'The programme included [...] a Shakespearean reading in the garden from the Tempest in which many members and some visitors took part'
Century: 1850-1899 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club, and guests Print: Book
'Mrs Ridges followed with an address on Augustine Birrells Essays illustrated by copious illustrations selected from the two volumes which had just completed the rota'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Print: Book
'F.J. Edminson read a paper on Matthew Arnold with special reference to Literature & Dogma. Readings from both the prose & poetical works of Matthew Arnold were given by various members.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Print: Book
'A discussion of considerable interest took place on Rowntrees Poverty. Doubt was thrown by Mr Ridges and others upon the correctness of the bases of the argument of the book which were defended by Mr Edminson and others but apparently neither section was convinced by the other. [a discussion ensued comparing Reading with Rowntree's York]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book club Print: Book
'Illustrative readings from various [Russian] authors were given by members which elicited a considerable amount of discussion'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Print: Book
'Geo Meredith's Diana of the Crossways was the subject of the evening. H.M. Wallis read an essay on the work of Geo Meredith as a whole & also two pieces of his poetry. This gave rise to considerable discussion. W.J. Rowntree gave a resume of Diana of the Crossways illustrated by copious extracts from the book & other members also read from the book & his poems'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Print: Book
'There was a very full attendance & a lively discussion of the Departmental Committee's Report on Physical Deterioration was discussed in many of its bearings, introduced by C.E. Stansfield in a paper having special reference to the housing problem. It was generally considered that there was much more in the report offering material for interesting discussion so that the committee appointed to arrange the programme of the evening was continued with the addition of Mrs Wallis to prepare a programme for the next meeting'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Print: Book
'An excellent programme illustrative of R.L. Stevenson's work was then proceeded with. A biographical paper was read by H. R. Smith & a critical appreciation of the works by J. Ridges & selections by several members.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Print: Book
'Mr Smith read a paper on Shelley & Mrs Ridges selections from a paper by Dr Scott on the poet's literary characteristics while other members read selections from his works'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII book Club Print: Book
'Mr Binns then read a paper on W.S. Landor which was followed by a reading by Mrs Edminson, a paper by William [?] Harris & other readings by other members'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Print: Book
'A varied series of anonymous essays were then read - with the following titles
The Love of a Nation
The Tiger & the Lady
Building
Quaker Stories
Henry Lawrence
The Pleasure of Winter Bathing
On Washing Seldom & then not much
Poetry'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'A varied series of anonymous essays were then read - with the following titles
The Love of a Nation
The Tiger & the Lady
Building
Quaker Stories
Henry Lawrence
The Pleasure of Winter Bathing
On Washing Seldom & then not much
Poetry'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'A varied series of anonymous essays were then read - with the following titles
The Love of a Nation
The Tiger & the Lady
Building
Quaker Stories
Henry Lawrence
The Pleasure of Winter Bathing
On Washing Seldom & then not much
Poetry'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'A varied series of anonymous essays were then read - with the following titles
The Love of a Nation
The Tiger & the Lady
Building
Quaker Stories
Henry Lawrence
The Pleasure of Winter Bathing
On Washing Seldom & then not much
Poetry'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'A varied series of anonymous essays were then read - with the following titles
The Love of a Nation
The Tiger & the Lady
Building
Quaker Stories
Henry Lawrence
The Pleasure of Winter Bathing
On Washing Seldom & then not much
Poetry'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'A varied series of anonymous essays were then read - with the following titles
The Love of a Nation
The Tiger & the Lady
Building
Quaker Stories
Henry Lawrence
The Pleasure of Winter Bathing
On Washing Seldom & then not much
Poetry'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'A varied series of anonymous essays were then read - with the following titles
The Love of a Nation
The Tiger & the Lady
Building
Quaker Stories
Henry Lawrence
The Pleasure of Winter Bathing
On Washing Seldom & then not much
Poetry'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'A varied series of anonymous essays were then read - with the following titles
The Love of a Nation
The Tiger & the Lady
Building
Quaker Stories
Henry Lawrence
The Pleasure of Winter Bathing
On Washing Seldom & then not much
