July 1996

The President commenting on the Forster Dinner said he had enjoyed the food and the relaxed atmosphere at the Newton Pub, but was rather disappointed at there being only 14 members attending. The Secretary mentioned that a new deed box was needed to house the computer records which were presently with Tom Walton. The Treasurer said that the Club funds could be used for the purpose, which would mean an outlay of say £30.

June 1996

Outgoing President, Alan Taylor welcomed David Caine to the Club. Minutes for the past year read and accepted. The Treasurer submitted the accounts for the year ended 31st May which were also accepted. John Wood then informed members that the annual subscription could again be held at £10. Terry Braithwaite said that both he and John Phillipson were pleased to find that the Club dinners over the past year had been better supported than previously. He is to contact members attending the Forster Dinner by telephone regarding confirmation of venue and dates re the Newton Pub at Dalton. Alan Taylor thanked the Vice President, Secretary, Asst Secretary, Treasurer and Catering Officers for their help during his term as President and then invited Ron Porter to take the chair as the new President. John Wood is to be the Vice President, Ron paid tribute to Alan Taylor for doing an excellent job during his term of office. Other officers to go forward as at present. David Caine was the proposer that the Club continue for a further 12 months.

May 1996

The vote re David Caine successful but unfortunately this was not the case re Peter Leach. Reg Stern kindly donated some books to the Club. Tom Walton advised that he had completed the transfer of the Club records on to disk and was thanked by the President and members for all the hard work he had put into this task. John Phillipson gave details of several possible venues for the “Forster” dinner and the proposed venue is the “Newton” in Dalton on the 11th of July if possible. Gordon Macgregor took charge of the Book sale and was in sparkling form, following his recent fishing trip to Kilmarnock where he had caught a Killer Shark and a King-sized Haddock.

April 1996

Momentous occasion when the President announced there would be no “Whip” for the drinks, saying he had been quietly stock-piling funds for some time for this purpose. Mr Phillipson and Mr Boddy have proposed Peter Leach and David Caine respectively for membership of the Club and the ballot will be next month. Mr Phillipson asked for some thoughts to be given as to where the “Forster” dinner be held in July and names put forward were The Fisherman’s, Stroke One, Village Inn and The Farmers at Newton.

November 1995

Book sale conducted by John Wood in the absence of Gordon Macgregor, the total amount being raised was £49.50, which was only 10p less than the earlier Book sale in May. A vote of thanks given to John for a splendid effort. A further vote of thanks was given to John Phillipson and Terry Braithwaite for organising an enjoyable “Ladies Night” dinner.

March 1993

Mr Cassley deputised for Mr Macgregor who is on holiday and drinking “Canada dry”, and why not, he’s drunk most other countries dry. Letter from Dr Manley informing that the latest issue of “Library History” has now appeared containing the article re: Dalton Book Club. He hopes to forward some copies to the Club shortly. The President then raised the subject of inviting Arthur Bamford to rejoin the Club. Whilst he would not retain his previous seniority, he would retain his former seating arrangement and not be subject to being a steward. Members agreed to the proposal and Mr Travis is to write to Arthur regarding this.

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.

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.