'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: Howard Smith Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at 7, Marlborough Avenue. 15th Jan, 1944
A. G. Joselin in the chair.
[...]
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed
[...]
5. Howard Smith opened the evening on Shelley with a biographical sketch. [...]
6. We adjourned for refreshment[.]
7. F. E. Pollard read “Ode to the West Wind”
8. Margaret Dilks gave brief appreciation of Shelley’s poetry. This started a general
discussion in which nearly all took part — whether he influenced or was influenced by
his contempor[ar]ies , & what effect he had, if any, on future poets. On these
questions opinion varied, but all agreed with F. E. Pollard that Shelley’s verse is
supremely ‘poetical’.
9. To illustrate Shelley’s passion for liberty and reform Bruce Dilks read from “The
Masque of Anarchy” which was inspired by the Peterloo Massacre in 1819.
10. Rosamund Wallis read some stanzas from “Adonais”. F. E. Pollard read a short
poem entitled “A Lament”[.] Thus, our thoughts being with the departed, the meeting
ended on a lighter note. One member quoted a touching little verse from the
Berkshire Chronicle In Memoriam notices, which another capped by some lines written
by a school-boy on the relative merits of perpetual roasting and eternal hymn-singing.
Lines which gained the boy a severe reprimand from his head-master, and a ‘Fiver’
from his father.
[signed as a true record by] SAReynolds 14/2/44'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 7, Marlborough Avenue. 15th Jan, 1944
A. G. Joselin in the chair.
[...]
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed
[...]
5. Howard Smith opened the evening on Shelley with a biographical sketch. [...]
6. We adjourned for refreshment[.]
7. F. E. Pollard read “Ode to the West Wind”
8. Margaret Dilks gave brief appreciation of Shelley’s poetry. This started a general
discussion in which nearly all took part — whether he influenced or was influenced by
his contempor[ar]ies , & what effect he had, if any, on future poets. On these
questions opinion varied, but all agreed with F. E. Pollard that Shelley’s verse is
supremely ‘poetical’.
9. To illustrate Shelley’s passion for liberty and reform Bruce Dilks read from “The
Masque of Anarchy” which was inspired by the Peterloo Massacre in 1819.
10. Rosamund Wallis read some stanzas from “Adonais”. F. E. Pollard read a short
poem entitled “A Lament”[.] Thus, our thoughts being with the departed, the meeting
ended on a lighter note. One member quoted a touching little verse from the
Berkshire Chronicle In Memoriam notices, which another capped by some lines written
by a school-boy on the relative merits of perpetual roasting and eternal hymn-singing.
Lines which gained the boy a severe reprimand from his head-master, and a ‘Fiver’
from his father.
[signed as a true record by] S A Reynolds 14/2/44'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at 7, Marlborough Avenue. 15th Jan, 1944
A. G. Joselin in the chair.
[...]
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed
[...]
5. Howard Smith opened the evening on Shelley with a biographical sketch. [...]
6. We adjourned for refreshment[.]
7. F. E. Pollard read “Ode to the West Wind”
8. Margaret Dilks gave brief appreciation of Shelley’s poetry. This started a general
discussion in which nearly all took part — whether he influenced or was influenced by
his contempor[ar]ies , & what effect he had, if any, on future poets. On these
questions opinion varied, but all agreed with F. E. Pollard that Shelley’s verse is
supremely ‘poetical’.
9. To illustrate Shelley’s passion for liberty and reform Bruce Dilks read from “The
Masque of Anarchy” which was inspired by the Peterloo Massacre in 1819.
10. Rosamund Wallis read some stanzas from “Adonais”. F. E. Pollard read a short
poem entitled “A Lament”[.] Thus, our thoughts being with the departed, the meeting
ended on a lighter note. One member quoted a touching little verse from the
Berkshire Chronicle In Memoriam notices, which another capped by some lines written
by a school-boy on the relative merits of perpetual roasting and eternal hymn-singing.
Lines which gained the boy a severe reprimand from his head-master, and a ‘Fiver’
from his father.
[signed as a true record by] S A Reynolds 14/2/44'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at “Oakdene”, Northcourt Avenue. 14.2.44
S. A. Reynolds in the chair.
[...]
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
5. After an interval for refreshment we turned our thoughts to the Study of the Life and Works of André Maurois, which proved to be a subject of absorbing
interest. Rosamund Wallis was his Biographer up to the time of the outbreak of this war — her chief source of information being Maurois’ autobiography “Call no
man happy” from which she read several extracts. She revealed to us the child Emil Hertzog, born an Alsatian Jew & brought up in the sheltered atmosphere of
French family life. Brilliantly successful at school, in business, as a soldier and under the name of André Maurois as a writer. Success was his easily and
immediately for allied to his native genius was an infinite capacity for hard work.
6. Readings from Maurois’s works were given as follows:-
Howard Smith from ‘The Silence of Colonel Bramble’
Isabel Taylor [from] Ariel
F. E. Pollard [from] Disraeli
Frank Knight [from] Byron
Knox Taylor [from] History of England
Maurois has been very fortunate in his translators and all the readings were much enjoyed. Colonel Bramble was his first book & remains the most widely read &
generally acclaimed of them all. ‘Ariel’ his life of Shelley gained him a reputation for writing ‘Romanticized Biography’ which he resented and tried to counteract
in his lives of Byron and Disraeli. The general opinion of the Book Club was that he writes always with more charm and wit than accuracy & Knox Taylor’s
criticism of the ‘History of England[’] was that in trying to give a general impression without much detail, Maurois has picked out the wrong details and therefore
gives the wrong impression.
7. Kenneth Nicholson then continued the story of Maurois’ life up to the present day, when he is living in America with his wife, while their children remain in
France.
[signed as a true record by] J. Knox Taylor 13/3/44.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at “Oakdene”, Northcourt Avenue. 14.2.44
S. A. Reynolds in the chair.
[...]
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
5. After an interval for refreshment we turned our thoughts to the Study of the Life and Works of André Maurois, which proved to be a subject of absorbing
interest. Rosamund Wallis was his Biographer up to the time of the outbreak of this war — her chief source of information being Maurois’ autobiography “Call no
man happy” from which she read several extracts. She revealed to us the child Emil Hertzog, born an Alsatian Jew & brought up in the sheltered atmosphere of
French family life. Brilliantly successful at school, in business, as a soldier and under the name of André Maurois as a writer. Success was his easily and
immediately for allied to his native genius was an infinite capacity for hard work.
6. Readings from Maurois’s works were given as follows:-
Howard Smith from ‘The Silence of Colonel Bramble’
Isabel Taylor [from] Ariel
F. E. Pollard [from] Disraeli
Frank Knight [from] Byron
Knox Taylor [from] History of England
Maurois has been very fortunate in his translators and all the readings were much enjoyed. Colonel Bramble was his first book & remains the most widely read &
generally acclaimed of them all. ‘Ariel’ his life of Shelley gained him a reputation for writing ‘Romanticized Biography’ which he resented and tried to counteract
in his lives of Byron and Disraeli. The general opinion of the Book Club was that he writes always with more charm and wit than accuracy & Knox Taylor’s
criticism of the ‘History of England[’] was that in trying to give a general impression without much detail, Maurois has picked out the wrong details and therefore
gives the wrong impression.
7. Kenneth Nicholson then continued the story of Maurois’ life up to the present day, when he is living in America with his wife, while their children remain in
France.
[signed as a true record by] J. Knox Taylor 13/3/44.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Knox Taylor Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at School House. 13th March 1944
J. Knox Taylor in the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
4. The chairman informed us that the committee had decided that Kenneth
Nicholson’s discourse on ‘The Novel’ was likely to be sufficiently provocative, with
interruptions and comments, to occupy the whole evening. They had therefore
arranged a few readings from novels but no other 5 minute essays or speeches.
5. Kenneth Nicholson, protesting that he had most unwillingly, had this greatness
thrust upon him, proceeded to expound the most interesting theory that the novel,
as a form of literature, had been born in the middle of the 18th Century, flourished
through the C19th and declined in the C20th. He held that although a great number
of novels are still being written, they are of little worth and are being read less
and less by persons of culture & discernment. For the rising generation, the
wireless and the cinema have taken the place of the novel in providing such
entertainment, & what reading they do, is of a much less serious nature.
A lively discussion took place both during and after Kenneth Nicholson’s discourse,
in which many members both criticised and opposed his theories.
6. Frank Knight read from Wm. de Morgan’s “Alice for Short”. Although this book
was written in 1907 the reading was much enjoyed, & many members confessed to
a great liking for De Morgan’s novels.
7. Elsie Harrod read from “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier – an even more recent
publication — and again our interest was caught and held.
8. It was getting late, and asked to cho[o]se, for the last reading, between “How
Green was my Valley”, “Precious Bane” and “The ordeal of Richard Feverel”
members chose the latter. By request, Knox Taylor read the well known love
scene entitled ‘Ferdinand and Miranda’. This novel was written in 1859 when the
art of novel-writing was (according to the theory laid down this evening) at its
height. But somehow it touched our sense of humour instead of our deeper
emotions, and Knox Taylor finding himself unable to finish the chapter, the
meeting dissolved amid general laughter.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at School House. 13th March 1944
J. Knox Taylor in the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
4. The chairman informed us that the committee had decided that Kenneth
Nicholson’s discourse on ‘The Novel’ was likely to be sufficiently provocative, with
interruptions and comments, to occupy the whole evening. They had therefore
arranged a few readings from novels but no other 5 minute essays or speeches.
5. Kenneth Nicholson, protesting that he had most unwillingly, had this greatness
thrust upon him, proceeded to expound the most interesting theory that the novel,
as a form of literature, had been born in the middle of the 18th Century, flourished
through the C19th and declined in the C20th. He held that although a great number
of novels are still being written, they are of little worth and are being read less
and less by persons of culture & discernment. For the rising generation, the
wireless and the cinema have taken the place of the novel in providing such
entertainment, & what reading they do, is of a much less serious nature.