Poetry'.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'A programme consisting of the following eight anonymous essays was then proceeded with. Viz A Theory of Language - Further East. Perpetual Motion - 2 Essays by different authors entitled A Vignette of Local History - Civilisation in the Nineteenth Century, The Court of Appeal & A Feat of Journalism. All proved of an interesting character & some provoked discussion. Much entertainment arose at the end in guessing at the authorship.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'A programme consisting of the following eight anonymous essays was then proceeded with. Viz A Theory of Language - Further East. Perpetual Motion - 2 Essays by different authors entitled A Vignette of Local History - Civilisation in the Nineteenth Century, The Court of Appeal & A Feat of Journalism. All proved of an interesting character & some provoked discussion. Much entertainment arose at the end in guessing at the authorship.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'A programme consisting of the following eight anonymous essays was then proceeded with. Viz A Theory of Language - Further East. Perpetual Motion - 2 Essays by different authors entitled A Vignette of Local History - Civilisation in the Nineteenth Century, The Court of Appeal & A Feat of Journalism. All proved of an interesting character & some provoked discussion. Much entertainment arose at the end in guessing at the authorship.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'A programme consisting of the following eight anonymous essays was then proceeded with. Viz A Theory of Language - Further East. Perpetual Motion - 2 Essays by different authors entitled A Vignette of Local History - Civilisation in the Nineteenth Century, The Court of Appeal & A Feat of Journalism. All proved of an interesting character & some provoked discussion. Much entertainment arose at the end in guessing at the authorship.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'A programme consisting of the following eight anonymous essays was then proceeded with. Viz A Theory of Language - Further East. Perpetual Motion - 2 Essays by different authors entitled A Vignette of Local History - Civilisation in the Nineteenth Century, The Court of Appeal & A Feat of Journalism. All proved of an interesting character & some provoked discussion. Much entertainment arose at the end in guessing at the authorship.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'A programme consisting of the following eight anonymous essays was then proceeded with. Viz A Theory of Language - Further East. Perpetual Motion - 2 Essays by different authors entitled A Vignette of Local History - Civilisation in the Nineteenth Century, The Court of Appeal & A Feat of Journalism. All proved of an interesting character & some provoked discussion. Much entertainment arose at the end in guessing at the authorship.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'A programme consisting of the following eight anonymous essays was then proceeded with. Viz A Theory of Language - Further East. Perpetual Motion - 2 Essays by different authors entitled A Vignette of Local History - Civilisation in the Nineteenth Century, The Court of Appeal & A Feat of Journalism. All proved of an interesting character & some provoked discussion. Much entertainment arose at the end in guessing at the authorship.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'A play-reading of Galsworthy's Skin-Game was then given. The members taking part were as follows
Hillcrest R.H. Robson
Amy, his wife Miss Marriage
Jill his daughter Miss R. Wallis
Dawker his agent R.B. Graham
Hornblower E.E. Unwin
Charles his soldier son S.A. Reynolds
Chloe wife to Charles Miss M. Hayward
Rolf his younger son R.B. Graham
Fellows & Anna Mrs Unwin
the Jackmans Mr & Mrs H.R. Smith
An auctioneer H.R. Smith
The reading was much enjoyed & gave rise to a short but interesting discussion as to Galsworthy's meaning. R.B. Graham put forward an interesting suggestion that the play was symbolic of the struggle seen in the war.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book club Print: Book
'The rest of the evening was devoted to a play-reading. Gilbert Murray's translation of The Agamemnon had been selected. The following took part.
Chorus & Elders H.M. Wallis
Watchman & Elder C.E. Stansfield
Herald R.H. Robson
Aigisthos H.R. Smith
Cassandra Mrs Unwin
Cytemnestra [sic] Eliot Wallis instead of Miss B.S.
Agamemnon E.E. Unwin
For the ordinary member some introduction & description of the Greek Drama would have added to the interest of the evening. Probably those who were reading enjoyed it more than those who had to listen.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Print: Book
'A. Meeting held at Frensham 19/3/1929 H. R. Smith in the chair
Min 1 Minutes of last read and approved
Min 2 The date of the next Meeting was fixed for Friday May 3rd at Grove House by kind
invitation of Mrs Lawson[.] Mr H. B. Lawson was added to the committee
Min 3 Three short Plays of John Galsworthy were then read in parts. The first was "Hall Marked"
not a great success as it depends so much on exit. [illegible word similar to ‘cutranas’] glances &
backs. After supper Came "The Little Man" which was much enjoyed and finally Punch & Go
which also gave much pleasure.'
