Central Council Meet in London

As with every other part of the week-end, the arrangements went according to plan, and whilst the members and visitors were assembling in the main hall the principal officials and guests were entertained in the guild room. These were: Master of the A.S.C.Y. and Mrs. Patterson, master of the S.R.C.Y. and Mrs. Beresford, president of the C.C. and Mrs. Freeman, vice-president of the C.C. and Mrs. Barnett, secretary of the C.C. and Mrs. Wratten, Dr. and Mrs. Sibson, Mr. and Mrs. J. Prior, Canon Gilbert Thurlow, Rev. J. G. M. Scott and Mrs. Scott, Mr. F. Sharpe, chairman of the Devon Association (Mr. H. Pidler) and the members of the Organising Committee and their wives.

After refreshments, which were on a lavish scale, had been served, the President of the Council, the masters of the host societies and the Bishop of London, each accompanied by his wife, entered the Hall and mounted the dais. The chairman of the organising committee (Air Commodore J. S. Mason) introduced each speaker, the first being Mr. Dennis Beresford (Cumberland Youths).

Mr. Beresford said it was his privilege, as master, to welcome the Council to London after 24 years, particularly as his society was celebrating its 225th anniversary. The chief feature of the organisation had been co-operation, and the committee were deeply grateful to the other London societies for their agreement that the two societies could be hosts to the Council, and for their co-operation, and that of the incumbents in their territories in the extensive ringing arrangements that it had been possible to make.

After the London meeting in 1948 complaints had been received that few arrangements had been made for visitors to ring in many London towers, particularly at those with historic rings of bells. This time it had been remedied and the majority of towers were open at some period over the week-end.

Mr. Beresford spoke of the work of the organising committee, mentioning the chairman (Stan Mason), the secretary (Derek Sibson), Mrs. Olive Barnett, who was mainly responsible for the arrangements for the reception, and Ian Oram, who in meticulous fashion had planned the tower programmes.

The peal attempts on the seven rings of 12 in London were remarked upon by the speaker and he mentioned the work done by Mr. Sibson in the organisation of the peals, four of which were successful.

The Devon Association members present called forth particular mention, for many had started off from home before 2 a.m. that morning and were returning that night, having taken part in the call change competition during the afternoon. (Applause.)

In conclusion Mr. Beresford introduced the Bishop of London, who had shown tremendous impartiality in the past as he had dined with both societies at their annual dinners.

Dr. Stopford, in the course of an interesting speech, spoke of the antiquity of the building in which they were all assembled that evening and of the great work which was done by bellringers for the Church. He welcomed the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers to the London Diocese and caused laughter when he said he also greeted and welcomed them to the Diocese of Southwark, although he was not entitled to do so! The Bishop briefly referred to the two ancient societies who were responsible for the arrangements and entertainment during the week-end and wished the Council a successful and happy meeting. He thanked the ringers for all that they did and hoped the Council would not leave it for another 24 years before visiting London again to hold their conference.

The master of the College Youths also welcomed the Central Council to London as the principal co-ordinating influence in the Exercise. It enabled ringers to participate in a general exchange of ideas, acted as a publishing house, and set the standards for the Exercise. He, the speaker, felt, however, that there were two important issues which the Council should tackle - the closure of churches and the consequent redundancy of rings of bells in those churches, and sound control in towers. These two points were vital, in his opinion, if the Exercise was to progress in the future. Among the redundant bells were many of historic value which should be listed and preserved, whilst the necessity for adequate sound control was the responsibility of the Exercise, so that ringing could be carried out without the danger of interference from outside sources. The Council should ensure that adequate time was given to debate these points for it was of no use planning ahead in everyday matters of methods and ringing if their heritage, the rings of bells, became non-existent through redundancy and closure of churches or because of excessive noise.

The excellent co-operation between the two societies during the planning for the Council’s visit was commented upon by Mr. Patterson, who said it was the first time, but not, he hoped, the last time, in their history that the badges of both societies had been seen on the same platform at one time. He also said it was particularly gratifying to have the active participation of bands of call change ringers during the meeting. In their particular way they performed a duty for the Church, as did all method ringers, for, after all, was it not the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers?

Concluding, Mr. Patterson introduced the President of the Council. Mr. John Freeman expressed the appreciation of all present to the Bishop of London for his kindly welcome and for giving of his time to attend the reception that evening. He also thanked the officers and members of the Ancient Society of College Youths and of the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths for being hosts to the Council and for the excellent arrangements made, which were exceedingly good. The work of the committee, the stewards, the incumbents, the tower captains and steeplekeepers in all the churches where ringing took place and others who had helped in any way was acknowledged by the president. The pleasure of meeting in the Great Hall that evening and in the Livery Room of the Guildhall for the meeting next day was appreciatively remarked upon by Mr. Freeman.

Floral bouquets were handed to Mrs. Stopford and to Mrs. Olive Barnett, and the presentation of the certificates for the call change competition to team captains or representatives then followed. The judges also received commemorative certificates of the occasion, and the chairman of the Devon thanks to the two associations and to the Central Council for the invitation to London to participate in the competition. It was, he said, a very special occasion and his association and the six representative bands attending had felt it a great honour to be present that day. (Applause.)

After the formal proceedings had been completed the Bishop and principal officers circulated among the company and, later, coffee was served.

Although it was planned for the evening to conclude about 9.30 it was considerably later before the last member left and the clearing up could be proceeded with, but the happy atmosphere pervading encouraged the 300 or so present to remain a little longer than perhaps otherwise might have been the case.

Everything in the hall was in apple-pie order long before members and guests started to arrive. The tables placed down one side of the room were loaded with food of every sort; and plates with paper serviettes stood in piles; and wine bottles, soft drinks and glasses were “at the ready.”

Five minutes before the opening, Mrs. Olive Barnett, with her well-known organising ability, addressed the ladies and gentlemen who were stewards and helpers for the evening, detailing each one for a particular job. When one person was found to be missing she was able to call upon a “reserve” gentleman nearby to take over at one table, and her final comment to some senior officers was “Make certain that everyone circulates! And don’t let any one individual hang about at the tables!”

A comment to a well-known College Youth, whose literary capability is so much appreciated, was that he was doing a good job that evening and with great efficiency. In fact he was official puller of the wine bottle corks and his ability at such a task was obvious.

That the company did not appear very responsive when speakers were introduced or when they concluded their speeches, and that the applause was not spontaneous, was mentioned by one gentleman. In fact it was somewhat difficult for those listening to applaud, for the majority were standing balancing a plate of food in one hand and holding a glass in the other! Nevertheless the speeches, which were all excellent, were much appreciated.

The organising committee for the weekend was Air Commodore J. S. Mason (chairman), Mr. William T. Cook, Mr. Rodney Meadows and Mr. Wilfred Williams (all College Youths) and Mr. Dennis Beresford, Mr. Derek Sibson (hon. secretary), Mr. Ian Oram and Mrs. Olive D. Barnett (Cumberland Youths).

One well-known ringer who helped considerably with the organisation was greeted by many of his friends and acquaintances, but refused to shake hands. The (painful) reason was that on ringing up a bell at a certain tower the bell went over (having no stay!) and the resultant loss of skin on both hands was a constant reminder of the episode. (See also page 492.)

CALL CHANGE COMPETITION

By Six Teams from Devon Association.

It was a happy thought on the part of Mr. Dennis Beresford (master, Cumberland Youths) to suggest that an invitation be extended to the Devon Association, which is affiliated to the Central Council, to send some teams to London during the meeting of the Council over the Spring Bank Holiday to take part in a call change competition. When the Devon Association accepted the invitation it was received with great pleasure, tremendous interest being shown by all concerned, as well as by Council members generally.

St. Vedast’s, Foster Lane (6 bells), was chosen for the competition, and the teams taking part were the three champions last year from North Devon and three from South Devon. There were also a number of fans and supporters on the coaches, and at least four Devonians had not been to London before.

In order to arrive in time for a practice peal, the coaches had to leave very early - one just before midnight on Sunday and another at 2 a.m. on Monday. The long journey and little, if any, sleep, with the excitement of this historic event, obviously brought on an attack of nerves among some of the less hardy Devon ringers. The bells, too, were not easy to hear in the ringing chamber, and the ropes were somewhat springy. However, it was the same for each team, who are considered in the West Country as experts in their particular field of ringing.

There was a crowd of 100-150 outside the church at 2.30 on Monday afternoon and the presence of many method-ringing critics did not soothe the nerves of the teams who were out to display precision striking to all within hearing. The happy exchange of greetings and the West Country dialect spoken were a delight to listen to and many new friendships were made.

The teams were called together and briefed, and the draw for ringing order was made. Two teams then left for the tower, but it was not known which would be ringing the first peal. The judges were shut away in a vestry and several tape recorders were suitably placed.

A bell sounded six times, which gave all warning of the impending start, and the team then rang up in peal, went into changes and rang down, also in peal, the whole taking not less than 15 minutes each.

The second team replaced the first who then remained in the church until the ringing by the second team was completed, the same peals being rung. Nods, mutterings, head-shaking and frowns all gave the uninitiated indications of approval or otherwise as change followed change. The fact that the sun had disappeared behind clouds and that raindrops were falling did not appear to affect the Devon teams very much. The cold wind, however, certainly dispersed some of the groups of scientific ringers to stand in shop doorways or the church precincts, but as team followed team the prospects of which would be the winner became more obscure.

After the last peal there was general discussion among the competing teams and, with few exceptions, the competitors seemed disappointed, saying that they had not rung as well as they should. They felt they had not achieved the good rhythm and striking which is always expected from the West Country teams.

In fact the standard, in our opinion, was excellent. Taking into account the long, tiring journey and the strangeness of the surroundings, apart from the fact that it did impress the method ringers, the results were very creditable and all who listened could not but be satisfied with the performances.

At the reception in the Great Hall of St. Bartholomew’s Hospital the results were given and the certificates presented.

1: Kenn (37¼ faults).- F. Toghill (capt.), R. Staddon, K. Raddenbury, H. Brewer, F. Verney, C. J. Rice.

2: Tie (decided by toss of coin) West Down (41½).- M. Phillips (capt.), D. Smale, C. Ridge, G. Stevens, I. Hookway, L. Smale. Plymstock (41½).- J. H. Hine (capt.), W. E. Weeks, F. T. Crowe, I. M. Treeby, R. R. Treeby, H. L. Collingwood.

4: West Alvington (48).- G. Edwards (capt.). J. R. Wills, T. Hockin, P. Holsgrove, L. Foster, J. Rhymes.

5: Swimbridge (51¼).- A. J. Bartlett (capt.), J. Tooze, D. Jewell, A. R. McLeod, M. Bowden (sub. for F. Dallyn), H. A. Jones.

6: Down St. Mary (78¼).- H. Dockings (capt.), Rita M. Western, M. W. J. Western, T. Wright, R. O. Wright, M. Way.

The four judges: Herbert Pidler (Chairman), Arthur Tapper, Brian Drake, Reuben Elliott (Vice-Chairmen). Hon. Secretary: E. J. Cole.

LONDON, 1972

Some impressions of the week-end: the glorious bells of Spitalfields being rung up singly as they can do only in London - the tenor basher who prefers ringing at St. Andrew’s, Lambeth, without stays - ringing at West Ham at the end of a long, wet afternoon - the organisation which sent all the best conductors to St. Paul’s and St. Martin’s.

More seriously, we saw a side of London that many of us had not encountered before: the historic hall of St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, where we enjoyed a most excellent reception with good company, good speeches and good refreshments; and the Guildhall, where the Council met on Tuesday. A notable event was ringing at Westminster Abbey by members of the Council which included women members.

The meeting itself was not inspiring. It was sad to see two societies refused affiliation, but no case was made for their admission, and we can only hope that they will apply again and that they will make sure they are heard.

The Council missed an opportunity to settle the general problem of peals on odd numbers of bells, and decided to treat Basingstoke as a special case.

Three years ago at St. Albans there was much criticism of the Council’s procedures and performance. The malcontents seem now to have been absorbed and the new members for this session, with one emotional exception, seem less belligerent. I think this is a pity - despite the efforts to give the Council a new look, all seemed much the same; committee reports were accepted without much useful discussion and the members tended to be re-elected en bloc with very little infusion of new blood. One exception to this was the new Public Relations Committee, where it looks as if we may get a more positive outlook than was possible from the committees it replaces.

This year, as so often before, we were told that we ought to consider certain important topics. Those who say this have an obvious remedy. Even if they are not themselves members of the Council they are represented, and if due notice of a motion is given anything can be discussed.

My memory of this meeting will be of superb organisation by the London societies, and of the warm welcome we received; the meeting itself was not so memorable.

NOT ELECTED

Applications for membership of the Council were made by the Leeds University Society and the Durham University Society. The former was proposed by Mr. W. F. Moreton and the latter by Rev. L. Pizzey, but as a two-thirds majority of members of the Council are necessary, and this, was not achieved, neither society was elected on this occasion.

Central Council Meeting, 1972

HONORARY MEMBERS ELECTED

Considerable interest was evinced in the election of honorary members. There were ten members due to retire and there were two vacancies in addition. Altogether 16 names were proposed and seconded for the 12 vacancies, but on the proposition of Mr. D. Beresford, seconded by Mr. W. F. Moreton, it was decided to retain two vacancies for possible co-option during the session. This proposition was carried by a two-thirds majority.

Names submitted for non-membership (* denotes retiring membership): Mrs. Wratten (proposed by Mrs. O. D. Barnett), R. H. Dove (W. Butler), W. H. Viggers (T. J. Lock), Canon K. W. H. Felstead (A. V. Davis), *S. J. Ivin (K. Lewis), *R. F. B. Speed (B. Threlfall), *R. B. Smith (J. Millhouse), H. Sanger (F. Sharpe), S. Burton (B. G. Warwick), *D. Hughes (R. Anderson), *H. Pitstow (Rev. J. Scott), *F. N. Golden (B. Cubitt), *P. Taylor (W. G. Wilson), *R. Dirkson (J. Barnes), *J. Garner-Hayward (J. F. Smallwood) and *F. E. Haynes (G. Fearn).

The tellers were Messrs. D. Beresford and E. C. Shepherd, and those elected were: Mrs. Wratten, Canon Felstead, Messrs. Hughes, Taylor, Viggers, Speed, Sanger, Smith, Ivin and Pitstow.

The hon. secretary (Mr. C. A. Wratten) reported that 63 societies, with 167 members, were affiliated to the Council. The rules provide for 24 honorary members, and with eight life members the total membership is 199. All subscriptions had been paid.

Among the apologies for absence were those from Father P. Angold (Devon Guild) and Mr. Walter Ayre, who had been taken into hospital the previous week. Several reports were given on Mr. Ayre’s progress and it was unanimously agreed to send good wishes to Walter for a speedy and complete recovery.

New members attending the Council were called individually by the secretary and asked to stand. The president (Mr. John Freeman) extended a warm welcome to each and also thanked the many retiring members, some of whom had served their societies on the Council for very many years.

All the officers of the Council had been re-nominated and, as there were no other candidates, were declared elected, viz.: President, Mr. John Freeman; vice-president, Mr. Edwin A. Barnett; librarian, Mr. Frederick Sharpe; hon. secretary/treasurer, Mr. C. A. Wratten.

The Rev. R. St. John Smith opened the Council’s deliberations with prayer, and when the names of deceased ringers who had been members of the Central Council were read out by the president, the Rev. L. Pizzey led the prayers. The deceased were F. H. Dallaway, C. Wallater, A. Relfe, J. W. Clarke and J. Segar.

Because Messrs. Beresford and Shepherd were not present in the chamber (they were counting the hon. membership votes) and it was not known at that stage whether Messrs. Pitstow and Hughes had been elected as hon members, item 3 of the agenda, election of hon. auditors, was deferred until the information was known. However, both gentlemen were successful in the ballot and were duly re-elected as auditors for the next three years.

