Category: Archive Minutes

Dr Rogerson proposed Club should continue for one year, approved. Drank the health of Jim Walton on his retirement. A.G.M minutes read and accepted. Mr Taylor submitted accounts, (He had been to the races at Carlisle today) and requested permission to sit down and present his accounts.It was accepted that the subscription be held at £10. Mr Taylor was applauded for his sterling effort in declaring a dividend. Mr Macgregor:- First one to complain about the quality of the books gets the job of buying them. Cost of books in hard back averaging £17.50, policy has been to buy novels in paperbacks. A healthy Bank balance due to good book sales. Officers to go forward as at present. Mr Phillipson proposed as Assistant Catering Officer. En-Bloc acceptance. Proposer R Stern.

Book Sale, another good effort by Mr Macgregor as auctioneer. Tom Walton has retired. Again we were provided with the usual spirits to help him celebrate the event. More to come next month via Jim Walton.

Mr Braithwaite supplied bottles of whisky and gin to celebrate his appointment to the Furness Anti-Crime Team.

N.B. The “Jowett Book” No 287 donated by Bill Robinson to be retained for the Club archives, not to be sold. Mr Macgregor in handing round tokens, badly stubbed his toe. He forebore to swear but Mr Bamford thought Mr Macgregor should be fined for his thoughts. Sacrilege tonight, the President was served last but the members were so well disciplined they forebore to drink until the President was at last served. Mr Phillipson proposed Lawrence Searle as a new member. Dr Manley’s letter reported. Mr Macgregor excelled, £8.75 was achieved for “Book on Birds”.

Visit by Dr Keith Manley of University of London Institute of Historical Research. Jim Walton met Dr Manley off the 7.12pm train and Alan Cassley wanted to know if Jim was late for the last meeting or early for this meeting, (reference to Jim’s frequent lateness to meetings). Dr Manley has for 5 years been investigating Book Clubs. He discovered our Club still functioning from the 18^th Century. He was appreciative of the opportunity to see the archives and especially the minute book. Most clubs died off or became dining clubs who met at mid-day for lunch possibly. This was due to lack of lighting in streets at night. W.H.Smith tended to kill off book clubs when they made books available to a wider reading public. Leadhills had a club which started in 1740 and operated very much as we do, most books were kept , not sold as we do. He hoped we would carry on. The President thanked Dr Manley, Mr Macgregor asked if most clubs had started and functioned like ours?. The reply was. The clergy were greatly interested e.g. in Sedburgh in 1770. Clubs started chiefly because of the high cost of books. Mr Phillipson asked what would be the result of Dr Manley’s research. Reply, result would be a pamphlet, perhaps we will be able to acquire one. Another 2 years will see the finish of the research.

Enquiries made about Mr Doling’s health which has not been good for some time. Tributes made to his great courage and determination. Mr Bamford sent a letter explaining his absence due to health reasons. Mr Braithwaite brought us up to date re dinners, Thursday 18^th October at Arlington House – Forster Dinner. Let Terry know requirements before 10^th October. Ladies Night to be at Clarence House on Thursday 29^th November – normal menu. December meeting on 19^th to avoid Boxing Day. Mr Braithwaite to arrange usual refreshments for the 19^th.