'Meeting held at 70, Northcourt Avenue: 2. VI. 31
Charles E. Stansfield in the chair
1. Minutes of last approved
[...]
7. The subject of the Sitwells was introduced by George Burrow who read spicy biographical extracts from Who's Who about the father Sir George Reresby, the sister Edith, and the brothers Osbert and Sacheverell. [...]
Relieved by this happy if unexpected dénouement we settled ourselves in renewed confidence to listen to readings from the poetry of Edith. Alfred Rawlings read us parts of Sleeping Beauty & Celia Burrow the story of Perrine.
Then for the work of Osbert and Sacheverell. H. M. Wallis gave us an amusing & tantalising paper entitled "Southern Baroque Art". This was followed by further reading from Mary Pollard, Alfred Rawlings, Charles Stansfield, & George Burrow.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at School House, Leighton Park: 16. IX. 31.
Victor Alexander in the chair
1. Minutes of last approved.
[...]
4. John L. Hawkins then read us his paper on the Natural History of the neighbourhood
[...]
6. After the interval Henry Marriage Wallis gave a vivid account of two or three bird nesting
exploits undertaken with James Crosfield in Scotland.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at 30 Northcourt Avenue: 16. X. 31. Ethel C. Stevens in the chair.
1 Minutes of last were read[...].
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Mark Ash, Shinfied Rd: 13. X1. 31. Edgar B. Castle in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
[...]
3. The book list prepared by Rosamund Wallis, H. R. Smith, R. H. Robson & the Secretary was
then considered, & two or three interesting additions were permitted.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Frensham, Northcourt Avenue 4th.XII.31. Howard R. Smith (Chair)
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
[...]
6. Charles Stansfield then gave us an interesting account of the Northern Coastline of
Cornwall. He had paid it many visits, and knew its character well, & this helped to make it
vivid hearing.
7. Victor Alexander read some extracts from S. Baring Gould's "Vicar of Morwenstow", a life of
the Rev. J. S. Hawkin.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Whinfell, Upper Redlands Rd., 30. i. 32.
Alfred Rawlings in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
[...]
3. Howard Smith spoke to us of the social and literary sides of Sheridan's life.[...]
4. Reginald H. Robson followed with an account of Sheridan as Parliamentarian, telling us of
his thirty-two years in opposition to reactionary government, his aversion from bribery in a
corrupt age, and his conduct of the Hastings Impeachment. This last brought into remarkable
combination Sheridan's dramatic and rhetorical gifts; so that we quite fell beneath the spell,
accepting him as a heroic character, and were ready to condone, if not indeed even to
acclaim, his less creditable convivialities with the Prince Regent and Mrs.[or Mr.] Robson's
ancestors!
5. Francis E. Pollard then read a passage from Sheridan's speech on the devastation of
Oudh.[...]
6. We then listend to extracts from "The School for Scandal" starring Mrs. Robson as Lady
Teazle and C. E. Stansfield as Sir Peter. As is not unusual on such occasions the humours of
the play as devised by the author had to compete with other unrehearsed attractions — actors
borrowing books, adjusting their spectacles, turning two pages instead of one, and, perhaps
best of all, the pure milk of the expurgated editions looking a little sour at the strong wine of
the original text.
Be that as it may, ancestral portraits from the brush of Vandyke or Lely, Kneller or Rawlings
changed owners with the accustomed success: Mr. Robson* as Joseph Surface mad love to his
own wife as Lady Teazle[...].
* R.H.R. states that Gio. B. was Jos. Surface [Footnote is in MS]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Oakdene, Northcourt Avenue 19.2.32
S. A. Reynolds in the Chair
1. On the minutes of last meeting read, R. H. Robson declared that he had not made love to his own
wife that was another "Joseph Surface".
[...]
4 Geo Burrow then gave a short sketch of Ibsen's life, his Father a merchant out of mixed Danish
Swedish blood & mother a German — his first play produced at Christiana in 1850, but was not
published. He was appointed Poet to theatre at Bergen, which meant being "General Utility" man, thus
gaining a general knowledge of the production of plays - for being refused a Poet's pension he left
Norway for Italy & afterwards moved to Munich. In 1891 he returned to Christiana.
5 A reading followed from "The League of Youth" a satire on politicians. the scene chosen being one in
which various attempts to get Bratsberg's support for one of his financial schemes & on being
rebuffed, threatens to [2 un-deciphered words] by disclosing his son's forgery of his name on a bill.
The cast were:—
Bratsberg F E Pollard
Monsen R H Robson
Ringdal G Burrow
Fjeldbo H. R Smith
Erik C. E. Stansfield
Salma [i.e. Selma] Mrs Robson
Thora Dorothy Brain
Lundestad A. Rawlings
Hejre E. B. Castle
[...]
7 Readings from Act I and Act IV of The Wild Duck were then given by:—
Werle F E Pollard
Gregers R H Robson
Hjalmar [Halmar] H R Smith
Gina Mrs Robson
Hedwig [Hedvig] Dorothy Brain
Riddell [sic] C. E. Stansfield
[...]
9 C E Stansfield added a note about Peer Gynt which was written in Italy during 1866/67 — a poem
written recklessly[?] describing his own youth — a genial philosophical pascal[.]
10. A general discussion followed'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Fairlight: 9 Denmark Rd. 18th April 1932.
Francis Pollard in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
br/>[...]
4. F. E. Pollard then spoke on the spirit of Cricket, telling some good anecdotes to illustrate its
fun and its art, both for those who play & those who frequently see it.[...]
5. Readings were then given by Victor Alexander from Nyren, by Howard Smith from Francis
Thompson, & by R. H. Robson from de Delincourt's "The Cricket Match".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Booklet
Meeting held at Eynsham, Shinfield Rd, 31.5.32.
George Burrow in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last approved
[...]
6. Victor Alexander then gave an outline of the career of Molière, & a sketch of the life of the
XVIIth Century in France.
[...]
7. There followed a reading of the Misanthrope - abridged - in translation. The parts were
taken as follows:
Philinte Charles Stansfield
Alceste Frank Pollard
Oronte George Burrow
Célimène Rosamund Wallis
Basque Sylvanus Reynolds
Eliante Mary S. W. Pollard
Clitandre Edgar Castle
Acaste Henry M. Wallis
A Guard Victor Alexander
Arsinoë [Arsinoé] Mary E. Robson
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at Eynsham, Shinfield Rd, 31.5.32.
George Burrow in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last approved
[...]
6. Victor Alexander then gave an outline of the career of Molière, & a sketch of the life of the
XVIIth Century in France.
[...]
7. There followed a reading of the Misanthrope - abridged - in translation. The parts were
taken as follows:
Philinte Charles Stansfield
Alceste Frank Pollard
Oronte George Burrow
Célimène Rosamund Wallis
Basque Sylvanus Reynolds
Eliante Mary S. W. Pollard
Clitandre Edgar Castle
Acaste Henry M. Wallis
A Guard Victor Alexander
Arsinoë [Arsinoé] Mary E. Robson
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Unknown
Meeting held at Reckitt House, Leighton Park: 22.6.32
Reginald H. Robson in the Chair.
1. Minutes of the last read. It was felt that Minute 6 needed some amplification, & Charles
Stansfield was asked to do this. His more than kind amplification is appended.
[...]
8. After adjournment for supper, the Goethe evening was begun by Mary E Robson. She sang
the song "Knowst thou the land". The music is by Beethoven. In this and her other songs Mary
Robson was kindly accompanied by Caroline Pollard.
9. A Reading from Goethe was next given by Mary S. W. Pollard.
10. Reginald H. Robson read a paper on the life of Goethe. If there were any who had thought
of Goethe exclusively as a poet, they must have been amazed at his vesitality. Philosopher,
poet, statesman, scientist, he seems to have been "everything by turns and nothing long",
except indeed a lover [...].
11. We had been much intrigued with Mrs Robson's description of the Sorrows of Werther,
especially when our friend warned us that those who came under the spell of this book usually
commited suicide after reading it. We felt accordingly grateful to Mrs. Robson who had read it
on our behalf, and flirted with death for our sakes, and not a little apprehensive when Janet
Rawlings read us an extract from it. All passed off well, however. [...]
12. George Burrow read a song from Goethe's Gefunden.
13. Mary Robson sang "My peace is o'er" from Faust.
14. A Reading from the same play was given by Elisabeth & Victor Alexander
15. Another song "Little wild rose, wild rose red." was sung by Mary Robson.
16. Finally Charles E. Stansfield gave us his paper on Goethe. He referred to the lack of the
political sense in the German people of those days, & showed Goethe as quite content to
acquiesce in the paternal government of his small state. He described the influence of
Herde[,] Klopstock, Lessing, Shakespeare, &, quaintly enough, of Goldsmith on Goethe.
In speaking of the poet's scientific interests he told us of his discovery of the intermaxillary
bone & of Goethe's ceaseless efforts to acquire truth.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue, 20.ix.'32.
Charles E. Stansfield in the Chair
1. Minutes of last read & approved.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at Ashton Lodge, Kendrick Rd., 13.x.32.
Henry M. Wallis in the chair
1. Minutes of last read & approved.
[...]
5. Francis E. Pollard then gave us an account of the life of Scott, interspersed with racy
anecdotes. He gave us a lively picture of Scott's romantic outlook & of his keen historical
interests.
6. Alfred Rawlings, who is endeared to us among other reasons as the stormy petrel of the
Club, next launched an attack upon Scott as a poet, decrying his imperfections and
slovenliness.
7. Henry M. Wallis then entertained us with the later work of Scott. Speaking as one wizard of
another he almost succeeed in making us believe that he had been Scott's contemporary, &
under his spell we caught something of the dazzling popularity of Scott's writings throughout
the whole of Europe, and in particular of the cult for the Highlands and the Highlanders which
sprang into being from his pen.
