For new members
The words the houses use, and the words they used.
Members are given this list at a first attendance. We print all three editions of each definition together, so that the language may be read as it stands and as it stood. Nothing has been withdrawn; some things have been widened.
For a single plain-word definition of each term, with the records in which it is used, see the Glossary of Institute Terms. This page keeps the earlier wordings.
First attendance
1977
The first occasion on which a person attends an observance. Nothing is recorded but the date.
1994
The first occasion on which a person attends an observance. The date, the house, and the member who brought them are recorded.
2016
The point from which a person's continuity is counted. The date, the house, the introducing member, and the person's stated reason for coming are entered in the Record. First attendance cannot be revised once entered.
Period of separation
1977
A period during which a member chooses not to attend. Taken freely, of any length, and ended by returning.
1994
A period during which a member does not attend, taken by agreement with a steward. The steward may propose a length; the member need not accept it.
2016
A period during which a member does not attend, arranged with a steward and entered in the Record with an expected date of return. A separation which passes its expected date is reviewed.
The 1977 wording was restored by vote at the Shore House in 1998 and superseded again in 2016.
Returning member
1977
A member who has come back. No distinction is made between a returning member and any other.
1994
A member who resumes attendance after a separation. Their former rota is offered to them if it is free.
2016
A member whose continuity has been re-established following separation. Standing resumes from the date of return, not from first attendance. Certain observances are open to returning members only after one full year.
Continuity review
1977
An annual conversation between a fellow and a steward about the year past. Not minuted.
1994
An annual conversation between a member and a steward concerning attendance, obligation, and the year ahead. A short note is entered afterwards, which the member may read.
2016
A review of a member's continuity, conducted annually and at other times as required. Attendance, obligation, contribution, correspondence, and standing are considered together. The resulting entry forms part of the Common Record. A member may read the entry on request at their own house.
The phrase and at other times as required was added in 2016 without discussion at any general meeting. Two houses have objected in writing.
Closed observance
1977
An observance held without visitors, so that members may speak freely.
1994
An observance from which visitors and first-year members are absent. Held four times a year.
2016
An observance held under closed conditions. Those present are not recorded. What is said at a closed observance is not entered in the Record and is not repeated outside the room, including to the member concerned.
Reconciliation
1977
The annual checking of the house books against one another.
1994
The annual checking of the house books, rotas, and records against the Common Record. Held in February at the North House.
2016
The continuous process by which every entry held at a house is brought into agreement with the Common Record. Documents which have been reconciled carry a revision number. A document which cannot be reconciled is not destroyed; it is held.
Returns
1977
See section 11.
1994
See section 11.
2016
See section 11.
Section 11 is issued to stewards only.
A fourth edition is in preparation. Members who wish to comment on a definition may write to the archivist at the North House; comments are entered whether or not they are adopted.