A lively discussion took place both during and after Kenneth Nicholson’s discourse,
in which many members both criticised and opposed his theories.
6. Frank Knight read from Wm. de Morgan’s “Alice for Short”. Although this book
was written in 1907 the reading was much enjoyed, & many members confessed to
a great liking for De Morgan’s novels.
7. Elsie Harrod read from “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier – an even more recent
publication — and again our interest was caught and held.
8. It was getting late, and asked to cho[o]se, for the last reading, between “How
Green was my Valley”, “Precious Bane” and “The ordeal of Richard Feverel”
members chose the latter. By request, Knox Taylor read the well known love
scene entitled ‘Ferdinand and Miranda’. This novel was written in 1859 when the
art of novel-writing was (according to the theory laid down this evening) at its
height. But somehow it touched our sense of humour instead of our deeper
emotions, and Knox Taylor finding himself unable to finish the chapter, the
meeting dissolved amid general laughter.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Rosamund Wallis Manuscript: Notebook
1. Apologies for absence were received from Margaret and A. Bruce Dilks, Alice
and Arnold Joselin, Sylvanus A. Reynolds, Kenneth F. Nicholson, Francis H. Knight.
[...]
3. The subject chosen was letters, and during the evening we heard a most
interesting variety of letters, the matter varying from good & energetic advice to a
brother-in-law by Abraham Lincoln, to the butcher of our dreams; from Zola’s
account of the Dreyfus case to the amazing all-round ability to destroy of Leonardo
da Vinci. Charming letters to children were read, and various letters to the public;
and yet through all this variety, links were found connecting one set of letters with
the next.
In the first section of the meeting the following were read:- Letters by
Leonardo da Vinci read by K. Waschauer, by Abraham Lincoln read by F. E.
Pollard, and a humorous selection read by Edith B. and Howard R. Smith.
4. We adjourned for refreshments.
5. The minutes of the last meeting were then read and signed.
[...]
7. The business being completed, we had a further selection of letters
Zola’s letters on the Dreyus case [read by] Howard R. Smith[.]
Letters written to children [read by] Muriel Stevens[.]
Captain Scott’s last letters [read by] Elsie D. Harrod[.]
J. M. Barrie’s letter to Mrs. Scott [read by] Rosamund Wallis[.]
Letters of Gertrude Bell [read by] Mary Stansfield[.]
8. The meeting ended with general thankfulness that we had not to spend the
coming night as Gertrude Bell had done on the mountains.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: [Acting secretary of the XII Book Club] Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at 22 Cintra Avenue, 21st June 1944
F. E. Pollard in the chair.
1. Minutes of last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
3. Howard Smith introduced G. K. Chesterton by giving us a very full and interesting account of his life. Essayist, critic, novelist and poet;
always interesting, sometimes brilliant; inaccurate in factual detail yet showing quite extraordinary understanding of the great men of
whom he wrote.
4. F. E. Pollard read from Chesterton’s biography of Robert Browning
5. We adjourned for refreshment.
6. Margaret Dilks read from “Orthodoxy”.
7. Rosamund Wallis read an essay “French and English” which was of particular interest in view of the present day political situation, and
the difficulty statesmen of the two countries experience in understanding each other.
8. Isabel Taylor read “The Blue Cross” a thrilling and amusing detective story from “The innocence of Father Brown.”
9. Kenneth Nicholson read some of Chesterton’s poems: The Pessimist, F. E. Smith [i.e. ‘Antichrist, or the Reunion of Christendom: An
Ode’] & King’s Cross [Station].
10. It was too late to hear the readings from Chesterton’s biography of Charles Dickens, and it was suggested that this might well prove
an interesting subject for a future evening.
[signed as a true record by] Howard R. Smith 8/7/44'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at “Frensham” 8th July 1944
Howard R. Smith in the chair.
1. Minutes of last meeting were read and signed.
2. The Secretary reported that she had been advised earlier in the week that Charles Stansfield would be celebrating
the 79th anniversary of his birthday on the day of this meeting. A few members had conferred together and agreed
that it would certainly be the wish of the Club to send greetings to Charles Stansfield on this occasion and this had
accordingly been done. A reply had been received just before the meeting and both letters were read. It was agreed
that they should be entered in the minutes.
[...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at “Frensham” 8th July 1944
Howard R. Smith in the chair.
1. Minutes of last meeting were read and signed.
2. The Secretary reported that she had been advised earlier in the week that Charles Stansfield would be celebrating
the 79th anniversary of his birthday on the day of this meeting. A few members had conferred together and agreed
that it would certainly be the wish of the Club to send greetings to Charles Stansfield on this occasion and this had
accordingly been done. A reply had been received just before the meeting and both letters were read. It was agreed
that they should be entered in the minutes.
[...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Charles E. Stansfield Manuscript: Letter
'Meeting held at “Frensham” 8th July 1944
Howard R. Smith in the chair.
1. Minutes of last meeting were read and signed.
2. The Secretary reported that she had been advised earlier in the week that Charles Stansfield would be celebrating
the 79th anniversary of his birthday on the day of this meeting. A few members had conferred together and agreed
that it would certainly be the wish of the Club to send greetings to Charles Stansfield on this occasion and this had
accordingly been done. A reply had been received just before the meeting and both letters were read. It was agreed
that they should be entered in the minutes.
[...]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Letter, Copy of a letter made by its sender
'Meeting held at “Frensham” 8th July 1944
Howard R. Smith in the chair.
1. Minutes of last meeting were read and signed.
2. The Secretary reported that she had been advised earlier in the week that
Charles Stansfield would be celebrating the 79th anniversary of his birthday on the
day of this meeting. A few members had conferred together and agreed that it
would certainly be the wish of the Club to send greetings to Charles Stansfield on
this occasion and this had accordingly been done. A reply had been received just
before the meeting and both letters were read. It was agreed that they should be
entered in the minutes.
[...]
7. “Love Came In” by Beatrice Saxon-Snell was read with the following cast:-
[...]
Before the reading Howard Smith briefly recounted the historical events leading up
to the time at which the action takes place. which explains the very strained
relations between George Fox & James Naylor. It was agreed that when the copies
were returned to Beatrice Saxon-Snell she should be warmly thanked for lending
them to us, & told how very much the club appreciated the play.
8. “The Dear Departed” by Stanley Houghton a play of a much more frivolous
nature, was read with the following cast:-
[...]
9. It being still quite early we decided to read another short play & chose quite at
random from the books available “The Man who wouldn't go to Heaven” by F.
Sladen-Smith. Read from sight and cast quite haphazardly this proved most
entertaining. F. E. Pollard as the recording angel, Basil Smith as the Free Church
Minister (with a voice pregnant with unxious non-conformity), Rosamund Wallis as
a string minded woman calling loudly for her dog & indeed every character was
most aptly portrayed. The full cast was as follows:
[...]
[signed as a true record by] AB Dilks 18/9/44'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Bruce Dilks Manuscript: Unknown, Notebook
'Meeting held at 39, Eastern Avenue 18th Sept, 1944
A. Bruce Dilks in the chair.
[...]
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
5. Alice Joselin introduced the subject of the evening by telling us something of the life of William Blake. Born in 1757 he was living through the
beginning of the industrial revolution. He had no schooling but showed early artistic ability and was apprenticed for 7 years to an engraver. During
this time he wrote some of his early poetry. Becoming himself a professional engraver he experimented with a new method of printing “shown
to him in a vision”. As she traced the pattern of his life during the remaining 27 years, Alice Joselin gave us a portrait of an embittered man,
never well loved even by his friends and incomprehensible to his contemporaries. She concluded with an extract from a Short Survey of William
Blake by Quiller Couch.
6. F. E. Pollard said that he had been reluctant to undertake the task of talking to the Club on the literature of Wm. Blake since he was acquainted
with only three of his poems. But as this was 50% more than anyone else knew, he need not have worried. He emphasised Blakes great lyrical
gifts and his share in the poetic revolution of the C18th, even suggesting that Blake led the way. Frances Pollard illustrated his remarks by reading
from: [“]To the evening star”, “How sweet I roam” and “Memory hither come”. He also read a short extract from Jerusalem throwing out the
suggestion that the subject matter showed some influence of Thomas Payne, Quaker.
7. After some refreshment we welcomed to our meeting Mr. George Goyder who is a very keen student and collector of William Blake. It was a
great privilege to have among us one whose profound knowledge of and enthusiasm for his subject was absolutely convincing. After listening to Mr.
Goyder and looking at his many beautiful examples of Blake’s work, we were willing to allow that he is probably our greatest English artist and
equalled as an engraver only by Dürer.
The Chairman expressed our very warmest thanks to Mr. Goyder.
[signed as a true record by] J. Knox Taylor 16/X/44.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 39, Eastern Avenue 18th Sept, 1944
A. Bruce Dilks in the chair.
[...]
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
5. Alice Joselin introduced the subject of the evening by telling us something of the life of William Blake. Born in 1757 he was living through the
beginning of the industrial revolution. He had no schooling but showed early artistic ability and was apprenticed for 7 years to an engraver. During
this time he wrote some of his early poetry. Becoming himself a professional engraver he experimented with a new method of printing “shown
to him in a vision”. As she traced the pattern of his life during the remaining 27 years, Alice Joselin gave us a portrait of an embittered man,
never well loved even by his friends and incomprehensible to his contemporaries. She concluded with an extract from a Short Survey of William
Blake by Quiller Couch.
6. F. E. Pollard said that he had been reluctant to undertake the task of talking to the Club on the literature of Wm. Blake since he was acquainted
with only three of his poems. But as this was 50% more than anyone else knew, he need not have worried. He emphasised Blakes great lyrical
gifts and his share in the poetic revolution of the C18th, even suggesting that Blake led the way. Frances Pollard illustrated his remarks by reading
from: [“]To the evening star”, “How sweet I roam” and “Memory hither come”. He also read a short extract from Jerusalem throwing out the
suggestion that the subject matter showed some influence of Thomas Payne, Quaker.
