No. 110
March 1957
Page 1
EDITOR’S NOTE______________________ A most members will already know, it was decided at the last A.G.M. that the Belfry Bulletin should be run by an Editorial Board. This board consists of “Spike” Rees, Alan Sandall and myself and since the A.G.M., we have been joined by Bob Price. Having introduced ourselves, we should like to explain what we have done so far and what we hope to do in the future. The printed cover will be standard from now on, and older readers may recognise the title styling. This first appeared on B.B. number 3. I believe that we have Don Coase to thank for the design. The large print headings are designed to assist those who, through failing eyesight or insufficient practice, have difficulty in reading small print. Failing some dire catastrophe occurring, we will have each month’s B.B. ready for stapling on the first Thursday of the month regularly. (We’ve got to do this in any case, as we’ve had all the dates printed on the covers in advance!). We shall not appeal for articles, but will amongst you with big sticks. Seriously though – we have made a start, we hope in the right direction. There is still a lot of improving to be done. Any suggestions will be very welcome, including any offers of help, materials of work. “Alfie” * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
GENERAL NEWS ______________________ REPORT OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ----- A personal account of the main items of interest – by Bob Bagshaw. The A.G.M. started a little late and the attendance reached a total of 37. The Hon. Secretary reported that the total membership had fallen slightly to 117. The drop from 98 to 82 for the Annual Dinner was attributed to the petrol, situation. It was hoped that the purchase of the Belfry site, the installation of mains electricity and water and the provision of a new Tackle Store would soon be completed. The Hon. Treasurer reported that, in view of the proposed expenditure, the outstanding loans should not be repaid yet and he appealed for donations or more Life Memberships and also for the prompt payment or subs. The Caving Secretary reported the continuance of work on most of the caves discovered by the club. A very small cave had been entered during the year. The participation by the club in the Pen Park Hole project had not gone smoothly. He deplored the attitude taken by some members of the group set up by Professor Palmer and suggested that club abandon its share in the work. After some discussion, it was agreed not to do this. The Climbing Secretary reported another successful year, which included several trips to the Pyrenees and Skye. There have been several trips for novices to the nearby climbs as well as trips to the regular climbs throughout the county. The Tackle Officer reported the loss of one 20’ ladder. (This has subsequently been found with the Wessex tackle). Three more 20’ ladders have been rebuilt during the year. The new tackle store will ease the storage position and enable a better check to be kept on tackle. The Hut Warden reported a total of 1,062 bed-nights in spite of the loss of some regulars to the Shepton Hut. A Bank Holiday record of 115 be-nights was set up over Easter. The redecoration of the Belfry was continuing. The Hon. Librarian reported that there had been less borrowing of books in spite of the purchase of 16 new books. The use of a cupboard at Redcliffe Hall has been offered and when books are there perhaps the borrowing, and also the attendance at the Hall may increase.