May 31, 2013

Finest Hour 116, Autumn 2002

Page 41

AN APPRECIATION BY THE EDITOR

Thanks! —to the nearly 200 of you who took the trouble to respond to our survey, and Barbara Langworth for many weeks’ work keylining and compiling the results. So many of you asked that the whole thing be published that we do so herewith. Please know that your thoughts and suggestions are all being carefully considered by our leadership.

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The response was equally good from the USA, UK, Canada, and elsewhere, and a number of frequent suggestions have already been implemented: Churchilltrivia answers will now appear in the same issue with the questions; Recipes from No. 10 will be reduced to a half page every other issue; and other features will be emphasized or de-emphasized according to demand. Meanwhile, a few observations…

1. Average age is alarming, even in the USA, where we proclaim an average age of 48 (based mainly on new members who tell us). Maybe older folk have more time to fill out forms, but we need to consider how we can recruit more new, young members.

2. “How did you hear of us?” shows that a remarkable one-third of you heard of us not by advertising but via a friend. USA members will shortly receive new membership brochures and will be asked to make them count—or order gift memberships, remembering our subsidized student rate is only $20.

3. Interests: it seems revealing that as many people checked “leadership” (only third on the list of choices) as “writings” or “statesmanship.”

4. Conferences: virtually everybody said “speakers” is the most crucial conference factor by far, which “speaks” for itself.

5. Website: We were not surprised to see 45% of a group with an average age of 60 disinterested in the website. I do not think this should deter us from improving the website, especially promotional aspects, since it is so important in helping lower our average age through younger members.

6. Overall Performance: Only 27% are “bugged” by something, while 47% listed things they like. On the whole, we feel we can be modestly cheered that most of you believe we are on the right track. So, “we just K.B.O.,” with gratitude for your considerate advice and encouragement. —RML

SURVEY RESULTS COMPILED BY BARBARA LANGWORTH

Reader Survey. Total responses were 196 or about 8%. A 10% return is considered excellent, so we had a good input from our readership.

The breakdown was: USA 143, Canada 34, UK 12, Denmark 3, Australia 1, Finland 1, Norway 1, South Africa 1.

Respondents numbered 181 (93%) male, 15 (7%) female.

Average age: 60 (18-89). Average age of the three largest areas: USA 58 (18-87), Canada 65 (38-89), UK: 65 (31-89).

How long have you been a member?

0-2 years – 44 – 23%
3-5 years – 38 – 19%
5-10 years – 44 – 23%
10+ years – 69 – 35%

How did you hear about us?

Friend – 62 – 34%
Website (winstonchurchill.org) – 27 – 15%
Churchillbooks.com – 27 – 15%
National Review – 19 – 11%
British Heritage – 17 – 9%
Book blurb – 11 – 6%
Internet/email – 7 – 4%
Local events – 5 – 3%
Other: newspaper 7, stamps 5, Cabinet War Rooms 2, Chartwell 2.

What interests you most about Churchill?

Leadership – 173 – 89%
Writings – 172 – 88%
Statesmanship – 170 – 88%
Humor – 126 – 65%
Paintings – 64 – 33%
Family – 64 – 33%
Other: World War II, integrity, contemporaries, medical issues, political philosophy, Churchill’s era in England, diplomacy, anecdotes, relevance to today, courage in adversity, British heritage, quotations, military, personality, support and appreciation of Parliamentary Democracy, genius, character, history, relationship to Jews, WW2 speeches, inspiration, biography.

Which Churchill items do you collect?

Books – 156 – 86%
Video/DVD -71 – 39%
Recordings – 58 – 32%
Churchilliana – 41 – 23%
Stamps – 27 – 15%
Paintings -25 – 14%
Nothing – 15 – 8%
Other: busts, medals and coins (3), autographs, letters, military miniatures, family pictures, WW2 items.

NOTE: The following are direct quotes, edited only for grammar and deleting only items we’ve actually done.

What new features/departments would you suggest?

Churchill’s views relative to current events based on similar circumstances at time of his leadership, i.e. Israel, terrorism, etc. … Churchill in current press …. Occasional reprint of Churchill’s art—maybe one cover a year …. The reminiscences of the last few who knew Churchill …. Explain what we are doing with students …. Publish minutes of Board meetings …. Churchill’s principles of statesmanship or politics/oratory …. Interpreting WSC views on the European Union …. The Churchill family relationships, profiles of family ….