8. Towards the end of the evening we heard three readings, the first from Ivanhoe by Charles
Stansfield who used the supper scenne in which Friar Tuch entertains the unknown knight, the
second from the Heart of Midlothian by Frank Pollard in which Jeannie Deans pleads for her
sister's life, & the third from Old Mortality by Rosamund Wallis describing the interrogation
and torture inflicted upon the Covenanters.
All three readings held us enthralled, & all three papers aroused the maximum of discussion
which a benevolent Chairman and a lenient hostess could allow. The time sped on beyond our
usual hours, and as we took our leave we were still talking Scott.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at 30, Northcourt Avenue: 15.XI.32
Ethel C. Stevens in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
5. The Secretary then performed the invidious task of putting the dozen books favoured by the
Selection Committee before the Meeting.
[...]
The other seeded books then underwent their ordeal and the subsidiary list was read a first
time.
[...]
Nevertheless twelve books emerged with no less than 11 votes apiece. They are:
They were defeated R. Macaulay 8/6 E. T. Alexander
The Cruel Victorians Forty Authors 8/6 H. R. Smith
Flowering Wilderness J. Galsworthy 7/6 C. E. Stansfield
The New Morality G. E. Newsom 6/- G. Burrow
Sir W. Scott[?] Buchan 9/6 G. Burrow
Strawberry Roan A. G. Street 7/6 E. D. Brain
Bonnie Prince Charlie Wickinson 12/6 R. H. Robson
Nansen Reynolds 10/6 E. D. Brain
As we are E. F. Benson 15/- E. C. Stevens
Northern Lights Chapman 18/- M. S. Stansfield
Youth looks at the World Fletcher 7/6 H. M. Wallis
Land and Labour in China Tawney 7/6 S. A. Reynolds
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'1. Minutes of last read and approved.
2. A statement of the Club's accounts was read.
[...]
6. After the interval we listened to a most enjoyable little play, "Lonesome Like" by Harold
Brighouse
The Lancashire dialect was more than usually well suggested & much added to our
appreciation.
The parts were taken as follows:—
Celia Burrow
Rosamund Wallis
George Burrow
Reginald Robson'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at School House, L[eighton]. P[ark].: 18. i. 33.
Sylvanus A. Reynolds in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
5. Reginald Robson then spoke to us on the England of 1580 - 1590, with special reference to
the development of the Elizabethan manor house. His attractive account of Ufton Court & the
alluring photographs he passed round led several of our members to express the disre that
our picnic next July might be held there. Reginald Robson may take it therefore that he is
notified that his services as showman will be in request, and owners of motor cars are advised
to have their vehicles in repair for the occasion.
6. In the absence of George Burrow, Edgar Castle read us some notes on the literature of 1580–1590 which George Burrow had gallantly prepared on his bed of sickness.
7. Victor Alexander then spoke of the situation in France during the period in question. Some
of the Castles on the Loire were duly admired. They seem a little distant for a Book Club
picnic[...].
8. Howard Smith had hoped to speak to us of the Faerie Queen, but as he was also in the grip
of influenza Frank Pollard good naturedly discussed at short notice the versification of Spenser
illustrating his remarks very pleasingly by quotations.
9. The company then dispersed homeward through the rigours of an arctic blizzard.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at School House, L[eighton]. P[ark].: 18. i. 33.
Sylvanus A. Reynolds in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
5. Reginald Robson then spoke to us on the England of 1580 - 1590, with special reference to
the development of the Elizabethan manor house. His attractive account of Ufton Court & the
alluring photographs he passed round led several of our members to express the disre that
our picnic next July might be held there. Reginald Robson may take it therefore that he is
notified that his services as showman will be in request, and owners of motor cars are advised
to have their vehicles in repair for the occasion.
6. In the absence of George Burrow, Edgar Castle read us some notes on the literature of 1580–1590 which George Burrow had gallantly prepared on his bed of sickness.
7. Victor Alexander then spoke of the situation in France during the period in question. Some
of the Castles on the Loire were duly admired. They seem a little distant for a Book Club
picnic[...].
8. Howard Smith had hoped to speak to us of the Faerie Queen, but as he was also in the grip
of influenza Frank Pollard good naturedly discussed at short notice the versification of Spenser
illustrating his remarks very pleasingly by quotations.
9. The company then dispersed homeward through the rigours of an arctic blizzard.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Unknown
Meeting held at Reckitt House, L. P. : 17. ii. 33
Reginald H. Robson in the Chair
1. Minutes of last read & approved.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at Fairlight, Denmark Rd.: 21.iii.33
Francis E. Pollard in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read & approved.
5. Eight anonymous essays were then read. In some of these the subject treated or the style
of the author made recognition comparatively easy, but others were provocative of much
ingenious speculation. A paper on English Justice proved to be the most discussed during the
interval. Rival tipsters gave in confidence the names of Mrs. Stansfield & Robert Pollard as the
author, one of them purporting to recognize - or coming perilously close to so doing - Mrs.
Stansfield’s opinion of her fellow magistrates, while the other detected just that ingenious
combination of Fascism and Bolshevism that Robert Pollard would enjoy putting up for the
Club’s mystification. Further conflicting theories attributed the authorship to Henry Marriage
Wallis or Howard Smith, & this last proved correct[....]
Another essay which stirred debate told of a medium, a photograph, a Twentieth Century
Officer & a suit of medieval armour. It was told with that precision of detail that marks either
the experienced writer of fiction or the worshipper of truth. And as if to darken counsel there
was an open allusion to Bordighera. Suspicious though we were, & in spite of every
appearance of our being right, we adhered to the view that the author must be H. M. Wallis.
Time & space do not allow adequate record of all the papers, but it must be mentioned that
three of the eight came from the Rawlings family: a thoughtful essay by Alfred Rawlings
needed a second reading if it were to be seriously discussed, some interesting reminiscences
by Helen Rawlings made very good hearing, & Moroccan memories by Janet helped to make a
most varied programme.
Other essays were "Safety First" by Charles E. Stansfield, and "The English - are they modest?
" by Edgar Castle, both of which added some humorous touches to the evening.
A list of essayists, & their readers, follows.
Mrs Castle read a paper by Alfred Rawlings
Janet Rawlings read a paper by Helen Rawlings
Charles Stansfield read a paper by Henry M. Wallis
Reginald Robson read a paper by Howard Smith
George Burrow read a paper by Reginald Robson
Alfred Rawlings read a paper by Edgar Castle
Howard Smith read a paper by Janet Rawlings
Mrs Pollard read a paper by Charles E. Stansfield.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue 28/4/1933
C. E. Stansfield in the chair
1 Minutes of last read and approved
2 For the Next Meeting's subject "The Jew in Literature" was chosen with Geo Burrow H. R. & E. B. Smith as
committee
[...]
4 The evening's subject of Berkshire in Literature was then opened up by Charles E. Stansfield reading from
Tom Browns School days a description of the Vale of the White Horse[.] He carried us into a quietude of time
& space where a great lover of the Vale tells of the great open downs & the vale to the north of them.
Dorothy Brain told us something of Old Berkshire Ballads surprising us with their number & variety & read an
amusing Ballad about a lad who died of eating custard, & the Lay of the Hunted Pig.
C. E. Stansfield read an introduction to "Summer is a Cumen In"which was then played and sung on the
Gramophone.
H. R. Smith read a description of "Reading a Hundred Years Ago" from "Some Worthies of Reading"
F. E. Pollard introduced Mary Russell Mitford to the Club giving a short account of her life and Work quoting
with approval a description of her as "A prose Crabbe in the Sun"
M. S. W. Pollard read "The Gypsy" from "Our Village"
Geo Burrows gave us a short Reading from Mathew Arnolds "Scholar Gypsy" and a longer one from
"Thyrsis"[.] During this the Stansfield "Mackie" put in a striking piece of synchronization.
E. B. Castle read an interesting account of the Bucklebury Bowl Turner from H. V. Mortons "In Search of
England".
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Frensham: 23.5.33
Howard R. Smith in the chair
1. Minutes of last read & approved
[...]
5. We then proceeded to the subject for the evening "The Jew in Literature", which was dealt
with by eight readings and some discussion of several of them. It proved to be rather a vast
subject, & there was considerable disagreement as to what really are the racial characteristics
of the Jews, and there is an even greater indefiniteness in the Secretary's mind as to what the
Club collectively thinks on all this. It must suffice then to give a list of the readers and their
readings.
Mary E. Robson an extract from Du Maurier's Trilby describing Svengali
Howard R. Smith from Heine, in the Temple
Shakespeare, on Shylock's love for Jessica
George H. S. Burrow two XIII Century ballads, Sir Hugh & The Jew's Daughter
Mary S. Stansfield from The Children of the Ghetto
Edgar B. Castle from F. W. H. Myers's St. Paul
Victor W. Alexander from Frazer's Folklore of the Old Testament
Sylvanus A. Reynolds, the Jew's Tale in Longfellow's Wayside Inn
Howard R. Smith from Hilaire Belloc's The Jews'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Ashton Lodge, Kendrick Rd., 7.X.33.
Henry Marriage Wallis in the chair
1. Minutes of last read & approved
[...]
10. After the interval we read "The Lady with a Lamp" by.[sic]
The parts were taken as follows:—
Mr. Nightingale Sylvanus Reynolds
Mrs. [Nightingale] Ethel C. Stevens
Florence [Nightingale] Elisabeth Alexander
Lord Palmerston Hy. Marriage Wallis
Mr. Sidney Herbert Francis E. Pollard
Mrs. [Sidney Herbert] Dorothy Brain
A Scottish Surgeon George Burrow
Tremayne Victor Alexander
A Nurse Mary Pollard
Another Nurse Edith B. Smith
Purveyor Howard R. Smith'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Broomfield, Cressingham Rd., 14.XI.33.
