PORTSMOUTH DISTRICT’S GROWING MEMBERSHIP.
A quarterly meeting of the Portsmouth District was held at Petersfield on Saturday last [April 28th], when the glorious weather helped to attract 55 members and friends from Bramshott, Bishop’s Waltham, Catherington, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Hambledon, North Stoneham, Portsmouth (Cathedral and St. Mary’s), Petersfield, Swanmore, and visitors from King’s Somborne and Blackmoor. The bells were set going at 2.30, and at 4.30 the members attended the Guild service, at which the Vicar of Petersfield (Canon T. H. Masters, C.B.E.) officiated and addressed those present.
An excellent tea was served in St. Peter’s Hall, at the conclusion of which the business meeting was held, at which the Vicar presided. Several new members were elected, including the Vicar as an honorary member and six full members from Catherington, five from Steep, with the Vicar as an honorary member, and two from Petersfield, and one probationer from Swanmore.
It was decided to hold the next quarterly meeting at Curdridge on July 21st next, due notice of which will appear in ‘The Ringing World.’
On the question of the motion before the Central Council with regard to peal diplomas for young ringers, it was the opinion of the district that the delegates should have a free hand in the matter.
A draft copy of the proposed new rules was placed before the meeting, and a copy distributed to each band for consideration before the annual general meeting. Votes of thanks were accorded the Vicars of Petersfield and Steep for the use of the bells, after which the members returned to the tower for further ringing, which during the day ranged up to Cambridge Surprise Major.
Some of the members made the journey to the picturesque village of Steep, where a handy ring of five were found, and touches of Grandsire, Stedman and Bob Doubles were brought round. It is to be hoped that they will soon be augmented to six.
The Ringing World No. 893, May 4th, 1928, page 281