Note: there are errors in the addition on several pages of Accounts. Presumably these are errors made by the Clerk copying them from the Cash Book into this Book

At Dundee the Eighteenth day of October 1955

At the Annual General Meeting of the Bonnetmaker Craft of Dundee held in Queen’s Hotel Dundee t 6.30 p.m.

Present: Deacon George F Brown, Boxmaster John M Robb, Mr Frank Hay Clerk

and thirty two Members of the Craft

apologies for absence were intimated by the Clerk from Messers David Black, Es-Deacon Carlton, Ex-Convene Drummond, James Carr, John Johnston, David Lorimer and George Muir

The following Minutes were read and approved

(a) Annual General Meeting – 19^th October 1954

(b) Special General Meeting – 19th October 1954

(c) –do- - 22^nd March 1955
The Clerk reported that Committee Meetings were held on 4^th November 1954, 22^nd February 1955, 18^th March 1955 and 20^th September 1955
II. Accounts

The Boxmaster’s Cash Account for the year ended 15^th September 1955 was submitted along with the relative Vouchers and these were approved on the motion of David Simpson seconded by Mr David Reid.

(a) On the motion of Deacon George F Brown seconded by Ex-Deacon Dargie Boxmaster John M Robb was unanimously elected Deacon for the ensuing year.

The presentation of an Ex-Deacons badge to Mr Brown was made by the New Deacon

(b) Boxmaster

On the motion of the Deacon seconded by Convener Andrew Wallace Mr Robert S May was unanimously elected Boxmaster for the ensuing year.

(c) Committee

It was intimated that Messers W A Jackson, James Bruce and George Muir were due to retire and are not eligible for re-election and that due to the appointment as Boxmaster of Mr May there were four vacancies on the Committee to be filled. The following Members were elected to the Committee to hold office for two years namely: Matthew Waddell, Lovat Grant, Edward J Stevenson and David Reid.

(d) Clerk

Mr Frank Hay was unanimously re-elected as Clerk to the Craft
IV Annual General Meeting

The Deacon referred to the suggestion made at the last Annual General Meeting that the Accounts of he Craft and the Annual General Meeting should be held in September in order that the newly elected Deacon and Boxmaster be able to attend the Kirking of the Trades which was usually held on the Second Sunday in October. Convener Wallace and the Reverend Mr Campbell also spoke in support of this and it was left to the Committee to endeavour to bring forward the Annual General Meeting next year.

The Reverend Mr Campbell stated that the thought that the Ceremonial Mace of the Nine Incorporated Trades should be displayed at the Annual Dinner of the Craft. A general discussion followed in which Convener Wallace, Mr Simpson and Ex-Deacon Brown spoke regarding this matter and it was decided that the Mace should be placed before the Convener of the Nine Trades at the Annual Dinner. Mr William Blain considered that the Mace if possible should be displayed at every Meeting of the Craft in order to allow as many Craftsmen as possible to see this very beautiful and artistic work.

Ex-Deacon Duncan spoke regarding the finances of the Craft and stated that the best way to increase the finances of the Craft was to endeavour to increase the Membership but he also felt that an appeal might be made to the Members for Donations towards the running expenses of the Craft. He referred to the occasion when a sum of £100 was collected for the Benefit fund.

The Deacon referred to the Annual Dinner which was to be held on Kidd’s Rooms on 18^th November and asked the Members to support this function and with a view to increasing the Membership he suggested that as many as possible of the Members should bring Guests to the Function as in the past many guests attending the Annual Dinner joined the Craft.

The Meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

John M Robb Deacon

At a General Meeting of the Bonnetmaker Craft of Dundee held in Queen’s Hotel Dundee at 7 p.m.

Present: Deacon John M Robb: Boxmaster Robert S May

Also attending:

Thirty two Members of the Craft and Frank Hay, Clerk
Deacon John M Robb proposed and Boxmaster Robert S May seconded the following gentlemen for admission to the Craft namely,

James Calder Braid Chartered Accountant 11 Reform Street Dundee

James Nicoll Phillips Junior Charge-hand 11 Sutherland Street Dundee

These gentlemen having severally emitted the customary declaration wer accordingly admitted Members with ll the rights, privileges and immunities appertaining to Membership conform to Minute of Admission in the Lockit Book. The Clerk was instructed to have Certificates of Membership issued on payment of entry money and dues.