More articles on statecraft …. List pubs related to WSC; list all monuments, etc. in cities all over the world; list all known official & personal/private established sites on the Internet …. A series of Mrs. Everest’s comments to young Winston which helped form his character e.g. “keep regular, you know” — she was a very great woman in my opinion. [This is partly dealt with in FH 114] …. More from Langworth, he’s a great writer …. A book or map listing every day of Churchill’s life, where he was and when & who he met with ….

Churchill statues …. People around Churchill …. More illustrations, e.g. Chartwell interiors— places Churchill visited, the Presidential train at the Gold Coast railroad museum, Florida (WSC and Truman—the Fulton speech), revisit Placentia Bay (Atlantic Charter) …. Churchill and Conservatism …. Fold out poster once a year for kids — snappy color posters (for classroom use) with or without quotes are very attractive …. High interest in “Woods Corner” …. Churchill commemorative coins and medals …. New stamp editions ….

Humor …. I enjoy Listserv Winston most, but I study all else …. A return to articles about Churchilliana. You seem to have almost completely stopped. Many new items are being offered, I would like to hear about them …. Any personal recollections from members or others who actually met Mr. Churchill …. More on book collecting …. Illustrate articles more richly with maps, paintings, facsimiles, etc. (when you can afford it after you receive the $100 million from Rupert Murdoch) ….More articles by Jim Muller and Chris Bell ….

More Woods Corner …. Stick to history ….”Churchill Contemporaries” section. For each issue of FH, perhaps a brief one page profile or article of a leading, eminent personality during WSC’s lifetime that has an impact on his Parliamentary career, family, etc. (i.e. Hitler, Chamberlain, FDR) …. FH is excellent. I worry about it continuing without RML …. This is one of the most brilliant magazines I have ever read—the presentation, articles, editorials, reviews …. A study of Churchill’s critical decisions …. New issue stamp reviews …. Broaden the subject matter. Examples: Europe Today, the difference between a U.S. president and a British Prime Minister, etc Information on popular websites, research material, archives.

Suggestions for other Finest Hour articles:

Need a better index on web …. His constituency relationships …. Military …. By people who knew Churchill …. Churchill as a man. What he was really like to those in contact with him …. Intelligence ….More about other members of his family and his friends …. Quotes …. Constitutionalism and political thought.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

What is most important at conferences? (77 responses)

Speakers – 74 – 96%
Location – 35 – 45%
Scholarship – 20 – 26%
Social – 16 – 21%
Young People – 7 – 9%
Other: Truth, Cost

What locations would you suggest for Conferences?

United States – 71 (East – 33, Mid – 17, West – 21)
Canada – 22
UK – 15
Other – 15

General Comments

Conferences are doing just fine …. Alternate among the USA, Canada, and UK …. Difficult to pick Churchill-related locations and still keep costs reasonable, but this would be a good objective now and then.

Desired Locations

Each had one vote unless indicated by parentheses.

United States (East to West)

East Coast: New England, NH-Mount Washington Hotel, North of Boston, Boston, New York (4), Hyde Park (2), New York City (3), Gettysburg, Philadelphia (3), Washington DC (3), Charlottesville, Richmond, Charleston (2), Atlanta, Savannah (2), Florida (avoid Miami), Miami (2), Orlando, visit places linked to WSC in Florida including the train and the places he stayed etc.

Midwest: Universities and colleges, Chicago (10), Milwaukee, Fulton, Dallas, San Antonio (2)

West Coast: at least every five years (1), Seattle, Portland, California, Los Angeles (2), Newport Beach, Palm Springs, Palo Alto, San Francisco (4), Long Beach/Queen Mary, Arizona, Santa Fe, Colorado, Hawaii (2)

Canada

Quebec Province, Quebec City (3), Mont Tremblant, Ottawa (3), Toronto (2), London, Banff, Vancouver (6), Victoria (4)

United Kingdom

“Has more direct connection with Churchill history,” London (5), Chartwell (2), Blenheim Palace, Dundee, Scapa Flow

Other Locations

Iceland, Scandinavia, Copenhagen, Berlin, France, [Normandy, Paris, Pol Roger Champagne, Cap d’Antibe, South of France], Dardanelles, Gallipoli, Crete, Marrakesh, Pretoria

INTEREST IN LOCAL MEETINGS

Eighty respondents attend local events, 101 do not, and 15 did not respond.