George H. S. Burrow in the chair
1. Minutes of last read & approved
2. [...]At the close of the meeting three unhappy pedagogues crept into a corner of the
Broomfield drawing room
[...]
4. The Chairman & Secretary made a count of the votes cast by ballot to fill the vacant places in
our membership. A number of attrative names had been before the club and the voting brought
Margaret L. Lloyd and Mrs Goadby to the head of the poll. These ladies were duly invited and
both have gladly accepted their invitation and agreed to join the Club.
[...]
6. A statement of the accounts was read showing the Club to have £2.9.0 in hand.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at Eynsham, Shinfield Rd., 20.XII.33.
E. Dorothy Brain in the chair
1. Minutes of last read & approved
[...]
7. Schoolmasters in Literature were portrayed by a series of readings from biography and
fiction. There were ten in all and they reflected the various estimation in which these beings
are held, and were held generations ago. In spite of the dullness, the jealousy and the morbid
introspection that characterize the assistant, the profession is in part redeemed by the haloes
that flicker around its heads - generally, it must be admitted, very much in retrospect.
After all, would other professions fare much better?
We are certainly indebted to the committee who prepared the readings, and regret that
Reginald Robson felt it necessary to omit the one he had allotted to himself.
The readings were given in this order.
1. From Roger Ascham V. W. Alexander
2. [From] Westward Ho H. R. Smith
3. [From] Essays of Elia Janet Rawlings
4. [From] T. E. Brown's Clifton Celia Burrow
6. [From] Stalky & Co G. H. S. Burrow
5. [From] Life of Frederick Andrews Mary Robson
7. [From] Vanity Fair S. A. Reynolds
8. [From] Mr. Perrin and Mr. Traill Dorothy Brain
9. [From] Jeremy at Crale E. B. Castle
10. [From] Rugby Chapel F. E. Pollard
'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at School House, Leighton Park, 16.I.34.
Francis E. Pollard in the chair
1. The Chairman offered the Club’s greetings to our new members, though only one of them
was able to be present.
2. We much regretted the absence of George and Celia Burrow on account of the former’s
illness, and of Mary Pollard who had gone to see Caroline in Birmingham where she had had
the bad luck to come in for a motoring accident.
3. Minutes of last were then read and approved.
[...]
7. The subject for the evening then claimed our attention, & Charles Stansfield read us a paper
on Lewis Carroll’s life. It contained much material that was new to most of us, and was so &
absorbingly retailed that the Secretary completely omitted to take notes on it
8. This was followed by extracts from his letters read to us by Dorothy Brain. She chose them
all, I think, from letters to little girls thus wisely focussing our interest upon the author &
making him very real behind his nom de plume.
9. After the interval Dorothy Brain’s players—Frank Pollard, Janet Rawlings, Reginald Robson &
Victor Alexander performed an unrehearsed tea party. Whether the performance was comic,
gruesome or grotesque I would not venture to suggest. To one actor, unseeing and unseen
beneath his mask it was a little like a cross between a modernist nightmare & old-fasioned
blind man’s buff.
10. Readings were then given by
Ethel C. Stevens : from Alice through the Looking Glass
Howard R. Smith : [from] Sylvie and Bruno
Francis E. Pollard : [from] the Hunting of the Snark
C. E. Stansfield : [from] Hiawatha’s Photographing
11. It was decided to have a subscription of 6/- for the current year.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Whinfell, Upper Redlands Rd. 16.2.34
Alfred Rawlings in the chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at Oakdene, Northcourt Av, 20.3.34.
Sylvanus A. Reynolds in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved, in the teeth of one dissident.
[...]
5. We then proceeded to the anonymous essays and members felt on excellent terms with
themselves at the prospect of hearing some attractive reading and of eluding or inflicting a good
hoax or two.
The first essay opened discreetly without title on the theme of “Newcomers to Reading”, going
on to a description of the neighbourhood, its beauties its quaint place names and historical
associations. […]
6. Next came a paper on “Uniforms”. The writer was considered by one or two to show the
observation of the masculine mind and the style of the feminine. […]
7. Then came a letter to "My dear Twelve" written with the unmistakeable touch of the practised
writer. […]
8. We listened, too, with equal interest to a paper called “Canaries”, telling us something of the
progress and perambulations of our latest migrant members. Moreover two or three of our
number were able to follow their doings with particular appreciation, having mad much the same
trip themselves. […]
9. All of us were a good deal non plussed by “Hors d’Oeuvres”, an essay not inappropriately
named, for it contained a perplexing mixture of fare, and certainly stimulated our appetite. […]
10. Hardly less difficult was “Glastonbury”. Many of us had visited it, and so were able to follow
closely the author’s points. But few of us knew enough of its history and legend to be sure
whether or no our one professional historian had set his wits before us. So we gave up
reasoning and just guessed. […]
11. Finally we heard “Spoonbill”. It was a noteworthy paper, combining the love of the naturalist
for the birds he watches with the craft of the writer in the language he uses. […]
12. Here is the complete list. —
“Newcomers to Reading” by H. R. Smith, read by F. E. Pollard
“Uniforms” by Janet Rawlings, read by Elizabeth Alexander
“My dear Twelve” by H. M. Wallis, read by S. A. Reynolds
“Canaries” by C. E. Stansfield, read by Dorothy Brain
“Hors d’Oeuvres” by Dorothy Brain, read by R. H. Robson
“Glastonbury” by Mrs Goadby, read by H. R. Smith
“The Spoonbill” by W. Russell Brain, read by Mrs. Robson
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at 9 Denmark Road, 20 IV. 1934
F. E. Pollard in the chair
1. Minutes of last read & approved with one correction, in the absence of the secretary.
[...]
4. Howard R. Smith told us of Morris’s life. The meeting gasped with unanimity and
amazement to learn that he (Morris i.e.) had read all the Waverley novels by the age of
seven; we gathered that the background of his life had been a blend of Epping Forest & shares
in a coppermine, and that his appearance accounted for his lifelong nickname of Topsy. Of his
friendships, his labours to restore beauty to Victorian homes, to prevent vandals from
restoring cathedrals & other ancient monuments, his Kelmscott Press, his poems & prose
romances, his turning to Socialism as the only way to a society in which men would find
happiness in sound and beautiful work – of all these things and many more which made up his
extraordinarily full and fruitful life, it is impossible to make a summary.
5. Mary S. W. Pollard read a short extract from Percy Corder’s life of Robert Spence Watson
telling of a visit of Wm Morris to Bensham Grove. Members afterwards inspected his signature
in the Visitors’ book.
6. Ethel C. Stevens read an interesting account of Kelmscott Manor, revealing other sides of
this vigorous and many sided personality.
7. R. H. Robson gathered together the artistic & socialist aspects of Morris’s work, emphasised
the greatness of the man, & read extracts from MacKail’s Biography. It was clear that Morris
would wish to cancel out the last four hundred years & start again on different lines. Time was
wanting to reveal all the varieties of opinion that this might have elicited, & we parted in
united awe at the mans capacity for work, & his important contributions to our life & ideals.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: XII Book Club Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Reckitt House, L. P.: 19.ix.34.
1. We began our meeting by remembering George H. S. Burrow, until recently a member of
our club. [...]
2. The minutes of last meeting & an account of the Excursion were then read and approved.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Reckitt House, L. P.: 19.ix.34.
1. We began our meeting by remembering George H. S. Burrow, until recently a member of
our club. [...]
2. The minutes of last meeting & an account of the Excursion were then read and approved.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at 70, Northcourt Avenue 30. X. 34.
Charles E. Stansfield in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
2. There followed a fairly general escape of steam over the question of sending on books. Despite
the fact that every book carries on its brown paper cover the date on which each member of the
Club is in turn entitled to receive it [...], there had been once again considerable confusion.
[...]
To the satisfaction of all it was then resolved that if only the Secretary would write out twelve
nice little lists of all the books in the order of their rotation and paste them on the backs of the
brown paper covers all would in future go well. [...]
Amid the general enthusiasm for secretarial efficiency, one member came near to being
immortalized in these minutes by suggesting that it would be found helpful if the Secretary would
type and distribute reviews of books advertised in the Autumn lists of the various publishing
firms. This suggestion, though intended doubtless as a touching tribute to an obscure official, was
negatived by the intervention of a former Secretary.
The present holder of the office was then left alone, & allowed to go home and read and reflect
upon La Fontaine’s fable — “Les animaux malades de la peste”'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebok
Meeting held at 233 Shinfield Road, 29 XI. 1934
1. At Mrs Goadby’s request, C. E. Stansfield took the chair, and in the absence of the
Secretary, F. E. Pollard took his place.
2. Minutes of last approved as presenting the spirit of the meeting.
[...]
6. A statement of accounts was presented, showing (subject to some members realizing that
their subscriptions were still unpaid) a balance of £1. 18 0.
[...]
8. The committee appointed to bring in a list of books for the coming year presented some
thirty to choose from, & a recommended selection. The voting was somewhat confused, at
times bordering upon the riotous[...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 30 Northcourt Avenue
19. II. 1935
Ethel Stevens in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read (by F. E. Pollard in the regretted absence of the Secretary), heard with
wonder and admiration, & approved.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue: 18. 6. 35.
Charles E. Stansfield in the Chair
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
2. The Secretary then read a letter from Marjorie C. Cole, expressing her interest in the Book
Club and offering us a book “Gone Rambling” by Cecil Roberts which she had recently read with
enjoyment. [...]
[...]
6. The large subject of London was then opened by Howard Smith. He spoke of the extraordinary
insistence of the divergent views as its origin, leaning to the opinion that it owed its beginnings
to to a variety of causes.
[...]
7. Extracts from Defoe’s Journal of the Great Plague were then read by Victor Alexander.
[...]
