This page combines information from several sources and also indicates how the society has evolved over time.
Society Name
Descriptions
From (year)
To (year)
Web site
Midland Counties Association
According to Ernest Morris in 'The History and Art of Change Ringing' page 258, the Midland Counties Association was first called 'The Society for the Archdeaconry of Derby and District'. This Association covered all of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, the southern part of Staffordshire and part of Warwickshire. It ceased to exist at the end of 1945 when it was split up as it was too large. The societies which sprang from it were the Leicester Diocesan Guild, the Southwell Diocesan Guild, the Derby and Districts Association and the Midland Counties Guild. [Research by John Harrison.]
founded 1882 In 1946 MCA divided into Derby Diocesan Association, Leicester Diocesan Guild, Midland Counties Guild and Southwell Diocesan Guild [Research and observations associated with the Council Library Badge Collection by Chris Ridley.]
1882
1945
Midland Counties Guild
The Midland Counties Guild covered the area of South Staffordshire near Burton on Trent. It was formed when the Midland Counties Association of Church Bell Ringers broke up at the end of 1945. The remainder was divided into the Southwell Diocesan Guild (for Nottinghamshire), the Derby & Districts Association (for Derbyshire), the Leicester Diocesan Guild (for Leicestershire) and [Research by John Harrison.]
The Association was one of several formed in the 1880s under the patronage of the leading clergy in each area, to promote Belfry Reform and the advancement of change ringing. This led to the formation of the Association of Change Ringers for the Archdeaconry of Derby and District on Easter Monday, 10th April 1882, held in St Luke, Derby schoolroom. At the AGM held on Easter Monday, 26th March 1883, in St Andrew, Derby Schools it was agreed to change the name to the Midlands Counties Association of Change Ringers. The main Districts created were Derby, Nottingham, Leicester and Burton-on-Trent. The Association was dissolved in 1946 to create the Derby Diocesan Association, Leicester Diocesan Guild, Midland Counties Guild and Southwell Diocesan Guild. A more detailed history can be found in Ringing World (14th May 1982, pages 401 to 402). [Research and observations associated with the Council Library Certificates Collection by Chris Ridley.]
1946
Books in the Council Library
Total records: 4
Title
Author
Date
Notes
Acquisition Number
Annual Reports
1892-1897, 1898-41/5
681
Annual Reports
1946 (1st), 50, 52, 54-58, 60-71, 1972-1996
1659
Midland Counties Association List of records held at Leicestershire Record Office 1984
1984
1630
Burton upon Trent, St Paul
20.i.1996
A Celebration of the Formation of the Derby, Leicester, Midland Counties and Southwell Bell-Ringing Guilds in 1946
Place of Birth: Leiston, Suffolk Began ringing at: Leiston First peal tower: Leiston Towers: Nottingham; Coleshill & Castle Bromwich, Birmingham Location mentioned in obituary: Castle Bromwich
Place of Birth: Hertford Began ringing at: St Andrew, Hertford First peal tower: All Saints, Hertford Towers: All Saints, Hertford from 1879. Location mentioned in obituary: Hertford
Ancient Society of College Youths Devon Association Essex Association Hertford County Association Kent County Association London County Association (1903-1928) Middlesex Association Norfolk Guild Oxford Diocesan Guild Sussex County Association Truro Diocesan Guild Warwickshire Guild