7. After some refreshment we welcomed to our meeting Mr. George Goyder who is a very keen student and collector of William Blake. It was a
great privilege to have among us one whose profound knowledge of and enthusiasm for his subject was absolutely convincing. After listening to Mr.
Goyder and looking at his many beautiful examples of Blake’s work, we were willing to allow that he is probably our greatest English artist and
equalled as an engraver only by Dürer.
The Chairman expressed our very warmest thanks to Mr. Goyder.
[signed as a true record by] J. Knox Taylor 16/X/44.'
Century: Reader/Listener/Group: Knox Taylor Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Grove House. 16th October 1944
J. Knox Taylor in the chair.
[...]
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read & signed.
[...]
5. The subject of the evening was Charles Dickens and we were once again indebted to Howard Smith for a biography. In a
skilfully condensed account of the chief events of his life, we heard of the hardships Dickens underwent in childhood, of his
sudden & quite early achievement of success & financial ease. His marriage, his many children & the unhappy atmosphere
of his home life in later years. His visits to America and his sudden death at the age of 58.
6. Muriel Stevens read from David Copperfield the account of his arrival at the house of his Aunt Betsey Trotwood.
Humphrey Hare gave us the benefit of his local knowledge and described Peggotty’s Cottage at Great Yarmouth as seen by
his Father, and also Blundestone Rookery as it is today.
7. F. E. Pollard told us something of Chestertons book on Dickens and read a number of extracts showing his appreciation
of a number some of the lesser characters. Among these were Mrs. Nickleby, Mantalini, Dick Swiveller, Mr.
Stiggins, the Rev. Septimus Crisparkle and Toots.
8. We heard with interest that a recent census of boys’ reading at Leighton Park revealed Dickens even now as the third
most popular author.
9. Arnold Joselin read from Martin Chuzzlewit the chapter where Mrs. Gamp instals herself as night-nurse.
10. Knox Taylor read from The Pickwick Papers the account of the visit to Eatanswill parliamentary election.
[signed as a true record by] Arnold G. Joselin 21 Nov. 1944'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Grove House. 16th October 1944
J. Knox Taylor in the chair.
[...]
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read & signed.
[...]
5. The subject of the evening was Charles Dickens and we were once again indebted to Howard Smith for a biography. In a
skilfully condensed account of the chief events of his life, we heard of the hardships Dickens underwent in childhood, of his
sudden & quite early achievement of success & financial ease. His marriage, his many children & the unhappy atmosphere
of his home life in later years. His visits to America and his sudden death at the age of 58.
6. Muriel Stevens read from David Copperfield the account of his arrival at the house of his Aunt Betsey Trotwood.
Humphrey Hare gave us the benefit of his local knowledge and described Peggotty’s Cottage at Great Yarmouth as seen by
his Father, and also Blundestone Rookery as it is today.
7. F. E. Pollard told us something of Chestertons book on Dickens and read a number of extracts showing his appreciation
of a number some of the lesser characters. Among these were Mrs. Nickleby, Mantalini, Dick Swiveller, Mr.
Stiggins, the Rev. Septimus Crisparkle and Toots.
8. We heard with interest that a recent census of boys’ reading at Leighton Park revealed Dickens even now as the third
most popular author.
9. Arnold Joselin read from Martin Chuzzlewit the chapter where Mrs. Gamp instals herself as night-nurse.
10. Knox Taylor read from The Pickwick Papers the account of the visit to Eatanswill parliamentary election.
[signed as a true record by] Arnold G. Joselin 21 Nov. 1944'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Arnold Joselin Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 7 Marlborough Avenue, 21.XI.44
A. G. Joselin in the chair.
[...]
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read and after considerable discussion &
some alteration, signed.
5. After adjourning for refreshment we listened with very great interest to some
letters from Ralph Smith and also one from a repatriated Prisoner of War giving
first hand news of him.
6. Knox Taylor opened our evening of controversial subjects by a defence of
‘Vice’. He maintained that drinking and gambling in moderation were
harmless in themselves when dissociated from their social evils. In the discussion
which followed members seemed on the whole to favour a life of virtue, being
unwilling thus to separate cause from effect.
7. Elsie Harrod spoke on the housing question and after putting forward the many
problems which must be considered by those responsible for building the houses
for this generation, she proposed that the only way of meeting all requirements
was to pass a law that no house should be built to last for more than 10 years.
The chief argument which was put forward against this was that if the house was
guaranteed to decay in 10 years what would it be like in the 2 or 3 years
preceding this limit.
8. In a vehement and convincing discourse F. E. Pollard defended Reason against
this Age of Unreason. A lively discussion which followed showed that the speaker
had largely carried his audience with him along the path of Reason, although some
of us were unwilling to part with our sub-conscious minds.
[signed as a true record by] Muriel M. Stevens 16-12-44'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 7 Marlborough Avenue, 21.XI.44
A. G. Joselin in the chair.
[...]
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read and after considerable discussion &
some alteration, signed.
5. After adjourning for refreshment we listened with very great interest to some
letters from Ralph Smith and also one from a repatriated Prisoner of War giving
first hand news of him.
6. Knox Taylor opened our evening of controversial subjects by a defence of
‘Vice’. He maintained that drinking and gambling in moderation were
harmless in themselves when dissociated from their social evils. In the discussion
which followed members seemed on the whole to favour a life of virtue, being
unwilling thus to separate cause from effect.
7. Elsie Harrod spoke on the housing question and after putting forward the many
problems which must be considered by those responsible for building the houses
for this generation, she proposed that the only way of meeting all requirements
was to pass a law that no house should be built to last for more than 10 years.
The chief argument which was put forward against this was that if the house was
guaranteed to decay in 10 years what would it be like in the 2 or 3 years
preceding this limit.
8. In a vehement and convincing discourse F. E. Pollard defended Reason against
this Age of Unreason. A lively discussion which followed showed that the speaker
had largely carried his audience with him along the path of Reason, although some
of us were unwilling to part with our sub-conscious minds.
[signed as a true record by] Muriel M. Stevens 16-12-44'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Muriel Stevens Manuscript: Notebook
'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: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'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: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Print: BookManuscript: Unknown, Notebook
'Meeting held at “Oakdene” Northcourt Avenue. 27th Jan. 1945. S. A. Reynolds in
the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read & signed.
[...]
6. After adjourning for refreshments we listened to a miscellaneous selection of
readings from books which members have recently read.
Muriel Stevens read from “From the Ends of the Earth” by Mary Trevelyan.
Howard Smith read from “Lovely is the Lee” by Robert Gibbings.
Mary Stansfield read from “The Short Journey” by E. L. Woodward.
Margaret Dilks read from “Night Thoughts of a Country Landlady” by Edith Olivier.
Bruce Dilks read from “Stargazer Talks” by Comdr. R. T. Gould.
[...]
[signed as a true record by] Howard R. Smith 21/2/1945
Meeting held at “Frensham”, Northcourt Avenue, 21st Feb ’45
Howard R. Smith in the chair
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read & signed.
[...]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at “Frensham”, Northcourt Avenue, 21st Feb ’45
Howard R. Smith in the chair
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read & signed.
[…]
7. The play chosen to be read was “Mr. Bolfrey” by James Bridie. With all respect
to Howard Smith who played a devil raised from Hell, it must be admitted that it
was excellently cast. Cyril Langford introduced the characters & read the stage
directions.
Austin Miller read Cully, the typical product of Public School and University, unable
to listen patiently & with no manners
Bruce Dilks read Cohen – sturdy, Hebraic and disconsolate. He appeared
conversant with barrack-room language, and provided the comic relief.
Alice Joselin read Jean, the bright young thing from London who rebelled against
the of her Uncle’s life and outlook.
Muriel Stevens read Morag with all the freshness & innocence of seventeen.
Frank Pollard as Mr. McCrimmon gave a most convincing portrait of a Scottish
Presbyterian Minister – handsome and serious, very strict[?] and narrow minded.
Faith Miller read Mrs. McCrimmon with a charming Scottish accent, kind Motherly
and completely impenetrable.
Howard Smith read Mr Bolfrey, the Devils advocate and his verbal duel with F. E.
Pollard was particularly entertaining.
The play raises a number of problems to which it offers no solution, but we were
left with the feeling that although Devils may talk and umbrellas may walk its
always a good thing to dunk up your tea while its hot, and Monday will always be
washing-day.
[signed as a true record by] F. E. Pollard 25.IV.45 [at the club meeting held at 22
Cintra Avenue]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at “Frensham”, Northcourt Avenue, 21st Feb ’45
Howard R. Smith in the chair
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read & signed.
[…]
7. The play chosen to be read was “Mr. Bolfrey” by James Bridie. With all respect
to Howard Smith who played a devil raised from Hell, it must be admitted that it
was excellently cast. Cyril Langford introduced the characters & read the stage
directions.
Austin Miller read Cully, the typical product of Public School and University, unable
to listen patiently & with no manners
Bruce Dilks read Cohen – sturdy, Hebraic and disconsolate. He appeared
conversant with barrack-room language, and provided the comic relief.
Alice Joselin read Jean, the bright young thing from London who rebelled against
the of her Uncle’s life and outlook.
Muriel Stevens read Morag with all the freshness & innocence of seventeen.
Frank Pollard as Mr. McCrimmon gave a most convincing portrait of a Scottish
Presbyterian Minister – handsome and serious, very strict[?] and narrow minded.
Faith Miller read Mrs. McCrimmon with a charming Scottish accent, kind Motherly
and completely impenetrable.
Howard Smith read Mr Bolfrey, the Devils advocate and his verbal duel with F. E.
Pollard was particularly entertaining.
The play raises a number of problems to which it offers no solution, but we were
left with the feeling that although Devils may talk and umbrellas may walk its
always a good thing to dunk up your tea while its hot, and Monday will always be
washing-day.