Life Members: E. A. Barnett, J. Freeman, F. W. Perrens, F. Sharpe, E. C. Shepherd, J. F. Smallwood, Canon A. G. G. Thurlow, T. W. White.
Honorary Members: Mrs. E. A. Barnett, F. E. Collins, C. W. Denyer, G. R. Drew, Mrs. G. R. Drew, J. L. Garner-Hayward, F. E. Haynes, D. Hughes, S. J. Ivin, C. K. Lewis, J. R. Mayne, H. N. Pitstow, G. W. Pipe, R. B. Smith, R. F. B. Speed, P. L. Taylor, F. A. White.
Ancient Society of College Youths: W. T. Cook, J. S. Mason, R. B. Meadows, W. Williams.
Australia and New Zealand Assn.:
Bath and Wells Dio. Assn.: G. W. Massey, E. Naylor, A. H. Reed, J. S. Walton.
Bedfordshire Assn.: J. H. Edwards, K. H. Fleming, A. E. Rushton.
Beverley and District Soc.: I. G. Campbell.
Cambridge U. Guild: C. M. P. Johnson, B. D. Threlfall.
Chester Dio. Guild: B. Jones, A. J. Martin, D. Mottershead.
Coventry Dio. Guild: P. Border, G. W. Randall, H. M. Windsor.
Cumberland and N. Westmorland Assn.: R. W. D. Wetenhall.
Derby Dio. Assn.: G. A. Halls, M. Phipps, Rev. R. D. St. John Smith.
Devon Assn.: B. E. Bartlett.
Durham and Newcastle Dio. Assn.: K. Arthur, D. A. Bayles.
E. Derbyshire and W. Notts. Assn.:
E. Grinstead and District Guild: K. G. Game.
Ely Dio. Assn.: A. M. Barber, J. G. Gipson, E. H. Mastin.
Essex Assn.: J. Armstrong, F. B. Lufkin, P. J. Rothera, D. Sloman.
Gloucester and Bristol Dio. Assn.: L. C. Edwards, A. R. Peake, J. R. Taylor, C. A. Wratten.
Guildford Dio. Guild: M. J. Church, T. Page, D. E. Parsons, P. G. Smart.
Guild of Devonshire Ringers: J. M. Clarke, D. J. Roberts, Rev. J. G. M. Scott.
Hereford Dio. Guild: T. Cooper, P. Hughes, R. G. Powell, A. T. Wingate.
Hertford County Assn.: A. R. Agg, B. M. Barker, G. Dodds.
Irish Assn.: F. E. Dukes, J. T. Dunwoody.
Kent County Assn.: P. A. Corby, S. Jenner, I. H. Oram.
Ladies’ Guild: Miss D. E. Colgate, Mrs. P. J. Staniforth, Mrs. N. Summerhayes.
Lancashire Assn.: N. Bennett, C. Crossthwaite, J. P. Partington, F. Reynolds.
Leicester Dio. Guild: R. H. Cook, J. Jelley, P. J. Staniforth, B. G. Warwick.
Lincoln Dio. Guild: G. E. Feirn, D. Frith, J. L. Millhouse, P. Reynolds.
Llandaff and Monmouth Dio. Assn.: Mrs. D. J. King, M. J. Pryor, T. M. Roderick.
London County Assn.: H. W. Rogers, Mrs. H. W. Rogers, W. G. Wilson, D. Woodward.
Manchester Univ. Guild: M. C. W. Sherwood.
Middlesex County Assn.: F. T. Blagrove, T. J. Lock, C. H. Rogers, B. C. Watson.
Midland Counties Guild: J. W. Cotton.
National Police Guild: N. S. Bagworth.
N. Staffordshire Assn.: R. S. Anderson.
N. Wales Assn.: E. V. Woodcock.
Norwich Dio. Assn.: H. W. Barrett, M. Cubitt, N. V. Harding.
Oxford Dio. Guild: J. C. Baldwin, W. Butler, N. J. Diserens, P. Walker.
Oxford Society: F. A. H. Wilkins.
Oxford U. Society: J. E. Camp, D. J. Roaf.
Peterborough Dio. Guild: E. Billings, B. Care, C. J. Groome, J. M. Tyler.
Railwaymen’s Guild: E. J. Franklin.
St. David’s Dio. Guild: J. Prytherch.
St. Martin’s Guild: G. E. Fearn, R. W. Pipe.
Salisbury Dio. Guild: M. Hiller, E. J. Hitchins, B. Woodruffe.
Scottish Assn.:
Sheffield and District Society: J. Seagar.
Shropshire Assn.: Mrs. E. Stevens.
Society of Royal Cumberland Youths: J. S. Barnes, D. Beresford, W. H. Dobbie, D. E. Sibson.
Society of Sherwood Youths: G. A. Dawson.
S. Derbyshire and N. Leicestershire Assn.:
Southwell Dio. Guild: W. L. Exton, S. Humphrey, R. B. Mills, Mrs. B. N. Reed.
Stafford Archdeaconry Society: C. F. W. Eyre, C. M. Smith.
Suffolk Guild: H. W. Egglestone, C. W. Pipe, Rev. L. R. Pizzey.
Surrey Assn.: A. P. Cannon, S. F. W. Kimber, C. F. Mew.
Sussex County Assn.: G. Francis, J. R. Norris, Miss J. M. Percy.
Swansea and Brecon Dio. Guild:
Truro Dio. Guild: W. C. Boucher, F. M. Bowers, A. J. Davidson, A. Locke.
Universities Assn.: Rev. M. C. C. Melville.
University of Bristol Society: T. P. Edwards.
University of London Society: A. J. Frost.
Winchester and Portsmouth Dio. Guild: A. V. Davis, G. K. Dodd, J. Hartless, R. R. Savory.
Worcestershire and Districts Assn.: D. Beacham, A. C. Berry, W. B. Cartwright, M. D. Fellows.
Yorkshire Assn.: R. Brown, N. Chaddock, W. E. Critchley, W. F. Moreton.

THE ANNUAL SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION

The service of Holy Communion which preceded the annual general meeting was held on Trinity Sunday afternoon in the Lord Mayor’s church, St. Lawrence, Jewry. About 100 members and wives attended, and these included the president (Mr. John Freeman), the vice-president and Mrs. Barnett, the hon. secretary and Mrs. Wratten, the masters of the College Youths and Royal Cumberland Youths, and the chairman and hon. secretary of the organising committee, Air Commodore J. S. Mason and Mr. Derek Sibson.

Hymns to the Trinity brightened the service, and the celebrant from the spacious sanctuary was Canon Kenneth W. H. Felstead, assisted by the Revs. Malcolm Melville, Lawrence R. Pizzey and Brook Lunn. The organist, Dr. Margaret Cobb, enabled the congregation to appreciate the beauty of a very fine instrument.

Westminster Abbey bells were made available for an hour and a half on Sunday, and 65 ringers managed to have a pull. The organisation for this was well planned, two detailed bands being in the tower at one time. When the first had rung, they descended whilst the second band took over, and a third ascended to replace the second when the touch was completed. At least there are now 65 members of the Council who have had the privilege of ringing at the Abbey.

At one tower that great ringer and exponent of the art, J. Frank Smallwood, now in his 88th year, took part in some ringing with a seven-year-old young lady from Sapcote, Leics, Miss Brown. She is the daughter of Michael Brown, leader of that enthusiastic and competent band who recently augmented their ring to eight in a D.I.Y. effort. Frank asked another young lad of about 13, a member of the same family, if he could ring Stedman and received a negative answer. “What about Grandsire, then?” “No, but I don’t mind a touch of London or Bristol,” came the reply to the astonishment (and pleasure) of Mr. Smallwood!

At the Central Council meeting on Bank Holiday Monday six call-change teams from Devon competed at St. Vedast, Foster Lane. Kenn were placed first (R.W., page 476) and West Down and Plymstock tied for second place. Below we print R.W. photographs of these two teams, taken just before the competition started.

CENTRAL COUNCIL 1972

BUSINESS TRANSACTED

The minutes of the 1971 meeting were printed and had been circulated to all members. With three minor amendments agreed, the minutes were approved, and signed by the chairman. Several questions arose from the minutes and were satisfactorily answered by the hon. secretary.

The hon. secretary presented his report to the assembly and gave several additions to the list of members who had served on the Council, had retired or were not now representing their particular association. Mrs. O. D. Barnett seconded the adoption of the report, which was approved.

Mr. Frederick Sharpe told the members that he was quite happy to house the books of the Central Council library at his home until a suitable place could be found to accommodate them. He appealed to all who borrowed the books to return them immediately they were finished with, for too often it was necessary to write two and three times asking for the return of books.

The statement of accounts was studied by the meeting, several questions being asked and answered satisfactorily by Mr. Wratten. These included a question about affiliation fees, one on the Kingsmead Reprints and another regarding the Clement Glenn Funds.

The financial report was accepted, the auditors having scrutinised and approved them.

Mr. Douglas Hughes reported that there would be a charge made, at a later date, for admission to the museum where the Carter Ringing Machine was to be seen. An announcement would be made in The Ringing World when the amount of the charge for admission was known.

Thanks were extended to the trustees and demonstrators of the machine by the Council on the proposition of Mr. Anderson.

NORMALLY!

The secretary proposed and Mr. Barnett seconded an alteration to Rule 12 (iv) to be amended to read:

“The other committees shall consist of not more than five elected members (chosen by ballot if more than five names are proposed); these committees shall have power to co-opt not more than two members of the Council.” He asked that the word “normally” be included between the words “shall” and “consist,” and there was considerable debate between a number of members which at times appeared facetious and certainly to waste a considerable amount of time.

However, the president listened patiently and the secretary noted each comment. Eventually on being put to the vote the motion, including the word “normally,” was approved.

There were many snide comments later in the session when committees were being assembled. Some were considered “abnormal,” the word being used with reference to individuals instead of numbers necessary for a committee.

BASINGSTOKE LARK

The nine-bell peals rung at All Saints’, Basingstoke, and referred to last year by Mr. Walter Ayre as the Basingstoke “lark,” were again on the agenda, but the motion, under the signature of Mr. R. B. Smith, dealt with the conditions relating to peals. He proposed that in Section B4, which stated “Peals of Triples (shall be rung on eight bells with the tenor as cover and) shall consist of one or more true and complete 5040’s each starting from rounds”; and Section B5: “Peals of Caters, Cinques, Sextuples, etc. (shall be rung on 10, 12, 14, etc., bells respectively with the tenor as cover and) shall consist of at least 5000 true changes,” the words within brackets be deleted.

Mr. Smith said that last year the Council accepted one nine-bell peal at Basingstoke and rejected another. This sort of thing would continue until the rules were amended.

Mr. Moreton said traditionalists might think the motion opened the way for more peals without a cover. If the rules were altered it was for two reasons: (1) Minimus had been accepted at a previous meeting; and (2) nine bells at Basingstoke would continue to be rung (without a cover) to peals, and the Council had many more important matters to discuss than these peals. The motion would help in this matter.

Messrs. Norris, Anderson and Armstrong all commented on the proposal, inferring that the peals last year were accepted on individual merit and that if the motion was accepted it would open the door wide for further abuse.

Mr. Massey was prepared to support the motion but was unhappy to accept peals on seven bells in an eight-bell tower. He proposed an amendment to retain the words in brackets but to add the word “notwithstanding” - in towers where odd numbers of bells hung for ringing peals in odd bell methods without a cover bell should be permitted on the maximum number of ringing bells in the tower.

Mr. Mayne said there was no rule that peals of Doubles should have a cover bell, and Mr. Crossthwaite, supporting Mr. Moreton, said it did not go far enough. Eight bells were not necessarily superior to seven or nine bells.

The Rev. John Scott remarked that there would always be a lunatic fringe, whilst Mr. Crossthwaite added that it was preferable to have recommendations rather than rules.

Various suggestions and comments were made, those taking part in the debate being Messrs. Blagrove, Hall, Lewis, Bayles, Dodds, Davis, Jelley, Corby, Mew, Wetenhall and Roberts.

The amendment was lost by a considerable amount and a further amendment by Mr. Blagrove that peals of Triples should be rung on eight bells with cover, or on 7, etc., or on 9, 11 or 13 where these numbers exist, was seconded by Mr. Lewis but was defeated.

The original motion was then put and defeated by seven votes (72 for and 79 against).

A further motion proposed by Mr. R. R. Savory, seconded by Mr. G. Dodd, “That owing to the unique nature of the ring of nine bells at All Saints’, Basingstoke, all peals of Caters rung on these bells shall be accepted so long as the ring remains in its present form.”

Mrs. Staniforth proposed that there should be a direct vote on this motion and, Mr. Reynolds seconding, it was agreed.

The motion on being put was carried by a fair majority, but when asked by Mr. Savory if this was to be retrospective for peals rung last year he was informed that it was not retrospective.

SERVICE PAPER FOR GENERAL USE

“That this Council seeks the co-operation of the Liturgical Commission in establishing a form of service for general use at ringing meetings and festivals” was a motion proposed by Mr. C. J. Groome, seconded by Mr. J. M. Tyler.

Mr. Groome said that many service papers, including the one in his own guild (Peterborough) were very much out of date and he suggested the Council should produce a suitable service paper, firstly because production at national level would be more expertly produced than was possible for individuals; secondly the cost of production would be reduced per copy; and thirdly ringers visiting other parts of the country would feel more at home with a standard service paper in use. There was also the need for a service paper for dedications and hallowings, and this, too, should be standardised, he thought.

An approach to the Liturgical Commission would no doubt be sympathetically listened to, and he (the speaker) suggested this be done.

Immediately there was opposition from a number of the Council members, Mr. Cecil Pipe saying it was a step in the wrong direction. It would make church services at bellringers’ meetings very dull.

His view was supported by Mr. Agg and the Rev. John Scott. the latter saying that the local parson could choose whatever service he pleased for ringers’ - or other - services.

Mr. Tom White also stated he was very much against the proposal and gave facts and details of services held in the Guildford churches, while Mr. Roderick instanced the Church of Wales, who certainly would not accept a standard service sheet.

Mr. H. M. Windsor (Coventry Guild) stated that his guild had recently printed a supply of service papers. Mr. Barnes suggested that ringers might be looking to the Council for guidance in such matters and this might be a way of providing it.

Mr. W. Butler (Oxford) said his guild had a collection of service papers which could be made available to the Council if asked for and this included dedication service papers.

Seven peal attempts for Stedman Cinques by Council members were made on Bank Holiday Saturday, those successful being at St. Paul’s, Bow, St. Martins-in-the-Fields, and at Croydon. The other three towers were at Southwark, Shoreditch and Cornhill, the last-named attempt being set up, courses from the end because of fatigue.

There were other peal attempts with a good percentage of success, but were of mixed bands.

STEDMAN CINQUES DAY - MAY 27

Our music enthralls, say the bells of St. Paul’s.
Stedman’s enjoyed-on, the fine bells of Croydon.
Our clarity will favour-yer, say the bells of St. Saviour.
I owe you five farthings, say the bells of St. Martin’s.
When I grow rich, say the bells of Shoreditch.
Please wait until, say the bells of Cornhill.
I’m sure I don’t know, say the great bells of Bow.

To assemble 84 (nay, 85!) ringers was in itself no mean achievement - sometimes hard enough to get 12, but then to arrange them to suit all conditions, balance, expertise, personal hopes and the like, was indeed a ringing exercise! But of course Derek did it in his usual impeccable style, and 85 ringers and, I suspect, many interested listeners, looked forward to a gala day. You will of course never suit everybody, but one gained the general impression that it all looked a fair programme.

I suppose the chances of seven out of seven were slim but certainly possible but, alas, only four were scored and that inevitably means bad luck on the three failures. May I tell you about them all?

An 8 a.m. train headed towards London. One of the four occupants of a carriage said, after some weighty discussion on ringing matters, “Well, all things considered - what with the occasion, the bells, the mixed bands and nervousness, I reckon it’s unlikely that both the peals at St. Paul’s and St. Martin’s will be scored.” “Oh, I don’t know,” said another, “I would expect two fairly good ones, and I’ll have £1 bet on it.” “Done,” said the other, and the train rolled on.

One of the highlights of the extremely well-organised Central Council week-end in London was Saturday - the peal day. With Derek Sibson handling the detail, the organising committee undertook a marathon arrangement of seven peals of Stedman Cinques for Council members on seven of London’s twelves - the Cathedrals of Southwark and St. Paul and the notable towers of Cornhill, Bow, Shoreditch, St. Martin’s and Croydon.

This historic tower - seat, as it were, of the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths has become something of a collectors’ piece for 12-bell ringers. Long have some waited for it and keen has been the rivalry. The selection here must have been difficult but the lucky twelve met on the stroke of 10 o’clock and after a false start settled down to conquer this interesting though demanding ring. A fairly good peal, a 5075 by a much respected composer and conductor, Charles Roberts, resulted in 3 hours 33 minutes, but not without incident - oh no!

First, note the whereabouts of the ringers of 12, 1 and 2 - a strategy that wasn’t lost on the other nine, who of course didn’t help themselves by not speaking the Queen’s English. After exactly 60 minutes’ ringing, an almighty crash - seemingly upstairs, one six before a bob at 19. “Blimey,” the conductor said, looking towards 1 and 2, “Charlie C. did get in boy-oh!”

