January 2024 sees the PDG celebrate its 100th anniversary and they have a series of events planned across the year to ensure the anniversary is celebrated in style.
In June 1923 the then Bishop of Peterborough, Bishop Theodore Woods, suggested that a federation of ringing societies be created in the Diocese of Peterborough. The federation would bring together the numerous groups covering the area at the time and create a single organisation of bellringers across the Diocese of Peterborough to share best practices and friendship. After much debate, the Peterborough Diocesan Guild of Church Bellringers was established on 5 January, 1924 with the first peal being rung to much celebration on Saturday, 9 February 1924.
To celebrate their centenary, the guild has a series of events planned for each month of 2024 beginning with a service at Peterborough Cathedral on Sunday 14 January. Ringing will take place from 2pm followed by choral evensong at 3.30pm. Bishop John as Acting Bishop of Peterborough, is patron of the Guild and will give an address. Afterwards there will be a reception where tea and birthday cake will be served. All are welcome at this event but to ensure the guild have an idea of numbers, please register interest at centenary@pdg.org.uk
A variety of events are scheduled to take place across the diocese in each month of 2024. The full list of events can be found on the PDG website. Alongside these events the guild also aims to have a dedicated piece of ringing in every one of the 271 towers across the Diocese. Check your local parish website for details of what’s happening in your area.
Merchandise commemorating the centenary is available to order via the PDG website and will be available at events throughout the year. A selection of items including celebratory clothing, jigsaw puzzles and a calendar are available to purchase with proceeds going towards guild funds.