8. From Defoe we turned to Pepys, and Reginald Robson described the Great Fire.
[...]
9. We next enjoyed a delightful picture of old London which Edith Goadby gave us, making the
acquaintance of Gabriel Bardon the locksmith, his pretty daughter Dolly and Simon the
apprentice. It was all too short, but at least we left them happily seated before their jolly round
of beef, their Yorkshire cake and quaintly shaped jug of ale.
10. A further scene was depicted for us by Ethel Stevens, old Crosby Hall, Chelsea Hospital,
Cheyne walk as it used to be, and Carlyle’s house, where he entertained Tennyson in the
kitchen. We were introduced to John Stuart Mill and his great concern over the loss of his fiend’s
manuscript of the French Revolution, and we took glimpses at William de Morgan + Sir Thomas
More.
11. Finally Charles Stansfield read us Wordsworth’s Sonnet composed on Westminster Bridge,
and Henry Marriage Wallis quoted happily ten lines from William Morris.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at School House, L. P. : 13.9.35
Francis E. Pollard in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Whinfell, Upper Redlands Rd., 22.10.35
Alfred Rawlings in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and signed by the chairman. Though F. E. Pollard had entered a friendly
protest against being asked to serve on the Irish Literature committee.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at St. Swithin’s, Shepherd’s Lane : 22.XI.35
the Secretary in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
[...]
3. A statement of accounts was then read, showing the Club to be in a sound financial position.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Frensham, Northcourt Avenue: 4.2.36
Howard R. Smith in the chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
[...]
4. We then read a large part of Richard of Bordeaux. R. H. Robson had apportioned the parts and
most members present had to read more than one. The play made good reading, and some
discussion of its merits took place at the close of the programme.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Hillsborough, 4 Glebe Road: 3.3.36
Reginald H. Robson in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Oakdene, Northcourt Avenue: 25.3.36
Sylvanus A. Reynolds in the chair.
1. Minutes of last read + approved.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at School House, LP. 15.9.36
Howard R. Smith in the chair.
1. Minutes of last read + approved
[...]
6. We then proceeded to read “Much Ado about Nothing”, a somewhat singular title for a
situation involving the honour and happiness of a virtuous young lady betrothed to a rather
attractive young noble. The parts were drawn by lot, or rather some of them were – such as had
not been forgotten by the committee, or had not slipped into the lining of the rather inferior
Handbag produced for the occasion. The principal male parts were taken by ladies — just the
reverse of what occurred in Shakespeare’s own day.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Minutes
'Meeting held at 22 Cintra Avenue: 23.6.36
Francis E Pollard in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and, with the addition of No. 7, approved.
7. Frank Pollard then introduced the subject for the evening, Modern Authors. [...]
8. There followed a series of talks, in most cases acompanied by readings: these were in the
order named
Janet Rawlings, on E. H. Young’s “Miss Mole’
Dorothy Brain, on T. S. Eliot’s “Murder in the Cathedral”
R. H Robson on some Poems of W. H. Auden
V. W. Alexander on René Bazin’s “La Terre qui meurt” and “Les Oberlé”, and finally
Charles Stansfield on Winifred Holtby’s “South Riding.”'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at Oakdene, Northcourt Avenue: 17. 4. 36.
Ethel C. Stevens in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last were read.
Professor Hawkins pointed out that there was an inaccuracy, not of fact, but of theory in one of
them, which read that the Professor “was already preparing a paper for the British “Ass”
[British Association] which he would be very willing to try beforehand on the dog.” And this, he
felt, failed to convey both the honour in which he held the Club & the pleasure with which he
accepted its invitation.
[...]
6. After the Chairman had gracefully welcomed Professor Hawkins, we spent the rest of the
evening listening to and discussing the Fact of Evolution.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Ashton Lodge: 15. 5. 36
H. M. Wallis in the Chair
1. Minutes of last read and approved
5. A General Knowledge then occupied us very happily for the rest of the evening. H. R. Smith
and C. E. Stansfield, the Examiners, proved too cunning for most of us. But the ladies claimed
with some show of reason that the absence of a female Examiner placed them at a
disadvantage.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 22 Cintra Avenue: 23.6.36
Francis E Pollard in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and, with the addition of No. 7, approved.
7. Frank Pollard then introduced the subject for the evening, Modern Authors. [...]
8. There followed a series of talks, in most cases acompanied by readings: these were in the
order named
Janet Rawlings, on E. H. Young’s “Miss Mole’
Dorothy Brain, on T. S. Eliot’s “Murder in the Cathedral”
R. H Robson on some Poems of W. H. Auden
V. W. Alexander on René Bazin’s “La Terre qui meurt” and “Les Oberlé”, and finally
Charles Stansfield on Winifred Holtby’s “South Riding.”'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 22 Cintra Avenue: 23.6.36
Francis E Pollard in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and, with the addition of No. 7, approved.
7. Frank Pollard then introduced the subject for the evening, Modern Authors. [...]
8. There followed a series of talks, in most cases acompanied by readings: these were in the
order named
Janet Rawlings, on E. H. Young’s “Miss Mole’
Dorothy Brain, on T. S. Eliot’s “Murder in the Cathedral”
R. H Robson on some Poems of W. H. Auden
V. W. Alexander on René Bazin’s “La Terre qui meurt” and “Les Oberlé”, and finally
Charles Stansfield on Winifred Holtby’s “South Riding.”'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at Reckitt House, LP. 21.10.36
E. B. Castle in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read + approved.
[...]
5. E. B. Castle gave us some biographical facts of G. K Chesterton’s career.
6. We then had a part of a paper written by Kenneth F. Nicholson on Chesterton. He gave us a
good picture of G.K.C. as a man, showing the essentials of the later Chesterton already there in
his earlier career. Kenneth Nicholson stressed the simplicity and genuineness of G.K.C.’s poetry,
and his great love of the English characteristics. K. F. Nicholson also read very tellingly several
extracts from his poetry
7. Elizabeth Alexander read a short paper on G.K.C. contributed by H. M. Wallis on the
corruscations[?] and back somersaults thrown by Chesterton in earlier years, and on his
association with Bernard Shaw. While anxious to credit any assertion of H.M.W.’s some
members of the Book Club, who knew of Chesterton only in the last 40 years of his life, found it
difficult to accept the suggestion that G.K.C. never carried much weight.
This paper was concluded by a reading of Chesterton’s “The Donkey.”
8. R. H. Robson then read two or three extracts from the Critical Essays, with particular
reference to Bernard Shaw and Dante.
9. V. W. Alexander read The Hammer of God, a short story from “The Innocence of Father
Brown[”].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Reckitt House, LP. 21.10.36
E. B. Castle in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read + approved.
[...]
5. E. B. Castle gave us some biographical facts of G. K Chesterton’s career.
6. We then had a part of a paper written by Kenneth F. Nicholson on Chesterton. He gave us a
good picture of G.K.C. as a man, showing the essentials of the later Chesterton already there in
his earlier career. Kenneth Nicholson stressed the simplicity and genuineness of G.K.C.’s poetry,
and his great love of the English characteristics. K. F. Nicholson also read very tellingly several
extracts from his poetry
7. Elizabeth Alexander read a short paper on G.K.C. contributed by H. M. Wallis on the
corruscations[?] and back somersaults thrown by Chesterton in earlier years, and on his
association with Bernard Shaw. While anxious to credit any assertion of H.M.W.’s some
members of the Book Club, who knew of Chesterton only in the last 40 years of his life, found it
difficult to accept the suggestion that G.K.C. never carried much weight.
This paper was concluded by a reading of Chesterton’s “The Donkey.”
8. R. H. Robson then read two or three extracts from the Critical Essays, with particular
reference to Bernard Shaw and Dante.
9. V. W. Alexander read The Hammer of God, a short story from “The Innocence of Father
Brown[”].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 70, Northcourt Avenue:- 1.12.36
C. E. Stansfield in the Chair
1. Minutes of last read + approved
4. The Secretary presented a statement of accounts showing the Club to have a balance of £1-
18-0, with money from the auction still to come.
6. Readings were then given by the following people.
F. E. Pollard: from Lloyd George’s Memoirs.
Dorothea Taylor from Quennells
A Rawlings: the story of Hervé Riel
H. R. Smith: from Nevinson’s Between Two [sic] Wars.
V. W. Alexander: from W. F. Harvey’s "We were seven".'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Frensham:- 27.1.37
Howard R. Smith in the chair
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
[...]
6. Members then read the play Green Pastures, with exception only of one big scene. Edgar
Castle took the part of “De Lord Jehovah” (unavoidably absent) and Frank Pollard (perhaps
with boyhood memories of the days when he was B. B. le Tall’s licensed jester) played the
Archangel Gabriel. Of the others it might be said that each man in his turn played many parts,
and Reginald Robson was a veritable Henry V at Agincourt, Pyrrhus at Troy, + Condé at Rocroi
rolled into one with here and there a touch of the angels at Mons.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Oakdene 22. II 1937
Sylvanus A. Reynolds in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read (by F.E.P. in regretted absence of the Secretary) & approved.
[...]
4. Howard R. Smith introduced Browning with a biographical sketch.
5. F. E. Pollard read The Italian in England.
6. S. A. Reynolds read a paper by H. M. Wallis on ‘The Bishop orders his Tomb’; & Rosamund
Wallis read the poem.
7. F. E. Pollard commented on various aspects of Browning’s works, & at intervals the following
were read:-
‘The Patriot’ by E. B. Castle.
Parts of ‘By the fireside’ & ‘Holy Cross Day’ by R. H. Robson.
Part of ‘Rabbi ben Ezra’, by C. E. Stansfield.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at 30 Northcourt Avenue: 21.4.37.
Ethel C. Stevens in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read & approved
[...]
6. V. W. Alexander read a paper on Jane Austen, half biographical sketch & half an appreciation
of her style.