A peal to be remembered - Wilfred Williams’ 60th 12-bell tower as conductor, Stan Mason’s 60th 12, and Tudor Edwards’ 50th treble to 12’s.

Perhaps the really sad event, this one - not because of the miscall after three and a half courses but because the band didn’t start again. The effort in arrangement, the hundreds of miles travelled and then (dare I say it?) probably the most satisfactory 12 to ring under in London itself, surely warranted a second go. The disappointment of the several leading ringers in the band was understandable.

One might have thought here - a near certainty, but again as we know so well in ringing, the human element. A miscall after about one hour of reasonable Cinques. A pity, and tough luck on the conductor.

This was rated the best peal of the day, and for those outside who had any doubts as to the quality of the bells (and I was one), this gave an opportunity to hear some very good Cinques on what the 18th century would have termed “ye harmonious bells”! Standing, as I did - on and off for about one and a half hours - at the S.W. corner of the courtyard, this peal really came over well, especially in the Tittums and the earlier handstrokes under the conductorship of Peter Staniforth. Obvious, too, was a good placing of the band.

Despite being out of town, so to speak, the 12 ringers at Croydon, only three of whom, incidentally, having rung together before, were assured of one thing a beautiful ring. Doubtless this inspired David Parsons to get his band down to business and ring an interesting composition by Frank Darby. A quite good peal was the happy result.

Somehow these bells are a handful on the best of days and today the ringing reflected it. They are rather harsh outside, too, but a gallant effort was made under Ken Lewis with one of the band having to stop three courses from the end. One got the impression that overall the bells were too much for the band.

Both for those taking part and those who were successful or otherwise in other attempts during the day - indeed, non-participants as well, the 5 o’clock start on Ludgate Hill was eagerly awaited. Pockets of people at one tower and another gradually drifted around to the N.W. corner, having adjusted their tea or their beer to hear the start. After all, a peal attempt on this great ring is a great event, and of course today is a unique one in many ways.

This peal had been talked about and speculated upon for months. Two ladies to be in the band and eight Cumberlands, too - the interest was lively! How would they fare? Well, one thing was certain - there would be no effort spared - chances like this don’t happen every year.

Thus at the appointed time John Chilcott, Jack Philips and Stan Mason led the band in and we waited. Middle six first, trial rounds and away under John Freeman.

As a listener, I felt even an hour to settle down wouldn’t be unreasonable and it took about that, and from then on the ringing got better and better. Noteworthy was the ringing of the trebles by Jill Staniforth and Joan Summerhayes and the dodging of 10 and 11 in the middle. And, for me, the long-awaited “handstrokes,” those four sixes surrounding the course-ends - dare I say it? - the best of Stedman Cinques!

The crowd got bigger and more ale was called for and at last the rounds came. Success - and the all-round verdict, quite a good peal and history made.

A tired but jubilant band came down the tower to be congratulated by all present - a fitting end to a big day: our successes, including St. Martin’s and St. Paul’s.

In the Devon call-change competition held at St. Vedast, Foster Lane, on Bank Holiday Monday, was the West Alvington team, who gained 4th place.

CENTRAL COUNCIL, 1972

COMMITTEE REPORTS PRESENTED

Following the debate on the alteration of Rule 12 (iv) at the Council meeting in the Livery Hall of the Guildhall in the City of London on May 30, there followed item 12 (a): To receive, discuss and, if thought fit, to adopt the reports of the various committees; to pass such resolutions as may be necessary on matters arising out of the report; and to reappoint the committees under the terms of the revised rules.

In all cases committee members retired but were eligible for re-election if still members of the Council and wishing to serve as such. All reports had been circulated to members before the Council met.

Mr. T. J. Lock, convener of the Biographies Committee, proposed the adoption of that body, thanking Mr. D. A. R. May for his assistance during the past years. Mr. May is no longer a member of the Council. Mr. Wratten seconded, and the meeting approved the report. The three committee members are now Messrs. T. J. Lock, G. A. Dawson and W. H. Viggers.

Submitting and proposing the adoption of the report of the Sunday Service and Education. Committee (in future to be called the Education Committee), Mr. W. F. Moreton mentioned the circular being distributed regarding a survey to be carried out on ringing activities in each tower. Mr. N. Chaddock seconded the motion and upon being invited to speak, Mr. W. Butler enlarged upon the comments already made regarding the survey, explaining various items printed on the forms, many of which had been distributed to associations.

Mr. Chaddock remarked upon bellringing and theological colleges and suggested associations endeavour to give talks or hold discussions where possible.

Mr. D. Beresford observed that one question on the form wanted details of “weekday services” and suggested this should be amended to “ringing for services.” Mr. R. S. Anderson said it might be possible to add a footnote on the form, but one delegate at the meeting stated that many forms in his area had already been completed and returned. It was agreed to leave the form in its original context.

The committee of six were re-elected en bloc on the proposition of Mr. F. Blagrove, after it had been pointed out by the chairman that according to the new rule it should consist of five only. However, the Council, upon being asked to vote on the point, agreed (with one dissenter and several abstentions) to permit six committee members, viz.: W. F. Moreton, W. Butler, N. Chaddock, F. Sharpe, C. M. Smith and the Rev. R. D. St. John Smith.

When the Methods Committee’s report was proposed for adoption by Mr. C. K. Lewis (Mr. R. F. B. Speed seconding), Mr. J. R. Mayne said it was essential that speedy publication be carried out of the collection of methods, as suggested in the report. It was agreed that the committee proceed with the necessary collation of methods for the Publications Committee to deal with.

The committee of Messrs. Lewis, Blagrove, Ivin and Speed were re-elected en bloc on the proposition of Mr. Dukes, seconded by Mr. Dunwoody.

“We feel bound to say that there are far too many errors in the peal columns. Some are obvious and others are subsequently corrected. In some cases, where, in particular, peals have appeared under the wrong association, we have had to make intelligent guesses. We therefore wish to impress upon conductors the need to check their copy thoroughly before submitting it for publication … ”

This paragraph came at the foot of the report of the Peals Analysis Committee, which was proposed for adoption by Mr. F. B. Lufkin in the absence of Mr. Walter Ayre (retiring convener, who was in hospital), and seconded by Mr. C. H. Rogers.

There is always much to debate in this particular report and this year was no exception. Various amendments to numbers of peals rung for different associations were given and when a question was asked about peals of Cambridge Minor mentioned at last year’s Council meeting, Mr. G. Dodds gave particulars of a handbell peal at Cox Green for the Oxford Diocesan Guild in September, 1970, which Mr. Lufkin promised to investigate.

Mr. Taylor proposed and Mr. Camp seconded that a peal of Cambridge Major at Bushey on February 27 be accepted. This followed a question on defining a method, Mr. F. Blagrove having stated that methods can be defined adequately and uniquely- by the places made, but jumping changes cannot be defined by means of places uniquely.

Mr. Savory queried the Basingstoke peal, which he suggested had been removed from the “omissions,” but the chairman again pointed out that the acceptance of Basingstoke peals was not retrospective.

Mr. Savory proposed that the peals be accepted and Mr. N. Diserens seconded, but upon being put to the vote the proposition was lost.

The peal of Sextuples at Leicester was proposed for acceptance by Mr. B. G. Warwick, seconded by Mr. J. Jelley. It was supported by Mr. R. B. Smith, who said it was a good peal with pleasing effects.

Mrs. Staniforth said the ringing was in no way offensive, but the motion, on being put to the Council, was defeated.

One paragraph of the report said that “compared with 1970, in the mind of the convener, this should cause a lot of heart-searching in various directions in the minds of all ringers as to the future of the Exercise,” and Mr. C. Crossthwaite asked for an explanation of this sentence.

Mr. C. H. Rogers said it was put in by Mr. Ayre, and the other committee members agreed to its deletion.

Mr. Diserens queried the two peals of Doubles rung at Leeds which Mr. Blagrove said had only one conductor. Mr. Oram agreed there was only one conductor.

It was announced that Mr. Walter Ayre, after 27 years on the committee, did not seek re-election, and special thanks were given to him for his long and valuable services. The remaining members of the committee were re-elected, viz.: Canon Felstead, F. B. Lufkin and C. H. Rogers. Mr. N. Diserens was elected to replace Mr. Ayre.

The members of the Peals Collection Committee, now to be known as the Peal Composition Committee, were re-elected. There was no report this year, said Mr. W. E. Critchley, the convener.

There was a drop in sales of publications during 1971 it was noted, but there was an increase in overseas orders, which was a welcome sign. Mr. G. R. Drew proposed the adoption of the Publications Committee’s report and Mr. E. A. Barnett seconded.

Several questions about reprinting of some publications and of new collections such as Doubles methods were asked and answered before the adoption of the report.

The committee - Messrs. Drew, Moreton, Sharpe, E. C. Shepherd and W. G. Wilson - were reappointed.

This was followed by the report of the Records Committee, which also caused considerable interest and debate amongst the members. It mainly concerned names given to new methods and the policy to be adopted in future where names were considered doubtful or unsuitable.

One point made was that footnotes were often the cause for complaints being registered and it asked that the Editor should make more use of his blue pencil.

The Editor stated that peals had to be published but this did not apply to footnotes. He would bear in mind the suggestion made and act accordingly.

The report was adopted and the committee re-elected with the exception of Mr. Clive Smith, whose name was withdrawn, leaving five members - the agreed number for a normal committee. These are now Messrs. Blagrove, G. Dodds, Mayne, D. E. Sibson and C. A. Wratten (ex-officio).

Of the many reports which are presented yearly at the Central Council meeting, the one which creates the greatest interest and is liable to receive the most criticism is that of The Ringing World Committee. Its affairs affect every ringer who is a member of an affiliated association, and its presentation and the circulation figures are studied by everyone. The committee responsible to the Council for the publication of The Ringing World meets regularly and publishes its findings. This year’s report covered the last three-year period, and proposing its adoption the convener (Mr. W. G. Wilson) first paid tribute to the other members of the committee for their work during his illness. He said the circulation was increasing steadily, the average for the four weeks in May being 5,608 as compared with 5,520 last year.

The Editor, said Mr. Wilson, was asking for 400 more subscribers now in the hope that this would prevent any increase in the price next year. He hoped all Council members would do their share in attaining this increase in circulation. There had been a five per cent. extra charge in printing costs since April, but relationships with Seven Corners Press were very cordial. New premises were being occupied by the printers later this year and accommodation for the R.W. staff was included in the building. This would have to be paid for but the directors of Seven Corners Press had offered very reasonable terms. New machinery and methods by the printers would mean that a deferred printing time would be possible, giving more scope for advertisers to send copy in later. There would possibly have to be a slight modification in layout of peals and other matter, but this would be carefully studied by the committee.

The Editor’s travels around the country were mentioned by Mr. Wilson, who paid tribute to Mrs. Denyer for her understanding, help and sympathy in all matters connected with her husband’s work as Editor. Mr. Denyer’s contract expires in October, said the speaker, and the committee hope that he will tell them that he is prepared to renew that contract.

The advertising rates in the R.W. had been reviewed and implemented where thought necessary, and Mr. David Tate, the financial adviser and auditor, had been of great assistance. The presence of the Council’s chief officers at the R.W. Committee meetings had been appreciated and were beneficial.

Concluding, Mr. Wilson thanked everyone for their contributions to the journal - both written and financial.

Seconding the adoption of the report, Mr. D. A. Bayles in a witty and well-connected speech paid tribute to the work of Mr. Wilson and of the pleasure it gave the committee and all members to know that he (Mr. Wilson) had made such a rapid and excellent recovery from his major operation earlier in the year. (Applause.)

Mr. Windsor queried the accounts on the point that although advertising rates were up, the income from them was down.

It was explained that the postal strike last year accounted for a considerable loss in revenue as few advertisements were received during that period.

Answering Mr. Beresford’s question about £10,000 reserves and the market value of investments, it was stated that on March 2, 1972, at cost they were £8,370. The market value was £10,892.

Mr. Wilson said the R.W. Committee had asked the Standing Committee for agreement to change some of the investments when the opportunity arose and this had been agreed. The matter was being watched carefully.

The Ringing World accounts were then proposed for acceptance by Mr. Wratten, seconded by Mr. Barnett, Mr. Wilson stating that it would be seen that newsagents’ sales had risen slightly, offsetting some of the loss of postal copies. The funds benefited more from postal copies, but if any ringer felt he could not afford to order by post, rather than cease taking the journal it was preferable that he should take it from his newsagent.

There was disagreement over delivery by post, Mr. Lufkin saying that his newsagent was quicker, whilst Mr. Warwick had found it the reverse in his own case.

Mr. Dodds wanted to know why the cost per subscriber was so much higher, and was told that postal charges had increased.

Mr. Anderson also pointed out that the newsagents demanded a certain margin for each copy, which depleted the possibility of profit from such sales.

The final report to be submitted under item 12 (a) was that of the Towers and Belfries Committee. It was proposed for acceptance by Mr. Sharpe, seconded by Mr. B. Threlfall, the former paying particular tribute to the work of Mr. H. Sanger.

The question of insuring the committee members against accidents during their inspections was discussed, Mr. Sharpe saying he had a “personal cover,” and Mr. F. E. Collins describing somewhat graphically what could (and had) happened in towers. The question of insurance should be considered by the Council.

Mr. W. L. Exton instanced rates which could be obtained, whilst Mr. F. Reynolds gave details of the Lancashire Association’s annual contributions for insurance coverage.

Mr. E. A. Barnett said it was desirable to have on this committee more than five members, for there were so many inquiries it was impossible to cover them all.

Mr. Chaddock spoke of sound control in towers, and the Rev. John Scott said it was his purpose to try to persuade authorities in many cases that there was “too much bell” for the size of the tower.

That no two towers were the same and it was not possible to make hard and fast rules about weight of bells, position, composition of tower, etc., was remarked by Mr. Sharpe, and he suggested sound should be directed upwards, not downwards.

Mr. Collins spoke of redundant bells and of new churches awaiting bells, whilst Mr. Rogers asked if Mr. Bottomley (the previous C.C. secretary) had not compiled a list of such towers and churches, to which Mr. Wratten replied that such a list had been started but not followed up.

That such a record was important information and should be made available was the comment of Mr. Beresford, who suggested that a paper be presented to the Council next year with all available information collected.

Mr. Martin said that it was a very important subject and time should be made to debate it. Every ringer should give 5p per week to a Bell Restoration Fund.

The report was approved and the committee - agreed as abnormal regarding the number of members - was re-elected (with the addition of Mr. W. L. Exton), viz. Messrs. Sharpe, B. Austin, Collins, Freeman, A. J. Frost, T. M. Roderick, H. J. Sanger, Rev. J. Scott and B. D. Threlfall.

JOINT COMMITTEE’S REPORT

Mr. F. Blagrove proposed the adoption of this report and gave various explanations of certain paragraphs, some of which were extremely technical. Following the seconding by Mr. J. Mayne, Mr. Wilson rose and congratulated the committee, and Mr. Blagrove in particular, on the work carried out and added “but I don’t understand it”! - a remark which caused considerable merriment but was factual regarding the majority of the Council members.

Technical questions were put to Mr. Blagrove by several members, including Messrs. Jelley, Diserens, Humphrey and Savory, and after being satisfactorily answered, the meeting approved the report.

Proposing the adoption of the Broadcasting and Television Committee’s report, Mr. H. N. Pitstow first announced two minor corrections: (1) The West Region’s recordings were of Knowle and Bristol, not Evercreech, and (2) in Scotland, Inveraray televised earlier in the year but details had not been forwarded to him (Mr. Pitstow). He asked all ringers concerned with broadcasting or television programmes to send particulars to him.

Mr. C. Pipe said that in one paragraph it stated that the bells of Silloth had not been rung (until recent restoration) since 1933. In fact, Pipe’s Pilgrims had visited and rung at Silloth in 1963.

Mr. Savory spoke of Radio Solent’s coverage of ringing activities in that area, whilst Mr. Barnett said he had been approached by a firm making a film on Temple Church, Bristol, and a recording of the bells of Wrexham, North Wales, had been used, there being no other recording available.

Mr. Edgar Shepherd said that the report of the Literature and Press Committee was the last to be given in its present form. Mr. Dukes seconded, and the Rev. J. Scott commented on a report in The Daily Telegraph about the Westminster Abbey bells, where it stated that the bellfounder was “tuning the bell with a rubber mallet.” (Laughter.)

