The Guild Badge

The Salisbury Diocesan Guild of Ringers had been formed in 1882; however, it was not until 1913 the Guild badge was designed and introduced. In the early days it was referred to as “The Medal” and was described as “one of the most artistic of its kind yet produced” a view held by many to this day.

The Guild badge was designed by James Richard Jerram, a well-known Salisbury ringer and bellhanger. Whilst in Salisbury, James Jerram contributed much to the ringing scene. He was a founding member of the Guild, General Secretary from 1887 to 1894, a Central Council representative, an appointed instructor of change ringing and an inspector of belfries.

In the Annual Report of 1913, there was a medal (badge) account, the following is recorded:

“10 doz. Silver Medals purchased at 1/9 total £10 10s 0d (equivalent to £1028 today). (112 sold), 200 Bronze Medals purchased at 6d. total £5 0s. 0d. (102 sold), 2 Gold Medals purchased at 32/6 total £3 5s 0d (2 sold). [Medals all sold on at cost].”

Moving on to today, badges are not as popular as they were, dress sense has changed since the early days, most of the ringers were male and formal dress the norm, therefore lapel badges on jackets did not look out of place. Today male dress is much less formal; a much larger proportion of ringers are female therefore lapel badges are not so popular. We now have clothing which is produced with the badge already included and can be purchased by any members.

Prices of silver and gold badges have soared recently, due mainly to world precious metal markets, bell metal is at an all time high of £730 per cwt. An indication of current prices for new badges manufactured in the UK are a 9-carat gold badge, £1957.52 and a silver badge £258.90. If you are fortunate enough to own one of these badges you might wish to check it is adequately insured.

My thanks to Neil Skelton for assisting with this information.

David Hacker
Assistant Secretary