Bill Arthur Leslie

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Biografie:
Arthur Leslie Bill (1864-1953)
The death of A. L. Bill, a member of the Club for thirty-three years, was, unfortunately, missed at the time of its occurrence, on May 12. 1953·
He was born at Coventry on March 7. 1864, and spent all his life there. Educated at Rugby, he travelled extensively abroad for a while, in Germany, France, and Italy, and in I884 entered the family business of John Bill, Dresser & Co., Coventry, silk merchants. He later added interests in the steel and electrical trades, and was a member of the Drapers, Mercers, and similar companies.
There were few aspects of life in Coventry with which he had not at some time or another been associated. He had a lifetime connection with Holy Trinity Church, and was a member of the Choir for many years. He played for Coventry Football Club in 1884-5, and later, after an injury had forced his retirement from active play, he served in various administrative capacities. It is said that it was due to his initiative, whilst Secretary of the Coventry Football XV, that the Rugby Union altered the value of a try to its present rating of three points.
In addition to these interests, he was a keen amateur actor ; and a persistent cyclist, having owned a bicycle since 1876. He was a strong supporter of ·numerous charitable organisations in Coventry ; an active Freemason ; a Governor of King Henry VIII Grammar School ; and, since 1918, a Justice of the Peace. During the First World War he acted as a Special Constable.
He was elected to the Alpine Club in 1920, but had commenced climbing in 1889, in which year he visited Norway and made a new route on Gjuratind (A.J. 15. 152). His first Alpine season was in 1893, but he remained remarkably faithful to Norway up to 1908. During the years 1915-19, he climbed regularly in the Lake District, usually with A. E. Barker, L. W. Clarke and., occasionally, Raymond Bicknell. After 1920, there are no further records of his climbing, but his interest in mountains and mountaineering was always strong, and he frequently visited the Club's annual picture exhibitions.
He married late in life (1925) and to his widow, who survives him, we extend our sympathy in her loss.
T. S. Blakeney
Quelle: Alpine Journal Vol. 60. Nr. 290, 1955, Seite 150


Geboren am:
07.03.1864
Gestorben am:
12.05.1953