Every member will I am sure have noted, with regret, the absence of the usual paragraph contributed by our President, and I reproduce below copies of letters that passed between us in November 1957:
13th November. 1957
Dear Philip,
I thank you for your two letters and am sorry to tell you that I am not so well again. I was very sick and poorly last week-end and I must ask you to please excuse my not sending the usual paragraph. I have no idea at the moment what to write about except my apologies for same. I think I must please ask you to replace me as President. It would be better for both of us if you had someone younger and more reliable and within easier distance of London. The circle is now in a very strong position and I feel quite happy to leave the Chair to another member.
My very kind regards,
Sincerely yours,
Gilbert.
13th November. 1957
Dear Gilbert,
I thank you for your letter of the 13th instant and am very sorry indeed to learn that you have been in such poor health and do hope that your complete recovery will not be long delayed.
With regard to your writing your usual paragraph for our bulletin I would never wish it to become a burden and fully appreciate that in the circumstances you are not able to let me have a few lines on this occasion. If at any time in the future you feel able to make a contribution to our pages you know it will always be most welcome.
The suggestion you make of being replaced as President is, however, a very different matter. You will, I am sure, recall at our Third Anniversary Meeting last April it was made abundantly clear that it was the desire of all present that you continued in that office. I have to-day been in touch with members of the Committee and we all agree that the fact that you live so far away and cannot be sure of being able to preside at our meetings in no way diminishes the high esteem and warm affection with which you are regarded by all our members. Whilst it is realised that it may be necessary to invite someone else to take the chair at future meetings it is our earnest wish that you continue to lead us in the capacity as President.
With very kind regards,
Sincerely yours,
Philip.
From the time of our foundation when Mr. Collett consented to accept the invitation to become our President he has given us his wholehearted support and made the long journey from his home in Wiltshire to London to preside at our meetings. Everyone will, I know, echo the sentiments expressed in my letter and hope that his health and the weather will permit him to attend our Fourth Anniversary Meeting next March.