Ninety respondents would like to attend local events and 17 would not.

Sixty-eight don’t attend local events but would like to and the following locations were mentioned:

USA: New England, Boston, Connecticut, New York-Buffalo & New York City, New Jersey, Pennsylvania- Philadelphia & Pittsburgh, Washington DC, Virginia-northern & Richmond, North Carolina, South Carolina- Myrtle Beach, Georgia- Savannah & Atlanta, Alabama, Florida -southwest & Fort Myers & Orlando & NOT Miami, Illinois-Chicago, Minnesota-Twin Cities, Wisconsin- Milwaukee, Kansas, Texas-central & Dallas, Arizona, Colorado-Denver, West Coast, California-north, south & peninsula & Newport Beach & Riverside & San Bernardino

Canada: Quebec, Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver

Other: Durban, Finland, Copenhagen, Sweden, United Kingdom.

WEBSITE www.winstonchurchill.org

How often do you use it? 155 responses (79%)

Daily – 3 – 2%
Weekly – 10 – 6%
Monthly – 72 – 46%
Seldom – 12 – 8%
Never – 58 – 37%

Website improvements you’d like to see:

No [improvements] …. None ….Site is excellent….The website is wonderful! …. The website is in dire need of a complete overhaul, making individual suggestions difficult…. Home page must emphasize The Churchill Center, not Winston Churchill’s Home Page …. Complete new home page, comprehensive with a broad range of choices and links described as you go in pop-up blurbs before you click. Get rid of the present endless chain of link lines …. A whole new look: Something like The National Trust/UK ….

Very important that it looks professional. More photos and graphics …. Photo section …. Up-to-date calendar of events …. More timely news, events …. More information re: events …. More frequent updates. It seems rarely to change …. A summary of what is new to the website …. Finest Hour should be presented not by issue but by main subject right on the home page: Churchill as War Leader, Churchill as Statesman, Painter, Writer, Orator, etc. This will take work and require cross references, but it will get visitors immediately to the area they wish to go ….

Articles from earlier issues of Finest Hour …. A lot could be done, a more professional look and feel …. More archived FH material if possible; more lively …. Membership can be better promoted …. show typical pages of Finest Hour. Membership invitation should be more pronounced …. Frequent and regular appeals to the browser to join, a subsidized low subscription rate for students and teachers, …. a secure server for Visa/Mastercard …. Articles on WSC’s thought on religion, Napoleon and his apparent Francophilia ….

More accessible links to other sites …. Expansion of the on-line shop …. More quotations …. List regarding pubs related to WSC; list with all the monuments, etc. in cities all over the world; list with all known official & personal/private established sites on the Internet …. Better search engine, more book reviews and an annotated bibliography of works about Churchill. Example: in the bibliography, have links to online reviews Navigation could be improved with frames …. Perhaps updated more frequently …. More changes …. I also enjoy the Listserv …. I tend to forget it exists.

GENERAL COMMENTS

It’s always bugged me that… 52 responses (27%)

Nothing this outfit does bugs me …. There are not more younger members ….There is not a more active local chapter in the SF Bay Area of California …. An event such as the Gettysburg meeting was not repeated …. Why don’t we [UK] get the book and stores catalogs? ….We can’t establish a full-time H.Q. in Washington DC with a physical place for visitors, etc The mission of the CC is not clearly articulated; the website is dated—looks like a 1995 version in its presentations; so much is done but PR to the general world isn’t there ….

Organization still not widely known in England. It needs a good public relations person to get it on the map …. Even almost 40 years after his death there is so much controversy, for instance drinking—how much was he accused (a la Alan Brooke’s diary)? …. FH received at end of quarter …. You don’t have a list of Churchill records or tapes available for the public …. So few English people are members; America “carries the torch” — you can do little to change this …. New York City as a venue was abandoned …. Another stamp auction ….