The final report of the Overseas Committee was presented by Mr. G. W. Pipe with thanks to Mr. Frank Price who had prepared it and done so much work for the committee and overseas ringers. Mr. Blagrove, who seconded the adoption, said that it should be brought to the notice of the Council that the Australian and New Zealand Association would have liked the committee to carry on with the work it was doing. (Applause.)

Mr. J. Hartless remarked that there was such a wealth of information and suggested that consideration be given to the committee remaining in being and carrying on, but the chairman gave a negative reply to the suggestion.

Following the adoption of the three foregoing reports Mr. Freeman (president) spoke appreciatively of the work of the committee, which now has ceased to function.

When the nominations for members of the new Public Relations Committee were invited, Mr. Beresford immediately proposed that the chairman for such an important body should be appointed first, and proposed Air Commodore J. S. Mason.

Mr. Freeman, however, would not accept the nomination made for chairman of the committee, informing the gathering that the committee to be formed were entitled to elect their own chairman.

The following were nominated: Air Commodore J. S. Mason, Canon A. G. G. Thurlow, Mrs. J. S. King and Messrs. G. Pipe and H. Pitstow. Mr. E. C. Shepherd, although nominated, withdrew for personal reasons, and the five mentioned were elected. Later it was decided by the new committee that Air Commodore Mason would, in fact, be their chairman.

Sixteen names were put forward for membership of the Administrative Committee, viz.: Messrs. Cartwright, Corby, Speed, Threlfall, Beresford, Staniforth, Dukes, Barnett, Gray, G. W. Pipe, Anderson, Mayne, Crossthwaite, Ivin, Canon Thurlow and Rev. J. Scott. The last-named and Mr. J. Mayne, however, withdrew from the list and, there being but 12 vacancies, a ballot took place. The unsuccessful candidates were Messrs. Anderson and Ivin.

On behalf of the Salisbury Diocesan Guild Mr. Hitchins said it was in 1923 that the Council last went to his guild area, and it would therefore be the 50th year in 1973. This was also the 90th anniversary of the Salisbury Guild, which would be an appropriate year for the Council to visit it.

The Oxford Diocesan Guild invited the Council through Mr. Walker, who said it was 80 years ago that the Council met in Oxford. Because of commitments connected with the colleges, the examinations, terms, etc., it was not possible for the Council to visit Oxford except at stated and prearranged periods, and 1973 was one of the exceptions. If not accepted, it would be at least five years before another invitation could be extended.

Mr. J. Millhouse, for the Lincoln Guild, said it was hoped the Council would visit his guild whilst Mr. Freeman was still president of the Central Council. It was appropriate that the Council should be entertained on the president’s “home ground.”

By a show of hands it was decided to accept the Oxford Guild’s invitation for 1973, the date being Tuesday, May 29.

Already the Council has agreed to visit Devon in 1974, the venue being Exeter, and it has now accepted the Lincoln Guild’s invitation to Lincoln in 1975. For 1976 it was stated that the Hereford Diocesan Guild wished to entertain the Council, that year being the 1,300th anniversary of the See of Hereford.

(i) A suggestion by Mr. B. Warwick for the librarian to publish a list of books, etc., available, this to be printed in The Ringing World.

(ii) That Mr. W. Cook be appointed trustee of the Council’s Book of Remembrance. (Agreed.)

(iii) The question of the breaking up of pre-1700 bells. It was decided that where any knowledge of this happening became known the Towers and Belfries Committee be approached.

(iv) The opportunity for “rank and file” members to reflect their wishes on next year’s agenda, and what was the official organ into which ideas could be fed for the agenda?

This question, put by Mr. C. W. Pipe, was greeted with applause and, following several suggestions made by members, it was pointed out by the chairman that any member could put forward a motion, whether for general discussion, or for the election of a life member (as had been mentioned) by sending it to the secretary two calendar months previous to the meeting of the Council.

The secretary announced that there was a record attendance at the meeting. The membership consisted of 167 elected, eight life and 22 honorary - 197 in all. Fifty associations were fully represented (128), nine partly (24); four were not represented, and eight life members and 17 honorary members were present, a total of 177.

The president, expressing his and the Council’s thanks to the Ancient Society of College Youths and the Society of Royal Cumberland Youths for such excellent organisation, said the record attendance was in part a reward for their efforts. He also thanked the other societies involved for their co-operation and those members who had helped with meals, etc. To the clergy and steeplekeepers in the many churches where peals or organised ringing had taken place, and Canon Felstead for coming especially to London to celebrate at the service of Holy Communion - for their part in the success of the meeting they received the thanks and commendation of Mr. Freeman, which was echoed by the members with sustained applause.

Mr. W. B. Cartwright expressed the feelings of all present when he congratulated the president on his excellent handling of, and patience with, the Council, adding that in spite of it all Mr. Freeman still retained his (Mr. Cartwright’s) regard. (Loud applause and laughter.)

Mr. Bennett followed by expressing thanks to the hon. secretary and Mrs. Wratten, and the chairman then closed the meeting.

The past year has been mainly one of familiarisation with the administration of the Council, a task which has been considerably lightened, firstly by the impeccable order of the Council’s affairs and books when handed over by Mr. Bottomley, and secondly by the willing and unstinted help of the other officers of the Council. To all these I offer my thanks.

There has been a steady flow of correspondence throughout the year, most of it routine in nature. There have been the usual enquiries about the Barron Bell Trust, but apart from an approach from the “Daily Express”, no enquiries about noise control. A sign of the times has been the number of letters seeking advice on, or retailing the results of, programs to compose or prove methods, touches or peals by computer. The growing amount of work in this field would benefit from some central co-ordination.

Enquiries about the feasibility of mounting a national ringing competition in London were received from an international group of hotels; the group concerned evidently watches the affairs of the Council with some care, for my predecessor was similarly approached during his first year in office. For various reasons, it again seems unlikely that anything will materialise.

Our thanks are due to the following, who are no longer members of this Council, for their past services - in six cases extending over the past 25 years: J. Bray (1936); Miss H. G. Snowden and B.C. Ashford (joined 1945); Mrs. D. E. Beamish, Canon K. W. H. Felstead and H. J. Sanger (1946); R. G. Bell (1948); W. H. Viggers (1949); S. Burton, H. S. Peacock and R. S. Wilson (1954); J. D. Clarke and G. W. Critchley (1957); J. T. Barrett, H. Poyner and R. W. R. Percy (1960); N. Mallett (1961); J. H. Gilbert, D. A. R. May and J. E. G. Roast (1963); J. H. Bluff, D. R. Carlisle, Revd. R. Keeley, J. Linnell, G. S. Ryles and E. Willcox (1966); T. N. J. Bailey, D. R. Bould and A. J. Brazier (1967); B. Hendry, D. S. Johnson, G. W. Shanks, C. A. Tester, J. F. I. Turney and P. J. Wycherley (1969).

My thanks also to all who have sent publications - not least some enthralling pamphlets from H.M. Inspector of Taxes (Cheltenham Collection).

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE CARTER RINGING MACHINE - 1971

The machine has been demonstrated once during the year, when the methods rung included London Royal, Stedman Caters, and Banewella Major, Royal, and Maximus. We have been advised that admission charges to the Science Museum, which were due to commence on January 1st 1972 have, for the time being, been postponed. If further information is obtained during the current year which affects the present position, we will make an announcement in “The Ringing World”.

REPORT OF THE HON. LIBRARIAN - 1971

During the year there was a considerable increase in the number of books borrowed from the Library. Also there has been an increase in the number of persons to whom letters have had to be sent requesting the return of books kept for unreasonably long periods. If books are needed for a considerable time for research purposes and they are not needed by others they may be re-issued at intervals on receipt of notification by the borrowers; otherwise their prompt return is desirable.

The following books were donated to the Library during 1971: The Ringing World; The Irish Bell News; The Ringing World Jubilee Souvenir Booklet; The Guildford Diocesan Guild Library Catalogue; The Peterborough Diocesan Guild Report; The Truro Diocesan Guild Report. All the above named were presented by their respective organisations.

From the Chester Diocesan Guild we received - Catalogue of books and bell literature in the Beeston Library; From the author, B. L. Thompson, Esq. Westmorland Church Bells; From F. Sharpe, Esq. Parish Churches before the Reformation, by M. E. C. Walcott, B.D., F.S.A. (2 copies); From Edward Jenkins, Esq. MS Collection of compositions of Cambridge Surprise Major; From the author, F. Sharpe, Esq. The Church Bells of Berkshire, 2nd edition; The Church Bells of Herefordshire, Volume III.

We acquired by purchase a copy of The Church Bells of Holderness, by G. R. Park, Esq., and from Messrs. Kingsmead Reprints we received six free copies of the facsimile reprint of the Tintinnalogia.

REPORT OF THE SUNDAY SERVICE & EDUCATION COMMITTEE FOR 1971

The Washington Film:- The film was hired ten times and is showing some signs of wear. A splicer and a new length of leader film were bought at a cost of £2.51. The net profit from hiring was £3.49. Applications should be made to Mr. Norman Chaddock, “Blencathra”, Spring Road, Market Weighton, York.

Film Strip on Casting and Hanging:- It is hoped that this will be available before the end of 1972.

Theological Colleges:- The Rev. R. D. St John Smith (Darley Rectory, Matlock, Derbyshire) is in charge of this part of the committee’s work. He has been in touch with the Advisory Council for the Church’s Ministry concerning the amalgamation of a number of Colleges in the next few years. He intends sending a circular letter to the principals of all Colleges. A most encouraging report from Mr. Pryor with regard to St. Michael’s College, Llandaff, has been received.

Courses:- Assistance with a number of courses has been given, both directly and indirectly, and the courses at Grantley Hall and Hereford were both organised with help from committee members. Mr. George Thoday is hoping to organise a short series of weekly evening lectures at Brentwood, with different visiting lectures - a unique venture, it is thought.

A conference on organising and running courses still seems a sensible suggestion despite the small response to last year’s proposal.

Duplicated Teaching Material:- The Publications Committee is willing to sell this material, but is awaiting a decision on finance before concluding arrangements. Such diverse matter as “Opening and turning courses in Stedman Cinques” by Shirley Burton (a very thorough collection) and a coloured poster “Ringer Required” are ready for publication.

Sunday Service Survey:- Mr. W. Butler made a survey of his own Oxford Diocesan Guild at the beginning of 1971, partly as a preliminary step towards the larger survey. Mr. John Baldwin has very kindly offered to program the larger survey for a computer, and because of this great aid it is now proposed to ask all Guilds and Associations to assist, rather than choose some half dozen typical ones.

REPORT OF THE BIOGRAPHIES COMMITTEE FOR 1971

The following past members have died during the year - J. E. L. Cockey, Middlesex County Association 1939-1948. Died Feb. 25, 1971. (Attended 5 meetings). G. W. Fletcher, Middlesex County Association 1930-1948; Honorary 1948-1952; Life 1952. Died May 23, 1971. (28 meetings). F. H. Dallaway, Sussex County Association 1938-1959. Died July 3rd, 1971 (Attended 14 meetings). C. Wallater, Archdeaconry of Stafford 1945-1956. Died Sept. 21, 1971. (9 meetings). A. Relfe, East Grinstead & District Guild 1939-1950. Died Oct. 27, 1971. (3 meetings).

G. W. Fletcher was Hon. Secretary and Treasurer of this Council from 1931 to 1952, and was elected a Life Member for his outstanding work. He was one of the Committee who took over the responsibility of “The Ringing World” on the death of its founder, J. S. Goldsmith, in 1942.

REPORT OF THE METHODS COMMITTEE FOR 1971

One function of the Methods Committee has been to produce collections of methods. In the past this was straightforward; the range of methods rung was limited and changed slowly, also the paternalistic attitudes of the times made sure that inferior methods were not published.

Attitudes change; a very wide range of methods is now rung and there is a great deal of experimentation. The great need seems to be for information on what has been rung to be generally available.

It is the view of the Committee that a collection should be published of all methods that have been rung in peals and that it can be organised in such a way that it can be easily kept up to date.

Initial thoughts suggest: (a) a conventional place notation for all methods; (b) a standard page size for methods on all numbers; (c) a loose leaf binder; (d) division into sections (number of bells); sub-sections (class of method); sub-sub-sections (defined by some easily recognised characteristic); (e) publication of a sub- or sub-sub-section at a time, starting with methods not already covered by existing collections; (f) annual supplements; (g) availability of blank and/or ruled sheets.

If the Council agree, it is proposed that the Committee prepare the material for this collection aided by the Records Committee, while the Publications Committee would handle the publication.

GENERAL FUND
Income and Expenditure Account for the Year 1971
1970		Income
85		Affiliation fees			84.	50
129		Publication Account profit			-	-
-		Kingsmead Reprint (net)			57.	30
1		Donation			5.	00

					146.	80
		Expenditure
12		Committee Expenses:
		Standing	1.	50
		Towers & Belfries	24.	46
		Sunday Service & Education	1.	24
					27.	20
12		Officers’ Expenses:
		President	3.	50
		Vice-President	1.	00
		Secretary	5.	00
					9.	50
67		Constitution investigation			-	-
7		Purchase of Library Books			5.	50
41		Stationery & Printing			56.	79
-		Printing, 1970			12.	30
14		Postages			29.	01
6		Typing			13.	00
3		Insurance			6.	05
-		Ringing World notices			16.	50
-		Gift Voucher (Bottomley)			5.	00
-		Removal Expenses			2.	30

					183.	15
77	(Cr)	Net deficit for the year			36.	35

					£146.	80

Balance Sheet as at 31st December 1971
		Assets
10		Library	10.	00
15		Clement Glenn Fund	29.	19
936		Stock of Publications	-	-
309		Cash and Bank Balances	202.	16
					241.	35
90		less Sundry Creditors	43.	89
		Affiliation fees in advance	3.	00
					46.	89
		Net Assets			£194.	46

		Accumulated Fund 1st Jan.	1180.	25
		less Publications Fund	949.	44

			230.	81
		Deficit	36.	35
					£194.	46

CLEMENT GLENN BEQUEST
Income and Expenditure Account for the Year 1971
1970		Income
33		Investment Income	38.	40
2		Hire of Washington Film (net)	3.	49
-		Prayer Sheet sales		47
23		Sundries	-	-
					42.	36
		Expenditure
20		Sundries	-	-	-	-

38		Excess of Income over Expenditure			£ 42.	36

Balance Sheet as at 31st December 1971
		Assets
398		£563 Treasury 3½ % 79/81 at cost	397.	92
587		Building Society Deposit	656.	66
-		Publications Fund	00.	47
119		Cash & Bank Balances	105.	36
					1160.	41
15		less amount due to General Fund			29.	19

1089					£1131.	22

		Accumulated Fund 1st Jan.	1088.	86
		Excess of Income over Expenditure	42.	36
					£1131.	22

PUBLICATIONS FUND
Income and Expenditure Account for the Year 1971
		Income
453		Sales			430.	22
44		Postage & Packing recovered			36.	99

497					£467.	21

		Expenditure
907		Stock 1st Jan.	935.	62
349		Purchases	-	-
936		less Stock, 31st Dec.	635.	91

320			299.	71
43		Postage & telephone	44.	63
5		Stationery	12.	99
-		Ringing World: advertising	84.	00
-		Books lost in post		50
					441.	83
129		Excess of Income over Expenditure			25.	38

497					£467.	21

PUBLICATIONS FUND
Balance Sheet as at 31st December 1971
1970		Assets
935		Stock	635.	91
14		Cash & Bank Balances	339.	38
					975.	29
-		less Amount due to Clement Glenn Fund				47

949					£974.	82

		Accumulated Fund 1st Jan.	949.	44
		Excess of Income over Expenditure	25.	38
					£974.	82

Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31st December 1971
		Assets
10		Library			10.	00
935		Stock of Publications			635.	91
1271		Debtors & payments in advance			2395.	29
11656		Investments at cost			11925.	93
3705		Cash & Bank Balances			2109.	78

17578					17076.	91
		Liabilities
1971		Sundry Creditors	1867.	63
2973		Amounts received in advance	2706.	67
					4574.	30

12634		NET ASSETS			£12502.	61

Capital Accounts
10365		“The Ringing World”			10202.	11
1180		General Fund			194.	46
1089		Clement Glenn Fund			1131.	22
-		Publications Fund			974.	82

12634					£12502.	61

REPORT OF THE PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE FOR 1971

There were no new books published during 1971; this is thought to be the reason for a slight drop in sales. However, the new “Preservation and Repair of Bells” is due out soon and this should help next year’s figures. Even with this drop there were still 629 orders received and stalls were set up at the Tewkesbury Open Day and the Pershore Festival, as well as the Central Council meeting at Leamington Spa. A welcome sign was the number of overseas orders received. Among them were three each from Australia and the United States of America, two from South Africa and Canada, and one each from New Zealand, Guyana and Holland.

