Cyril Wratten

[Richard Offen]

--- In bellhistorians at yahoogroups.com, "CHRIS PICKFORD" 
<c.j.pickford.t21 at b...> wrote:
> Very sorry to learn of Cyril's death. He was a first rate ringing 
historian, and had the Central Council not consumed so much of his 
energy for many years - their gain, but undoubtedly our loss! - he 
would doubtless have written a great deal more. I owed him a great 
deal, as it was he who encouraged me to delve into eighteenth and 
nineteenth century newspapers for ringing reports in my student days 
and sparked my interest in research. He was also unfailingly generous 
in sharing his information and answering enquiries.
> 
> It is so sad that illness prevented him from completing the many 
projects he began, and that he and Margery had such a brief 
opportunity to enjoy his retirement. A fine ringer, a good man, an 
authority on ringing history and a dedicated servant of the exercise -
his memory will live on.
> 
> CP

I would like to echo Chris's sentiments at the sad loss of Cyril. 
He was indeed a fine ringing, noded ringing historian and, above all, 
a lovely man. I still have much of the correspondence we exchange 
in the late seventies and early eighties on early ringing in Kent and 
treasure the memory of long and fascinating conversations with him, 
both in person and over the phone.

Our thoughts go out to Margery and the rest of his family at this 
time.

Richard