SBC Council Meetings (start of breakaway from Institute) ... 1892/3

On Thursday evening the annual meeting of the Stourport Boat Club was held in the Assembly Room at the Tontine Hotel. Mr E. A. Baldwin presided and there were present - Messrs. R. Hunstan, W. Dorsett, W. H. Harrison, J. A. Pratt, H. E. Hinton, J. I. Glover & c. The secretary (Mr C. R. Glover) presented the report and balance sheet, which was considered satisfactory. The expenditure had been unusually heavy during the year, but chiefly, owing to the success of the regatta held in July, they had been enabled to meet their expenses, and after having purchased a number of new boats, which the club had been badly in need of, they still had a satisfactory balance in hand.
Mr Dorsett, in seconding the adoption of the report and balance sheet, gave at some length an interesting account of the growth and development of the club from its formation in 1876. In looking over the names of former members, he could not help expressing his feelings of regret at the loss of the late Mr Eaton, who had always taken a deep interest in the club, and he felt sure that by his removal the town had lost a good citizen and the Boat Club a good friend. He hoped that every member would take a personal interest in the welfare of the club, and so ensure its future success.

The adoption of the report was carried unanimously.

The secretary said that owing to the A.R.A.'s definition of amateur, it had been advisable to change the name of the club and alter the rules. It was also proposed to sever the connection of the club from under the Institute, as under the present conditions the question of subscription was against the interest of the club. It was eventually decided for the secretary to put the matter before the Institute council, and report to the Boat Club committee.

The Chairman said that with regard to the election of the President of the club, Mr Alfred Baldwin, who had been their president for years past, had always filled that office to their satisfaction, but it was now thought that a change was desirable. He had pleasure in submitting the name of Lord Dudley as their president for 1893. His lordship had already manifested a great interest in the club and had assisted them very materially during the present year. He had no doubt but that this would meet with their hearty approval.
Mr Dorsett seconded Lord Dudley's election, which was carried with great enthusiasm.

The following officers for the following year were then elected:- Vice-presidents, Revs. F. O. Gascoigne and F. D. Richardson, Messrs. A. Baldwin, E. A. Baldwin and S. Baldwin; captain, Mr W. H. Harrison; deputy captain, Mr W. Fisher; secretary. Mr C. R. Glover; treasurer, Mr R. Hunstan.
Kidderminster Shuttle 17 December 1892.

Report of a Meeting of the Stourport Literary Institute

The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, alluded to the grievous loss the Institute sustained by the death of Mr T.Baldwin Worth, who was a staunch friend of that institution, and always took the deepest interest in its success. They had already expressed their deepest symathy with the family. He regretted that there had been no demand for classes of an educational character, while the intellectual game of chess had also failed to be interesting to the members. He hoped they would soon have successful classes, a victorious chess club and a large increase of members. With regard to the question of technical education, he hoped they would be able to be united to Kidderminster, and that they would secure the services of able teachers. If they could only increase the number of their members they would be able to add to the attractions of the library, for he contended that at least £10 per year should be spent on the library. It was one of the chief sources of interest at the Institute. They had not, as was the case in large towns, a large public library, supported out of the rates, and the library at the Institute had to take the place of a public library. The arrears were not large, but it was contrary to principle to have arrears at all. Those arrears indicated that there were a certain number of members who were backward in paying for what they were having. He concluded by moving the adoption of the report, and that the same should be printed and circulated among members.
The Rev. E.Davenport seconded the motion.

Mr Shepherd asked if the Boat Club was still affiliated to the Institute, because he understood that members of the Institute derived no advantage. It ought not to be forgotten that when the Boat Club was started the Institute voted a sum of £20 to the funds, and the members were supposed to have some benefit. It was a question with many whether the Boat Club was still affiliated to the Institute - (hear).

Mr C.Johnson said several persons were admitted last year, and non-members of the Institute obtained the same advantage in the Boat Club as the members.

The Rev. E.Davenport said several persons had been proposed as members of the Institute, obtained the reduction in fee for the Boat Club, and then neglected to pay the subscription to the Institute and were no longer members. He rejoiced to see a favourable balance sheet, especially as there had been a slight fall off in the number of members.

Mr Cadman said that they were not the only Institute where the educational classes had failed to attract students.

Mr Coupe complained at the fact that the billiard room was opened while the annual meeting was being held, and thought that it should be closed on the evening of the annual meeting.

Mr Hinton, the hon. secretary of the Boat Club, made a statement with regard to the Boat Club. The resolution passed at the last meeting was that the subscription should be raised, and no distinction was made between members and non-members. The members of the Institute gained some advantage till last year.

Mr Newmarch suggested that the council should deal with that question. With regard to classes, Mr Newmarch that the drawing class only fell through for the want of greater energy and regularity on the part of the teacher, and that was why they would derive so many advantages by an affiliation with the Kidderminster School of Science. They would have competent teachers sent from the school and the work of science education would flourish. The schools at Kidderminster were in a flourishing condition and it would be a distinct advantage to be associated with that Institution. He felt sure that successful classes in drawing and chemistry could be carried on.