Despite the restricted travelling facilities, an excellent meeting was held at West Meon on Saturday last [May 24th]. Although the weather was not at its best, over 30 members and friends assembled at this picturesque village, in the heart of the Meon Valley. The Church of St. John-the-Evangelist, a beautiful flint structure, contains a good peal of eight bells, which were used to full advantage during the afternoon and evening.
The Guild form of service was conducted by the Rector (Rev. W. H. Thomas), who welcomed the members and expressed pleasure that they should find time during their outing to have a half-hour set aside for a service of thanksgiving and prayer. He thought that ringers who were members of a society such as the Diocesan Guild were doing a great work for the church, and he wished them prosperity in the future.
An excellent tea was partaken of at the Red Lion Hotel, after which the business meeting was held, the Rector being voted to the chair. Five full members and five probationers were elected from Bramshott, 11 probationers from Netley and two full members from West Meon, thereby affiliating these three towers to the district.
The Master (Mr. G. Williams) proposed a vote of welcome to these new towers, and congratulated the district on its progress in this direction, this making 17 towers in union.
Four honorary members were elected from Bramshott, and it was very pleasing to have amongst the company one of the churchwardens (Mr. C. Woods), who is keenly interested in change ringing.- The Rector of West Meon expressed a wish to become an honorary member, and he was unanimously elected. He was glad to see that some of his ringers had joined the Guild, and said he would do his best to urge the remainder to become members.
A letter was read from Mr. C. J. Fray, expressing his regret that he would have to resign as a representative on the general committee, as he was now residing out of the district. The meeting expressed appreciation of his past services, and Mr. R. J. Stone (Portsmouth) was elected in his place.
It was resolved to hold the next meeting at Bramshott on August 21st, and that application be made for the use of the bells at Liss. Due notice of this meeting will appear in ‘The Ringing World.’- A vote of thanks was accorded the Rector of West Meon for the use of the bells and conducting the service, after which the meeting concluded.
During the day members were present from Bramshott, Bishop’s Waltham, Fareham, Netley Abbey, North Stoneham, Portsmouth (St. Mary’s and St. Thomas’), Swanmore, Wickham, Winchester and West Meon. The ringing ranged from rounds to Superlative and Cambridge Surprise Major.
The Ringing World No. 793, June 4th, 1926, page 348