J M Robb
At Dundee the twenty fifth day of October 1955

At a Meeting of the Committee of the Bonnetmaker Craft of Dundee held within the Office of the Clerk 148 Nethergate Dundee at 4 p.m.

Present: Deacon John M Robb, Boxmaster R S May, Ex-Convener George f Brown, Messers Lovat Grant, David Reid, Edward J Stevenson, Matthew M Waddell and the Clerk

Apologies for absence were intimated from William Black and W L Weir

A general discussing took place regarding the arrangements for the Annual Dinner to be held on 18^th November. Sample Menus received from Andrew G Kidd Ltd were submitted and it was decided to accept Menu 2 at the cost of 16/6d per head but it was suggested that the type of soup should be changed. It was felt that the Circulars regarding the Annual Dinner should be printed and certain suggestions were made and the Clerk was instructed accordingly.

The Clerk gave an estimate of the total expenditure and stated that if the price of the Tickets were 25/- approximately 123 Tickets would require to be sold before the Dinner would pay. It was decided to fix the Tickets at 25/- and the Clerk was instructed to issue each Member of the Committee 10 Tickets for sale. It was also arranged that a Meeting of the Committee should be held a week before the Dinner to review the position.

A discussion followed regarding the Toast List and it was felt that the Toast of “The Imperial Forces” should come immediately after “The Queen. This was agreed. Boxmaster R S May undertook to propose the necessary vote of thanks.

The Clerk also stated that he had engaged the usual Musical Trio to play during the evening. He intimated that Mr Gahan of the Glass Bucket would be running the Licence and that he had arranged that for the drinks served before the Dinner that we would pay a small corkage on each bottle consumed and not a separate charge for each drink.

The Clerk submitted a Statement of Receipts and Payments in connection with the last Meeting which was approved.

J M Robb Deacon

At Dundee the Twelfth day of January 1956

At a Meeting of the Committee of the Bonnetmaker Craft of Dundee held within the Office of the Clerk 148 Nethergate Dundee at 4.15 p.m.

Present: Deacon John M Robb, Boxmaster R S May, Messers Lovat Grant, David Reid, A H Scott, E J Stevenson, Matthew M Waddell and the Clerk

The Deacon occupied the Chair
The Minute of Meeting held on 28^th October 1955 was read and approved.

The Statement of Receipts and Payments in connection with the Annual Dinner was submitted showing a deficit of £19.10. 5. The Clerk stated that most of the deficit of £19.10. 5 was made by additional Charges for refreshments served at the Reception and the Printing of Circulars regarding the Dinner.

The Clerk stated that he had provisionally fixed 16th March for the next General Meeting of the Craft. A discussion followed and certain other suggested dates were submitted. The Clerk, during the Meeting, telephoned the Queen’s Hotel but as this as the only Friday available it was decided to hold the Meeting on that date.

The Clerk submitted one Application but it was thought that further Applications would be received.

It was decided that the Toasts should be:

“The Nine Incorporated Trades” “The Clergy” and “The New Members”

The Clerk was instructed to ask Mr Norman Bennet to propose the Toast of “The Nine Incorporated Trades”

J M Robb Deacon

At a Meeting of the Committee of the Bonnetmaker Craft of Dundee held within the Office of the Clerk 148 Nethergate Dundee at 4.15 p.m.

Present: Deacon John M Robb, Boxmaster R S May, Messers David Reid, A H Scott, Matthew M Waddell and the Clerk

The Deacon occupied the Chair

The Minute of Meeting held on 12^th January 1956 was read and approved

The Clerk intimated that he had received the following Applications for Membersip:

2. William Andrew Soutar Dryden Fruit, Potato Merchant 8 Nelson Terrace Dundee

3. William Low Jr Jute Merchant The Bryers 89 Dundee Road Broughty Ferry Dundee.

4. George Christie Stenson Electrical Contractor 2 Martin Street Dundee.

5. Charles Donald Webster 33 Bruce Road Dundee.

The Committee having fully considered these Applications unanimously recommended the admission of the Applicants at the special Meeting to be held in Queen’s Hotel on Friday 16^th March 1956.