[signed as a true record by] F. E. Pollard 25.IV.45 [at the club meeting held at 22
Cintra Avenue]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 22 Cintra Avenue, Northcourt Avenue, 25th April 1945
F. E. Pollard in the chair.
[...]
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read & signed.
5. Alice Joselin introduced the subject of the evening with a biographical study of
the Brontë family. Contrary to her expressed idea that she could do little more
than recite a list of dates, Alice Joselin drew for us a vivid picture of the life at
Haworth Rectory and the way in which the three sisters took the literary world by
storm.
6. After adjourning for refreshment we turned our attentions to a study of the
works of Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë. First Margaret Dilks read from
“Vil[l]ette” the description of Mme. Rachel, the famous actress. Since this passage
is the only contribution Charlotte Brontë is allowed to make to the Oxford Book of
English Prose, it is presumably considered great by someone who should be
qualified to judge. But when the reader had finished, the only audible comment
from this learned gathering was “Can someone tell me what all that means?”
7. F. E. Pollard then gave us the benefit of his discerning criticism of the works of
these writers. Describing himself as of a naturally romantic & sentimental turn of
mind (cheers and prolonged applause) he championed Jane Eyre and Shirley.
There followed a lively discussion in which nearly all members took part. The
excessive wordiness of which both Emily & Charlotte are sometimes guilty, was
attributed to the bad influence of the continent on the Englishman’s [sic!] natural
restraint. Several members of the fair sex expressed a distaste for the horrors of
Wuthering Heights, one even going so far as to suggest that the author was
probably mad. Cyril Langford, reading from a newspaper article, put forward an
interesting theory that the book was the natural psychological reaction of one
whose life was mainly occupied in household duties; and Thomas Hopkins crowned
all by telling us that he had once been presented with Wuthering Heights as a
Sunday School prize. Cyril Langford also drew our attention to Jane Eyre’s
description of her own paintings, which were clearly the forerunners of surrealism.
Other readings given were:-
Howard Smith from Wuthering Heights[,]
Rosamund Wallis from Shirley[,]
& Howard Smith from The Gondal Poems[.]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Gower Cottage, 28th May 1945
Elsie D. Harrod in the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read & signed.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'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, 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: 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: Rosamund Wallis Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at 64, Northcourt Avenue. 24th. Sept. 1945.
Rosamund Wallis in the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
4. Arnold Joselin outlined very briefly the History of Science. He divided the
subject into three parts. The origins of knowledge in very early days, The
beginnings of scientific development from the 15th to the 19th centuries and
Modern Science. He mentioned many of the outstanding figures in the Scientific
world, and the discoveries for which they were famous. He ended by suggesting as
a subject for a future Book Club meeting “The Unity of Science and Religion”.
5. Austin Miller then expounded the theory of Scientific Method, as applied, not
only in the normal way, to scientific research, but also to the Arts and indeed to
every sphere of life. He defined Scientific Method in a word as
‘objectivity’ – or the elimination of opinion and the substitution of
evidence. In the discussion which followed, most us found ourselves too much in
agreement with Dr. Miller to provide an effective opposition, but F. E. Pollard
considered that Scientists were guilty of an act of Faith rather than one of proved
truth, in supposing that natural laws which have always been obeyed in the past,
will continue to be obeyed in the future.
6. Bruce Dilks explained that he had intended to conclude the evening by talking to
us on scale, size and measurement. Unfortunately all his notes and diagrams had
been left on the Isle of Wight, so instead he offered to answer questions on
popular fallacies. [...]
[signed as a true record by] Arnold G. Joselin 22 Oct. 1945. [at the club meeting
held at 7, Marlborough Avenue: see Minute Book, p. 43.]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 64, Northcourt Avenue. 24th. Sept. 1945.
Rosamund Wallis in the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
4. Arnold Joselin outlined very briefly the History of Science. He divided the
subject into three parts. The origins of knowledge in very early days, The
beginnings of scientific development from the 15th to the 19th centuries and
Modern Science. He mentioned many of the outstanding figures in the Scientific
world, and the discoveries for which they were famous. He ended by suggesting as
a subject for a future Book Club meeting “The Unity of Science and Religion”.
5. Austin Miller then expounded the theory of Scientific Method, as applied, not
only in the normal way, to scientific research, but also to the Arts and indeed to
every sphere of life. He defined Scientific Method in a word as
‘objectivity’ — or the elimination of opinion and the substitution of
evidence. In the discussion which followed, most us found ourselves too much in
agreement with Dr. Miller to provide an effective opposition, but F. E. Pollard
considered that Scientists were guilty of an act of Faith rather than one of proved
truth, in supposing that natural laws which have always been obeyed in the past,
will continue to be obeyed in the future.
6. Bruce Dilks explained that he had intended to conclude the evening by talking to
us on scale, size and measurement. Unfortunately all his notes and diagrams had
been left on the Isle of Wight, so instead he offered to answer questions on
popular fallacies. [...]
[signed as a true record by] Arnold G. Joselin 22 Oct. 1945. [at the club meeting
held at 7, Marlborough Avenue: see Minute Book, p. 43.]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Arnold Joselin Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 7 Marlborough Avenue 22/10/45
Arnold G. Joselin in the chair
1. The minutes of the previous meeting were read & signed.
[...]
3. Dr Taylor read from Kingdon Ward’s Modern Exploration giving us some idea of
the History of Exploration. Early man was immobile. Exploration has kept step
with Civilization. Exploration of the Earths surface is nearly finished, now we go
either up or down.
4. We adjourned for refreshment.
5. H. R. Smith read Smythe’s account of his singlehanded assault on the Everest
on the Everest summit.
6. Elsie Harrod from Gino Watkins by J M Scott first the description of suitable diet
for Greenland and second an account of travel over the Greenland Icecap. Very
Vivid.
7. Cyril Langford read from Hanno [half-emended, correctly, to ‘Hanno’] by J.
Leslie Mitchell on the ideas of what the earth is like deep beneath our feet. We got
a picture of a vast Hollow echoing caverns & great underground seas.
8. Thos Hopkins read extracts from Richard Bird [sic] in the Antarctic all alone
being slowly poisoned by Carbon Monoxide the fumes from his stove slowly
escaping a very introspective depressing story. Taking the evening as a whole it
was perhaps felt that there was rather a lot of physchology [sic] stirred into the
adventures.
[signed as a true record by] A. Austin Miller 28.XI.45 [at the club meeting held at
67 Eastern Avenue: see Minute Book, p. 44.]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: [unknown member of the XII Book club] Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 64 Northcourt Avenue 25.1.43
S. A. Reynolds in the chair.
[...]
2. Minutes of the last meeting were read and signed
[...]
6. The rest of the evening was spent reading “The Taming of the Shrew” reputed
to be by William Shakespeare. Bruce Dilks took the part of Petruchio which he
read with all the dash and vigour of the practised Shrew Tamer. Muriel
Stevens read the part of the Shrew, but her natural characteristics also showed
through her interpretation of the part and she was rather more convincing after
she had been tamed than before. The summing up in the last scene, of the wife’s
duty to her husband was warmly applauded by all the gentle men present — Other
parts were read, all most adequately as follows:
Baptista — Howard Smith.
Vincentio S. A. Reynolds
Lucentio Kenneth Nicholson
Gremio F. E. Pollard
Hortensio R. D. L. Moore
Tranio Margaret Dilks
Biondello Ruth Beck
Grumio A. G. Joselin
Curtis Mary S. W. Pollard
Bianca Elsie Harrod
Widow Rosamund Wallis
The thanks of all were expressed to Alice Joselin for cutting and casting the play
and she hastened to assure us that it had been done only with the assistance and
approbation of her lord and master.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 64 Northcourt Avenue 25.1.43
S. A. Reynolds in the chair.
[...]
2. Minutes of the last meeting were read and signed
[...]
6. The rest of the evening was spent reading “The Taming of the Shrew” reputed
to be by William Shakespeare. Bruce Dilks took the part of Petruchio which he
read with all the dash and vigour of the practised Shrew Tamer. Muriel
Stevens read the part of the Shrew, but her natural characteristics also showed
through her interpretation of the part and she was rather more convincing after
she had been tamed than before. The summing up in the last scene, of the wife’s
duty to her husband was warmly applauded by all the gentle men present — Other
parts were read, all most adequately as follows:
Baptista — Howard Smith.
Vincentio S. A. Reynolds
Lucentio Kenneth Nicholson
Gremio F. E. Pollard
Hortensio R. D. L. Moore
Tranio Margaret Dilks
Biondello Ruth Beck
Grumio A. G. Joselin
Curtis Mary S. W. Pollard
Bianca Elsie Harrod
Widow Rosamund Wallis
The thanks of all were expressed to Alice Joselin for cutting and casting the play
and she hastened to assure us that it had been done only with the assistance and
approbation of her lord and master.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at “Oakdene”, Northcourt Avenue. 2.3.43
S. A. Reynolds in the chair.
1. Minutes of the last meeting were read & approved.
[...]
5. Bruce Dilks reported on behalf of the committee, that in order to provide a
controversial evening seven people had been asked to come prepared to speak or
read about seven widely differing subjects. [...] The subjects would be open for
debate and it was not proposed to cut short an interesting discussion in order
necessarily to include 7 all subjects [...].
6. Rosamund Wallis read an extract from “The Screwtape Letters” by C. S. Lewis.
She was a lesson in the act of tempting, especially the kind of temptations into
which people are most likely to be led during war time. A discussion followed on
whether or not war produced a ‘moral torpor’ and whether it is necessary to live
dangerously, in order to develop physical and moral courage. C. S. Lewis says that
“Despair is a greater sin, than any of the sins that provoke it.”
7. Alice Joselin’s subject was Experiment in Education and she read first from E. S.
Grant-Watson’s book “The Old School” which described the founding of Bedales in
1893 and its gradual change from its cranky, ultra-idealistic outlook then into a
good modern progressive school. Her other reading was from A. S. Neil’s book
“That Dreadful School” the author being founder and headmaster of “Summerhill”.
