'Meeting held at Cintra Avenue
22.IV.1938
1. Minutes of last read & approved.
[...]
The following essays were read:-
authors
Mrs Stevens His Good Turn – read by Elizabeth Alexander
Miss Stevens Anne Thackeray’s Chapter from Memory read by Muriel Stevens
Mrs Dilks The Gardener [read by] H. R. Smith
H. M. Wallis Some New Thing [read by] F. E. Pollard
H. R. Smith The Cotswolds [read by] A. B. Dilks
R. H. Robson Rupert Brooke [read by] Mary S. W. Pollard
A. B. Dilks The Spacious Firmament [read by] Mary E. Robson
The essays were then successfully identified'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Mary E. Robson Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at Gower Cottage 16th December 1944
Muriel Stevens in the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read & signed.
[...]
6. The treasurer presented his report and the accounts though not audited, were
approved.
[...]
10. To conclude the evening Howard Smith read from Christmas Garland by Max
Beerbohm, a parody of G. K. Chesterton.
[signed as a true record by] S A Reynolds 27/1/45'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Bruce Dilks Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at Gower Cottage, 28th May 1945
Elsie D. Harrod in the chair.
[...]
4. The subject of the evening was John Ruskin, and Faith Miller gave us a most
comprehensive and absorbingly interesting account of his life, his writings and his
ideals. So complete was this survey, of a man who wrote so much & lived such a
long and full life, that your secretary finds it difficult, in writing this minute, to
maintain her reputation for being brief and to the point! But suffice it to say that
Faith Miller’s discourse drew forth one of those spontaneous burst of applause only
accorded on rare occasions for contributions of outstanding worth.
5. Cyril Langford then read a passage from “On the Nature of Gothic” setting forth
Ruskin’s principle that the working creature is either a man or a tool – he cannot
be both. He followed this with part of a modern commentary on Ruskin by R. H
Wilenski which stated quite simply that Ruskin could not write because his mind
had been drugged from birth onward by the emotive language of the Bible. This
heterodox statement aroused strong opposition but it also had some support and a
lively argument ensued, and indeed it seemed that Diplomatic relations between
members were in danger of being broken off, when came in a timely invitation to
supper from our hostess and we were united once more in our appreciation of the
excellent refreshments provided.
6. Muriel Stevens then revealed to us Ruskin’s theories on Art & Artists & we hope
she did not feel discouraged by the fact that members were apparently far more
interested in the reproductions she passed round than in what Ruskin had to say
about them. She also read from Picasso on “Cubism”, but this was a realm into
which few, if any of us, could follow her.
7. Bruce Dilks then spoke of Ruskin’s ideas on political economy & social reform.
We heard how he advocated a system of national education and attacked a state
whose system of economics was based solely on the acquisition of wealth.
8. Finally Francis Pollard read a passage from “Sesame and Lilies”, skilfully
selected to prove once & for all that Ruskin could write & that in a clear,
forceful manner readily understood by anyone of even average intellect.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Bruce Dilks Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at 39, Eastern Avenue, 9th. July 1945
A. Bruce Dilks in the chair
[...]
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. The questions which we
endeavoured to answer were:—
1) What course of reading would you suggest for a young Austian refugee with a
good knowledge of English and several years’ acquaintance with England, who
wishes to know something of the English novel.
[...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Bruce Dilks Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at 67 Eastern Avenue, 28th. Nov. 1945.
A. Austin Miller in the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read & signed.
[...]
3. While we were discussing possible books for the coming year, the Treasurer
was dispatched to fetch from his home the Club account books in order that we
might be able to review our finances. He was later able to assure us that we have
a balance in hand of about £7.
[...]
7. X = 0 by John Drinkwater was read with the following cast: —
Pronax — F. E. Pollard
Salvius — A B Dilks
Ilus — T. Hopkins
Capys — Austin Miller
Stage directions, passing sentinels & noises off — Hilda Hopkins
We then had three readings each of a national character. For the first of these
representing England Dora Langford read from “Nicholas Married” a sequel to
Nicholas Nickleby of doubtful authorship. Both the age of the book and its
illustrations were extremely interesting. Scotland was represented by an extract
from ‘A Window in Thrums’ by J. M. Barrie read by Muriel Stevens. And Wales by
readings by Stella Hopkins from “An Englishman looks at Wales by R. W.
Thompson”
[signed as a true record by] C.J. Langford [on 10 January 1946, at the club meeting
held at 44 Hamilton Rd.: see Minute Book, p. 48.]
