The history of bellringers & bellringing - Ringing Societies

[Biog has reps 1894 - 1939 probably none in Minutes] [Observations made during the compilation of this combined dataset - by Doug Hird]

The name was changed to the Lichfield and Walsall Archdeaconry Society in 1983 when the names of the deaconries were altered. [reps in biog 1891-1969, reps in minutes 1891, 2, 3 & 1928, 9 & 1947, 8] [Research by John Harrison.]

[Reps in Central Council minutes 1982 - 1999] [Observations made during the compilation of this combined dataset - by Doug Hird]

Was originally formed in 1883 and known as the Society of Change Ringers for the Archdeaconry of Stafford. The name was changed after the names of the deaconries were changed. [reps in minutes 2000 - 2021. no reps in biogs] [Research by John Harrison.]

The Archdeacon of Stafford invited the leaders of the Lichfield towers to a meeting at his house in the Cathedral Close on 17th May 1883, which led to the impetus to form a Society of Change Ringers for the Archdeaconry of Stafford. A further meeting was held on 2nd June in the Cathedral belfry to which leaders of other towers in the area were invited. A draft set of rules was drawn up and interim officers were elected to act until the first Annual General Meeting. This was held on 30th June 1883 in Lichfield, with about 50 ringers attending. At the meeting a final draft of the rules was confirmed, the officers elected, and the Society of Change Ringers for the Archdeaconry of Stafford came into being.
Until late in 1979 the Diocese of Lichfield was comprised of three Archdeaconries - Salop (Shropshire, north of the River Severn), Stoke and Stafford. The transfer of Stafford from the Archdeaconry of Stafford to Stoke meant the title was no longer relevant with the loss of its main church. This resulted in the creation of the Archdeaconry of Lichfield and the subsequent change of the society name. Further changes have resulted in the society's current title. For further background see the Ringing World (24th June 1983, pages 502 and 505) and the publication Bells and Bellringing in South Staffordshire: The History of the first 100 years of the Lichfield and Walsall Archdeaconaries Society of Change Ringers by Stuart Hutchinieson/Eric Speke (undated). [Research and observations associated with the Council Library Certificates Collection by Chris Ridley.]

founded 1997 Formerly: Society for the Archdeaconry of Stafford (1883 to 1982)
Lichfield Archdeaconry Society (1982 to 1997) [Research and observations associated with the Council Library Badge Collection by Chris Ridley.]