[...] It was clear from the remarks that followed that this system of education had
no support from members of the club. Dorothea Taylor. as an old Bedalean
confirmed Grant-Watson’s A/C of the school (except that she had no recollection of
the use of the switch) and told us of the great loyalty of old scholars. [...] This led
on to the question of co-education and the very strong Sidcot contingent present at
the meeting began to throw its weight about until Howard Smith recalled that in
his Unit of the F.A.U. during the last war, the Old Sidcotians were labelled “Gods
little Gentlemen”[.] Knox Taylor exhibited himself as the exception to this rule &
the subject was considered dead. [Note: the F.A.U. is the Friends’ Ambulance Unit;
Sidcot is a co-educational school associated with the Quakers.]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at “Oakdene”, Northcourt Avenue. 2.3.43
S. A. Reynolds in the chair.
[...]
9. Kenneth Nicholson read a monograph entitled “The English attitude towards
Games”. He warned us before he started that it was supposed to be funny as
indeed it was. [...]
10. It was getting late, but our Host hoped we would have one more subject so A.
G. Joselin spoke on “Serial Time”. He told us that any conception of time was
impossible without movement. He spoke of J. W. Dunne’s book “An Experiment
with Time” in which the author collects considerable data to prove that ones
dreams are as much about the future as about the past. The physicists present
appeared to be convinced, the rest were very sceptical. Arnold Joselin also gave
examples of the “series” meant by his title Serial Time — this after all proved to be
not such a very new idea for certainly a quarter of a century ago if not much
earlier than that one knew this series, e.g. “It was a dark and stormy night, three
robbers sat in a cave & one said to another ‘Antonio! Tell us a tale’ – and this is
how he began. It was….[”]
11. [...] with regret we had to keep the remaining subjects for another occasion.
These were Howard Smith on “The business Man” & Knox Taylor on “Vice”.
[signed as a true record by] R.D.L. Moore.
3. 4. 43. [at the club meeting held at School House: see Minute Book, p. 151.]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Roger Moore Manuscript: Notebook
'Minutes of Meeting held at School House. 3rd April 1943
R. D. L. Moore in the Chair
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read & signed.
[...]
4. Roger Moore introduced the subject of ‘Ballads’. He spoke of their origin, which
is very obscure since anonymity belongs to their very nature. They were never
meant to be ‘literature’, since they were not written but have come down to us
orally until Bishop Percy in 1765 started making his collection. He quoted Quiller-
Couch in saying that almost all the places most celebrated in ballad poetry lie in
the Border country between two lines, one drawn from the Firth of Forth to the
Clyde & the other from Newcastle-on-Tyne to St Bee’s Head. Quiller-Couch also
draws two chronological lines — at the years 1350 and 1550 & holds that the Ballad rose, flourished & declined within that period.
5. Illustrations of Ballads were given as follows:
Tam Lin read by Elsie Harrod
The Two Magicians sung by A. B. Dilks
Sir Patrick Spens read by Kenneth Nicholson
The Suffolk Miracle [read by] Margaret Dilks
Chevy Chase [read by] Knox Taylor
Some Berkshire Ballads —
Archbishop Laud
Mollie Mog
The Lay of the Hunted Pig
Cupid’s Garden ——— read by Howard Smith
John Barleycorn — read by Isabel Taylor
Edward — [read by] Bruce Dilks.
[signed as a true record by] Muriel M. Stevens
8 - 5 - 43. [at the club meeting held at Gower Cottage: see Minute Book, p. 153.]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Minutes of Meeting held at School House. 3rd April 1943
R. D. L. Moore in the Chair
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read & signed.
[...]
4. Roger Moore introduced the subject of ‘Ballads’. He spoke of their origin, which
is very obscure since anonymity belongs to their very nature. They were never
meant to be ‘literature’, since they were not written but have come down to us
orally until Bishop Percy in 1765 started making his collection. He quoted Quiller-
Couch in saying that almost all the places most celebrated in ballad poetry lie in
the Border country between two lines, one drawn from the Firth of Forth to the
Clyde & the other from Newcastle-on-Tyne to St Bee’s Head. Quiller-Couch also
draws two chronological lines — at the years 1350 and 1550 & holds that the Ballad rose, flourished & declined within that period.
5. Illustrations of Ballads were given as follows:
Tam Lin read by Elsie Harrod
The Two Magicians sung by A. B. Dilks
Sir Patrick Spens read by Kenneth Nicholson
The Suffolk Miracle [read by] Margaret Dilks
Chevy Chase [read by] Knox Taylor
Some Berkshire Ballads —
Archbishop Laud
Mollie Mog
The Lay of the Hunted Pig
Cupid’s Garden ——— read by Howard Smith
John Barleycorn — read by Isabel Taylor
Edward — [read by] Bruce Dilks.
[signed as a true record by] Muriel M. Stevens
8 - 5 - 43. [at the club meeting held at Gower Cottage: see Minute Book, p. 153.]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Muriel Stevens Manuscript: Unknown, Notebook
'Meeting held at Gower Cottage. 8th May ’43
Muriel Stevens in the Chair
1. Minutes of last meeting read & signed
[...]
3. Knox Taylor opened our study of Johnson & his Circle by giving us a most
comprehensive picture of the background of this period.
4. Howard Smith told us of Johnson’s life and publications.
5. Isabel Taylor read Johnson’s famous letter to Lord Chesterfield.
6. Roger Moore read ‘The Wedding Day’ by Boswell & an account of his first
meeting with Johnson.
7. F. E. Pollard described Johnson’s Circle. He spoke of Garrick, Sir Joshua
Reynolds, Burke, Godlsmith, Boswell, Richardson, Fielding, Mrs. Thrale and her
daughter Hester & others and A. B Dilks read from Johnson’s “Vanity of Human
Wishes.”
8. Mention must be made of the excellent refreshments provided by our hostess
and the Secretary regrets that owing to lack of time, she has in these minutes
done Scant justice to a most thoughtfully prepared & extremely interesting
evening.
[signed as a true record by] Howard R Smith
22/6/43 [at the club meeting held at Frensham: see Minute Book, p. 155: ‘We
adjourned indoors & the minutes of the last meeting were read, corrected and
signed.’]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Gower Cottage. 8th May ’43
Muriel Stevens in the Chair
1. Minutes of last meeting read & signed
[...]
3. Knox Taylor opened our study of Johnson & his Circle by giving us a most
comprehensive picture of the background of this period.
4. Howard Smith told us of Johnson’s life and publications.
5. Isabel Taylor read Johnson’s famous letter to Lord Chesterfield.
6. Roger Moore read ‘The Wedding Day’ by Boswell & an account of his first
meeting with Johnson.
7. F. E. Pollard described Johnson’s Circle. He spoke of Garrick, Sir Joshua
Reynolds, Burke, Godlsmith, Boswell, Richardson, Fielding, Mrs. Thrale and her
daughter Hester & others and A. B Dilks read from Johnson’s “Vanity of Human
Wishes.”
8. Mention must be made of the excellent refreshments provided by our hostess
and the Secretary regrets that owing to lack of time, she has in these minutes
done Scant justice to a most thoughtfully prepared & extremely interesting
evening.
[signed as a true record by] Howard R Smith
22/6/43 [at the club meeting held at Frensham: see Minute Book, p. 155: ‘We
adjourned indoors & the minutes of the last meeting were read, corrected and
signed.’]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Gower Cottage. 8th May ’43
Muriel Stevens in the Chair
1. Minutes of last meeting read & signed
[...]
3. Knox Taylor opened our study of Johnson & his Circle by giving us a most
comprehensive picture of the background of this period.
4. Howard Smith told us of Johnson’s life and publications.
5. Isabel Taylor read Johnson’s famous letter to Lord Chesterfield.
6. Roger Moore read ‘The Wedding Day’ by Boswell & an account of his first
meeting with Johnson.
7. F. E. Pollard described Johnson’s Circle. He spoke of Garrick, Sir Joshua
Reynolds, Burke, Goldsmith, Boswell, Richardson, Fielding, Mrs. Thrale and her
daughter Hester & others and A. B Dilks read from Johnson’s “Vanity of Human
Wishes.”
8. Mention must be made of the excellent refreshments provided by our hostess
and the Secretary regrets that owing to lack of time, she has in these minutes
done Scant justice to a most thoughtfully prepared & extremely interesting
evening.
[signed as a true record by] Howard R Smith
22/6/43 [at the club meeting held at Frensham: see Minute Book, p. 155: ‘We
adjourned indoors & the minutes of the last meeting were read, corrected and
signed.’]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith Manuscript: Unknown, Notebook
'Meeting held at Frensham. 22nd June 1943
H. R. Smith in the chair
1. The first part of the meeting was spent most happily in the Frensham garden.
[...]
2. We adjourned indoors & the minutes of last meeting were read, corrected &
signed.
[...]
6. ‘Distant Point’ a translation from the Russian Play by Afinogenev was then read.
In this F. E. Pollard was a somewhat timid and bewildered stationmaster, Margaret
Dilks his huntin’ shootin’ gold-digging wife, and Elsie Harrod, their very high
spirited daughter. The latter two, being no doubt, largely responsible for the
timidity & bewilderment of the former. Then there was Kenneth Nicholson as the
linesman who wanted to get on, Isabel Taylor as his very beautiful wife who with
their small son he feared would cramp his style. S. A. Reynolds was switchman
and father-in-law to the linesman. A. B. Dilks was the Telegraph operator – a
mixture of poet, musician & inventor. Roger Moore read with keen insight the part
of the 2nd linesman who was a drunken sot with a past. Out of the railway coach
marooned at this station, came H. R. Smith as a Commander in the Far Eastern
Russian army, Muriel Stevens as his wife, & Arnold Joselin as his Aide-de-camp.
Rosamund Wallis read the stage directions and battled nobly with the Russian
names. The write-up on the cover of this book said that this play shows the
Russians laughing at themselves, & this would seem as good a way as any of
summing it up.
