sheets D.N.C.	31	622
Method Sheets Triples	51	337
Peals Section III	16	10
Care of Bells	16	-
Model Code of Rules	48	327
Electrical Switch-Gear Cards	18	805
Four-way Minor Methods	51	720
Recruiting Leaflets	525	2685
Change Ringing on Handbells	197	126
Grandsire Caters	37	655
Surprise Methods P.N.	124	560
Surprise Compositions (Wratten)	61	593
Blue Line Proof	45	54
Spliced Triples	76	111

	5770

	Tower	Handbells	Total
Chester Guild	150	103	253
Yorkshire Assn. (1 in 1967)	209	11	220
Lancashire Assn.	164	24	188
Leicester Guild	156	31	187
Kent County	158	13	171
Oxford Guild	154	10	164
Hertford County	91	51	142
Bath and Wells	127	-	127
Peterborough Guild	120	1	121

	Tower				Handbells
	1967	1968			1967	1968
Fourteen					1	-	-	1
Maximus	67	94	+	27	15	18	+	3
Cinques	47	51	+	4	5	1	-	4
Royal	192	219	+	27	27	36	+	9
Caters	91	92	+	1	4	11	+	7
Major	1,200	1,359	+	159	107	120	+	13
Triples	206	210	+	4	4	4	=
Minor	840	813	-	27	75	108	+	33
Doubles	279	277	-	2	12	36	+	24
Minimus	5	6	+	1	-	-

	2,927	3,121	+	194	250	334	+	84

		Members
Societies		Present	Absent
Wholly represented	47	123	-
Partly represented	10	25	11
Not represented	7	-	10

	64	148	21
Life Members		8	1
Honorary Members		14	5

		170	27