'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Bruce Dilks 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: Bruce Dilks Manuscript: Account book
'Meeting held at 39, Eastern Avenue, 6th June ’42
A. B. Dilks in the chair.
1. Apologies for absence were read from Muriel Stevens and Mary Stansfield
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
6. After some refreshment, we spent the rest of the evening listening to recorded
exaamples of programme Music. The works played were
The Storm from Symphony No 6 in F “The Pastoral” Beethoven
Enigma Variations Elgar
‘Prospero’, ‘Miranda’, ‘Caliban’ from Sibelius incidental music to The Tempest
Zeller’s ‘Nightingale Song’ sung by Elisabeth Schuman[n]. This was put on as
an example of imitative music, of little musical worth, but was obviously much
enjoyed by many members.
Richard Strauss’ Tone Poem Till Eulenspiegle’s [sic] Merry Pranks. and
‘Romeo & Juliet’ Fantasy overture by Tchaikovsky. Isabel Taylor prefaced each
item with brief biographical notes about the composer, and Bruce Dilks explained
the literary or poetical idea of the work and also played the gramophone.
Howard R. Smith [signature] 11/7/42'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Bruce Dilks Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at 39, Eastern Avenue, 6th June ’42
A. B. Dilks in the chair.
1. Apologies for absence were read from Muriel Stevens and Mary Stansfield
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
6. After some refreshment, we spent the rest of the evening listening to recorded
exaamples of programme Music. The works played were
The Storm from Symphony No 6 in F “The Pastoral” Beethoven
Enigma Variations Elgar
‘Prospero’, ‘Miranda’, ‘Caliban’ from Sibelius incidental music to The Tempest
Zeller’s ‘Nightingale Song’ sung by Elisabeth Schuman[n]. This was put on as
an example of imitative music, of little musical worth, but was obviously much
enjoyed by many members.
Richard Strauss’ Tone Poem Till Eulenspiegle’s [sic] Merry Pranks. and
‘Romeo & Juliet’ Fantasy overture by Tchaikovsky. Isabel Taylor prefaced each
item with brief biographical notes about the composer, and Bruce Dilks explained
the literary or poetical idea of the work and also played the gramophone.
Howard R. Smith [signature] 11/7/42'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Bruce Dilks Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at 39, Eastern Avenue, 6th June ’42
A. B. Dilks in the chair.
1. Apologies for absence were read from Muriel Stevens and Mary Stansfield
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
6. After some refreshment, we spent the rest of the evening listening to recorded
exaamples of programme Music. The works played were
The Storm from Symphony No 6 in F “The Pastoral” Beethoven
Enigma Variations Elgar
‘Prospero’, ‘Miranda’, ‘Caliban’ from Sibelius incidental music to The Tempest
Zeller’s ‘Nightingale Song’ sung by Elisabeth Schuman[n]. This was put on as
an example of imitative music, of little musical worth, but was obviously much
enjoyed by many members.
Richard Strauss’ Tone Poem Till Eulenspiegle’s [sic] Merry Pranks. and
‘Romeo & Juliet’ Fantasy overture by Tchaikovsky. Isabel Taylor prefaced each
item with brief biographical notes about the composer, and Bruce Dilks explained
the literary or poetical idea of the work and also played the gramophone.
Howard R. Smith [signature] 11/7/42'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Bruce Dilks Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at 39, Eastern Avenue, 6th June ’42
A. B. Dilks in the chair.
1. Apologies for absence were read from Muriel Stevens and Mary Stansfield
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
6. After some refreshment, we spent the rest of the evening listening to recorded
exaamples of programme Music. The works played were
The Storm from Symphony No 6 in F “The Pastoral” Beethoven
Enigma Variations Elgar
‘Prospero’, ‘Miranda’, ‘Caliban’ from Sibelius incidental music to The Tempest
Zeller’s ‘Nightingale Song’ sung by Elisabeth Schuman[n]. This was put on as
an example of imitative music, of little musical worth, but was obviously much
enjoyed by many members.
Richard Strauss’ Tone Poem Till Eulenspiegle’s [sic] Merry Pranks. and
‘Romeo & Juliet’ Fantasy overture by Tchaikovsky. Isabel Taylor prefaced each
item with brief biographical notes about the composer, and Bruce Dilks explained
the literary or poetical idea of the work and also played the gramophone.
Howard R. Smith [signature] 11/7/42'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Bruce Dilks Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at Gower Cottage, Elm Road. 12.12.42
Harry Stevens in the Chair
[...]
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read & signed.
[...]
4. The treasurer reported on our financial year showing a balance in hand of [gap
left to be filled in]
[...]
[signed as a true record by the chair of the following meeting] S A Reynolds
25/1/43'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Bruce Dilks Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at 22, Cintra Avenue, 16th December 1941
F. E. Pollard in the Chair.
Before beginning our meeting the Chairman referred to the loss the Club has
sustained through the death of Henry Marriage Wallis. [...]