[signed as a true record by] F. E. Pollard
4. IX. 43. [at the club meeting held at 22 Cintra Avenue: see Minute Book, p. 158]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Frensham. 22nd June 1943
H. R. Smith in the chair
1. The first part of the meeting was spent most happily in the Frensham garden.
[...]
2. We adjourned indoors & the minutes of last meeting were read, corrected &
signed.
[...]
6. ‘Distant Point’ a translation from the Russian Play by Afinogenev was then read.
In this F. E. Pollard was a somewhat timid and bewildered stationmaster, Margaret
Dilks his huntin’ shootin’ gold-digging wife, and Elsie Harrod, their very high
spirited daughter. The latter two, being no doubt, largely responsible for the
timidity & bewilderment of the former. Then there was Kenneth Nicholson as the
linesman who wanted to get on, Isabel Taylor as his very beautiful wife who with
their small son he feared would cramp his style. S. A. Reynolds was switchman
and father-in-law to the linesman. A. B. Dilks was the Telegraph operator – a
mixture of poet, musician & inventor. Roger Moore read with keen insight the part
of the 2nd linesman who was a drunken sot with a past. Out of the railway coach
marooned at this station, came H. R. Smith as a Commander in the Far Eastern
Russian army, Muriel Stevens as his wife, & Arnold Joselin as his Aide-de-camp.
Rosamund Wallis read the stage directions and battled nobly with the Russian
names. The write-up on the cover of this book said that this play shows the
Russians laughing at themselves, & this would seem as good a way as any of
summing it up.
[signed as a true record by] F. E. Pollard
4. IX. 43. [at the club meeting held at 22 Cintra Avenue: see Minute Book, p. 158]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at 22 Cintra Avenue 4th September 1943
F. E. Pollard in the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
[...]
3. The chairman objected to Minute 3 of the last meeting, and asked that if the
club still wished to have “Style” as their subject, they would elect a committee in
the usual manner. [...]
[...]
6. Edith Smith opened the evening of miscellaneous readings by reading part of a
short story “The Man with No Face” by Dorothy Sayers. She left the murder
mystery tantalizingly unsolved, but gave us a clever and amusing picture of the
occupants rightful and encroaching of a 1st-class railway carriage.
7. Mary Stansfield read from a collection of letters written by Freya Stark entitled
“Letters from Syria”. These were written some years ago in an atmosphere of
peace & tranquility. A particularly beautiful description of the writer’s first sight of
the Greek Islands recalled to F. E. Pollard his voyage there with Charles
Stansfield, about which he gave us some interesting and amusing reminiscences.
8. Arnold Joselin Read Boswells account of his first meeting with Johnson and then
“My Streatham Visit” by Frances Burney in which she describes meeting Johnson at
Thrale Hall and records some of the conversation at the dinner table.
9. [...] we listened to F. E. Pollard reading about “The Functional Alternative” from
a pamphlet published by the Royal Institute of International Affairs entitled “A
Working Peace System” by David Mitrany. The author suggests that in Post-War
Europe we should pursue a line of action similar to that adopted by President
Roosevelt in America in 1932/33. This started a lively discussion during which it
became apparent that federal union does not function in the Pollard family.
10. Reverting to more tranquil times Howard Smith read from André Maurois’ “Life
of Disraeli”. This led to the suggestion that Parliamentary speeches of today might
be improved if they contained more personal venom & we were assured that
Eleanor Rathbone is doing her best to liven things up.
11. Muriel Stevens read from The Autobiography of a Chinese Girl” by Hsieh Ping-
Ying. This proved to be a suitably soothing and uncontroversial ending to a most
varied and interesting evening.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 22 Cintra Avenue 4th September 1943
F. E. Pollard in the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
[...]
6. Edith Smith opened the evening of miscellaneous readings by reading part of a
short story “The Man with No Face” by Dorothy Sayers. She left the murder
mystery tantalizingly unsolved, but gave us a clever and amusing picture of the
occupants rightful and encroaching of a 1st-class railway carriage.
7. Mary Stansfield read from a collection of letters written by Freya Stark entitled
“Letters from Syria”. These were written some years ago in an atmosphere of
peace & tranquility. A particularly beautiful description of the writer’s first sight of
the Greek Islands recalled to F. E. Pollard his voyage there with Charles
Stansfield, about which he gave us some interesting and amusing reminiscences.
8. Arnold Joselin Read Boswells account of his first meeting with Johnson and then
“My Streatham Visit” by Frances Burney in which she describes meeting Johnson at
Thrale Hall and records some of the conversation at the dinner table.
9. [...] we listened to F. E. Pollard reading about “The Functional Alternative” from
a pamphlet published by the Royal Institute of International Affairs entitled “A
Working Peace System” by David Mitrany. The author suggests that in Post-War
Europe we should pursue a line of action similar to that adopted by President
Roosevelt in America in 1932/33. This started a lively discussion during which it
became apparent that federal union does not function in the Pollard family.
10. Reverting to more tranquil times Howard Smith read from André Maurois’ “Life
of Disraeli”. This led to the suggestion that Parliamentary speeches of today might
be improved if they contained more personal venom & we were assured that
Eleanor Rathbone is doing her best to liven things up.
11. Muriel Stevens read from The Autobiography of a Chinese Girl” by Hsieh Ping-
Ying. This proved to be a suitably soothing and uncontroversial ending to a most
varied and interesting evening.
[signed as a true record by] Howard R. Smith
6/10/1943 [at the club meeting held at Frensham: see Minute Book, p. 161]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Frensham. 6th Oct. 1943
Howard R. Smith in the chair.
1. Minutes of the last meeting were read & approved.
[...]
5. Kenneth Nicholson discoursed to us on ‘Style’. He confessed that the more he
had gone into the subject the further he had got out of his depth, but this fact was
not apparent, for what he said was most interesting and illuminating. He gave as
his four essentials for good style: Clarity, Rhythm, Sincerity and the Emergence of
Personality. Kenneth Nicholson illustrated these qualities by quotations from such
varied sources as: The Telephone Directory; an advertisement for Sanitas powder;
the Dean of Harvard; Charles Morgan; Walter Pater; C. E. Montague; G. K
Chesterton; H. G. Wells; T. E. Lawrence; a Leighton Park boy and a Press
reporter. In the discussion which followed, some members thought that good style
could be achieved without sincerity, and reference was made to the regrettable
absence of clarity in legal documents and official forms.
6. F. E. Pollard then read 7 examples of prose writing and we were asked to write
down the authors. It was only to be expected that Kenneth Nicholson, who had
been studying the subject, should come out top with 5 right answers. [...]
[signed as a true record by] A. B. Dilks
8.11.43. [at the club meeting held at 39 Eastern Avenue: see Minute Book, p. 165]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 39, Eastern Avenue. 8th Nov. 1943
A. Bruce Dilks in the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read. Frank Knight immediately proved
what an asset he is to the club, by pointing out that minute 3 reported the election
of a committee, but did not make it at all clear what functions this committee was
to fulfil. The matter was adjusted & the minutes signed.
[...]
3. The evening was devoted to a study of English Music. Margaret Dilks explained
that the choice of programme had been influenced partly by the gramophone
records that were available, and the hope that in this choice everyone would find
at least something which pleased and interested them. Those who liked to take it
as a mild protest against the Russian invasion of our concert programs were at
liberty to do so. As the meeting was held on the 60th anniversary of the birthday
of Sir Arnold Bax, the Master of the King’s Musick, it seemed a most appropriate
choice. First, Margaret Dilks outlined the development of music in England from
the 4th Century to the present day. She told of its earliest beginnings, its rise to
pre-eminence in the Tudor period when English composers and executive
musicians led the world, its decline during the 19th Century, and its renaissance in
recent times.
4. [...] Before the Butterworth records were played Kenneth Nicholson told us
something of the Shropshire Lad poems & A. E. Houseman
[signed as a true record by] Muriel M. Stevens
2.12.43. [at the club meeting held at Gower Cottage: see Minute Book, p. 168]'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Unknown
Meeting held at 39, Eastern Avenue. 8th Nov. 1943
A. Bruce Dilks in the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read. Frank Knight immediately proved
what an asset he is to the club, by pointing out that minute 3 reported the election
of a committee, but did not make it at all clear what functions this committee was
to fulfil. The matter was adjusted & the minutes signed.
[...]
3. The evening was devoted to a study of English Music. Margaret Dilks explained
that the choice of programme had been influenced partly by the gramophone
records that were available, and the hope that in this choice everyone would find
at least something which pleased and interested them. Those who liked to take it
as a mild protest against the Russian invasion of our concert programs were at
liberty to do so. As the meeting was held on the 60th anniversary of the birthday
of Sir Arnold Bax, the Master of the King’s Musick, it seemed a most appropriate
choice. First, Margaret Dilks outlined the development of music in England from
the 4th Century to the present day. She told of its earliest beginnings, its rise to
pre-eminence in the Tudor period when English composers and executive
musicians led the world, its decline during the 19th Century, and its renaissance in
recent times.
4. [...] Before the Butterworth records were played Kenneth Nicholson told us
something of the Shropshire Lad poems & A. E. Houseman
[signed as a true record by] Muriel M. Stevens
2.12.43. [at the club meeting held at Gower Cottage: see Minute Book, p. 168]
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Muriel Stevens Manuscript: Notebook
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: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
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: Arnold Joselin Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at School House, Leighton Park. Jan 27th 1942
J. Knox Taylor in the Chair.
1. In the absences of the Secretary the minute of the last meeting were read by
Alice Joselin.
2. With reference to Minute 6 of the last meeting, i.e. the selection of books for
reading this year, it was decided that as two of the selected books could not be
procured, Margaret Dilks and Mary S. W. Pollard should be asked to select two
alternatives from the last list. The minutes were then approved and signed.
