Wisdom From Early Leaders
Editor's Note: We read of the initiation of The Margaret Shurcliff Library in an old OVERTONES magazine dated in the 1960's and tried to determine the present status by contacting several people who might have information. The following is a response from Richard Litterst, a Past President of AGEHR, Inc., and "almost" a Charter Member.
You have to understand the purpose and function of the gatherings at Ipswich to see the significance of the SHURCLIFF LIBRARY.1 - Handbell music was not available from any publisher; exception: occasional selections published in OVERTONES.
2 - The musically hardy directors created the music for their own ringers—some well done, some rather amateur.
3 - Despite the directors' own creative efforts, most were still hungry for more music elsewhere. It was normal to give, or barter, or sell one's own music in order to help others and also to be able to acquire music.
4 - There was a surging desire to honor Margaret Shurcliff in appropriate ways. (A major recognition had already been granted: Her hand, holding a handbell, became enshrined in our Guild Seal and on our membership pins. I have never supported AGEHR's attempt to get rid of that original seal with a rebellious-looking hand-drawn symbol of a handbell!)
Considering the "times" when the handbell movement was in its infancy, it is easy to understand how the idea of a Shurcliff Library could come about. Hastily conceived, it would both honor Margaret and further the disemination of handbell music. (Needless-to-say, we were not concerned [read: were ignorant] about copyright laws.)
The Library would become a central place where all Guild members could benefit by borrowing music, make copies if desired, all accomodated by the US Postal Service!
Had this idea ever become a reality, you can see two major problems immediately. Remember that All Guild officers were volunteers. The only benefit to officers was reimbursement for travel, etc. when on Guild business. There was no compensation for anyone. To have custody and then manage the Shurcliff Library with a possible explosion of activity pertaining to the administration of it became a staggering worry. Nobody wanted to take it on.
I, as Chairman of the Music Committee for several years, was expected to take on the task. Very honestly, I could see the potential problem and did, in fact, virtually nothing with it. I believe that its residue eventually came into the possession of OVERTONES Editor: Jim Lawson, who was a professional librarian (as well as carillioneur). OVERTONES sported the most artwork during his time it was ever to have.
I don't know what happened to the Library after that; it had become such an albatross, I think we all wanted it to just go away!
There was one other little knotty problem with the Library: Who was to decide what music would be worthy enough to be accepted? (The headache of music publishers already!) As Chairman of the Music Committee, I got caught up in that one real fast!
Now, shall we just let the Library rest in peace?
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Revised: March 30, 2001