7. F. E. Pollard quoted from Lucy Harrison’s Literary Papers some telling and illuminating
remarks, particularly about Fanny Price in Mansfield Park
8. Readings were then given
from Northanger Abbey by Celia Burrows
from Persuasion by Rosamund Wallis
from Sense and Sensibility by Francis & Mary Pollard
from Love and Friendship by Elizabeth Alexander
from Pride and Prejudice by Victor Alexander
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Unknown
Meeting held at School House, L.P. :- 28. v. 37.
C. E. Stanfield in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read & approved
[...]
4. Charles Stansfield then read a biographical sketch of Shelley, followed by an estimate of
Shelley’s views and character.
5. Readings were then given by the following
Hymn to Intellectual Beauty by Mary Pollard
Prometheus Unbound by Reginald Robson
Ode to the West Wind by Elizabeth Alexander
Adonaïs by Victor Alexander.
These were all discussed; and a further short reading, from William Watson’s poetry, was given
by Alfred Rawlings.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at Ashton Lodge :- 3. 7. 37.
Henry Marriage Wallis in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read & approved
[...]
7. The Meeting then gave its attention to Witches.
H. M Wallis led off with a paper on Witchcraft and readings were given from the following
books:- MacBeth – The Witch Scene[?] by Janet Rawlings, Dorothy Brain, & Dorothea Taylor
with F. E. Pollard & V. W. Alexander as Banquo & MacBeth
Samuel – The Witch of Endor scene by Mary Robson
Westward Ho (Lucy), by Dorothy Brain
Trials for Witchcraft, by Howard Smith
Precious Bane, by Rosamund Wallis
Between all these items there was considerable discussion. Members were able to vie with
one another in tale of mystery and eerie happenings, and if all the conversation was not
strictly relevant at least the interest did not flag.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at Hillsborough :- 14. 9. 37.
Reginald H. Robson in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read & approved
2. Charles Stansfield then introduced the momentous question of the evening. Was the Book
Club to end its existence? He had felt for some time that it was moribund. [...]
He referred to E. B. Castle who shared his concern and to a letter which he believed had been
written to the Secretary by E. B. Castle.
3. The Secretary then read this; it supported the opinions expressed by C. E. Stansfield.
4. The subject was then discussed informally.
[...]
9. We then turned to the work of Barrie. Howard Smith gave us a chat – he would not call it a
paper – on the plays he had seen.
[...]
A considerable part of “What every woman knows” was then read in which a number of people
took part.
Charles Stansfield appropriately gave a reading from My Lady Nicotine.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Whinfell, Upper Redlands Rd. 23.10.’37
Alfred Rawlings in the Chair
1. The Secretary asked permission to reserve the reading of some of the minutes until after the literary part of the
programme had been taken, as these minutes would bear directly upon the discussion which would necessarily follow
as to the future of the Club. This permission was given and the other minutes were then read and approved.
2. Victor Alexander then gave a brief account of the career of William Fryer Harvey, followed by an appreciation and
review of “We were Seven” which he had previously written for the Bootham Magazine.
3. Helen Rawlings read several of Harvey’s poems from the volume “Laughter and Ghosts[”].
4. Elizabeth T. Alexander read a chapter from “Caprimulgus”.
5. Frank Pollard read “August Heat” from Midnight House.
6. Janet Rawlings read “Patience” from Quaker Byways.
7. Charles E. Stansfield read two more poems from “Laughter and Ghosts”
8. Howard R. Smith read “The Tortoise” from Midnight House.
9. The Secretary then read the minutes referring to last time’s discussion on the Club’s future, and also two letters of
resignation. These were from Edgar and Mignon Castle and from Dorothy Brain.
10. Discussion then followed.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Whinfell, Upper Redlands Rd. 23.10.’37
Alfred Rawlings in the Chair
1. The Secretary asked permission to reserve the reading of some of the minutes until after the literary part of the
programme had been taken, as these minutes would bear directly upon the discussion which would necessarily follow
as to the future of the Club. This permission was given and the other minutes were then read and approved.
2. Victor Alexander then gave a brief account of the career of William Fryer Harvey, followed by an appreciation and
review of “We were Seven” which he had previously written for the Bootham Magazine.
3. Helen Rawlings read several of Harvey’s poems from the volume “Laughter and Ghosts[”].
4. Elizabeth T. Alexander read a chapter from “Caprimulgus”.
5. Frank Pollard read “August Heat” from Midnight House.
6. Janet Rawlings read “Patience” from Quaker Byways.
7. Charles E. Stansfield read two more poems from “Laughter and Ghosts”
8. Howard R. Smith read “The Tortoise” from Midnight House.
9. The Secretary then read the minutes referring to last time’s discussion on the Club’s future, and also two letters of
resignation. These were from Edgar and Mignon Castle and from Dorothy Brain.
10. Discussion then followed.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Whinfell, Upper Redlands Rd. 23.10.’37
Alfred Rawlings in the Chair
1. The Secretary asked permission to reserve the reading of some of the minutes until after the literary part of the
programme had been taken, as these minutes would bear directly upon the discussion which would necessarily follow
as to the future of the Club. This permission was given and the other minutes were then read and approved.
2. Victor Alexander then gave a brief account of the career of William Fryer Harvey, followed by an appreciation and
review of “We were Seven” which he had previously written for the Bootham Magazine.
3. Helen Rawlings read several of Harvey’s poems from the volume “Laughter and Ghosts[”].
4. Elizabeth T. Alexander read a chapter from “Caprimulgus”.
5. Frank Pollard read “August Heat” from Midnight House.
6. Janet Rawlings read “Patience” from Quaker Byways.
7. Charles E. Stansfield read two more poems from “Laughter and Ghosts”
8. Howard R. Smith read “The Tortoise” from Midnight House.
9. The Secretary then read the minutes referring to last time’s discussion on the Club’s future, and also two letters of
resignation. These were from Edgar and Mignon Castle and from Dorothy Brain.
10. Discussion then followed.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at Whinfell, Upper Redlands Rd. 23.10.’37
Alfred Rawlings in the Chair
1. The Secretary asked permission to reserve the reading of some of the minutes until after the literary part of the
programme had been taken, as these minutes would bear directly upon the discussion which would necessarily follow
as to the future of the Club. This permission was given and the other minutes were then read and approved.
2. Victor Alexander then gave a brief account of the career of William Fryer Harvey, followed by an appreciation and
review of “We were Seven” which he had previously written for the Bootham Magazine.
3. Helen Rawlings read several of Harvey’s poems from the volume “Laughter and Ghosts[”].
4. Elizabeth T. Alexander read a chapter from “Caprimulgus”.
5. Frank Pollard read “August Heat” from Midnight House.
6. Janet Rawlings read “Patience” from Quaker Byways.
7. Charles E. Stansfield read two more poems from “Laughter and Ghosts”
8. Howard R. Smith read “The Tortoise” from Midnight House.
9. The Secretary then read the minutes referring to last time’s discussion on the Club’s future, and also two letters of
resignation. These were from Edgar and Mignon Castle and from Dorothy Brain.
10. Discussion then followed.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander
'Meeting held 219 King’s Road: 27. 11. 37.
L. Dorothea Taylor in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
2. A number of scenes from Victoria Regina were then read. The young Queen’s part was read
by Rosamund Wallis who abdicated later in favour of Celia Burrow. The Duchess of Kent was
read by Ethel Stevens, and Francis Pollard was Prince Albert. Other members took subsidiary
parts.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue: 14. 12. 37
C. E. Stansfield in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved
2. It should have been mentioned in last meeting’s minutes that the Secretary was asked to
write to Dorothy Brain and to Edgar & Mignon Castle acknowledging their letters of
resignation. [...] This was duly done and all three offered their best wishes for the Club’s
happy continuance.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue: 14. 12. 37
C. E. Stansfield in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved
2. It should have been mentioned in last meeting’s minutes that the Secretary was asked to
write to Dorothy Brain and to Edgar & Mignon Castle acknowledging their letters of
resignation. [...] This was duly done and all three offered their best wishes for the Club’s
happy continuance.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Edgar Castle Manuscript: Letter, Notebook
'Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue: 14. 12. 37
C. E. Stansfield in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved
2. It should have been mentioned in last meeting’s minutes that the Secretary was asked to
write to Dorothy Brain and to Edgar & Mignon Castle acknowledging their letters of
resignation. [...] This was duly done and all three offered their best wishes for the Club’s
happy continuance.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Edgar Castle Manuscript: Letter, Notebook
'Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue: 14. 12. 37
C. E. Stansfield in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved
2. It should have been mentioned in last meeting’s minutes that the Secretary was asked to
write to Dorothy Brain and to Edgar & Mignon Castle acknowledging their letters of
resignation. [...] This was duly done and all three offered their best wishes for the Club’s
happy continuance.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mignon Castle Manuscript: Letter
'Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue: 14. 12. 37
C. E. Stansfield in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved
2. It should have been mentioned in last meeting’s minutes that the Secretary was asked to
write to Dorothy Brain and to Edgar & Mignon Castle acknowledging their letters of
resignation. [...] This was duly done and all three offered their best wishes for the Club’s
happy continuance.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Dorothy Brain Manuscript: Letter
Meeting held at St. Margaret’s, Shinfield Road: 20. 1. 38.
F. E. Pollard in the chair
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
6. C. E. Stansfield opened the proceedings on Æ [A-E ligature, the name adopted by George
William Russell] by a detailed biographical sketch of some length, in the course of which we
gained some idea of the contradictions and complexities of A. E.’s character. [...] An interesting
personal touch was added to the sketch by F. E. Pollard who had been present at one of Æ’s
“salon” receptions.
7. Extracts from A. E’s prose were then read by Mary S. W. Pollard on “Gandhi,” and by F. E.
Pollard on “The one dimensional mind”.