Sales for the Year ending 31 December 1971

PEALS ANALYSIS FOR THE YEAR 1971

Herewith is the breakdown of the Peals rung:- by Associations and on different numbers of bells, both Tower and Hand:-

Compared with 1970 this should, in the mind of the Convener, cause a lot of heart searching in various directions in the minds of all ringers as to the future of the Exercise. A great “thank you” to all the other Associations and Guilds for your efforts.

Omissions.: The following Peals were submitted to the Methods Comm. who ruled them non-acceptable under the existing Decisions, and have therefore not been including in this analysis:- Leeds, Kent: 3 April - Royal (2 peals of Doubles) Kent C.A. Bushey: 27 Feb - Cambridge S. Major - with 3rd’s place Bobs - (Non-A). Loughborough B.F.: 24 May Grandsire Triples: without cover bell - (Non-A). Basingstoke: 20 Nov. - Stedman Caters - Winch. & P’mth. Leicester (St. Marg.): 12 Dec.- Stedman Sextuples - Leicester D.G.

Peals of Note

We extend our usual congratulations to the extraordinary feats of the Handbell Ringers, but should also like to mention some of the humble feats. Peals which we consider to be worthy of special mentions are as follows:-

Tower Bells:- Luton - 126 Spl. Surp. Royal - Beds Assoc. Beds Assoc. Harrold - Grandsire Doubles - 5 first pealers. Camb. Univ. London (Cripplegate) - 1st 12-bell peal by members of one College. Trumpington - Plain Bob Major - an all-ladies band. Leicester D.G. - Loughborough B.F. - 10440 London S. Royal; 13440 Rutland S. Major. Oxford D.G. - Appleton - 10241 Grandsire Caters; Castle Eaton - 230 Spl. Surp. Minor - most methods to a peal. Rousham - Plain B. Minor - 5 1st pealers and 1st as cond. Sussex C. - Storrington - Grandsire Doubles - 5 first pealers. Salisbury D.G. - East Tytherley - 11872 London S. Major. Scottish A. - Edinburgh, St. Cuthbert - first of Surprise Major by Scottish residents. Univ. Bristol - Longney - 13440 Plain Bob Major. Winchester & P’mth - North Stoneham - 250 Doubles M/V.; Bishop’s Sutton - 5 meth. Doubles - all first pealers. Worcester & Dist. - Upper Arley - first peal at age 65 - never too old!

Handbells.- Essex A. - 12 M. Doubles - with all 3 as first pealers. Hertford C. - Watford - 6 Spliced Surp. 16; Watford - 7 Spliced Surp. 14; Watford - 20 Spliced Surp. Royal; Watford - Londinium S. Maximus. North American G. - Montreal - Kent T.B. Maximus - first 12-bell Peal in America and first on 12 for 5 of the band. Oxford D.G. - Cox Green - Newgate S. Maximus (twice). Salisbury D.G. - Whiteparish - 10080 Plain B. Major; Whiteparish 10000 6 Spliced Plain Major. Winchester & P’mth - Southampton - 10000 Spliced Plain Royal.

Errors.- We feel bound to say that there are far too many errors in the Peal columns. Some are obvious and others are subsequently corrected. In some cases, where, in particular, peals have appeared under the wrong Association, we have had to make intelligent guesses. We therefore wish to impress upon conductors the need to check their copy thoroughly before submitting it for publication and if their peals do contain errors when printed, would they please ask the Editor to publish adequate correction notices?

We have also noted a tendency, particularly among handbell peals rung by the Oxford Diocesan Guild, to omit the names of the composers.

PEALS ANALYSIS FOR THE YEAR 1971

	Hand Bells		Max.		Cinq.		Royal		Caters		Major		Triples		Minor		Doubles		Min.	Total		Grand Total
	16	14	T	HB	T	HB	T	HB	T	HB	T	HB	T	HR	T	HB	T	HB	T	T	HB
Anc. Soc. College Youths			17		5	1	4		6		16		2	1	2					52	2	54
Anzab															2					2		2
Bath & Wells					1		2	5	6	9	42	17	4	3	28	2	11			94	36	130
Bedfordshire			2				15		3		14		2		9		1			46		46
Beverley & Dist.			3				2	1	1		8	1			2					16	2	18
Br. Railways																				-	-	-
Cambridge Univ.			1		3	1	3		2	1	11	1	3	1			1	2		24	6	30
Chester D.G.			3	7			5	16			47	18	5		21	5	7			88	46	134
Coventry D. G.							5		3	1	26	2	3		35	4	11			83	7	90
Cumb. & N. W’mlnd											7		1		3					11		11
Derby D. A.			1				5		2		36		1		11					56		56
G. of Devonshire					1		1				19		4		4	1				29	1	30
Devonshire A.																				-	-	-
Durham & Newcastle			1					1			11				6	1				18	2	20
E. Derby & W. Notts																				-	-	-
E. Grinstead & D.							1		1											2		2
Ely D.			1		1		3		1		51		2		31		2			92		92
Essex A.			2		1		2		2		67		5		48		1	3		128	3	131
Gloucester & Bristol			3		5		3		2		11	9	4		10	5	5			43	14	57
Guildford G.							11	1			27		4		1		1			44	1	45
Hereford G.									1		20	1	11		32		15			79	1	80
Hertford C.	1	4	4	11			17	21		3	59	26	9	1	37	5	1			127	72	199
Irish A.																		1			1	1
Kent C.			2		1		9	6	4	1	46	5	5		20	1	2		1	90	13	103
Ladies G.											1									1		1
Lancashire A.			1		1		9		1		53		8		18	18	2	2	2	96	20	116	1 M & D
Leicester D.G.	1	1	10	12	3	6	21	18	6	4	91	21	10	2	37	6	13	4		191	75	266
Lincoln D.G.			4	2	3		3	5		2	25	14	13		53	9	8			109	32	141
Llandaff & M’mth					3		7		10		20		9		6		8			63		63
London C.					2		1		5		7									15		15
Middlesex C.							3		2		19		7		2					34		34	1 M & D
Midland Counties							8		4		20		3		5		2			42		42
Nat. Police G.																				-	-	-
North Staffs											2									2	-	2
North Wales A.							1						1				1			3	-	3
Norwich D.			3		2		5		2		43		2		44		11			112		112
Oxford D.G.	1	1	3	7	1	1	8	10	5		91	19	14		42	8	10			174	47	221
Oxford Soc.									3				1							4		4
Oxford Univ.											2	1			1					3	1	4
Peterborough D.G.							12		5		76				49	5	14			156	5	161
St. Davids D. G.											6		1				2			9		9
St. Martins G.			33		4		11		4		44		1							97		97
Salisbury G.				1	4		1	2	2		19	7			10		10		1	47	10	57
Scottish A.							1				1				1					3		3
Sheffield & Dist.																				-	-	-
Shropshire A.					1		4		3		11		6		10		1			36		36
S. Derby & N. Leicester																				-	-	-
Soc. R. Cumberland Yths			1		2		3		2		10									18		18
Soc. Sherwood Yths							2		1		1		1		1					6		6
Southwell D.G.			1				4		2		31	3	6		25	1	20		1	90	4	94
Stafford Archy.			2				1		2		17	1	5		9					36	1	37
Suffolk G.							8		1		70		1		39		12			131	-	131
Surrey A.			1								5		2		2					10	-	10
Sussex C.			1		1		1		1		45		10		19		9		1	88	-	88
Swansea & Brec.											5	4								5	4	9
Truro D.G.							3	1			19		7		12	1	19			60	2	62
Universities A.					2	1		1			1	3								3	5	8
Univ. of Bristol					2		2		1		3	6			7	3	1			16	9	25
" of London							1		1		3	3			4	8				9	11	20
" of Manchester								1			7	3	1			8				8	12	20
Winchester & Pmth		1	1	2	1		15	7	5		91	10	10	1	44	5	11	1	3	183	27	210	2 M & D
Worcester & Dist.			5		1		1		4		50	2	9	1	22	11	10	1		102	15	117
Yorkshire A.			10		1		22	8	7		89	8	3		36	19	3			172	35	207	1 M & D
Other Soc. etc.			1	1			8		9		44	10	4		21	4	6			93	15	108
	3	7		43		10		104		21		195		10		130		14			537
			117		52		254		122		1540		200		821		231		9	3351		3888

M & D = Minor & Doubles

Bath & Wells:- Minor 1 method - at Ashwick.
Cumberland & N. W’land:- Orton, Cambridge S. Major.
Ely D. Crimplesham:- Doubles - duplicated p. 878 - now reads 71 peals.
Hereford G.:- should read 49 + 7.
Kent C. plus Cheriton; Cambridge Major; Sellindge; Minor 3 Meth.; Mersham; Kent T.B. Major, making the totals read 149 + 22.
Middlesex C.:- should read 48 + 1.
Midland Counties:- should read 37
St. Martin’s G.:- should read 104.
Southwell G.:- should read 96 + 9.
Suffolk G.:- should read 186 + 1.
Sussex C.:- add: Thakeham - Minor 7 Methods - 66 + 1.
Worcester & Dist.:- should read 124 + 10.
Other Societies:- should read 63 + 20.

REPORT OF THE BROADCASTING AND TELEVISION COMMITTEE FOR 1971

The use of bells by the BBC to introduce its daily programmes is now well established, but it is disappointing that the towers broadcast include some which have been used regularly for several years to the exclusion of others which have been recorded much more recently and, in some cases, with much better results. Another attempt will be made soon to persuade the BBC to introduce fresh recordings. From the Regions, reports of broadcasts are very varied. From both SCOTLAND and THE MIDLANDS there is nothing to place on record. In the NORTH Region, Border Television gave good coverage to the bells of Silloth which had been restored recently. Film of the bells and the ringers was shown, together with interviews with the Vicar on the role of the bells, Kevin Price on change-ringing and Douglas Sim on the restoration of the bells, which had not been rung since 1933.

In October, Leeds Radio broadcast an interview with Wilfrid F. Moreton, recorded at Wakefield Cathedral. The subject discussed was the noise made by bells and ways of reducing it. Wilfrid was interviewed again on New Year’s Eve, also from Leeds, on the shortage of ringers and the teaching of ringing. This item was inspired by the news that owing to the lack of ringers, York Minster could not ring in the New Year.

From IRELAND, we learn that St. Patrick’s Cathedral Society, Dublin, had the distinction of being the first tower to be televised by both Radio Telefis Eireann and the BBC. In the former they appeared in the Anthology Programme, and in the latter case they were seen and heard before the service which was televised. These bells were heard also on Radio Eireann after the Carol Service on Christmas Eve. Other bells heard on the same radio were St. George’s, Dublin, and Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. Services were broadcast by Radio Eireann and BBC from churches having bells and ringers, but the bells were not included in the broadcast, and here we would stress again that the local ringers should press the incumbents of their churches to get their bells included in broadcasts from their towers.

WEST REGION. The plan to use bells to introduce programmes on Radio Bristol, for which a new series of recordings was to have been made by the Gloucester and Bristol Association, was discontinued, and a very good recording of Evercreech Knowle bells which was made for this series has never been used. The change of policy was most disappointing. On BBC West, the only time bells were used was when a service from Aylesbeare, near Exeter, was broadcast on a World Service Programme. We, on this Committee, are sad that Harry Sanger, who has represented this Region for so many years, is not seeking re-election to the Council, and so will cease to be one of us. During those years, for many of which he was convener of this Committee, he has maintained close contact with the Director of Religious Broadcasting at Bristol, and has been instrumental in bells broadcast on many occasions, and has collaborated in the production of programmes featuring bells. Recently, Harry has been very ill and has had to undergo a serious operation from which he has made a remarkable recovery; due, he says, to the marvellous skill of the surgeon. At the time of writing this report he is at home recuperating, and we trust that he soon will be restored to full health and strength.

WALES. Here again our member, Mrs. J. S. King, has been seriously ill, as reported in “The Ringing World”, and it is good to know that she is making a steady, if slow, recovery. In spite of her illness she has sent in the following items of broadcasting news:

In January, Harlech TV broadcast some good Bob Minor as background to a film. In February, a recording of the twelve bells of St. Mary Redcliffe were heard in Jack de Manio’s early morning programme. Harlech TV in March broadcast some well-struck call changes as background to Commercials. Some good Grandsire Triples were heard in June on the same station as background to a wedding scene and, later that month, ITV showed some good shots of the five bells of All Saints, East Pennard, being lowered to the churchyard in preparation for some restoration work costing £2,000. The tenor was said to weigh 28 cwt. which must make these the heaviest ring of five.

The BBC Radio “Morning Story” programme featured, in July, a story called “Bells”, written by Penelope Bennett, in which was described a typical practice night from a non-ringer’s viewpoint. The story was correct in all its technical details and showed thorough research and help from a ringing source. Rounds on eight as background to a christening were heard on Harlech TV in November.

From EAST ANGLIA there are several items of broadcasting news. On radio - bells to be rehung in a new frame at Polbrook after 400 years; and later in February on “This is East Anglia” radio mention of Dereham pancake bell. In June, £200 raised to restore Castle Camps Clock and Bell Tower. Mancroft bells and ringers were featured in a TV programme on the possible redundant churches of Norwich. In September, Anglia TV showed several shots and gave generous coverage of the ringers at the restoration of Long Melford tower. In October, there was a filmed report on veteran bellringers at Henley on Anglia “Look East” TV. In November, there was news of rare bells stolen from Holy Trinity, Colchester, and later a filmed report on St. John Maddermarket Church, selling bells to raise money for restoration. A report on the bells and ringers of Long Melford (BBC, December 21), Leiston Modern School Handbell Team was filmed for the “On Camera” programme.

LONDON REGION. November 9 saw the dedication of the new ring of ten at Westminster Abbey. The short service, which was attended by H.M. The Queen, was shown on BBC and ITV and viewers saw Her Majesty tap her bell, named “Elizabeth II”, with a gold-mounted mallet. BBC “Blue Peter” programme gave some excellent shots of the bells being cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry and of the bells being hoisted from the floor of the Abbey to the tower. On December 9, the day when the bells were first heard, an interview with Harold Pitstow was broadcast on the “Today” programme, and another interview was heard on the “Late Night Extra” programme. In the following week Douglas Hughes gave a very lucid talk on bells from the commencement of casting to their erection in the tower.

Finally, the “Christmas Bells” programme was broadcast as in previous years and this Committee was asked to select the towers, a fact which appears not to be realised by some ringers. The programme is not an exposition of high class ringing, although we hope the ringing will not be bad, but is intended to be what will be heard coming from town and village towers on Christmas morning. The Convener was invited to attend the BBC studio for the editing of the tapes, as in previous years.

REPORT OF THE LITERATURE AND PRESS COMMITTEE FOR 1971

Seeing that the doings of the very young or of the very old are always, in the eyes of the Press, good “copy”, it is not surprising to find bell ringing activities among the aged and those of tender age receiving publicity in local and national papers. The year 1971 gave us many examples of this, and among those that have come to our notice, the following are of particular interest.

“The Solihull News” featured Mr. William Leeson on his 86th. birthday still active in the belfry; Mr. Harry Baker at 88; Mr. Robert Bale of Rogerstone, Monmouth, completing his fifty years as a ringer; Mr. W. Shute holding high festival in Dorset to celebrate his 80th birthday; and our old friend Walter Ayre sturdily manhandling a sizeable bell: all these were pictured in local papers. “The Herald” published an article, with photograph, of Mrs. Ethel Mitchell of Southwick, Sussex. This lady is 81, and has been ringing since 1909. Lastly, we must note the delightful photograph in “East Anglian Times”, in which we see a most remarkable group: George Finch (81), Gordon Haggar (81), Willoughby Maudlin (80), Joseph Preastner (68), Charles Sedgley (84), Ernest Whiting (85), Harry Hall (81), Walter Ruffles (72), Leslie Rudbrook (71), David Vincent (74), Albert King (75) and George Symonds (96). I do not think we need apologise for taking space to print the names of this remarkable band. We are pleased to see the picture reproduced “The Ringing World” of December 17, 1971.

