The annual meeting of the Portsmouth District was held at Alverstoke on Saturday, January 19th, when members and friends were present from Alverstoke, Alton, Gosport, Portsmouth (Cathedral and St. Mary's), Petersfield, Ryde, Soberton, Swanmore, Titchfield, Upham, Wickham and visitors from Brighton. The Guild service was held in the Parish Church, at which the Rector (Canon G. Landon) officiated, and the Rev. S. Merby (Vicar of Titchfield) addressed those present. Tea was partaken of in Brodrick Hall, after which the business meeting was held, Canon G. Landon taking the chair. Apologies were received from the Master (Mr. G. Williams) and others. The members stood in silence as a mark of respect to the late Rev. E. H. Duke (Rector of Wickham) and Mrs. E. J. Harding, wife of a former secretary of the Portsmouth District.
The report and balance sheet were read and adopted, the accounts showing a balance of £13 12s. 3d. to the district after all expenses had been paid, and £5 18s. had been forwarded to the general treasurer.
All the officers were re-elected for the ensuing year, and new members were elected from Portsmouth Cathedral, Wickham, Swanmore, Alverstoke and Portsea. It was decided to hold the next annual meeting at the Cathedral on January 18th, 1936. It was proposed that a grant of £1 be made from the district funds towards the cost of new ropes at Curdridge.
A letter was sent to Mr. E. J. Harding, sen., from the meeting expressing the sympathy and condolence of the members on the sad loss of his wife.
Votes of thanks were accorded the Rector of Alverstoke for the use of the bells and for officiating at the service; also to the Rev. S. Merby for his fine address, to the organist, and to the ladies who catered for tea.- The Rector suitably responded.
The members then returned to the tower for further ringing, which ranged from rounds to Cambridge and London Surprise Major. Gosport bells were also available during the evening, thanks being extended to Mr. Reynolds for their use.
The Ringing World No. 1245, February 1st, 1935, page 76