The history of bellringers & bellringing - Ringing Societies

Was formed on the extension of the former Bath & Keynsham United Deaneries [Research by John Harrison.]

Following a decline of change ringing in the region, a general meeting of the clergy, churchwardens and ringers in the Bath and Keynsham Deaneries was held on 18th July 1882, at which it was agreed to form the Bath and Keynsham United Deaneries Association of Church Bell Ringers. After a short time this led to a further meeting held on 31st May 1890 at which it was agreed to extend the work of the group to form a Diocesan organisation. The opening festival of the new Association took place at Taunton on Saturday 5th July. The Association is nationally the third largest territorial society based on membership. Geographically it stretches from Exmoor in the west, to North Somerset and the outskirts of the City of Bristol, includes the City of Bath and reaches to the edge of Dorset in the South. Further information can be found in the Ringing World (18th May 1990, pages 477 to 478) and in the publication The First Hundred Years by Michael Horseman (1990). [Research and observations associated with the Council Library Certificates Collection by Chris Ridley.]

Founded 1890 [Research and observations associated with the Council Library Badge Collection by Chris Ridley.]