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
2. The Treasurer reported on the Club’s financial position showing a balance in
hand of 16s. 8d. After a searching enquirey [sic] into the payment of
subscriptions, Janet Rawlings was revealed as the sole defaulter, and with the
extraction from her of a promise to make good, the accounts were passed as
correct.
[...]
5. After an interval for refreshment, Howard Smith read us a most interesting
account of how a section of the Friends Ambulance Unit came to be left behind in
Greece and what happened to them there. Also some letters from Ralph Smith
written from Salonika, and also from a prison camp in Germany to which he was
later transferred.
[signed as a correct record:] J. Knox Taylor
27/1/42'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Bruce Dilks Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at 39, Eastern Avenue. 20. 8. 40
A. B. Dilks in the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
2. The Treasurer presented his Report. This differed somewhat from the Report
made by the retiring Treasurer at our last meeting, & either for this reason, or
perhaps because she was told she had not yet paid her Subscription, Janet
Rawlings proposed that in future a receipt should be given by the Treasurer for all
money paid to him. The proposal was seconded by Edith Smith & passed
unanimously by the meeting.
3. A letter was read from Ethel Stevens regretting that owing to the present
difficulty of attending meetings, she must resign from the club. The Secretary was
instructed to write to her, regretfully accepting her resignation.
[...]
6. Mary S. W. Pollard started the Literary General Knowledge Test by questioning
us in poetry and the poets. Questions which we found singularly difficult to
answer.
7. Margaret Dilks proceeded to test our knowledge of prose by reading three short
character sketches from novels. Most people had no difficulty in identifying these
as Mr. Pickwick, Mr. & Mrs. Bennett and Soames Forsyte.
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. Dilkes 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: Bruce Dilks Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at Frensham, Northcourt Avenue. 13th Sept. 1940
Howard R. Smith in the Chair.
[...]
7. F. E. Pollard commenced the main business of the evening. This was to consist
of readings of passages from books we had read during the year. F. E. was sorry
but he was afraid he had read nothing recently which was intellectually suitable for
the Club. (Cheers) He would however read from The Mill on the Floss. This proved
to be a diverting dissertation on the Commercial Traveller who seems to have
altered little since George Eliot’s day except in the article for sale for vacuum
cleaners were conspicuous by their absence.
8. “The Seven Chars of Chelsea” by Celia Fremlin was the choice of Dorothea
Taylor who warned us that it was an impalatable book. She must have read from
the more tasty portions for we were entertained by the Margretian Charic
conversation conversation which took place among the other six when the author
joined their ranks and by the description of a very tasty cup of tea. Dr Taylor
finished with a more serious passage on the difficulty of mistress and maid
belonging to two completely different worlds.
9. Muriel Stevens read us a descriptive passage from “The Countryman”. We found
that one should live in Corsica to appreciate the punctuality of our G.P.O.
10. Our adventurous evening took an astronomical turn while we heard from
Howard Smith of the Herschels at Slough, their 40 foot telescope and the
discovery of the planet Uranus. This was from Cecil Robert’s book “And so to
Bath.”
11. Violet Clough then brought us nearer home by way of China in several extracts
from “Four Part Setting” by Ann Bridges.
12. A. B. Dilks recommended us to read some or all of The Bases of Modern
Science by J. W. W. Sullivan, published in the Pelican Series at 6d.
13. Rosamund Wallis found her bookmark more interesting than her book and read
us an entertaining but pathetic letter from a refugee now in New York. His subject
was the interesting one of the R[h]ythm of Glass Washing in an American Hotel.
[signed by:] R. D. L. Moore
Oct. 18. 1940.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Roger Moore Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at School House. 18th October 1940.
R. D. L. Moore in the Chair.
[...]
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
4. The evening was devoted to reading “Roberts Wife” by St. John Moore with the
following cast:—
June Harvey —— Muriel Stevens
Anne —— Violet Clough
Miss Orley —— Rosamund Wallis
Sanchia Carson —— Margaret Dilks
Dick Jones —— A. B. Dilks
Robert Carson —— Roger Moore
Dr. Grahame, Bishop of Winterbourne —— F. E. Pollard
Mrs. Jones —— Edith Smith
Bob Carson —— A. B. Dilks
Mrs. Armitage —— Mary S. W. Pollard
Rev. Jefferson —— Howard Smith
Chief Inspector Lindsey —— F. E. Pollard
Inspector Futvoye —— Arnold Joselin
Violet Clough introduced the play, and read the stage directions.
[signed] Rosamund Wallis
Nov. 18th 1940'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks 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: Bruce Dilks Manuscript: Unknown