8. Finally F. E. Pollard and V. W. Alexander read three of A.E.’s poems.
9. By this time most of us were more than ready for a little lighter matter, and we thoroughly
appreciated some delightful touches from The Tinker’s Wedding by Synge which Rosamund
Wallis gave with evident relish.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
February 15th was the date chosen for the next time and the subject “Books that people have
been reading”
Meeting held at Oakdene: Northcourt Av.–15.2.38
Sylvanus A. Reynolds in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved
[...]
4. The first reading came from Reginald Robson who gave us an amusing extract from “Beasts
& Superbeasts” by H. H. Munro
5. Mary S. Stansfield read from “Lawrence by his Friends” some interesting impressions
contributed by some of these friends to a book edited by Lawrence’s brother. One passage by
a man who knew Lawrence as a fellow aircraftman gave us a picture of him as a thoroughly
likeable and popular hero, admired for his prowess as a motorcyclist.
6. Howard L. Sikes then read from Africa View by Julian Huxley. The passage concerned the
respective advantages of Indirect and Direct Rule[...].
This reading produced considerable discussion on the same questions, and spread over on to
the attitude of the French and the British toward their African dependant peoples, and
members found something to ask or to say about almost every corner of Africa[...].
7. Elizabeth T. Alexander followed with an entertaining reading from Halliday Sutherland’s “A
time to keep”. We shall carry in our minds for some time the dramatic appearance of Red
William in his nightshirt urging the ladies in evening dress to run for their lives.
8. Roger Moore gave us some excellent fun in his reading from Benjamin Robert Haydon’s
Autobiography, and we made some discoveries about Charles Lamb and Wordsworth too.
9. F. E. Pollard, greatly daring, then read from the “Comments of Bagshott” [sic] some shrewd
remarks about the male and female of the human species[...].
10. H. R. Smith completed the programme with some well chosen paragraphs from “Those
English” by Carl [i.e. Curt] von Stutterheim.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at Ashton Lodge: 14.3.38.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
[...]
4. Readings from Irish Literature were then given as follows:-
C. E. Stansfield from G. A. Birmingham’s “Spanish Gold”;
H. R. Smith from a story about an illicit still;
Mary Robson from the preface of Bernard Shaw’s “John Bull’s Other Island;”
Rosamund Wallis[;]
Victor Alexander from Ross and Somerville’s “An Irish R.M.”[;]
Elsie Sikes from ? some Irish Bulls
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Cintra Avenue
22.IV.1938
1. minutes of last read & approved.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Unidentified member of the XII Book club Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 39, Eastern Avenue, 9th. July 1945
A. Bruce Dilks in the chair
[...]
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read & signed.
[...]
4. A letter was read from our late Secretary Victor Alexander congratulating the
Club on reaching its 50th birthday and recalling some of its more distinguished
past members.
[...]
6. The rest of the evening took the form of a Brains Trust, with Bruce Dilks as
question master and all the members providing the brains. [...]
[...]
[signed as a true record by] Rosamund Wallis 24. 9. ’45. [at the club
meeting held at 64 Northcourt Avenue: see Minute Book, p. 41.]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Letter
'Meeting held at Gower Cottage 4th. May 1942.
M. Stevens in the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read, pronounced rather more accurate
than usual, and signed.
[...]
4. First we had the telegram which was from the Alexanders, regretting that a
chicken pox epidemic among the children prevented their parents from
contributing to our evenings entertainment.
5. Next an essay entitled “An Autumn Ramble” was read by A. G. Joselin and the
author was later identified as S. A. Reynolds, who told us that it had been written
some 50 years ago.
[...]
7. Roger Moore read an essay entitled “Langdale, Easter 1942” and casting among
our members for a rock-climber we soon realized that the author was Knox
Taylor. [...]
8. Rosamund Wallis read “Samuel Butler at the Book Club” which was recognised
at once as being written by the secretary. She had rather let herself go in an
account of an imaginary meeting which explained the unusual brevity and accuracy
of this months minutes.
9. “Three Weeks in Kerry” was the title of a most interesting essay read by F. E.
Pollard. We had some difficulty in identifying this as being written by his wife –
perhaps because although we were told it had been written many years ago in the
author’s ‘comparative youth’ our imaginations failed to picture Mrs. Pollard on a
perilous journey in an Irish car, holding up an umbrella with one hand and and
peeling a hard-boiled egg with the other. [...]
10. A. B. Dilks read a dissertation in which the author wrote for some four or five
pages on the difficulty of deciding what to write about. Roger Fry, food, gardens
and cats were among the subjects he considered but for one reason or another,
laid aside. As members of the Book Club are so noted for beating around the bush
we had considerable difficulty in spotting this particular beater — but it proved to
be Roger Moore.
[...]
[Signature of] A. B. Dilks 6th June 1942'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: [Unnamed member of the XII Book Club] Print: Telegram
'Meeting held at “Hillsborough”: 24 Jan 1940
R. H. Robson in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read & approved.
[...]
7. Two one act plays were then read. The first of these starred Margaret Dilks as
Becky Sharp, a part which she read so successfully as to make her nervous about
the effect on her own character afterwards. The Secretary has had the pleasure of
seeing Margaret Dilks two or three times since, and is glad to report no noticeable
deleterious effects.
Other parts in the play were taken by,
Muriel Stevens as Amelia, very demurely
C. E. Stansfield [as] George Osbourne
R. H. Robson [as] Joseph Sedley
A. B. Dilks [as] Rawdon Gawley
8. The second play was Five Birds in a Cage. And here too, a new planet entered
the firmament, to whom the other luminaries did obeissance [sic].
Rosamund Wallis was the Duchess of Wiltshire, giving us a delicate mixture of the
old time hauteur of Vere de Vere, and the kindly condescension of the great lady
who travels third class, and lectures on the appeal of socialism. She had, so to
speak, two beaux on her string, Victor Alexander as the prepossessing but
ineffective young peer, and Roger Moore as the young foreman plumber. Into this
dual situation Rosamund Wallis entered with such verve, as to become for the
time being what the late William Fryer Harvey would have called “one of the most
forward looking members of the aristocracy,” & on the strength of the inspiration
invited the two young men to the theatre the next day where she continued their
education.
Mary Robson read a very pleasing part as the shy but ambitious little London
midinette. We were sorry her part was not longer. R. H. Robson stepped into the
breach at the last moment to become the lift man, where however he had perforce
to remain stolid.
[Signed as a true record] Rosamund Wallis'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Hilliers, Northcourt Avenue. 26. ii. 40.
Rosamund Walis in the Chair
1. Minutes of last read + approved
2. Minute 7 of 19th Dec. – relating to the accounts – was continued
[...]
5. The subject of letters was introduced by Roger Moore, and led to a desultory but
amusing discussion ranging from the Pastons to modern family letters and
scurrilous blackmailing letters.
[...]
7. Margaret Dilkes read from Lord Chesterfield’s letters to his son.
8. Ethel Stevens read letters which she had cut out of the papers from time to
time, notably one from a child of thirteen to John Ruskin.
9. H. R. Smith read some four or five short letters from E. V. Lucas, “The Second
Post.”
10. Mary Pollard read Pliny’s account of the Eruption of Vesuvius.
11. Roger Moore read some of Keats’s letters which were much enjoyed, and a
Keats evening was suggested for some future meeting.
[signed as a true record:] S A Reynolds
18/3/40'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Hilliers, Northcourt Avenue. 26. ii. 40.
Rosamund Walis in the Chair
[...]
2. Minute 7 of 19th Dec. – relating to the accounts – was continued
[...]
[signed as a true record:] S A Reynolds
18/3/40'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Hilliers, Northcourt Avenue. 26. ii. 40.
Rosamund Walis in the Chair
1. Minutes of last read + approved
2. Minute 7 of 19th Dec. – relating to the accounts – was continued
[...]
5. The subject of letters was introduced by Roger Moore, and led to a desultory but
amusing discussion ranging from the Pastons to modern family letters and
scurrilous blackmailing letters.
[...]
7. Margaret Dilkes read from Lord Chesterfield’s letters to his son.
8. Ethel Stevens read letters which she had cut out of the papers from time to
time, notably one from a child of thirteen to John Ruskin.
9. H. R. Smith read some four or five short letters from E. V. Lucas, “The Second
Post.”
10. Mary Pollard read Pliny’s account of the Eruption of Vesuvius.
11. Roger Moore read some of Keats’s letters which were much enjoyed, and a
Keats evening was suggested for some future meeting.
[signed as a true record:] S A Reynolds
18/3/40'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Oakdene, Northcourt Avenue: 18. 3. 40.
Sylvanus A. Reynolds in the chair
1. Minutes of last read and approved
2. We began our meeting with four readings taken before the interval. These
reading were love scenes from the following books or poems:
Chas. Kingsley’s “Westward Ho”: read by Elsie Sikes
Jas. Hilton’s “Goodbye Mr. Chips”: [read by] M Dilkes
J. R. Lowell’s “Coortin’”: [read by] C. E. Stansfield
Rev. W. Barnes’s “Bit o’ Sly Coortin’”: [read by] S. A. Reynolds
These readings stirred the amorous instincts of certain of our members who
regaled the club with courting stories. [...]
5. We then [...] listened to readings from
Shakespeare’s: Merchant of Venice, by R & M Robson
Browning’s: By the Fireside, by F. E. Pollard
F. Stockton’s: Squirrel Inn, by Rosamund Wallis
H. M. Wallis’s: Mistakes of Miss Manisty, by H. R. Smith
Thackeray’s: The Rose and the Ring, by Muriel Stevens
6. These duly received their meed of comment & appreciation, and we then took
our leave, two or three of the husbands going home, we suspect, to curtain
lectures.
[signed as a true record:] F. E. Pollard
17.IV.40.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Oakdene, Northcourt Avenue: 18. 3. 40.