Young ringers have again come in for much attention, and there are numerous references to junior bands and their activities. “The Croydon Advertiser” featured the young ringers at St. Peter’s and the picture of the Sturminster Marshall band showed a very cheerful assembly. Jeremy Piron, ringing London Royal at the age of 13, draws our attention to a coming young man. “East Anglian Times” pictured seven young ladies with handbells, and an accompanying article, “Schoolgirls take over Bellringing”, deals with Halesworth and the difficulty of keeping a band together. A very delightful photograph in “Wantage Herald” showed a group of American girls ringing at one of the towers included in their tour. They were part of a group of boys and girls from Washington and Groton, and the girls appear to have been quite happy and competent in their bell handling.

From Ireland comes the same prominence given to the Juniors. “Evening Herald”, in an articles “Belles in the Belfry”, tells that at Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin, the girls outnumber the boys. The article is conventional and reasonably accurate, but we should note that the reputed inventor of Grandsire is Robert Roan, not Rowan. “Church of Ireland Gazette” features the ringers at Hillsborough, and here again the girls outnumber the boys.

The outstanding news of the year was, of course, the recasting of the bells of Westminster Abbey and their augmentation to 10. In August the casting of the last four bells was witnessed by a gathering of ringers, and in September “The Daily Telegraph” printed a photograph of a craftsman tuning the tenor bell. The Dedication of the new ring in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen in November received very wide publicity.

Several papers noted the formation of The Guild of Post Office Ringers in October, and the renovation of the bells of the splendid church of St. Mary, Bishops Cannings, Wiltshire, was given prominent notice in all local papers. This lovely village, nestling under the Marlborough Downs, was distinguished by the famous George Fereby, a Rector of the 17th century. In his day Bishops Cannings was known far and wide for “ringing, singing, and football”.

Of the more formal articles we may single out the following four as good specimens of sensible, informative writing. “Ringing the Changes in Morpeth” (“Northumberland Gazette”), by Jane Hotspur. The writer’s name suggests exciting doings along the Border, and the liveliness of the article is in agreement with this thought. “Ringing the Changes”, by Neil Hepburn (“Illustrated London News”), and “The Bells of St. Mary’s, Shalford” (a Guildford journal) are carefully arranged, while “East Anglian Daily Times” published articles and letters about the bells of St. Mary’s, Bury St. Edmunds. To these Mr. George Pipe contributed a useful letter explaining the difference between chiming and ringing.

The theft and recovery of an old bell of Birch-in-Rusholme church was given great publicity in the North Country. It was a pity that the happy ending was somewhat soured by the article in “Birch News” (March) headed “Ding Dong Bell”. The writer’s opinion of the value of bells seems to us to be contrary to what most of us have believed for many years. We incline to the view that anything hallowed and dedicated to God’s service is of value and worthy of respect.

It is interesting to note how often a highly technical journal provides us with a first-rate article connected with bell ringing. Three good examples have come to us this past year. The first, from “Computer Journal” is “Computers and Composition” by D. Paul Treble (November 1970), which came too late for notice in our last report. “Pulse” published “Doctors move on into the Belfry”, a well arranged essay with photographs of David Gillick and Ian Panton. The third is from “Timber Review”, the organ of the United African Company (Timber). It described a visit by the firm to the Whitechapel Foundry, some account of bell founding, and some very instructive discussion with Mr. Douglas Hughes on the merits of the use of wood for bell frames.

When we turn to publications of the year we are reminded that “The Ringing World” has now completed sixty years of vigorous life, a remarkable achievement for such a specialised journal. “The Times” of March 27 honoured our paper with an article “The Unchanging Appeal of Little Bob Royal”, by Christopher Warman, an essay that included an interview with Mr. Wilfrid Wilson.

A second edition of Mr. Sharpe’s “The Church Bells of Berkshire” has been found necessary, and the excellent Volume III of the same author’s massive work, “The Church Bells of Herefordshire”, may well be regarded as the most important issue of the year.

The following have also come to our notice: Ringers’ Note Book and Diary. A new feature is one for the composer - a tabulation of Groups of False Course Heads. The Ringing Towers. Irish Bell News. Stroud Bell Notes - monthly news sheet. North Berkshire Branch Newsletter. Worcestershire and. Districts Association Northern Branch Newsletter. Reverberations, Journal of “The Handbell Ringers of Great Britain”.

That distinguished work, “Sussex Bells and Belfries”, by George Elphick, received important notice in “Church Times”.

NOTE.- The article from “Birch News”, referred to above, will be found reprinted in “The Ringing World” of April 23 1971.

REPORT OF THE COMMITEE FOR OVERSEAS RINGING FOR 1971

This has perhaps been one of the most exciting years in the history of overseas ringing with activities being reported from places hitherto unmentioned, supported by multiformous visits of ringers from one country to another, resulting in considerable advances in the Art benefiting not only the individual and bands of ringers but more especially the Church.

Considerable space has been allocated in “The Ringing World” for reports of events and achievements from overseas, and we feel certain that it is more beneficial to the Exercise in general to read of happenings in detail as they occur rather than wait for an annual appraisal. Many of the articles that have appeared (with photographs), such as the visit to Westminster Abbey, Mission City, The Little Adventure III (from Australia), and the reports covering the visit to England by many of our American friends, have not only stimulated interest in global activities but have substantiated the fact that campanology is indeed truly international.

During 1973 there is to be a visit to the North American continent by ringers from England, where no doubt the goodwill that exists between ringers will be cemented with many social virtues. This will be almost certainly the last Overseas Report to be recorded by the Central Council, and the Committee therefore would like to extend our appreciation to all our overseas brethren who have contributed to the compilation of this and past reports and also to ringers at home for their assistance.

AUSTRALIA.- As ever ringing continues to flourish despite the long distances involved between towers. At Adelaide it is hoped that the Town Hall bells will be restored, although the estimated cost makes it an unlikely project of the near future. The eight bells of St. Cuthbert were dedicated during the year thus becoming an asset to the area. Full ringing continues at St. Andrew’s and the Cathedral. The ANZAB Festival held during August produced ringing up to Surprise Major at Bendigo and Ballarat. At Perth ringing still takes place although due to earthquake damage it is restricted to the front six only. It is hoped that the bells of St. George will be subject to restoration in the near future. There have been many quarters rung, during the year ranging up to Cambridge Surprise Major and Grandsire Caters, which in themselves indicate the enthusiasm for the Art and augur well for the future of ringing “down under”. “Ringing Towers” has a new Editor in R. Jolly, P.O. Box 77, N. Adelaide, SA5006. We wish him well in his endeavours and the continued success of the Journal.

NEW ZEALAND.- Generally ringing flourishes although towers are few. It is pleasing to record that the bells of St. Matthew, Auckland, have been rehung. At Papanui two peals and six quarters ranging up to Surprise Minor have been rung - one quarter of Cambridge being the first of Surprise by an all New Zealand band. At Christchurch two quarters are reported, one each of Stedman Triples and Cambridge Surprise Major. The enthusiasm of R. Stevens has in no small measure contributed to the good news of ringing in New Zealand. In May 1972 there is to be an ANZAB ringing festival held in New Zealand which we trust will further stimulate the efforts so far made by “the locals”.

FIJI.- For the first time we hear that after a year of spasmodic practice a quarter of Plain Bob Minor has been rung on handbells at Lautoka under the leadership of A. Smith. Nothing succeeds quite like success, so we look forward to reading of further achievements in the Pacific.

SOUTH AFRICA.- At Capetown (Woodstock) there is a band being taught by M. Palmer, but we are sorry to hear that the church may be demolished as it is situated in a redevelopment area. Ringing in Durban up to Plain Bob and Grandsire Doubles continues at both St. Paul’s and St. Mary, Greyville. The Cathedral at Grahamstown, has a new band. During the year Messrs. Watts, Groome, Milner and Stilwell visited South Africa, their presence no doubt giving encouragement to our ringing friends there.

RHODESIA.- At Salisbury ringing is improving with the assistance of J. Lawrence from Zambia and ranging up to Kent and Stedman, whilst on the small ring at Que Que full ringing is practised under the auspices of H. Earle.

HOLLAND.- It is very pleasurable to report that a bellringing Society has been formed at Dordrecht by Jaap van der Ende. Whilst ringing is confined to handbells and “swung” chiming at the Cathedral, methods range to Plain Bob and Stedman Triples. We look forward to the day when perhaps there will be a ring of bells hung in “British” style in Holland to reward these enthusiasts.

CANADA.- Following a visit to the North American continent by G. Armitage much has already been reported in “The Ringing World” of tower bell ringing, but progress is still being made in method ringing at Calgary, Victoria, Mission City and Vancouver up to Kent Treble Bob Major, Stedman and Grandsire Caters. Perhaps the most notable advancement has been that of handbell ringing. W. Jackson has conducted peals of Kent and Oxford Treble Bob, Norwich Surprise Minor and Kent Treble Bob Maximus (first on 12 bells in North America). A splendid achievement!

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.- This has been a very fruitful year with the installation of a new ring of eight at Houston, Texas, where a band is being taught. The North American Guild is now an entity in its own right, holding a monthly practice in New England at Groton School and organised by Marjorie Batchelor. Perhaps the greatest of importance was the visit to England by ringers from Washington Cathedral and promoted by R. Dirksen. The successes of these ringers are now well known both on tower and handbells - Quilla Roth ringing peals of Plain Bob from Minor to Maximus in hand, R. Dirksen ringing a peal of Stedman Triples, also in hand, and many notable first peal and conducting performances. On their return, peal reports have confirmed their undoubted ability m the Art, proving that campanology is fast becoming one of the more cultural arts of the New World.

In conclusion we extend to all our overseas ringing brethren and connections our very best wishes for their continued success in their endeavours and hearing of them in “The Ringing World”, which is representative of our Art - Internationally.

REPORT OF THE RECORDS COMMITTEE FOR 1971

A. First peals on tower bells in 1971:
Jan.	2	5152	St. Aldhelm S. Major (Gloucester & Bristol D.A.)
	13	5056	Winslow S. Major (Hereford D.G.)
	8	5088	Kneesworth S. Major (Ely D.A.)
	15	5152	Nasty S. Major (Bristol Society)
	15	5152	Street S. Major (Sussex C.A.)
	16	5088	Desborough S. Major (Peterborough D.G.)
	19	5184	Tirley Little D. Royal (Southwell D.G.)
	30	5040	Wimborne S. Royal (Leicester D.G.)
Feb.	4	5280	Strathclyde S. Maximus (St. Martin’s G.)
	6	5184	Ashdown Little S. Major (Kent C.A.)
	12	5088	Upton Scudamore S. Major (Bristol Society)
	13	5024	Basingstoke S. Major (Winchester & P’mth D.G.)
	13	5056	Wislow S. Major (Hereford D.G.)
	20	5040	Idridgehay S. Royal (Derby D.A.)
Mar.	6	5056	Thrapston S. Major (Peterborough D.G.)
	6	5056	Dylan S. Major (Worcestershire & District A.)
	13	5184	Handsworth S. Major (Yorkshire A.)
	14	5056	Harrogate S. Major (Yorkshire A.)
	20	5056	Breamore D. Major (Salisbury D.G.)
	20	5280	London Alliance Maximus (Chester D.G.)
April	2	5184	Jump S. Major (Ely D.A.)
	3	5184	Lenchwick S. Major (Worcestershire & District A.)
	3	5024	Hulcote S. Major (Peterborough D.G.)
	3	5088	Aintree S. Major (Ely D.A.)
	10	5042	Warwickshire S. Maximus (Lancashire A.)
	24	5184	Glasgow Little S. Royal (Oxford Society)
	24	5088	Henlow S. Major (Bedfordshire A.)
	27	5120	Bideford S. Major (Sussex C.A.)
May	7	5024	Quy S. Major (Ely D.A.)
	21	5056	Porthcawl S. Major (Llandaff & Monmouth D.A.)
	22	5088	Radwell S. Major (Hertford C.A.)
	30	5088	Beer S. Major (Ely D.A.)
June	6	5040	Trinity Sunday D. Royal (Lancashire A.)
	10	5152	Marlpool S. Major (Derby D.A.)
	11	5056	Dullingham S. Major (Ely D.A.)
	12	5152	Harwell S. Major (Oxford D.G.)
	12	5088	Caldy S. Major (Chester D.G.)
	17	5148	Barford Alliance Maximus (St. Martin’s G.)
	19	5088	Prickwillow S. Major (Ely D.A.)
	21	5056	Barcote S. Major (Oxford D.G.)
	24	5376	Cray S. Major (Hertford C.A.)
	29	5024	Lexden S. Major (Essex A.)
July	2	5184	Newmarket S. Major (Ely D.A.)
	12	5280	Faringdon S. Major (Sussex C.A.)
	16	5088	Tillingham S. Major (Essex A.)
	16	5056	Oaks-in-Charnwood S. Major (Leicester D.G.)
	17	5088	Ely S. Major (Ely D.A.)
	18	5088	Palgrave S. Major (Suffolk G.)
	18	5184	Rothamsted Little D. Major (Hertford C.A.)
	20	5184	Gamlingay S. Major (Ely D.A.)
	23	5088	Vange S. Major (Ely D.A.)
	31	5024	Histon S. Major (Ely D.A.)
Aug.	20	5024	Xcalax S. Major (Hertford C.A.)
	21	5120	Okehampton S. Major (Bedfordshire A.)
	24	5088	Nice S. Major (Bath & Wells D.A.)
	24	5152	Normandy D. Major (Worcestershire & Dist. A.)
	25	5152	Kirkstall D. Major (Worcestershire & Dist. A.)
	28	5376	Ringwood S. Major (Winchester & P’mth D.G.)
Sept.	4	5184	Exning S. Major (Ely D.A.)
	11	5040	Mortlake S. Royal (Oxford D.G.)
	21	5056	Markfield S. Major (Leicester D.G.)
Oct.	4	5040	Lanchester S. Royal (Soc. of Royal Cumberland Y.)
	8	5088	Toft S. Major (Ely D.A.)
	16	5280	Ouseley S. Major (Oxford D.G.)
	22	5088	S. Major (Bristol Society)
	23	5184	Wantage S. Major (Oxford D.G.)
	28	5088	Hesketh S. Major (Peterborough D.G.)
Nov.	13	5040	Maidwell S. Royal (Peterborough D.G.)
	13	5040	Wimbledon Little D. Major (Hertford C.A.)
	13	5280	Painswick Maximus (Worcestershire & Dist. A.)
	18	5280	Mottram S. Maximus (St. Martin’s G.).
	20	5152	Ormskirk D. Major (Lancashire A.)
	20	5088	Idle S. Major (Ely D.A.).
	27	5040	Leicester D. Maximus (Leicester D.G.)
	27	5056	Market Harborough S. Major (Leicester D.G.)
	27	5040	Leyland S Royal (Lancashire A.)
Dec.	2	5040	Bushey Treble Place Triples (Hertford C.A.)
	4	5024	Shepshed S. Major (Leicester D.G.)
	10	5152	Major (Bristol Society)
	11	5040	Kidderminster S. Maximus (St. Martin’s G)
	17	5088	Stourbridge S. Major (Worcestershire & Dist. A.)
B. First peals on handbells in 1971:
Jan.	5	5000	Spliced S. Royal, 10 methods (Hertford C.A.)
	25	5056	Spliced S. Sixteen, 6 methods (Hertford C.A.)
Feb.	8	5040	Little Oxford B. Major (Lincoln D.G.)
	15	5000	Spliced S. Royal, 14 methods (Hertford C.A.)
Mar.	16	5000	Spliced S. Royal, 16 methods Hertford C.A.)
April	20	5000	Spliced S. Royal, 18 methods (Hertford C.A.)
	28	5040	Oxford T.B. Fourteen (Oxford D.G.)
May	10	5040	Spliced S. Fourteen, 7 methods (Hertford C.A.)
June	8	5208	Victoria Little Court Major (Lincoln D.G.)
July	12	5000	Spliced S. Royal, 20 methods (Hertford C.A.)
	14	5084	Spl. Plain Fourteen, 2 meths. (Win. & P’mth D.G.)
Aug.	4	5040	Swindon S. Royal (Oxford D.G.)
	11	5280	Newgate S. Maximus (Oxford D.G.)
Nov.	15	5040	Bristol S. Royal (Hertford C.A.)
Dec.	13	5280	Londinium S. Maximus (Hertford C.A.)
C. Record peals on tower bells in 1971:
Feb.	27	10440	London S. Royal (No. 3) (Leicester D.G.)
May	22	13440	Rutland S. Major (Leicester D.G.)
D. Record peal on handbells in 1971:
July	18	10000	Spliced Plain Royal, 6 meths. (Win. & P’mth D.G.)

The names of the methods rung to peals on October 22 and December 10 have been left blank pending a decision by the Council as to the suitability of the names originally chosen.