Frameable prints of WSC are not offered through Stores ….Please leave the current world of politics out of Finest Hour. The journal is wonderful on history, but the editorials are occasionally offensive and almost always out of place …. So few photographs are full page (so that I can use them for the classroom) …. Comment: would like to see interaction between members so that memorabilia can be exchanged …. Too much editorializing on non-Churchill related matters. Organization is for historical purposes and should remain apolitical ….

All the biographies on Sir Winston except two (Lewis Broad and William Manchester) were one volume works—a solid three volume bio would have been welcome and easier to handle too …. We cannot purchase some of the prints used for covers or inside Finest Hour …. We [USA] are no longer called the International Churchill Society …. I receive no more calendars ….We didn’t consummate the formal relationship and site with GWU — I favor a closer link with a prestigious (American) University ….

Would like to obtain binders for Finest Hour and back issues …. Encourage young people to appreciate how Churchill contributed …. Sometimes scholars argue over opinions ….Your administration could use some bolstering. In the past I ordered and paid for something which was never received …. Canada does not have many memorials saluting the great man. Not counting a few schools named after him, all we have that I am aware of is a sculpture in downtown Toronto, a bust in the New Brunswick legislature building and a public square named after him in Edmonton …. I think Reader Survey results should be commented on in summary form in FH ….The English do not properly respect what Churchill did for their country …. More people do not appreciate the Churchill legacy and contribute to the CC/ICS …. He lost the election in 1945 …. Sharing my time between UK and Canada, I have to join two organizations. One organization: one membership! …. Finest Hour is always late. Look forward to getting them. I know it’s hard to get it out, but….

It has always bugged me… (Conferences/Meetings):

I can never attend your conferences because they all require business and/or formal attire. Can’t you occasionally have one that is for us “casual dressing” folks? I refuse to attend events which require a tie [No one has ever been ejected from any meeting for not wearing a tie! —Ed.] …. The conferences are always so expensive which is why I have never attended. They impress me as elitist, in other words only the affluent can attend …. Conferences are expensive – any chance for supporting a few smaller events in Northern California? We’ve really enjoyed Mr. Barrington’s wonderful meetings here ….

The conferences/meetings are so far away! …. Too many “formal” occasions …. Conferences are too expensive …. Dinners, conferences are so expensive but I understand why …. Suggestion: be careful not to price members out of the conferences. The 2002 “inclusive” fee leaves no room for per diem, for commuters …. The last day of San Diego at the Queen Mary was much too long. The singers should have sung at cocktails so we could have headed back to San Diego right after dinner. I predict that September in Virginia will be very hot….

After attending the ’96 conference, I told a fellow Churchill enthusiast when I returned to London that I had expected to see him at the conference. He replied that he didn’t attend because the Society had become too elitist. I agree completely …. The books available at the 2001 conference were poorly organized …. I planned to attend a meeting (in Toronto) in response to a request for volunteers and never heard from anyone. This is no big deal just a comment …. I hope to attend conferences and meetings in the future when the demands of children are less.

The things CC/ICS does best… 92 responses (47%)

Most frequently mentioned were:

Finest Hour and publications – 38
Conferences – 15
Keeping Churchill’s memory and legacy – 11
Inviting and working with young people – 6

Things done best. Finest Hour:

A lively, interesting publication, put out on time with quality and class …. excellent journal that just keeps getting better …. outstanding quarterly communication —very helpful reviews of current books, except for the slang the quality of writing is high! …. quality editing, always interesting, cover is always beautifully done, artwork, photos, pictures, feature stories, Churchilltrivia and witticisms, inside information about Churchill’s life and times …. good source of new information on WSC.

Things done best. Memory and Legacy:

“Keeping the memory green and the record accurate,” in Lady Soames’s words …. refuting the many canards about Churchill ….acting as a source of truth on all items touching Sir Winston.

Things done best. Young People:

Work with young people will ultimately be most important …. informing young people about Churchill …. recent efforts to reach youngsters …. providing scholarships …. outreach to college/high school students, involving young people.

Things done best. Other:

Great and factual information, a source you can depend on; fund academic research, reprint books, nice to new members …. Presenting different aspects of Churchill’s life and writing, and in a very readable format …. Bringing like-minded Churchill admirers together, either at conferences or via publications …. Providing a continuous educational experience about Churchill’s life and times …. Researching all articles they publish to provide truthful and balanced information …. Promoting books, ideas and discussions as well as the immortal memory …. Explaining how Churchill and his ideas are as relevant in today’s chaotic world, as they were in his lifetime …. Dispelling myths that are widely circulated in popular media and featuring serious scholarship …. Bringing us together with scholars and persons acquainted or associated with Churchill ….