Sylvanus A. Reynolds in the chair
1. Minutes of last read and approved
2. We began our meeting with four readings taken before the interval. These
readings were love scenes from the following books or poems:
Chas. Kingsley’s “Westward Ho”: read by Elsie Sikes
Jas. Hilton’s “Goodbye Mr. Chips”: [read by] M Dilkes
J. R. Lowell’s “Coortin’”: [read by] C. E. Stansfield
Rev. W. Barnes’s “Bit o’ Sly Coortin’”: [read by] S. A. Reynolds
These readings stirred the amorous instincts of certain of our members who
regaled the club with courting stories. [...]
5. We then [...] listened to readings from
Shakespeare’s: Merchant of Venice, by R & M Robson
Browning’s: By the Fireside, by F. E. Pollard
F. Stockton’s: Squirrel Inn, by Rosamund Wallis
H. M. Wallis’s: Mistakes of Miss Manisty, by H. R. Smith
Thackeray’s: The Rose and the Ring, by Muriel Stevens
6. These duly received their meed of comment & appreciation, and we then took
our leave, two or three of the husbands going home, we suspect, to curtain
lectures.
[signed as a true record:] F. E. Pollard
17.IV.40.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 22 Cintra Avenue: 17. IV 40.
F. E. Pollard in the chair
1. Minutes of last read & approved.
[...]
5. As an introduction to our subject of Modern English Humourists, R. H. Robson
read a passage analysing the nature of Humour. Discussion followed on the
distinction, if any, between wit & humour, & various alleged examples were
forthcoming.
6. A. B. Dilks read from Grossmith’s Diary of a Nobody; many entries appealed to
members as characteristic of themselves or their friends.
7. In the regretted absence of C. E. Stansfield, F. E. Pollard read T. Thompson’s
Blitzkrieg, from the Manchester Guardian, in what purported to be the Lancashire
dialect.
8 Howard R. Smith read from A. A. Milne: the reader shared fully in the mirth of
the hearers.
9. M. Dilks gave us a passage from Macdonnell’s ‘England, their England’, which
must have been salutary for any suffering from insular complacency.
10. Rosamund Wallis’ contribution was from P. G. Wodehouse’s ‘Carry on, Jeeves’;
certain methods of being off with the old love & on with the new were
characteristically indicated by the writer, effectively rendered by the reader, &
clearly appreciated by the company.
11. R. H. Robson’s Saki story supplied further satire on English standards – in this
case of music, & the services likely to secure a title.
12. The chapter from Barrie’s ‘Window in Thrums’, read by F. E. Pollard, told how
Gavin Birse did his best to be off with the old love, but failed.
13. The idea of a Barrie evening was mooted.
[signed as a true record:] M. Stevens
18-7-40'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Gower Cottage, Elm Road.
18–7–40
M Stevens in the chair.
1. Minutes of last were read and signed.
[...]
3. The Treasurer (V. W. Alexander) gave a statement of accounts up to the end of
1939, which showed the astonishingly large balance of £4/10/2. The statement was
accepted.
4. The Secretary (also V. W. Alexander) reported having received a letter of
resignation from Howard and Elsie Sikes who are no longer able to attend our
meetings. We are sorry to lose them.
5. Mary S. W. Pollard read a letter of resignation from Victor W. and Elizabeth
Alexander, who are leaving Reading. A telegram had been received from Elizabeth
Alexander during the day, wishing the Club “goodbye & good luck, with thanks for
many merry meetings.” Howard Smith expressed our gratitude for the very
valuable services of V. W. Alexander & his wife as Secretary and Treasurer, &
afterwards drafted a letter of thanks & good wishes to Elizabeth Alexander, which
was signed by all present.
6. As his last duty for us, V. W. Alexander wrote a letter of affectionate greeting
to Charles Stansfield who has been ill for many weeks. This was signed by all.
7. M. Stevens was asked to write minutes for this time.
[signed as a true record by] A. B. Dilks
20 Aug 40.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at Gower Cottage, Elm Road.
18–7–40
M Stevens in the chair.
1. Minutes of last were read and signed.
[...]
3. The Treasurer (V. W. Alexander) gave a statement of accounts up to the end of
1939, which showed the astonishingly large balance of £4/10/2. The statement was
accepted.
4. The Secretary (also V. W. Alexander) reported having received a letter of
resignation from Howard and Elsie Sikes who are no longer able to attend our
meetings. We are sorry to lose them.
5. Mary S. W. Pollard read a letter of resignation from Victor W. and Elizabeth
Alexander, who are leaving Reading. A telegram had been received from Elizabeth
Alexander during the day, wishing the Club “goodbye & good luck, with thanks for
many merry meetings.” Howard Smith expressed our gratitude for the very
valuable services of V. W. Alexander & his wife as Secretary and Treasurer, &
afterwards drafted a letter of thanks & good wishes to Elizabeth Alexander, which
was signed by all present.
6. As his last duty for us, V. W. Alexander wrote a letter of affectionate greeting
to Charles Stansfield who has been ill for many weeks. This was signed by all.
7. M. Stevens was asked to write minutes for this time.
[signed as a true record by] A. B. Dilks
20 Aug 40.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary Pollard Manuscript: Letter
'Meeting held at Gower Cottage, Elm Road.
18–7–40
M Stevens in the chair.
1. Minutes of last were read and signed.
[...]
3. The Treasurer (V. W. Alexander) gave a statement of accounts up to the end of
1939, which showed the astonishingly large balance of £4/10/2. The statement was
accepted.
4. The Secretary (also V. W. Alexander) reported having received a letter of
resignation from Howard and Elsie Sikes who are no longer able to attend our
meetings. We are sorry to lose them.
5. Mary S. W. Pollard read a letter of resignation from Victor W. and Elizabeth
Alexander, who are leaving Reading. A telegram had been received from Elizabeth
Alexander during the day, wishing the Club “goodbye & good luck, with thanks for
many merry meetings.” Howard Smith expressed our gratitude for the very
valuable services of V. W. Alexander & his wife as Secretary and Treasurer, &
afterwards drafted a letter of thanks & good wishes to Elizabeth Alexander, which
was signed by all present.
6. As his last duty for us, V. W. Alexander wrote a letter of affectionate greeting
to Charles Stansfield who has been ill for many weeks. This was signed by all.
7. M. Stevens was asked to write minutes for this time.
[signed as a true record by] A. B. Dilks
20 Aug 40.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Letter
'Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue: 17.1.39
Charles E. Stansfield in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read & approved.
[...]
3. A letter from R. H. Robson was then read. It stated that the excellence of Book
Club suppers has increased, is increasing, & ought to be diminished. This caused a
certain embarrassment. Several members who liked to think of themselves as
frugal folk, reflected uneasily that the interval for light refreshment had often
proved itself more palatable than some of the drier fare before and after.[...]
[...]
6. Francis E Pollard then gave an appreciation of H. G. Wells in the form of a
biographical sketch. He dealt too with the amazing variety and extent of Wells’s
output, and the development of his character and beliefs.
7. Victor W. Alexander read an extract from “God the Invisible King.”
8. Further passages were read as follows:-
Margaret J Dilks from “Mankind in the making”.
H. R. Smith from “The Sea Lady”.
Mary S. W. Pollard from “Joan & Peter”.
Muriel Stevens from “The Valley of Spiders”.
9. Finally the Chairman referred again to the Supper question. R. H. Robson’s
concern was one of those which demanded from us a statesmanlike Quaker
compromise, perhaps an acceptance in principle and a rejection in practice wold
best meet the case. It was felt we should thank R. H. Robson for his letter, and
watch him closely during heat.
[signed] R. D. L. Moore
Feb. 20 1939.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue: 17.1.39
Charles E. Stansfield in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read & approved.
[...]
3. A letter from R. H. Robson was then read. It stated that the excellence of Book
Club suppers has increased, is increasing, & ought to be diminished. This caused a
certain embarrassment. Several members who liked to think of themselves as
frugal folk, reflected uneasily that the interval for light refreshment had often
proved itself more palatable than some of the drier fare before and after.[...]
[...]
6. Francis E Pollard then gave an appreciation of H. G. Wells in the form of a
biographical sketch. He dealt too with the amazing variety and extent of Wells’s
output, and the development of his character and beliefs.
7. Victor W. Alexander read an extract from “God the Invisible King.”
8. Further passages were read as follows:-
Margaret J Dilks from “Mankind in the making”.
H. R. Smith from “The Sea Lady”.
Mary S. W. Pollard from “Joan & Peter”.
Muriel Stevens from “The Valley of Spiders”.
9. Finally the Chairman referred again to the Supper question. R. H. Robson’s
concern was one of those which demanded from us a statesmanlike Quaker
compromise, perhaps an acceptance in principle and a rejection in practice would
best meet the case. It was felt we should thank R. H. Robson for his letter, and
watch him closely during heat.
[signed] R. D. L. Moore
Feb. 20 1939.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Roger Moore Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Gower Cottage, 20.II.’39
R. D. L. Moore, & subsequently H. Stevens in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read & approved.
[...]
5. R. H. Robson told of The Stately Homes of Thames, + we heard of Bisham
Abbey, Mapledurham, Ufton Court, of Jesuits hunted by Walsingham, of the
incident of The Rape of the Lock, of Lovelace, Lady Place, Hurley, and Soames
Forsyte.
6. H. R. Smith, dealing with the Story of the River, + passing lightly over the
Danish incursions upstream, spoke of the thousand years in which the Thames had
been in bounds. Weirs had been made by millers, navigation had been slow and
perilous, the modern lock was a matter of the last hundred + fifty years. Twenty-
six mills were named in Domesday Book[.] The Thames Conservancy had brought
order out of chaos.
[...]