REPORT OF THE TOWERS AND BELFRIES COMMITTEE FOR 1971

As in previous years, this report is compiled by the convener from a summary of details sent in by its members. It is regretted that on this occasion one member was unable to submit a return, and it is proposed to add the statistics sent in by him to a future report.

The eight other members of the committee had an extremely busy year. Advice was given in a record total of 123 churches; members travelled approximately 6,470 miles to carry out inspections, and over 500 letters were written.

Of these, 19 enquiries were dealt with by correspondence; the remainder were dealt with after inspection by members of the committee. The greatest number in any county was 19, all inspected by Mr. H. Sanger despite a very serious illness; we sincerely wish him a speedy recovery and return to his activities in Somerset. The convener has attended meetings of the Council for Places of Worship and the Church Commissioners in regard to bell installations, preservation of bells, and the question of bells in redundant churches. He has also given seven lectures to church organisations, professional institutions and ringing courses.

The new “Towers and Belfries Handbook” is now in galley proof. It is regretted that progress on it has not been more rapid but this is entirely due to pressure of work in correspondence and tower inspections.

REPORT OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE FOR 1971

We recommend that the general principles contained in the 1953 Report on Extension be retained, but with some modification to detail.

The 1953 Report was basically to cover even-bell methods with Plain Bob type lead-heads, the principle of extension being the successive insertion of new pairs of sections, these new pairs of sections being related to the sections of the parent.

We propose that the following replace the corresponding parts of the 1953 Report.

Parent	Major	P	Q	R	S	T	U
Extension PQ	Royal	P	Q	P2	Q2	R2	S2	T2	U2
	Max.	P	Q	P2	Q2	P4	Q4	R4	S4	T4	U4
Extension QR	Royal	P	Q	R	Q2	R2	S2	T2	U2
	Max.	P	Q	R	Q2	R2	Q4	R4	S4	T4	U4
Extension RS	Royal	P	Q	R	S	R2	S2	T2	U2
	Max.	P	Q	R	S	R2	S2	R4	S4	T4	U4
Extension ST	Royal	P	Q	R	S	T	S2	T2	U2
	Max.	P	Q	R	S	T	S2	T2	S4	T4	U4
Extension TU	Royal	P	Q	R	S	T	U	T2	U2
	Max.	P	Q	R	S	T	U	T2	U2	T4	U4

Parent	Major	A	B	C	D	E	F
Extension EAB	Royal	A	B	A2	B2	C2	D2	E2	F2
	Max.	A	B	A2	B2	A4	B4	C4	D4	E4	F4
Extension EBC	Royal	A	B	C	B2	C2	D2	E2	F2
	Max.	A	B	C	B2	C2	B4	C4	D4	E4	F4
Extension ECD	Royal	A	B	C	D	C2	D2	E2	F2
	Max.	A	B	C	D	C2	D2	C4	D4	E4	F4
Extension EDE	Royal	A	B	C	D	E	D2	E2	F2
	Max.	A	B	C	D	E	D2	E2	D4	E4	F4
Extension EEF	Royal	A	B	C	D	E	F	E2	F2
	Max.	A	B	C	D	E	F	E2	F2	E4	F4

Parent	Major	A	B	C	D	E	F
Extension SAB	Royal	A	B	A	B	C	D	E	F
	Max.	A	B	A	B	A	B	C	D	E	F
Extension SBC	Royal	A	B	C	B	C	D	E	F
	Max.	A	B	C	B	C	B	C	D	E	F
Extension SCD	Royal	A	B	C	D	C	D	E	F
	Max.	A	B	C	D	C	D	C	D	E	F
Extension SDE	Royal	A	B	C	D	E	D	E	F
	Max.	A	B	C	D	E	D	E	D	E	F
Extension SEF	Royal	A	B	C	D	E	F	E	F
	Max.	A	B	C	D	E	F	E	F	E	F

REPORT OF “THE RINGING WORLD” COMMITTEE FOR 1971

This report reviews the three-year period of the twenty-seventh Council on similar lines to our report in 1969.

The 1969 report anticipated a period of consolidation after the improvements that had been made. Nevertheless, it has been possible to continue to improve the service and with the exception of five issues in 1969 all the other issues of this period have had coloured covers. An increase in size is recorded in the statistical summary:-

1969 52 issues total pages 1,020 average 19.6 pp. per week (1966 - 16.7)
1970 51 issues total pages 1,028 average 20.1 pp. per week (1967 - 18.5)
1971 53 issues total pages 1,128 average 21.3 pp. per week (1968 - 19.5)

Some of this decline is more apparent than real as the basis of recorded figures has been restricted to definite sales since March 1970. The figures for circulation in 1971 are calculated on the last forty issues as the postal strike distorted figures in the first part of that year. Within these figures it may be noted that Newsagents’ sales have gone up from an average of 2,726 to 2,894 against an overall decline of about 300 per week. The breakdown for December 1971 was:- Newsagents 2,894. Regular postal 2,556. Casual sales 61. Total 5,511.

The price increase from 9d to 1/- in mid-1968 caused a decline of about 250 per week. The price was increased again in January 1971, and this appears to have caused a similar decline.

The past year has produced a deficit in the accounts of £162, even when donations of over £1,000 and the income from investments are set against expenditure. In pure trading terms there is a considerable annual deficit, but “The Ringing World” is by no means a purely commercial undertaking. It is hoped that the price can be held at 6½ p for the rest of 1972, in spite of a further increase in charges by Seven Corners Press. Saving will arise from economies in the use of extra pages and the additional expenditure on the Diamond Jubilee in 1971 will not recur this year. Some adjustments to postal subscription rates for multiple copies have been made necessary by alterations in postal charges. Charges for notices and advertisements have been increased as the existing rates had fallen below the cost of printing these items in the paper. A price rise seems inevitable at the start of 1973 and a thorough review of finance will have to be made later this year.

A target of £10000 was set and achieved some years ago for a reserve fund for “The Ringing World”. On paper the reserve has remained at much the same level for several years. However, inflation has reduced its purchasing power and costs have risen so that today the reserve would cover only about 60% of current annual costs, whereas a few years ago it would have covered a full year’s working. This deterioration of the reserve is a matter for concern and, in conjunction with the Council’s officers and our Auditor, is receiving attention.

Since the end of our financial year the liquidation of Rolls House has been completed and £185 has been received from the first and final dividend to unsecured creditors.

In October 1969, Mr. C. W. Denyer was appointed under a three-year contract to succeed Mr. T. W. White as Editor and Mr. White retired at the end of that year. Mr. Denyer has carried out his task with unbounding enthusiasm, travelling many miles to show the flag in addition to his duties in the office at Guildford. His photographs have added interest and the calendars that he has produced have been popular and profitable and must help to advertise the paper in many places.

No changes have occurred in the office personnel at Guildford where Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Lucas have continued to be of great assistance to the Editor, especially in times of difficulties resulting from a postal strike, power cuts and, at the time of writing, an overtime ban by printing operators. The extra burdens that have resulted from actions by other workers outside our control have been shouldered cheerfully and successfully by all concerned. Our thanks are due to many voluntary efforts by ringers which mitigated some of the effects of the postal strike.

At the beginning of 1970 Seven Corners Press ceased to sub-contract part of the production of the paper and it took on a new appearance, including a more economical format for peal reports. Looking ahead, in 1972 the printers will be moving to new premises and this will later lead to the adoption of new processes for producing the paper which will modify its appearance yet again. Seven Corners Press have allocated office accommodation to us in the new premises which will give “The Ringing World” its own letter box and a separate telephone number. After the move a charge will be made for office accommodation but the provisional figure mentioned is a modest one. This can be seen as a testimony to the good relations that exist between Seven Corners Press and ourselves.

The Diamond Jubilee in 1971 was marked by the special issue of March 26, and on the following day a commemorative luncheon was held in Ripley. Prior to this a service had been held in Pyrford Church, a wreath had been laid on the grave of the founder, John Sparkes Goldsmith, and handbells rung beside the grave. Commemorative ashtrays were given to all those attending the luncheon.

Thanks are due to Mr. H. L. Roper, who has now retired after compiling the index for many years. A successor has been found, but he wishes to remain anonymous and we cannot thank him publicly.

During the past three years the composition of the committee has remained unchanged, except that at the outset Mr. W. G. Wilson became convener on the retirement of Mr. R. S. Anderson from that office. Attendance has been 100% with the exception of one meeting. The committee has endeavoured to keep ringers informed of its deliberations and decisions by publishing an account of each meeting that has taken place. The attendance of Officers of the Central Council, our Treasurer, Mr. D. Hughes, and our Auditor, Mr. D. Tate, at many of our meetings and the help and advice that they have given are much appreciated. So too is the kindness of friends who have continued to provide accommodation and hospitality for the meetings.

REPORT OF THE AUDITORS

We have audited the annexed balance sheet and have obtained all the information and explanations we required. In our opinion, the balance sheet is properly drawn up so as to exhibit a true and correct view of the state of affairs of “The Ringing World” according to the best of our information and the explanations given to us, and as shown by the books.

THE RINGING WORLD
Income and Expenditure Account - Year ended December 31 1971
1970		INCOME
£		£
4295	Newsagents	6053.65
8975	Postal subscriptions	10461.87
1049	Donations	1095.53
561	Advertisements	678.87
1178	Notices, etc.	1428.12
121	Profit on sale of calendars	106.45
249	Sundry receipts	358.31
756	Interest receivable	726.68
18	Premium on redemption of Defence Bonds	20.00

£17202		£20929.48

		EXPENDITURE
£		£	£
10624		Printing	13524.22
301		Blocks	660.03
2542		Wrappers and Postage	2922.01
72		Carriage	195.51
		17301.77
1373		Editor’s fees and expenses	1472.14
	Clerical assistance and expenses-
1181		Editorial and accounts	1211.04

2554		2683.18
352		Postages, stationery and sundries	383.53
50		Miscellaneous expenses	104.65

402		488.18
-		Diamond Jubilee issues, etc.	322.29
65		Accountancy and taxation charges	72.00
225		Taxation	224.54

16785		£21091.96
417	(Cr)	Net deficit for the year	162.48

£17202		£20929.48

THE RINGING WORLD
Balance Sheet - December 31 1971
1970
£		£	£
-	Goodwill, Blocks, etc., at cost	200.00
	Less: amounts written off	200.00
	Investments at cost:
	Abbey National Building Society	2000.00
	Brighton Corporation 6¾% Bonds	500.00
	Tyndall Income Units- 5002 units	3499.57
	Distiller Company Ltd.- 1000 7¾% Unsecured Loan Stock 1988/93	842.40
	Bass Charrington Breweries Ltd.- £1200 7 3/8% Unsecured Loan Stock 1992/97	1029.38
	Vickers Ltd.- £1000 9½% Unsecured Loan Stock 1974	1000.00
	6¾% Exchequer Stock 1973 - £1077.68	1000.00
	3% Savings Bonds 1965/75 - £1138.35	1000.00
10671			10871.35
1271	Debtors	2395.29
	Cash at Bank
	988	Deposit account	-
	2198	Current account	882.33
	91	Trustee Savings account	580.55
3277				1462.88

15219		14729.52
	Less: Creditors
	1882	Expenses	1820.74
	2973	Subscriptions in advance	2706.67
4855				4527.41

£10364		£10202.11

	Represented by:
	Capital Account
	Balance at January 1 1971	10364.59
	Less: Net deficit for year	162.48
10364			£10202.11

On behalf of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers:-
C. A. WRATTEN - Hon. Secretary
W. G. WILSON - Chairman, Ringing World Committee

The following will bring up to date the Central Council Collection of Surprise Methods as far as the end of 1971.

1. NUMERICALLY ORDERED TABLE

A. SURPRISE MAJOR METHODS
1H.	Nasty	(b)	- 36 - 1458 - 58 - 16 - 12 - 38 - 14 - 5.
2H.	Lenchwick	(b)	- 38 - 14 - 12 - 1238 - 14 - 38 - 12.56.7.
3H.	Winslow	(b)	- 38 - 14 - 1258 - 1236 - 14 - 1238 - 14 - 7.
4H.	Oaks-in-Charnwood	(b)	- 38 - 14 - 1258 - 36.14 - 14.38 - 12.34.7.
5H.	Barcote	(b)	- 38 - 14 - 1258 - 36.14 - 14.38.56 - 56.7.
6H.	Idle	(f)	- 38 - 14 - 56 - 16 - 34 - 58.14 - 12.5.
7H.	Tillingham	(f)	- 38 - 14 - 56 - 16.34 - 12.3458 - 14 - 5.
8H.	Aintree	(f)	- 38 - 14 - 56 - 16.34 - 14.58.12 - 12.5.
9H.	Ely	(f)	- 38 - 14 - 56 - 16.34 - 14.58.14 - 14.5.
10H.	Radwell	(f)	- 38 - 14 - 56 - 16.34 - 14.58.34 - 12.5.
11H.	Henlow	(f)	- 38 - 14 - 56 - 16.34 - 14.58.34 - 34.5.
12H.	Beer	(f)	- 38 - 14 - 56 - 16.34 - 34.1258 - 14 - 5.
13H.	Desborough	(b)	- 38 - 14 - 58 - 16 - 14 - 58.36 - 34.7.
14H.	Thrapston	(f)	- 38 - 14 - 58 - 16 - 34 - 1458 - 16.34.1.
15H.	Newmarket	(e)	- 38 - 14 - 58 - 16 - 34 - 58.34 - 34.1.
16H.	Gamlingay	(e)	- 38 - 14 - 58 - 16.34 - 34.58 - 34 - 1.
17H.	Basingstoke	(b)	- 38 - 14 - 58 - 36 - 14 - 1458 - 12.36.7.
18H.	Ouseley	(b)	- 38 - 14 - 58 - 36 - 14 - 1458.36.12 - 7.
19H.	Market Harborough	(b)	- 38 - 14 - 58 - 36 - 14 - 1458.36.12.34.7.
20H.	Shepshed	(b)	- 38 - 14 - 58 - 36 - 14 - 1458.36.12.56.7.
21H.	Markfield	(b)	- 38 - 14 - 58 - 36 - 34 - 1458 - 14.36.7.
22H.	Marlpool	(b)	- 38 - 14 - 58 - 36 - 34 - 38 - 16.34.7.
23H.	Dylan	(b)	- 38 - 14 - 58 - 36.12 - 12.38 - 16.34.7.
24H.	Xcalax	(b)	- 38 - 14 - 58.12.36.14 - 14.38.14 - 14.7.
25H.	Palgrave	(mx)	- 56 - 14 - 56 - 1238 - 34 - 38 - 34 - 1.
26H.	Quy	(f)	- 56 - 14 - 56 - 38 - 14 - 1458 - 12 - 5.
27H.	Prickwillow	(c)	- 56 - 14 - 56 - 38 - 34 - 38 - 16 - 5.
28H.	Dullingham	(f)	- 56 - 14 - 56 - 38.14 - 14.58.12 - 12.5.
29H.	Upton Scudamore	(mx)	- 56 - 1456 - 58 - 1236 - 14 - 1458 - 14 - 3.
30H.	Histon	(c)	- 56 - 1456 - 58 - 36 - 34 - 3458 - 16 - 5.
31H.	Jump	(c)	- 58 - 14 - 12 - 36 - 14 - 3458 - 16 - 5.
32H.	Vange	(mx)	- 58 - 14 - 12 - 36.12 - 12.58 - 34 - 1.
33H.	Fanybedwell	(f)	- 58 - 14 - 1256 - 16 - 14 - 1458 - 14 - 5.
34H.	Toft	(f)	- 58 - 14 - 56 - 36.14 - 14.58.12 - 12.5.
35H.	Lexden	(k)	- 58 - 14.58 - 56.38 - 14 - 58 - 1236 - 1.
36H.	Porthcawl	(mx)	- 58 - 14.58 - 58.16 - 34 - 1458 - 34 - 1.
37H.	Handsworth	(mx)	- 58 - 14.58 - 58.16.34 - 14.38.16.34.16.5.
38H.	Nice	(mx)	- 58 - 14.58 - 58.36 - 14 - 1258 - 14 - 3.
39H.	Exning	(c)	- 58 - 1456 - 12 - 36 - 12 - 38 - 14 - 3.
40H.	Kneesworth	(c)	- 58 - 16 - 12 - 36 - 12 - 3458 - 14 - 3.
41H.	Stourbridge	(b)	- 58 - 16 - 12 - 38 - 14 - 58 - 16.34.7.
42H.	Harrogate	(d)	- 58 - 16 - 56 - 36.14 - 12.38 - 12 - 7.
43H.	Looe	(d)	- 58 - 16 - 56 - 36.14 - 14.38.14.36.14.7.
44H.	St. Aldhelm	(c)	38 - 38.16 - 56 - 16 - 12 - 58 - 12 - 7.
45H.	Hulcote	(e)	38 - 58.14 - 58 - 36.14 - 14.38 - 12 - 1.
46H.	Hesketh	(c)	38 - 58.16 - 56 - 36.14 - 14.58 - 14 - 7.
47H.	Wotton-under-Edge	(b)	58 - 56.14 - 56 - 38.14 - 14.58 - 36.14.3.
B. LITTLE SURPRISE MAJOR METHOD
48H.	Ashdown	(a)	- 38 - 16 - 12 - 38 - 14 - 36.
C. SURPRISE ROYAL METHODS
49H.	Mortlake	(b)	- 30 - 14 - 1250 - 1236 - 1270 - 1458 - 16 - 70 - 18 - 9.
50H.	Idridgehay	(b)	- 30 - 14 - 50 - 16 - 1470 - 38 - 16 - 50 - 78 - 9.
51H.	Maidwell	(mx)	- 56 - 14 - 56 - 30 - 14 - 58 - 14 - 50 - 14 - 1.
52H.	Wimborne	(d1)	34 - 30.14 - 12 - 30.14 - 14.50.16 - 16.70.18 - 18.3.
53H.	Coventry	(c1)	30 - 50.14 - 1250 - 30 - 14 - 30 - 14 - 30 - 14 - 3.
D. LITTLE SURPRISE ROYAL METHODS
54H.	Glasgow	(g)	36 - 56.14.50 - 50.36 - 14 - 30.16 - 16.38.
E. SURPRISE MAXIMUS METHODS
55H.	Mottram	(g)	34 - 5T.14 - 5T - 3T.14 - 14.5T.36 - 16.7T.58 - 18.9T.70 - 10.9.
F. SURPRISE FOURTEEN METHODS
56H.	Worcester	(mx)	- 5f - 14.5f - 5f.36.14 - 14.5f - 14 - 7f - 78 - 7f - 78 - 7f - 78 - 1.
G. SURPRISE SIXTEEN METHODS
57H.	York	(a)	- 3s - 14 - 12 - 3s.14 - 14.3s.14 - 14.3s.14 - 14.3s.14 - 14.3s.14 - 14.3s.14 - 14.3.
58H.	Leatherhead	(f)	- 5s - 14 - 56 - 36.14 - 14.5s.14 - 14.5s.14 - 14.5s.14 - 14.5s.14 - 14.5s.14 - 14.5.
59H.	Londinium	(f)	3s - 3s.14 - 12 - 3s.14 - 14.5s.16 - 16.5s.16 - 18.9s.18 - 18.9s.18 - 18.9s.18 - 18.9.
60H.	Newgate	(f)	3s - 3s.14 - 12 - 3s.14 - 14.5s.16 - 16.7s.14.58.14.9s.14 - 14.9s.14 - 14.9s.14 - 14.9.
61H.	Leicestershire	(a)	3s - 5s.14 - 5s - 3s.14 - 14.5s.14 - 14.5s.14 - 14.5s.14 - 14.5s.14 - 14.5s.14 - 14.5.
62H.	Fulham	(mx)	56 - 56.14 - 5s - 36.14 - 14.5s - 14 - 3s - 34 - 3s - 34 - 3s - 34 - 3s - 34 - 1.

