The history of bellringers & bellringing - Ringing Societies

Initially the Suffolk County Association but changed the name after a few months. The following year it changed again to St Edmundsbury & Ipswich Diocesan Association [Research by John Harrison.]

Formerly the Suffolk Diocesan Association. The following year again changed its name to the Suffolk Guild of Ringers for the Diocese of St. Edmundsbury & Ipswich [Research by John Harrison.]

Name changed from St Edmundsbury & Ipswich Diocesan Association (originally founded as the Suffolk County Association). Charles Sedgley was the Master. [Research by John Harrison.]

Up until 1914 West Suffolk was part of Ely Diocese while the east of the county fell under the See of Norwich. In 1914 the new St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese was established. After the ending of World War 1 issue of forming a new ringing organisation was discussed despite opposition from some individuals to retain the status quo. Despite the opposition a meeting held in Lavenham Church Rooms on 5th February 1921 the Suffolk County Association was formed. This was initially intended to cover West Suffolk only because of the inflexible attitude of the Norwich Diocesan Association. At a meeting held over Easter 1921 the title was changed from County to Diocesan and became known as the Suffolk Diocesan Association.
A year later on 29th April 1922 it was renamed the St Edmundsbury & Ipswich Diocesan Association, before becoming the Suffolk Guild on Easter Monday 1923. Therefore having had three title changes in as many years th Guild has retained the third title until the present day. For further background see the Ringing World (6th April 1973, pages 263 to 266). [Research and observations associated with the Council Library Certificates Collection by Chris Ridley.]