The annual meeting was held at Havant on Saturday last [Nov. 13th], when the attendance was somewhat spoilt by the weather. Heavy rain fell continuously throughout the afternoon, but about twenty or more members put in an appearance, and the peal of eight were kept going in various methods until the service. This was conducted by the Rector (Rev. H. N. Rodgers), and the Guild’s form was used.
The members then adjourned to tea, which was kindly provided by the Rector who was voted to the chair at the business meeting which followed. At the outset he referred to the unavoidable absence of the secretary, who had unfortunately met with an accident the previous week, and the meeting wished him a speedy recovery.
The balance sheet showed receipts £17 5s., expenditure (including instruction at Havant, Bramshott and Netley) £9 3s. 3d., leaving a balance to the Guild treasurer of £8 1s. 9d. This was adopted by the meeting, together with the secretary’s report for the year. Compared with the previous year, there had been an increase of eight hon. members 17 full members, 15 probationers and three towers in union. Messrs. E. Hedger (Havant) and C. Shepherd and J. Cassidy (St. Thomas’, Portsmouth), were elected full members, and Comd. Boyd-Richardson and Mr. Dymak White, honorary members subject to their approval.
The district officers were re-elected en bloc, viz.: Chairman, Mr. R. J. Stone; secretary, Mr F. W. Rogers; auditor, Mr. H. J. Reynolds; representatives on Central Committee, Messrs. F. A. Burnett and R. J. Stone.
On the question of the division of the diocese, the meeting endorsed the resolution adopted by the Winchester District on the previous Saturday - that the Guild continue as hitherto; and also that, if the new diocese of Guildford should wish to have its own Guild, the dioceses of Winchester and Portsmouth remain in unity for association purposes.
On the subject of Mr. J. S. Goldsmith’s draft for the revision of the rules, it was thought better to refer them to the committee meeting to be held at Winchester in February, the representatives having a free hand in the matter.
It was decided to hold the pre-Lent meeting at Netley, due notice of which will appear in ‘The Ringing World.’
Votes of thanks were accorded the Rector for the use of the bells and kindly providing the tea, and to the organist. To this the Rector responded, saying how much pleasure it was to him to meet them, and also that he would be pleased to entertain them when they again came to Havant.
During the day, members were present from Bramshott, Havant, Portsmouth (St. Mary’s and St. Thomas’), Swanmore; also the Master (Mr. G. Williams) and Mr. R. Hasted (Farnham).
The Ringing World No. 817, November 19th, 1926, page 730