Unknown
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Un-named members of the XII Book Club
'A. Meeting held at Frensham 19/3/1929 H. R. Smith in the chair
Min 1 Minutes of last read and approved
Min 2 The date of the next Meeting was fixed for Friday May 3rd at Grove House by kind
invitation of Mrs Lawson[.] Mr H. B. Lawson was added to the committee
Min 3 Three short Plays of John Galsworthy were then read in parts. The first was "Hall Marked"
not a great success as it depends so much on exit. [illegible word similar to ‘cutranas’] glances &
backs. After supper Came "The Little Man" which was much enjoyed and finally Punch & Go
which also gave much pleasure.'
Unknown
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Un-named members of the XII Book Club
'A. Meeting held at Frensham 19/3/1929 H. R. Smith in the chair
Min 1 Minutes of last read and approved
Min 2 The date of the next Meeting was fixed for Friday May 3rd at Grove House by kind
invitation of Mrs Lawson[.] Mr H. B. Lawson was added to the committee
Min 3 Three short Plays of John Galsworthy were then read in parts. The first was "Hall Marked"
not a great success as it depends so much on exit. [illegible word similar to ‘cutranas’] glances &
backs. After supper Came "The Little Man" which was much enjoyed and finally Punch & Go
which also gave much pleasure.'
Unknown
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Un-named members of the XII Book Club
'Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue 28th October 1930
C.E. Stansfield in the chair
1. Minutes of last time read and approved
[...]
3. For the next meeting the Club accepted the kind offer of hospitality made by Mrs Castle when the
meeting would vote in new Books, the following to act as a committee [...] E. B. Castle Miss Brain
and H. R. Smith.
4 For the following meeting it was decided to have a symposium with E. B. Castle R. H. Robson and
V. W. Alexander as a Committee. The Club accepted the kind offer of hospitality made by Miss E. C.
Stevens.
5 The Books were then auctioned by the Secretary as list overleaf.
6 After refreshments the Club settled down with many giggles to a general Knowlege paper attached,
For (the answering of) which 40 minutes was allowed. The correction of the papers caused much
discussion & amusement The total of marks gainable was 85 & Mr Mitchell a visitor[?] came out first
with 43 H.M. Wallis came next with 39 1/2 & E B Castle third with 38 1/2. Mrs Alexander proved
herself the leading lady with a score of 31.
Result of Book Auction 28/10/30
High Wind in Jamaica H. M. Wallis 5/-
Henry the VIIIth V. W. Alexander 8/6
Alice Meynell Miss E. C. Stevens 8/6
Tarka the Otter Geo Burrow 3/6
English Tradition in Education E. B. Castle 8/-
Magellan do 7/3
Studies in Literature Miss D. Brain 6/9
Peep Show of the Port of London S. A. Reynolds 6/-
[?] Around us C. E. Stansfield 10/6
C. E. Montague H. M. Wallis 8/9
Waters of Africa Mrs Alexander 6/6
Good Companion Mrs D. Brain 7/9
[total] 4/7/-
'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Sheet, Two sheets of carbon copy typescript
Meeting held at Broomfield: 15. V. 31
George Burrow in the chair
1. Minutes of last approved
[...]
5. George Burrow read a short paper introducing the Taming of the Shrew and the Club then
read this play in parts
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Print: Book
'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: Unidentified members of the XII Book Club Print: Book
'The Excursion – Saturday 7th July.
Plans laid for our entertainment led to a delightful outing.
Ufton Court proved a most interesting + even thrilling adventure with its secret panels,
priests’ holes and treasure hidey places. [...]
In the course of a happily chosen route through what I should like to describe as Newcomers
to Reading scenery we halted at Kingsclere Church + there for the first time many of us saw a
race horse in a stained glass church window. On looking at the type-written programme of our
way I see we passed other spots with alluring names ‘Round Oak’, the Falcon, the Pineapple,
the Ship, the Bolton Arms but no stops were permitted at any of these, and as official
programmes were only issued to actual drivers of cars, our passengers were brought safely
through in blissful ignorance of the potency of Berkshire welcome. [...]
The official route is appended.
[The typescript of the itinerary, with handwritten title, is pasted into the minutebook and
reads as follows.]
Excursion to Ufton Court
Proceed to "Three Firs", Burghfield, take road towards "Round Oak", taking 2nd on right and
twice bear left to Ufton Court.
Return same road and proceed to "Round Oak", and forward to Kingsclere via "Falcon",
"Pineapple" and "Ship".