8. S. A. Reynolds read from Mortimer Menpes of warehouses + houseboats, the
boat race + Henley Regatta, Kingfishers + quick backwaters, fishing + the
vagaries of the towpath.
9. R. D. L. Moore gave us Literary Gleanings, touching on Spenser and Shelley,
quoting from The Scholar Gypsy + Thyrsis, + reading Soames Forsyte’s thoughts
in the early morning on the river, Kipling’s The River’s Tale, + Virginia Woolf’s
astonishing account in Orlando of the great frost, when a girl dissolved into
powder + fish were frozen twenty fathoms deep!
[...]
11. Muriel Stevens read a friend’s notes on Deptford + its river scenes.
12. A. B. Dilkes from Three Men in a Boat.
[Signed] S A Reynolds
27/3/93 [i.e. 27/3/39]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: [Unidentified member of the XII Book Club] Manuscript: Notebook
'The Excursion June 24th 1939.
H. R. Smith once again agreed to provide a route, & we had an excellent run
without going outside the boundaries of Berkshire.
There was some rain, but that did not seem to affect the great pleasure we had
from the scenery which to many of us was previously unknown.
Celia Burrow kindly made herself responsible for the supper, and owing to the
rain we were hospitably entertained by Howard & Edith Smith, as our hostess was
unable to be present.
[signed] A.B. Dilks
24. 11. 39'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Bruce Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Lambia, 33 Conisboro Avenue 19.5.39
R. H. Robson in the chair.
[...]
1. The minutes of last [two meetings] read & approved.
2. R. H. Robson gave an introductory sketch of Hilaire Belloc & his work.
Belloc was educated at the Oratory School — at that time in Birmingham, &
became later an M.P. with a Liberal but independent outlook. He made himself a
champion of Roman Catholicism, wrote on such varied subjects a military tactics,
yachting, religion, & politics, topography, history especially the French Revolution,
as well as producing novels and poetry.
R. H. Robson read, as specimens of his work, his opinion of St. Just, and his
account of the Battle of Hastings.
Other readings were given by later contributors.
3. C. E. Stanfield read from “First and Last Things” giving us the man who
deplored the spread of education; and also extracts about rivers, mountains and
Algiers.
[...]
5. V. W. Alexander read from “Hills and the Sea” the description of the Valley of
the R. Rother, showing Belloc’s love of Sussex.
6. Muriel Stevens gave us some selections from his sonnets & other verse.
7. Celia Burrow then read the vivid account of Dronet’s ride which resulted in the
arrest of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette at Varennes.
[...]
9. H. R. Smith, reading from “The Historic Thames” told us of the once important
Osney Abbey & of Reading Abbey as it used to be.
10. Finally R. D. L. Moore read from “The Crisis of our Civilization”, showing
Belloc’s ideas & those of some other historians as to what History could or could
not teach.
[...]
[signed]A.B. Dilks
24. 11. 39'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 39, Eastern Avenue: 24. 11. 39.
A Bruce Dilks in the chair.
1. Minutes of last [two meetings] read & approved.
[...]
7. F. E. Pollard gave a brief introduction to American literature, introducing a large
number of names including Benjamin Franklin, John Woolman, Tom Paine,
Washington Irving, Fennimore Cooper, the poet Bryant, the historians Bancroft,
Prescott and Motley, Louisa M. Alcott, Emerson, Longfellow & Whittier, Nathaniel
Hawthorne, Edgar Allen Poe, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Thoreau, Harriet Beecher
Stowe, Hermann Dick, J. R. Lowell, Walt Whitman, Henry Hames, Winston
Churchill, O. Henry, & Mark Twain. He attempted very briefly to assess the place
of these & some others.
8. C. E. Stansfield read from the Autocrat at the Breakfast Table an extract in
praise of Meerschaums, Violins & Poems. We felt from the caressing tones of his
voice that like the Autocrat he gave pride of place to the Meerschaums.
9. A. B. Dilks, after a brief reference to the career and mystical experience of
Walt Whitman read from his Poems on the Sea.
10. R. D. L. Moore read a dramatic passage from the ‘Bridge of San Luis Rey[’],
describing the last hours of Brother Juniper.
11 We were, finally, introduced to Babbitt – those of us who had not previously
met him — by R. H. Robson. We were suitably amused at the manner in which
St.Clair Lewis makes his hero rise and shave.
[signed] R. D. L. Moore
19.XII.39'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 39, Eastern Avenue: 24. 11. 39.
A Bruce Dilks in the chair.
1. Minutes of last [two meetings] read & approved.
[...]
7. F. E. Pollard gave a brief introduction to American literature, introducing a large
number of names including Benjamin Franklin, John Woolman, Tom Paine,
Washington Irving, Fennimore Cooper, the poet Bryant, the historians Bancroft,
Prescott and Motley, Louisa M. Alcott, Emerson, Longfellow & Whittier, Nathaniel
Hawthorne, Edgar Allen Poe, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Thoreau, Harriet Beecher
Stowe, Hermann Dick, J. R. Lowell, Walt Whitman, Henry Hames, Winston
Churchill, O. Henry, & Mark Twain. He attempted very briefly to assess the place
of these & some others.
8. C. E. Stansfield read from the Autocrat at the Breakfast Table an extract in
praise of Meerschaums, Violins & Poems. We felt from the caressing tones of his
voice that like the Autocrat he gave pride of place to the Meerschaums.
9. A. B. Dilks, after a brief reference to the career and mystical experience of
Walt Whitman read from his Poems on the Sea.
10. R. D. L. Moore read a dramatic passage from the ‘Bridge of San Luis Rey[’],
describing the last hours of Brother Juniper.
11 We were, finally, introduced to Babbitt – those of us who had not previously
met him — by R. H. Robson. We were suitably amused at the manner in which
St.Clair Lewis makes his hero rise and shave.
[signed] R. D. L. Moore
19.XII.39'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Victor Alexander Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 39, Eastern Avenue: 24. 11. 39.
A Bruce Dilks in the chair.
1. Minutes of last [two meetings] read & approved.
[...]
7. F. E. Pollard gave a brief introduction to American literature, introducing a large
number of names including Benjamin Franklin, John Woolman, Tom Paine,
Washington Irving, Fennimore Cooper, the poet Bryant, the historians Bancroft,
Prescott and Motley, Louisa M. Alcott, Emerson, Longfellow & Whittier, Nathaniel
Hawthorne, Edgar Allen Poe, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Thoreau, Harriet Beecher
Stowe, Hermann Dick, J. R. Lowell, Walt Whitman, Henry Hames, Winston
Churchill, O. Henry, & Mark Twain. He attempted very briefly to assess the place
of these & some others.
8. C. E. Stansfield read from the Autocrat at the Breakfast Table an extract in
praise of Meerschaums, Violins & Poems. We felt from the caressing tones of his
voice that like the Autocrat he gave pride of place to the Meerschaums.
9. A. B. Dilks, after a brief reference to the career and mystical experience of
Walt Whitman read from his Poems on the Sea.
10. R. D. L. Moore read a dramatic passage from the ‘Bridge of San Luis Rey[’],
describing the last hours of Brother Juniper.
11 We were, finally, introduced to Babbitt – those of us who had not previously
met him — by R. H. Robson. We were suitably amused at the manner in which
St.Clair Lewis makes his hero rise and shave.
[signed] R. D. L. Moore
19.XII.39'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Roger Moore Manuscript: Unknown, Notebook
'Meeting held at School House, 19·XII·39.
R. D. L. Moore in the Chair.
1. Minutes of last read and approved.
[...]
3. F. E. Pollard then nobly undertook the thankless task of auctioning last year’s
books [i.e. 1939 books]. That very few of the books fetched more than the
guaranteed price was no fault of the auctioneer to whom we were grateful. The
following were the results:
“Power” – R.H.R 4/-
“Thrice a Stranger” M.S.S. 5/3.
“Guns or Butter” F.E.P. 5/3.
“Joyful Delaneys” – R.W. 4/6.
Jonah & the Voice – M. Stevens 4/9.
The Rains Came – R.W. 4/6.
Ladies of Alderley E.C.S. 7/6.
Unforgotten Years R.D.L.M. 5/-
Diary of My Times E.B.S. 5/3.
Chateaubriand. A.B.D. 6/3.
Solitude. R.D.L.M. 3/3.
Malice Towards Some E.T.A. 3/9.
British Agriculture. H.R.S. 7/6
Perri M.S.S. 2/6.
4. Passing on to the question of the books for 1940, Charles E. Stansfield revealed
that inspite of all our good resolutions only four members had sent in lists of
suggestions amounting to 43 books in all. The Committee had selected 18 of these
and so we proceeded by vote to select 13 from this list – namely:
Book Guarantor Price
Country relics. F.E.R. 15/-
Rich Man Poor Man. J.R. 4/6.
Life of Mr. Justice Swift. M.S.W.P. 12/6.
How Green was my Valley. M.S.S. 8/6.
Corduroy etc. H.R.S. 8/6.
After Many a Summer. R.H.R. 7/6.
General Cargo. S.A.R. 6/-.
Pages from the Past. C.E.S. 10/-.
Ghosts of London. R.W. 6/-.
Too Late Now. A.B.D. 12/6.
The Old Century H.R.S. 8/6.
Caroline of England. H.M.W 12/6.
Mrs. Minniver M. Dilks 7/6.
[...]
5. Members adopted the suggestion that in September a meeting might be devoted
to talks on some of these books by those who had enjoyed them. Judging from the
voting earlier in the evening on the numbers who had read each of the 1939 books
it should be a lively meeting; since, apart from “Mr. Murray and the Boococks”
which won universal favour (as a matter of fact it was not a Book Club purchase)
the worst & spiciest books were most popular.
[...]
[signed] R. H. Robson
24. 1. 1940.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: [Unidentified acting secretary to the XII Book Club] Manuscript: Notebook