The Deacon informed the Meeting that Mr Boath was to propose the Toast of “The Nine Incorporated Trades” and that Mr Norman Bennet was to propose the Toast of “The Clergy” and the Boxmaster as usual would propose the Toast of “The New Members”

Mr Waddell undertook to approach Mr Norman Horsburgh and enquire if he would be good enough to favour us with Songs at the Supper following the Meeting.

J M Robb Deacon

At a Special Meeting of the Bonnetmaker Craft of Dundee held within Queen’s Hotel Dundee at 6.30 p.m.

Present: Deacon John M Robb, Boxmaster Robert S May

Also attending

Thirty Members of the Craft and Frank Hay Clerk
Deacon John M Robb proposed and Boxmaster Robert S May seconded the following gentlemen for admission to the Craft namely;

John Norman Curr Dental Surgeon 234 Broughty Ferry Road Dundee.

William Andrew Soutar Dryden Fruit, Potato Merchant 8 Nelson Terrace Dundee

William Low Jr Jute Merchant The Bryers 89 Dundee Road Broughty Ferry Dundee.

George Christie Stenson Electrical Contractor 2 Martin Street Dundee.

Charles Donald Webster 33 Bruce Road Dundee.

These gentlemen having severally emitted the customary declaration were accordingly admitted Member with all the rights, privileges and immunities appertaining to Membership conform to Minute of Admission in the Lockit Book. The Clerk was instructed to have Certificates of Membership issued on payment of entry money and dues.

John M Robb Deacon
At Dundee the Fourth day of August 1956

At a Meeting of the Committee of the Bonnetmaker Craft of Dundee held within the Office of the Clerk 148 Nethergate Dundee at 4.15 p.m.

Present: Deacon John M Robb, Boxmaster R S May, Messers Lovat Grant, David Reid, A H Scott, S J Stevenson, W L Weir and the Clerk

The Deacon occupied the Chair

The Minute of Meeting held on 4^th August was read and approved.

The Clerk intimated that he had received the following Applications for Membership:

William Low Jr Jute Merchant The Bryers 89 Dundee Road Broughty Ferry Dundee.

The Application had already been passed at a former Meeting.

Leslie Forbes Mitchell Motor Engineer 44 Albany Terrace Dundee

James Black Richardson Bank Manager 113 Pitkerro Road Dundee

.the Boxmaster intimated that he was fairly certain that an Application for Mr Cochrane Sheriff Clerk of Perth and Angus would be received. It was agreed to provisionally accept Mr Cochrane as a Member of the Craft provided his Applications was timorously received.
III. Arrangements for Annual General Meeting and Making

It was agreed that the Annual General Meeting of the Craft he be held at 6.45 instead of 6.30 as formerly.

The Boxmaster reported at Meeting that he had had with the Lord Provost and after discussion it was decided that the Toast of “The City and Trade of Dundee” be deleted and that the Toast of “The Clergy” should be included in the Toast List. Mr W L Weir agreed to propose this Toast. The Clerk was instructed to contact the Revd Mr Campbell.

The Clerk intimated that Convener Wallace was not available on the 21t of September but that Ex-Convener Hardie had consented to deputise for the present Convener.

In connection with the Musical entertainment for that evening it was decided to ask Mr Buist Carmichael to play Violin selections and if possible to contact Mr Watson of Broughty Ferry to Sing.
IV. Accounts

The Clerk reported that the Accounts closed on 15^th September and the Boxmaster was authorised to Audit the Accounts. The Convener was asked to be in attendance on the Evening if the Annual General Meeting ten minutes earlier to approve of the Boxmasters Accounts.

J M Robb Deacon
At Dundee the Twenty first day of September 1956

At the Annual General Meeting of the Bonnetmaker Craft of Dundee held within Queen’s Hotel Dundee at 6.45 p.m.