2. TABLE OF FIRST PERFORMANCES

A. SURPRISE MAJOR METHODS
Aintree	3 - 4 - 71	St. Andrew-the-Great, Cambridge	8H.
Ashdown Little	6 - 2 - 71	Coleman’s Hatch	48H.
Barcote	21 - 6 - 71	Buckland	5H.
Basingstoke	13 - 2 - 71	St. Michael, Basingstoke	17H.
Beer	30 - 5 - 71	Anstey	12H.
Bideford	27 - 4 - 71	Warnham	77C.
Caldy	12 - 6 - 71	Port Sunlight	33.
Cray	24 - 6 - 71	Knebworth	243.
Desborough	16 - 1 - 71	Desborough	13H.
Dullingham	11 - 6 - 71	Meldreth	28H.
Dylan	6 - 3 - 71	Hanbury, Worcestershire	23H.
Ely	17 - 7 - 71	Ely	9H.
Exning	4 - 9 - 71	St. Andrew-the-Great, Cambridge	39H.
Fanybedwell	10 -12 - 71	Bristol Cathedral	33H.
Faringdon	12 - 7 - 71	Warnham	85C.
Gamlingay	20 - 7 - 71	St. Andrew-the-Great, Cambridge	16H.
Handsworth	13 - 3 - 71	Handsworth, Yorkshire	37H.
Harrogate	14 - 3 - 71	Harrogate	42H.
Harwell	12 - 6 - 71	Harwell	46F.
Henlow	24 - 4 - 71	St. Lawrence Jewry	11H.
Hesketh	28 -10 - 71	Easton Neston	46H.
Histon	31 - 7 - 71	Trumpington	30H.
Hulcote	3 - 4 - 71	Easton Neston	45H.
Idle	20 -11 - 71	Epping	6H.
Jump	2 - 4 - 71	Meldreth	31H.
Kneesworth	8 - 1 - 71	Meldreth	40H.
Lenchwick	3 - 4 - 71	Norton, Worcestershire	2H.
Lexden	29 - 6 - 71	Colchester	35H.
Looe	22 -10 - 71	Bristol Cathedral	43H.
Market Harborough	27 -11 - 71	Market Harborough	19H.
Markfield	21 - 9 - 71	Loughborough Bellfoundry	21H.
Marlpool	10 - 6 - 71	West Hallam	22H.
Nasty	15 - 1 - 71	Bristol Cathedral	1H.
Newmarket	2 - 7 - 71	Meldreth	15H.
Nice	24 - 8 - 71	Wincanton	38H.
Oaks-in-Charnwood	16 - 7 - 71	Oaks-in-Charnwood	4H.
Okehampton	21 - 8 - 71	Felmersham	5D.
Ouseley	16 -10 - 71	Windsor	18H.
Palgrave	18 - 7 - 71	Palgrave	25H.
Porthcawl	21 - 5 - 71	Newton Nottage	36H.
Prickwillow	19 - 6 - 71	St. Andrew-the-Great, Cambridge	27H.
Quy	7 - 5 - 71	Meldreth	26H.
Radwell	22 - 5 - 71	Norton, Hertfordshire	10H.
Ringwood	28 - 8 - 71	Ringwood	15G.
St. Aldhelm	2 - 1 - 71	Malmesbury	44H.
Shepshed	4 -12 - 71	Shepshed	20H.
Stourbridge	17 -12 - 71	Old Swinford	41H.
Street	15 - 1 - 71	Pulborough	32C.
Thrapston	6 - 3 - 71	Thrapston	14H.
Tillingham	16 - 7 - 71	Maldon	7H.
Toft	8 -10 - 71	Meldreth	34H.
Upton Scudamore	12 - 2 - 71	Bristol Cathedral	29H.
Vange	23 - 7 - 71	Meldreth	32H.
Wantage	23 -10 - 71	Wantage	33G.
Winslow	13 - 2 - 71	Bromyard	3H.
Wotton-under-Edge		Rung in Spliced	47H.
Xcalax	20 - 8 - 71	Meldreth	24H.
B. SURPRISE ROYAL METHODS
Coventry		Rung in Spliced	53H.
Glasgow Little	24 - 4 - 71	Banbury	54H.
Idridgehay	20 - 2 - 71	St. Mary, Nottingham	50H.
Lanchester	4 -10 - 71	Shoreditch	100G.
Leyland	27 -11 - 71	Leyland	75G.
Maidwell	13 -11 - 71	St. Giles, Northampton	51H.
Mortlake	11 - 9 - 71	Banbury	49H.
Wimborne	30 - 1 - 71	All Saints, Loughborough	52H.
C. SURPRISE MAXIMUS METHODS
Kidderminster	11 -12 - 71	Aston	62E.
Mottram	18 -11 - 71	Birmingham Cathedral	55H.
Painswick	13 -11 - 71	Painswick	106G.
Strathclyde	4 - 2 - 71	Birmingham Cathedral	146G.
Warwickshire	10 - 4 - 71	Manchester Town Hall	110G.
D. SURPRISE FOURTEEN METHODS
Worcester		Rung in Spliced	56H.
E. SURPRISE SIXTEEN METHODS
Fulham		Rung in Spliced	62H.
Leatherhead		Rung in Spliced	58H.
Leicestershire		Rung in Spliced	61H.
Londinium		Rung in Spliced	59H.
Newgate		Rung in Spliced	60H.
York		Rung in Spliced	57H.

	Copies sold	Written off	Stock	Value at Cost
				£ p
Recruiting Leaflet	745	15	230	1.02
Ringing for Service	115		1013	27.90
Model Rules	28		180	2.25
Beginners’ Handbook	2746	10	3790	84.65
Tutor I	199	1	46	4.73
Tutor II	241	1	187	21.42
Doubles Methods	170		126	6.30
Minor Methods	169		604	157.20
Four Way Minor Table	65		481	8.01
Method Sheets - Triples	48		171	2.14
Method Sheets - D.N.C.B.M.	33		519	6.34
Surprise Methods	109		233	20.15
Grandsire Caters	41		506	12.98
On Conducting	192		664	54.64
Spliced Triples	41		12	0.19
Stedman Compositions	23		436	30.42
Popular Major Compositions	67		420	53.37
Surprise Compositions	58		400	57.50
Blue Line Proof	44		211	5.63
Handbell Ringing	187		567	67.33
Preservation of Bells	177		94	9.10
Electrical Switchgear Card	7		780	2.64

				£635.91

We recommend	(i)	The Report should also cover odd-bell methods.
	(ii)	A modification in the notation of the formula.
	(iii)	Some modification in the restriction on the formula.
	(iv)	Some modification in the use of the half-lead places of the parent.
	(v)	A generalisation of the lead-head type and sequence requirement.

Section	P - treble in 12
	Q - treble in 23
	R - treble in 34, stop here for Doubles
	S - treble in 45, stop here for Minor
	T - treble in 56, stop here for Triples
	etc., etc.

Penultimate place in section
	P - only extension permitted is PQ
	Q - only extensions permitted are PQ and QR
	R - only extensions permitted are PQ, QR and RS
	S - only extensions permitted are PQ, QR, RS and ST
	etc., etc.

Section	A - treble in 34
	B - treble in 45
	C - treble in 56 or half-lead for Doubles
	D - treble in 67 or half-lead for Minor
	E - treble in 78 or half-lead for Triples
	etc., etc.

	Tower				Handbells
	1970	1971			1970	1971
Sixteen	-	-			2	3	+	1
Fourteen	-	-			6	7	+	1
Maximus	113	117	+	4	48	43	-	5
Cinques	45	52	+	7	9	10	+	11
Royal	235	254	+	19	75	104	+	29
Caters	99	122	+	23	7	21	+	14
Major	1458	1540	+	82	192	195	+	3
Triples	185	200	+	15	11	10	-	1
Minor	782	821	+	39	138	130	-	8
Minor & Doubles	3	5	+	2	-	-
Doubles	230	231	+	1	13	14	+	1
Minimus	8	9	+	1	-	-

	3158	3351	+	193	501	537	+	36

	Tower	Handbells	Total
Leicester D.G.	191	75	266
Oxford D.G.	174	47	221
Winchester & Portsmouth	183	27	210
Yorkshire A.	172	35	207
Hertford C.	127	72	199
Peterborough D.G.	156	5	161
Lincoln D.G.	109	32	141
Chester D.G.	88	46	134
Essex A.	128	3	131
Suffolk G.	131	-	131
Bath & Wells D.A.	94	36	130

Seconds place when treble in
	56 - EAB not permitted
	67 - EAB and EBC not permitted
	78 - EAB, EBC and ECD not permitted
	89 - EAB, EBC, ECD and EDE not permitted
	etc., etc.
Seconds place at the half-lead - the half-lead mode of expanding extension is not permitted, and seconds place and any further places adjacent to it must remain static, other internal places expanding.

	4ths place made as treble in 56 - SAB not permitted
	5ths place made as treble in 67 - SAB and SBC not permitted
	6ths place made as treble in 78 - SAB, SBC and SCD not permitted
	etc., etc.
	Penultimate place at the half-lead - either the half-lead mode as in (h) above, or the other modes with the penultimate place and any further places adjacent to it all expanding and remaining adjacent to the treble’s whole-pull.

FIRST FOR 24 YEARS

Central Council Meet in London

It was in 1948, 24 years ago, that the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers last held their annual meeting in London. That the return to the Metropolis was opportune was evinced by a record attendance of members - 177 in all.

The atmosphere, whilst occasionally somewhat frustrating, was generally of a happy nature, the members showing keen interest in the more serious and important matters, but dealing good-humouredly with items which were necessary but trivial.

Appreciation of all the work involved both in organisation and in the dispatch of the business was whole-heartedly given at the close of the day, the majority of members and ringing friends dispersing, but a considerable number going to St. Paul’s Cathedral for ringing.

Invitations for next year’s meeting were extended by the Salisbury Guild, the Oxford Guild and the Lincoln Guild, and as the Oxford invitation could not again be made for another five years the members voted that the 1973 Council should be in Oxford.

London, 1972, will long be remembered by members of the Central Council for the excellent arrangements, the vast amount of ringing laid on, and the delightful halls in which both the reception and the meeting were held.

Central Council Meeting, 1972.

The Official Reception

MAGNIFICENT AND HISTORIC SETTING

By Six Teams from Devon Association.

LONDON, 1972

The meeting itself was not inspiring. It was sad to see two societies refused affiliation, but no case was made for their admission, and we can only hope that they will apply again and that they will make sure they are heard.

The Council missed an opportunity to settle the general problem of peals on odd numbers of bells, and decided to treat Basingstoke as a special case.

This year, as so often before, we were told that we ought to consider certain important topics. Those who say this have an obvious remedy. Even if they are not themselves members of the Council they are represented, and if due notice of a motion is given anything can be discussed.

My memory of this meeting will be of superb organisation by the London societies, and of the warm welcome we received; the meeting itself was not so memorable.

NOT ELECTED

HONORARY MEMBERS ELECTED

Among the apologies for absence were those from Father P. Angold (Devon Guild) and Mr. Walter Ayre, who had been taken into hospital the previous week. Several reports were given on Mr. Ayre’s progress and it was unanimously agreed to send good wishes to Walter for a speedy and complete recovery.

All the officers of the Council had been re-nominated and, as there were no other candidates, were declared elected, viz.: President, Mr. John Freeman; vice-president, Mr. Edwin A. Barnett; librarian, Mr. Frederick Sharpe; hon. secretary/treasurer, Mr. C. A. Wratten.

THE ANNUAL SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION

CENTRAL COUNCIL 1972

BUSINESS TRANSACTED

NORMALLY!

The secretary proposed and Mr. Barnett seconded an alteration to Rule 12 (iv) to be amended to read:

However, the president listened patiently and the secretary noted each comment. Eventually on being put to the vote the motion, including the word “normally,” was approved.

There were many snide comments later in the session when committees were being assembled. Some were considered “abnormal,” the word being used with reference to individuals instead of numbers necessary for a committee.

BASINGSTOKE LARK

SERVICE PAPER FOR GENERAL USE

“That this Council seeks the co-operation of the Liturgical Commission in establishing a form of service for general use at ringing meetings and festivals” was a motion proposed by Mr. C. J. Groome, seconded by Mr. J. M. Tyler.

STEDMAN CINQUES DAY - MAY 27

In the Devon call-change competition held at St. Vedast, Foster Lane, on Bank Holiday Monday, was the West Alvington team, who gained 4th place.

COMMITTEE REPORTS PRESENTED

One paragraph of the report said that “compared with 1970, in the mind of the convener, this should cause a lot of heart-searching in various directions in the minds of all ringers as to the future of the Exercise,” and Mr. C. Crossthwaite asked for an explanation of this sentence.

Mr. C. H. Rogers said it was put in by Mr. Ayre, and the other committee members agreed to its deletion.

JOINT COMMITTEE’S REPORT

Central Council Committee Reports (Part I)

Sales for the Year ending 31 December 1971

Peals of Note

PEALS ANALYSIS FOR THE YEAR 1971

Central Council Committee Reports (Part II)

REPORT OF THE PEALS ANALYSIS COMMITTEE FOR 1971

Extension above the treble

Extension below the treble

Places at the trebles lead

REPORT OF THE AUDITORS