SCH C DC

Reference code

SCH C DC

Title

Domestic Committee

Level

Series

Administrative / Biographical history

After 1945, there was a gradual change to a system of central control of houses, with expenditure limits laid down by the Bursary. Meetings of those responsible for domestic arrangements in the houses, Dames and housemasters' wives, began soon after, and were formalised by electing a committee (chaired by the Head Master's wife or her nominee, or by the wife of the Vice Provost or Lower Master). Its purpose was to co-ordinate wage arrangements but the use of a forum for discussion of domestic matters was recognised and it also organised an annual meeting for all house masters' wives and dames. This later increased to once a half. Its reports and suggestions were fed in to the House Fund Committee but the prime purpose of the Domestic Committee remained to ensure a level playing field between houses on such matters as staff wages and holidays. This committee still meets regularly and usually once a half there is a wider meeting, called the General Domestic Meeting, which all can attend.