4. After partaking of coffee, the excellence of which & the enjoyment thereof,
being in no way impaired by the introduction of powdered milk, (despite our host’s
perturbation at this war-time inclusion!) we settled down with eager expectations
and interest to the main business of the evening.
5. The subject was a provocative one “Modern Poetry” & we very gladly welcomed
Kenneth Nicholson into our midst, as he had kindly consented to come & talk to us
about modern poetry & to lead us into the strange regions of this somewhat
unknown world.
6. Gerard Manley Hopkins & W. B. Yeats were apparently the leaders in breaking
away from the old traditions of poetry-making, & of setting up a new form, even
expressing a new spirit. We then listened to poems of T. S. Eliot, Wilfred Owen &
W. Auden, & saw how this new way progressed & was elaborated.
We were bewildered, astounded & intrigued by turns! Through the intracacies [sic]
of “sprung rhythm”, down the “arterial roads” of poetical imagery of the early
1920’s to the more apparently intelligible sombreness of recent poetry, we were
led gently but inexorably, by our persuasive speaker, to see & realise that
however strangely we might regard this literature of our age, we must
acknowledge the urgency & sincerity of what the modern poet had to say.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Alice Joselin Manuscript: Notebook
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: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'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: Rosamund Wallis Manuscript: Unknown
'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: Bruce Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
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: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'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: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Unknown
Meeting held at Frensham. Saturday 11th July ’42
H. R. Smith in the chair
[...]
3. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed..
[...]
6. Two One Act Plays were then read. The first of these ‘The Proposal’ by Tchekov
was chosen no doubt in tribute to our gallant allies. Howard Smith as a Russian
landowner Muriel Stevens as his daughter and Arnold Joselin as a healthy, well-
nourished but hypochondriacal suitor for the daughters hand in marriage, all
displayed great histrionic ability. The author calls his play ‘A jest’ and it certainly
was very funny. Howard Smith’s part was largely “and so on’ alternating with ‘and
all the rest of it’ but the infinite variety of expression he managed to put into these
few rather simple words soon reduced us to a state of helpless laughter, and the
fervour of his prayer “Good Lord: what it is to have a grown up daughter” brought
down the house.
7. The second play was “The Workhouse Ward” by Lady Gregory and no doubt a
student of national character could draw many conclusions from the difference
between the Irish and the Russian sense of humour as revealed in these two plays.
Certainly this was altogether a quieter & more subtle work that The Proposal but it
was also very amusing & well read by F. E. Pollard & A. B. Dilks as the two
paupers and Rasamund Wllis as the Countrywoman relation.
[...]
[signed by] F. E. Pollard
17. IX. 42.
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
Meeting held at 22, Cintra Avenue. 17th Sept. 1942
F. E. Pollard in the chair.
1. A card of greetings was read from Janet Rawlings, Beth and Victor
Alexander.
2. The minutes of the last meeting were read & signed.
[...]
5. Howard Smith introduced the subject of Coleridge by telling us something of his
life and character. It was a sad story of real genius & ability frustrated &
unfulfilled by an entire lack of the powers of application and concentration, of a
brilliant conversationalist, a nature generous & affectionate, and a man extremely
fortunate in his friends.
F. E Pollard spoke briefly of Coleridge’s poetical importance & of some of the
sources of his ideas and images – sources not always acknowledge[d]. And
readings from his poetry were then given as follows:-
Parts of The Ancient Mariner read by AB. Dilks
Part I of Christabel [read by] J. K. Taylor
Kubla Khan [read by] Margaret Dilks
The Devils Thoughts [read by] Isabel Taylor
Hymn before Sunrise in the Vale of Chamouny [read by] S. A. Reynolds
[signed at the meeting held 17 September 1942 by] L Dorothea Taylor
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: notebook
Meeting held at 219, Kings Road. 15th October 1942.
Dorothea Taylor in the chair
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read & signed.
2. The secretary read a card from Mr Dyson regretting that he is completely
unqualified to address us on Russian Literature
[...]
3. The question of new members was again raised and the secretary reported that
she had written to Mr. & Mrs. Fawcett extending our renewed invitation to them to
join the Club. & their reply, regretting that they are unable to accept, was read.
[...]
[...]
5. After some excellent refreshments, we devoted the rest of the evening to the
study of Charles Lamb. Roger Moore first gave us the story of his life – how he
was educated at Christ’s Hospital where he met and formed a life-lon friendship
with S. T. Coleridge, then of his appointment in the East India House. We heard of
the curse of madness which hung over the Lamb family & how in 1796 his Mother
was killed by his sister Mary in a fit of insanity. Lamb was magnificent in this
tragedy & devoted the rest of his life to the care of his sister who remained
subject to periodic seizures. Lamb wrote essays, poetry, letters & with his sister
he wrote Tales from Shakespeare. He was also one of the first literary & dramatic
critics.
6. F. E. Pollard read some of Lambs letters, illustrating his great love of London –
professed abhorrence of the Lake District – also his love of good food and in
particular of Cambridge Brawn.
7. S. A Reynolds read an extract from one of Lamb’s last essays, also two of his
sonnets one of which he contrasted with an amended version by Coleridge.
8. Elsie Harrod read Lamb’s essay on his visit to MACKERY END in Hertfordshire of
which he had childish memories & family associations.
9. Arnold Joselin read part of the Essay on Christ’s Hospital & as an Old Blue he
was able to enlarge on & explain some details & also to reassure us that certain
ancient practices are now discontinued. [...]
[signature of] Arnold G. Joselin
14 Nov. 1942
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks
'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: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 39, Eastern Avenue, 10.2.41
A. B. Dilks in the chair
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
4. The subject for this evening was “Winter – in Poetry & Prose”. [...]
The programme was as follows:
Dickens – extract from “A Christmas Carol”
read by R. D. L. Moore
Hardy – “The Mellstock Carols” from ‘Under the Greeenwood Tree’
read by Mrs. H. R. Smith
Shakespeare – “Blow, blow thou winter wind”
sung by F. E. Pollard
V. Sackville West – extract from a poem “The Land”
read by Margaret Dilks
H. M. Wallis – Account of the Blizzard of 1881
read by Howard Smith
Dickens – The Pickwick Club on the Ice
read by A. B. Dilks
Mendelssohn – The Hebrides overture
played by Beecham & the L.P.O. (on gramophone records)'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 39, Eastern Avenue, 10.2.41
A. B. Dilks in the chair
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
4. The subject for this evening was “Winter – in Poetry & Prose”. [...]
The programme was as follows:
Dickens – extract from “A Christmas Carol”
read by R. D. L. Moore
Hardy – “The Mellstock Carols” from ‘Under the Greeenwood Tree’
read by Mrs. H. R. Smith
Shakespeare – “Blow, blow thou winter wind”
sung by F. E. Pollard
V. Sackville West – extract from a poem “The Land”
read by Margaret Dilks
H. M. Wallis – Account of the Blizzard of 1881
read by Howard Smith
Dickens – The Pickwick Club on the Ice
read by A. B. Dilks
Mendelssohn – The Hebrides overture
played by Beecham & the L.P.O. (on gramophone records)'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 22 Cintra Avenue 10.3.41
F. E. Pollard in the Chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
3. Violet Clough read an exceedingly interesting paper on “Children’s Literature”
showing the was it has developed from the “Moral Tales” of Maria Edgeworth
published at the beginning of the 19th. Century, to the delightful tales by Beatrix
Potter & A. A. Milne which are read today. The one retrogressive step she thought
was in the binding of the books, which today seem to come to pieces almost at
once. All the mothers present agreed with this, so it is no reflection on the Clough
children in particular although it may be on the modern child in general.
4. Readings from children’s literature were then given as follows:
Labour Lost from the Rollo Books. Selected by S. A. Reynolds & read by A. B.
Dilks.
“The Fairchild Family” by Mrs. Sherwood read by Mrs. Pollard – this was
particularly gruesome.
“Little Women” by Louisa Alcott read by Mary Stansfield.
Divers examples of children[’]s poetry read by Rosamund Wallis, which included
an impromptu recitation by Howard Smith of one of Hillair[e] Belloc’s Cautionary
Tales.
“Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carrol[l] read by F. E. Pollard.
“Samuel Whiskers” by Beatrix Potter read by Muriel Stevens.
“The Sing Song of Old Man Kangaroo” a Just So Story by Rudyard Kipling, read by
Howard Smith.
“The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame read by Margaret Dilks.
“The House at Pooh Corner” by A. A. Milne, read by A. B. Dilks.
5. Bruce Dilks sang two of Fraser-Simsons settings of A. A. Milne’s Poems.
“Christopher Robin Alone in the Dark” and “Happiness”.
[Signed as a true record of the meeting by] S. A. Reynolds
April 7th / 41'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 22 Cintra Avenue 10.3.41
F. E. Pollard in the Chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
3. Violet Clough read an exceedingly interesting paper on “Children’s Literature”
showing the was it has developed from the “Moral Tales” of Maria Edgeworth
published at the beginning of the 19th. Century, to the delightful tales by Beatrix
Potter & A. A. Milne which are read today. The one retrogressive step she thought
was in the binding of the books, which today seem to come to pieces almost at
once. All the mothers present agreed with this, so it is no reflection on the Clough
children in particular although it may be on the modern child in general.
4. Readings from children’s literature were then given as follows:
Labour Lost from the Rollo Books. Selected by S. A. Reynolds & read by A. B.
Dilks.
“The Fairchild Family” by Mrs. Sherwood read by Mrs. Pollard – this was
particularly gruesome.
“Little Women” by Louisa Alcott read by Mary Stansfield.
Divers examples of children[’]s poetry read by Rosamund Wallis, which included
an impromptu recitation by Howard Smith of one of Hillair[e] Belloc’s Cautionary
Tales.
“Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carrol[l] read by F. E. Pollard.
“Samuel Whiskers” by Beatrix Potter read by Muriel Stevens.
“The Sing Song of Old Man Kangaroo” a Just So Story by Rudyard Kipling, read by
Howard Smith.