If time allows, pause Kingsclere for short visit to Church.
Leave Kingsclere by Overton road, bear right "Bolton Arms" and soon after sharp left on
Sydmonton road. After 2½ miles turn sharp left at 4 X roads for Overton uphill to Supper site.
Return by same road to Kingsclere, there bear right for Basingstoke and thence to Reading.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Driving members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Sheet
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: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'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: Members of the XII Book Club Print: Book
'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 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: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Typescript sheets
'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: Unidentified members of the XII Book Club Print: Book
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: Members of the XII Book Club Print: Book
'Meeting held at 70 Northcourt Avenue: 14. 12. 37
[...]
4. The Book list committee then submitted a list of twelve books with various alternatives. With
one exception the original twelve were accepted by the Club[...].'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
Meeting held at Gower Cottage. 2nd. Dec. 1943
Muriel Stevens in the chair.
1. Minutes of last meeting read & signed.
2. The treasurer reported on the club’s finances. No accounts were
presented for
inspection, indeed the only member near enough to the treasurer to get a
glimpse
of his A/C book protested that the figures read out in no way corresponded
to
those written down. Amid a good deal of flippant comment a balance in
hand of
6/3 was revealed. A vote of confidence in the treasurer was moved and his
report
accepted.
[...]
5. After a refreshing interval we proceeded to the ever more difficult task of
selecting books for this year’s reading. The Committee [Knox Taylor, Muriel
Stevens and Rosamund Wallis – see minutes of the meeting held 6 October,
XII
Book Club Minute Book, Vol. 4, p. 162] had gone to a good deal of trouble in
order
to put before us a list of books which it was possible to get. However,
these did
not meet with very general approval, so we proceeded to vote on the list of
much
more interesting books many of which the committee had ascertained were
already out of print & unobtainable. [...]
[signed as a true record by] Arnold G. Joselin
15th Jan. 1944 [at the club meeting held at 7, Marlborough Avenue: see XII
Book
Club Minute Book, Vol. 5 (1944-1952), p. 0 – i.e. the page before the first
numbered page]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'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: Members of the XII Book Club Print: Telegram
'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 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 39, Eastern Avenue. 20. 8. 40
A. B. Dilks in the chair.
[...]
8. After coffee we were faced with the Herculean task of answering a General
Knowledge paper consisting of 9 sections, each of about 10 questions. This paper
was set by Howard Smith and A. B. Dilks and we are very grateful to them for the
time & trouble they took in compiling it. [...] “Time” was called at 10 o’clock and
the chairman then read out the answers. The integrity of the Club was not
questioned so we each corrected our own papers. [it was a matter for regret that
the two sections calling for original composition should have been left out by so
many members. [...]
[signed by] Howard R. Smith
13/9/1940'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at 39, Eastern Avenue. 20. 8. 40
A. B. Dilks in the chair.
[...]
8. After coffee we were faced with the Herculean task of answering a General
Knowledge paper consisting of 9 sections, each of about 10 questions. This paper
was set by Howard Smith and A. B. Dilks and we are very grateful to them for the
time & trouble they took in compiling it. [...] “Time” was called at 10 o’clock and
the chairman then read out the answers. The integrity of the Club was not
questioned so we each corrected our own papers. [it was a matter for regret that
the two sections calling for original composition should have been left out by so
many members. [...]
[signed by] Howard R. Smith
13/9/1940'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at Frensham, Northcourt Avenue, 13.xii.40
Howard R. Smith in the chair.
1. An apology for absence was read from Mr. & Mrs. Joselyn.
2. Minutes of last meeting were read & signed.
[...]
4. Mrs. Pollard read a letter from Elizabeth Alexander telling of a very unfortunate
accident which had befallen our late secretary. Mrs. Pollard was asked, when
writing, to convey to the Alexanders our sympathy and hopes for a very speedy
recovery.
[...]
6. Typed lists of books suggested for this year’s reading were handed round an F.
E. Pollard made a few brief explanatory remarks about each book. Some doubt
was expressed regarding the number of books to be purchased this year in view of
our depleted numbers, but a brief journey into the realms of the higher
mathematics soon satisfied everyone that if we counted our single members
separately instead of in pairs, 12 books would provide one per house per month.
[...]
[...]
[Signed by] A. B. Dilks
10.2.41'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club Manuscript: Typescript
'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.'
Unknown
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Members of the XII Book Club