Present: Convener John M Robb, Boxmaster Robert S May, Mr Frank Hay Clerk

And

Apologies for absence were intimated by the Clerk for Ex-Deacon H J Carlton, The Reverend T R S Campbell, Ex-Deacon Robert Duncan, Messers R Arnot Shepherd, Alexander Smith, Edward J Stevenson and Convener Andrew Wallace

The following minutes were read and approved:

(a) Annual General Meeting – 18^th October 1955

(b) Special General Meeting – 18th October 1955

(c) –do- - 22^nd March 1956

The Clerk reported that Committee Meetings were held on 25^th October 1955, 12^th January 1956, 20^th February 1956, 4th August 1956 and 5th September 1956.

The Box master’s Cash Account for the year ended 15^th September 156 was submitted along with the relative Vouchers ad these were approved on the motion of Ex-Convene Drummond seconded by Ex-Deacon Davidson. The Boxmaster pointed out that the Aconites showed a considerable loss on the year’s workings and a full discussion followed. The Meeting decided that the Committee should look into this matter and take whatever steps were necessary to ensure that there were no further losses if possible.

(a). Deacon. On the motion of Ex-Convener Drummond seconded by Mr David Reid Mr John M Robb was unanimously re-elected Deacon for the ensuing year. The Deacon thanked the Meeting for their vote of confidence in him.

(b). Boxmaster. On the motion of the Deacon seconded by Mr Hamilton Mr Robert S May was unanimously re-elected for the ensuing year.

(c). Committee. It was intimated that Messers William Blain, Andrew H Scott and W L Weir were due to retire and were not eligible for re-election. The following Members were elected to the Committee and to hold office for two years namely: Messers Douglas Dryden, Cecil Black and A B Bowman.

(d). Clerk. Mr Frank Hay was unanimously re-elected as Clerk top the Craft.
IV Annual Dinner.

The Deacon intimated that the Annual Dinner would be held in Kidd’s Rooms on 16^th November 1956.

It was intimated that a Stated Meeting of the Nine Incorporated Trades for the election of a Convener would be held in the City Chambers on Tuesday 2^nd October at 3 p.m. M Simpson the Clerk of the Nine Incorporated Trades invited as many of the Members to attend as possible. Reference was also made to the Kirking of the Trades to be held in St Andrew’s Church on 7^th October. An appeal for a good attendance was also made. Reference was made to the special Church service to be held on 27 January 1957 when the Moderator of the Genial Assembly the Reverend R F V Scott would be the Preacher.

John M Robb Deacon
At Dundee the 2^nd day of September 1956

At a Special General Meeting of the Bonnetmaker Craft of Dundee held within the Queen’s Hotel at 7 p.m.

Present: Deacon John M Robb, Boxmaster Robert S May

Also attending

Thirty two Members of the Craft and Frank Hay Clerk
Deacon John M Robb proposed and Boxmaster Robert S May seconded the following gentlemen for Admission to the Craft namely>

John Douglas Cochrane Sheriff Clerk of Angus 8 Briarbank Terrace Dundee

William Low Jr Jute Merchant The Bryers 89 Dundee Road Broughty Ferry Dundee.

Leslie Forbes Mitchell Motor Engineer 44 Albany Terrace Dundee

These gentlemen having severally emitted the customary declaration were accordingly admitted Members with all the rights, privileges and immunities appertaining to Membership conform to Minute of Admission in the Lockit Book, the Clerk was instructed to have Certificates of Membership issued on payment of the entry money and dues.

J M Robb Deacon

At a Meeting of the Committee of the Bonnetmaker Craft of Dundee held within the Office of the Clerk 148 Nethergate Dundee.

Present: Deacon John M Robb, Boxmaster R S May, Messers A B Bowman, George F Brown, D S Dryden and E J Stevenson

The Deacon occupied the Chair

Apologies for absence were intimated from Mr Cecil Black and Mr David Reid
I. Minutes.

The Minute of Meeting held on 5^th September was read and approved.

The Deacon intimated that he had arranged the Toast List for the Annual Dinner as follows:

The Imperial Forces – Professor A C Lindrum MA. MB, BSc, APRS

Reply – Colonel G W Dunn DSC, MC.

Reply – Lord Provost William Hughes CBE, JP.

The Nine Incorporated Trades - J Henderson Stewart Esq. MP. Joint Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland.

Reply – Convener Andrew Wallace JP.

The Menus by Andre G Kidd Ltd were submitted and it was decided to accept the Cheaper Menu provided the Clerk could arrange for an alternative to the Roast Pheasant.

