December 1992

The President welcomed the return to the fold of Bill Hannah. Peter Leach presented the Club with whisky to celebrate his new contract with the B.B.C. working from home. It was also agreed he could write an article on the Book Club subject to liaison with Mr Boddy and final vetting by the Club President and members prior to publication. It was also agreed that Mr Phillipson should make arrangements for the Simpson Dinner at Chequers on Tuesday the 9th of February 1993. An enjoyable meeting was closed and the 25 members present then tucked into a lovely buffet.

September 1992

Bill Morgan on his retirement presented the Club with bottles of whisky and gin. Ladies night to be held at Glen Garth on the provisional date of 12th of November. The President had met with the Conservative Club Chairman and was told they were not wanting to be rid of us but they had a problem regarding the attitude of their steward. However they are hoping to improve the decor of the room. The President then read out a letter of resignation from Robert Hodgson over the issues raised on the wearing of ties at Book Club meetings which he took to be criticism of him and his mode of dress. After much discussion a unanimous vote was given that for the time being we do not accept the resignation. Mr Phillipson is to approach Mr Hodgson in an effort to persuade him to withdraw his resignation. Should this fail the Secretary is to write to Robert in a final attempt to resolve the matter. Jim Walton said if he was the unwitting cause of this resignation he would then consider resigning. This idea was turned down unanimously by the members who said no blame attached to him whatsoever.

August 1992

Peter Leach was welcomed into the Club by the President who outlined the more important rules and duties. Reg Stern donated two books to the Club. Mr Braithwaite asked that we give some thought to the “Ladies Night” dinner so something could be fixed at the September meeting. Mr Macgregor said he felt that the state of the room was disgraceful and gave the impression that we were here under sufferance by the Conservative Club. Mr Forsyth thought it might be opportune to register our feelings re the decor of the room, the President is to approach their Chairman. Bill Jones suggested that we ask them if we could actually decorate the room at our expense, but it was mentioned that there could be no guarantee of security of tenure if we did this. Consensus of opinion was that there were no other suitable venues in Dalton.

July 1992

Mr Macgregor is absent, he has gone to Barcelona for the Olympics and Terry Braithwaite presumed he was for the high jump. Alan Taylor submitted the accounts and made mention of the fact that Bank charges were now being levied on the Book Club accounts. Mr Atkinson proposed acceptance of the annual accounts and also proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Taylor for his sterling work. The President raised the matter of a deficit on drinks money and because of rising prices it would seem that future whips will need to be in the region of £2. Mr Travis then raised the question of Club members wearing ties. After some discussion Mr Robinson said his personal opinion was that ties should be worn at Club meetings and that in summer months these and jackets could be removed at the discretion of the President. Several other members endorsed this view and no members spoke against the wearing of ties. Whilst there has been no hard and fast ruling laid down, the position has been left that the President if he feels it necessary at any future time, would speak to any member if he thought that members mode of dress was not appropriate for the monthly meeting. Vote for Peter Leach was unanimous for acceptance. Club members are each to receive a list of all current members showing their addresses and telephone numbers.

June 1992

Mr Miller proposed that the Club continue for 1 year. John Wood stood in for Mr Taylor as Secretary, (Alan is on holiday in Majorca). This is the first time Mr Taylor has missed an A.G.M. He will present his accounts next month, but suggested that subscriptions be kept at £10. Book Sale last month raised £52.05. Mr Macgregor suggested that he had no divine right to act as book buyer. President suggested that some members might like to assist in buying from time to time. Mr Macgregor said that a few members made suggestions for buying books or for the kind of books. The President thanked Mr Macgregor for his effort at Book Sales. Stewards also thanked for their efforts throughout the year. Mr Travis to be President, Mr A Taylor to be Vice President. Mr Johnson proposed as Secretary by Mr J Walton, accepted. Mr Macgregor should have some help in buying books. His work as buyer and auctioneer is very much appreciated. Mr Taylor is willing to continue as Treasurer as well as Vice President. Vote of confidence and appreciation for the Catering Officers. Mr J Walton informed the Club of his nominee, Mr P Leach who is anxious to join the Club. Forster Dinner 7th July, 7.00 for 7.30pm. Mr Travis took over as President and thanked the past President, Ian Forsyth, paying tribute to his having done a very good job. Mr Lawson said the late John Watson’s (former member) widow had a number of books which she would like to give to the Club first choice of acquiring. Mr J Walton proposed that members should attend meetings correctly dressed by wearing ties and jackets. These items to be removed at the President’s discretion, to be discussed at a later date. Mr Boddy commented that originally in 1764 no members wore ties.

Memorandum of Agreement.

We whose names are hereunto subscribed do consent and agree to form a club in the Conservative Club Dalton in Furness to commence on the 24th day of June 1992 and to continue for the space of one year. Agreeable to the Rules and Directions contained in this book and we do hereby promise to conform to the same accordingly.

E Travis R G Macgregor A Sunderland W H Robinson R Hodgson R Stern

E H Boddy B Delph W Morgan J C Atkinson A Cassley W Lawson

G I Forsyth T A Walton W Jones A Taylor W Hannah S Rogerson

R G Porter T Braithwaite L Searle J Wood W Johnson H Miller

J Blyth R Forrester J E Walton J Phillipson

May 1992

J Walton sponsored Peter Leach, son of Alice Leach who is a local historian. Mr Travis took the chair as the President was on holiday in Majorca. Book Sale, the numbers before 49 were withdrawn. Mr Macgregor entertained us in his usual enthusiastic manner. One book sporting a red dot was offered to Mr J Blyth, who refused, he had read it twice. Forster Dinner :- Terry Braithwaite outlined the attractions of the Brown Cow, Dalton. Terry to make further arrangements and the 7th or 14th July suggested.