“The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame read by Margaret Dilks.
“The House at Pooh Corner” by A. A. Milne, read by A. B. Dilks.
5. Bruce Dilks sang two of Fraser-Simsons settings of A. A. Milne’s Poems.
“Christopher Robin Alone in the Dark” and “Happiness”.
[Signed as a true record of the meeting by] S. A. Reynolds
April 7th / 41'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Sylvanus A. Reynolds Manuscript: Minutes
'Meeting held at Oakdene, Northcourt Avenue 7.iv.41
S. A. Reynolds in the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
[Signed as a true record by] A. G. Joselin
5 May 1941'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Oakdene, Northcourt Avenue 7.iv.41
S. A. Reynolds in the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
3. Margaret Dilks read a brief biographical sketch of J. M. Barrie. Her facts were
challenged by some members as was her Scots pronunciation by others, but
admitting her ignorance she pleaded that the task had been a difficult one as
Barrie’s biography by Denis Mackail was not published until the day before this
meeting. Barrie’s life was on the whole a lucky one, crowned early with success,
his one real dissapointment being the failure of his last play “The Boy David”. But
his writings were not those of a man well content with life & the world as it is –
for though they are amusing they are also very pointed.
[...]
[Signed as a true record by] A. G. Joselin
5 May 1941'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Unknown
'Meeting held at Oakdene, Northcourt Avenue 7.iv.41
S. A. Reynolds in the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.
[...]
3. Margaret Dilks read a brief biographical sketch of J. M. Barrie. Her facts were
challenged by some members as was her Scots pronunciation by others, but
admitting her ignorance she pleaded that the task had been a difficult one as
Barrie’s biography by Denis Mackail was not published until the day before this
meeting. Barrie’s life was on the whole a lucky one, crowned early with success,
his one real dissapointment being the failure of his last play “The Boy David”. But
his writings were not those of a man well content with life & the world as it is –
for though they are amusing they are also very pointed.
4. It was a very great pleasure to us that Janet Rawlings’ short stay in Reading
should coincide with a book-club meeting, & her reading from “My Lady Nicotine”
was much enjoyed. It should be mentioned that the passage was not selected by
the reader, but by Mr. Pollard. For in an entertaining forward Janet explained that
being in doubt as to what to read she took her troubles to F. E. Pollard, as she so
often does – with what happy result in this case at least we were able to judge for
ourselves.
5. Alice Joselin made some comments on “Peter Pan” which were followed by a
reading by Mary Stansfield from “The Little White Bird”., an early book which
contains the episode of Peter Pan. In view of the very evident enjoyment with
which we devoted the whole of our last meeting to childrens literature, it was
strange that so many condemned Peter Pan as too grown up for children and too
mawkish for adults. In fact, as she finished the reading, Mary Stansfield
pronounced it “Utter Twaddle”.
[...]
[Signed as a true record by] A. G. Joselin
5 May 1941'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Arnold Joselin Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 72 Shinfield Road. 5th May 1941
A. G Joselin in the chair.
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved
2. Apologies of absence were read from Violet Clough & Mr. & Mrs. Knox
Taylor.
[...]
4. Our evening was devoted to a study of the work and writings of Matthew Arnold
and we are very grateful to the Committee who arranged the programme and in
particular to A. G. Joselin and F. E. Pollard for a most interesting and enlightening
evening.
First Mr. Joselin told us something of Matthew Arnold’s work as an Educationalist –
of his attempts to secure the improvement of education & particularly secondary
education in England. His views on Education are expressed in “Culture and
Anarchy” which was published in 1869, and Mr. Joselin read several extracts from
J. Dover Wilson’s editorial introduction to this book. [...] Other readings given to
illustrate Matthew Arnold the Educationalist and Prose Writer were “Dover Beach”
by Mrs. Joselin and further extracts form “Culture and Anarchy” read by R. D. L.
Moore.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at 72 Shinfield Road. 5th May 1941
A. G Joselin in the chair.
[...]
5. F. E. Pollard then undertook to guide us through “the moon-silvered inlets” of
Matthew Arnold’s poetry.
First Muriel Stevens read three sonnets
Shakespeare
The better Part
& The Good Shepherd with the Kid.
illustrating most convincingly that Matthew Arnold ranks among the great sonnet
writers of the English language. Most of his poetry was written in the earlier part
of his life, it is serious and moral in spirit and reveals a stoical philosophy. ‘The
Scholar-Gypsy’ and ‘Thyrsis’ (the latter written in memory of his friend Arthur
Hugh Clough) are probably the best of his longer poems – their austere but serene
melancholy contrasts strangely with his lively and controversial prose. Mr. Pollard
pointed out how Matthew Arnold has a way of writing on a very tragic subject and
then rounding up the poem with a few lines of serene beauty, and he read from
‘Sohrab and Rustum’ to illustrate this.
Rosamund Wallis read “Stagirius” a very beautiful prayer offered up by a young
monk.
Mr. Pollard then told us of Matthew Arnold’s “Theory of Poetry” as expounded in
his “Essays in Criticism” – this was that great poetry has to be a criticism of Life –
a questionable theory since it rules out all the great lyrical poetry which has been
written. Arnold’s own poetry is for the most part rather rugged in metre, irregular
and unrhymed and for tis reason is said by some to be lacking in music. His
Philosophy is illustrated in the ‘Sonnet to a Friend” which Mr. Pollard read, and
summed up in the line “He saw life steadily, and saw it whole”. Mr Pollard then
read from ‘Tristram & Iseult’ and Mrs. Pollard read ‘The Forsaken Merman’ to
illustrate other rather different verses.
Questioned as to whether he agreed with the critics who place Matthew Arnold
third to Browning and Tennyson among Victorian Poets Mr Pollard said he thought
not – that they are all on one level but each in a different category. He concluded
by reading William Watson’s Poem on Matthew Arnold “In Laleham
Churchyard”.
[Signed as a true record] R. D. L. Moore
May 31. 1941'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Roger Moore Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at School House 31st May 1941
R. D. L. Moore in the chair
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
[...]
3. The Chairman read a letter of greetings and regret for her absence from Janet
Rawlings in which she suggested “Modern Poetry” as a possible subject for one of
our meetings.
[...]
5. The Subject of the meeting was “Autobiography” & it proved a very varied and
interesting one. Readings were given as follows:
1) My Life of Music by Sir Henry J. Wood
read by A. B. Dilks
2) My days of strength by Dr. Anne Fearn
read by S. A. Reynolds
Autobiography by John Stuart Mill
read by F. E. Pollard
Vanished Pomps of Yesterday by Lord Frederick Hamilton
read by Rosamund Wallis
Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell
read by Arnold Joselin.
A Great Experiment by Lord Robert Cecil
read by J. Knox Taylor.
[signed as a true record] AB Dilks'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at School House 31st May 1941
R. D. L. Moore in the chair
1. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
[...]
3. The Chairman read a letter of greetings and regret for her absence from Janet
Rawlings in which she suggested “Modern Poetry” as a possible subject for one of
our meetings.
[...]
5. The Subject of the meeting was “Autobiography” & it proved a very varied and
interesting one. Readings were given as follows:
1) My Life of Music by Sir Henry J. Wood
read by A. B. Dilks
2) My days of strength by Dr. Anne Fearn
read by S. A. Reynolds
Autobiography by John Stuart Mill
read by F. E. Pollard
Vanished Pomps of Yesterday by Lord Frederick Hamilton
read by Rosamund Wallis
Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell
read by Arnold Joselin.
A Great Experiment by Lord Robert Cecil
read by J. Knox Taylor.
[signed as a true record] AB Dilks'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Bruce Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held on Monday 27th October at the Palace Theatre
The Book Club turned out almost in its entirety to see in Marie Tempest in “The
First Mrs. Fraser”. It was a good performance which we all enjoyed & we are
grateful to Edith Smith for so efficiently booking the seats and distributing the
tickets.
[signed as a true record by] F. E. Pollard 16.XII.41.
[Marginal note in pencil:] Thanks also are due to those who provided refreshments
many and varied during the intervals'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Francis E. Pollard Manuscript: Note
'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: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'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: Knox Taylor Manuscript: Notebook
'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. 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: Howard Smith Manuscript: Notebook
'Meeting held at Frensham, Northcourt Avenue. 13th Sept. 1940
Howard R. Smith in the Chair.
1. An apology of absence was received from the Secretary.
2. In the absence of the Secretary (see minute 1) the secretary’s husband, the
Treasurer [A. B. Dilks], acted as secretary and read the minutes of the last
meeting [...].
[...]
[signed by:] R. D. L. Moore
Oct. 18. 1940.'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Bruce Dilks 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: Rosamund Wallis Manuscript: Unknown, 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 “Hilliers”, Northcourt Avenue. 18.XI.40
Rosamund Wallis in the chair.
[...]
4. Roger Moore gave us a biographical sketch of John Keats chiefly as revealed
through his letters. To him Keats was memorable as much for the man he was as
for what he wrote. We heard of Keats’ ideals, his religion as revealed in his letters
in spite of his professed unbelief, of his family and circle of close friends and of
his tragic & untimely death. In conclusion Roger Moore asked whether anyone
could set his mind at rest with regard to Ruth in tears amid the alien corn. His
knowledge of the Scriptures led him to suppose that Ruth was extremely happy in
her exile, in which case Keats himself would have been the first to admit that an
idea lacking truth could not be beautiful. This led to some discussion on Ruth and
exiles in general and Howard Smith suggested that it was strange that Keats had
selected Ruth when there had been so many famous exiles through whose
really sad hearts the self-same song might have found a path. He
thought Iphigenia would have been a better choice, but it was generally felt that
the sadness of her exile was somewhat outweighed by the length of her name.
[...]
[signed] Howard R. Smith
13/12/40'
Century: 1900-1945 Reader/Listener/Group: Howard Smith Manuscript: Notebook
'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: Margaret Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
'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: Bruce Dilks Manuscript: Notebook