A Statement of the Annual Dinner for 1955 was submitted and approved. As the Dinner showed a considerable loss it was decided after a full discussion that the price of the Tickets would require to be increased to £1.10/-.

The Committee Members were each to receive 10 Tickets> inn regard to the Vote of Thanks Mr E J Stevenson undertook this duty.

A Statement of Receipts and Payments for the Initiation Supper held on 21^st September was submitted and approved.

The List of Pensions was submitted and approved.

There was read to the Meeting a letter from the Reverend David G Gray of St Peter’s Church suggesting that Mr David Laburn Retired Lecturer and Member of the Craft might be included in the Pension List. It was left to the Clerk to contact Mr Laburn and obtain the necessary particulars.
III. Finance

This matter was left for further consideration until after the Annual Dinner.

J M Robb Deacon
At Dundee the Thirty first day of January 1957

At a Meeting of the Committee of the Bonnetmaker Craft of Dundee held within the Office of the Clerk 148 Nethergate Dundee

Present: Deacon John M Robb, Boxmaster R S May, Messers Cecil G Black, Douglas S Dryden, Lovat Grant, Matthew Waddell, E J Stevenson and the Clerk

The Deacon occupied the Chair

An apology was intimated from Mr David Reid

I. Minutes.

The Minute of Meeting held on 9^th November 1956 was read and approved.
II. Annual dinner

A Statement of Accounts of the Annual Dinner held on 16^th November 1956 was submitted showing a surplus of £11.17. 6. This was considered more Satisfactory and the Statement was approved.

A discussion arose regarding the date and place of holding the next Dinner. The Boxmaster reported that he had been in touch with Andrew G Kidd and that Friday 8th November and Friday 13^th December were available. The Boxmaster also mentioned that certain Members had suggested that the Invercarse Hotel might be a suitable place for holding the Annual Dinner. After discussion it was felt that as Andrew G Kidd had given satisfaction in the past it was decided to hold the Annual Dinner on 8^th November in Kidd’s Rooms. It was left to the Boxmaster to make the necessary arrangements.

Finance

It was decided to hold the March Making provided sufficient new Members came forward on Tuesday 26h March in the Queen’s Hotel and the Tickets to be again 12/6d The Clerk reported that in addition to Mr Richardson who was unable to be present at he last Making he thought that Mr G H Doig Clerk to the Baker Incorporation and Mr Allan Lemon would join at the March Making. The Boxmaster and Mr Dryden also stated that they thought they would have nominations.

The Toast List was then discussed and it was decided that the Toast List should be

“The City and Trade of Dundee”

“The Nine Incorporated Trades”.

“The New members”

The Boxmaster undertook to approach Mr David Reid to propose the Toast “The City and Trade of Dundee” and Mr Douglas G Dryden undertook to propose the toast “The Nine Incorporated Trades”.

. It was decided to again ask Mr Buist Carmichael to give Violin elections and Mr Grant undertook if possible to arrange for a Conjurer to entertain the Members.

J M Robb Deacon
At Dundee the Fifth day of March 1957

At a Meeting of the Committee of the Bonnetmaker Craft of Dundee held within the Office of the Clerk 148 Nethergate Dundee at 4.15 p.m.

Present: Deacon John M Robb, Boxmaster R S May, Messers A B Bowman, Cecil G Black, George F Brown, D S Dryden Lovat Grant, E J Stevenson and the Clerk

The Deacon occupied the Chair

I. Minutes.

The Minute of Meeting held on 31^st January 1957 was read and approved.

The Clerk intimated that he had received the following Applications for Membership:

1. W K Black Insurance Company Branch Manager “Vinebank” Albert Road West Ferry

2. Gordon Douglas Hunter Doig Solicitor “Camphill Lodge” 61 Camphill Road Broughty Ferry.

3. William Hardy Managing Director 14 Ancrum Road Dundee

4. Alan Campbell Lemon company Director “The Hollies” Holly Road Broughty Ferry.

5. James Black Richardson Bank Manager 113 Pitkerro Road Dundee

6. Ian David Stuart Chartered Accountant Whiteburn Craigie Drive Dundee.