Promoting interest in Churchill and publishing scholarly papers (e.g., Muller’s Churchill as Peacemaker, and Iron Curtain books) for those unable to attend symposiums …. Making publications, memorabilia, historic understanding with balance available to members …. Steadily educating the truth of Churchill’s life and importance …. Promoting Churchill as the benchmark for leadership …. Promoting WSC’s greatness as an orator, parliamentarian, war leader and servant of the Crown …. Bringing interesting, informed people together, republishing Churchill’s writings …. Maintaining interest in Churchill or/and creating interest where none existed …. Making me feel welcome in the organization.

Individual comments:

I’m very impressed and grateful for the hard work of a relatively small group of people.

The “Person of the Century” effort was superb. Even some avid Roosevelt lovers have given in to Churchill on this score.

First of all I’m happy that The Churchill Center exists. To be a member and to meet others with the interest in Churchill are the things CC does best.

You do the whole bag very, very well. You deserve great commendations! Keep up the good work!

Everything seems to be fulfilled with great skills and efforts.

“YOU CAN QUOTE ME”

Just when you thought you had heard it all, along comes FH with another quote, angle or reminder that the great man was even greater.
—Brian Singleton

When interest rates and return of investment on financial vehicles run in the very low digits the C.C. gives intellectual rates of return in the triple digit range.
—Dr. Cyril Mazansky

The importance of Churchill is my realizing how I can apply his never-say-die spirit to my own problems and opportunities.
— Jon T. Wells

Finest Hour is a very valuable resource for me in teaching courses on Churchill in The Academy for Lifelong Learning at Carnegie Mellon University, where I am a volunteer instructor.
—Alex J. Kramer

Finest Hour seems to arrive just when I (or a friend or family member or colleague) most need a word of courage, humor and/or wisdom! Having just returned from NYC’s “ground zero,” #114 was waiting with exactly the right content.
—Carol Russell

I like the CC because it gives me a lens through which to focus my interest in 20th century history — especially the search for freedom and liberty, both personal and economic.
—Suzanne Sigman

You cannot put price on the knowledge and inspiration I have gained.
—Ted W Schwartz

Churchill is an inspiration to me. I always try to apply what he said and did to today’s problems.
—James W. Bohlander

There are few purchases in life where you feel like you get more value than the dollars invested. The Churchill Center consistently delivers on its mission, and does so with excellence.
—William C. Roeder

ICS has been a good investment not only for my enjoyment but perhaps more importantly because my children, ages 11 and 9, are very conscious of Churchilliana throughout the house. With luck, someday they may become members.
—Margaret Younts

I feel I am doing something good for future generations.
—Tom Brinkman, Jr.

Reinforces the lessons once learned that, sadly, need to be (often) relearned.
—Paul Robison

As the Chairman of the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy I think Finest Hour is always the finest reading of the year.
—Peter H. Russell

At age 87, my travels are often limited in spite of intent; have made no meetings. We have signed up for Lansdowne. I’m not yet familiar with your offerings.
—Mrs. Roland Caneker

As a young member (18) of The Churchill Center, I feel that the outreach of Churchill knowledge, leadership, and literature is an extremely valuable asset to communities everywhere. Keep up the good work.
—Scott R. Merrell

In these dark times when leadership is so dull, The Churchill Center casts the bright light of WSC’s courage to help illuminate our way.
—Scott Funk

Finest Hour is magnificent, a treasure.
—Chris Powell

Your work keeps history alive with its celebration of Churchill’s life, work, and times, and “the farther back we look the farther forward we see.”
—A. Theodore Kachel

Your articles about building a Churchill book collection on a budget saved me time and money. Based on your information I knew what to look for and what to pay for it. More importantly, it let me know that it was possible without spending a fortune.
—Hugh B. McCreery

Try as some may to slam shut the door upon the greatness of Churchill, you are always there to insist that it be held open. It is an honor to support your work.
—Mark H. Helprin