When the list of subscribers to John Holts compositions was published in 1752 'the Nottingham Society' were amongst them.
The 1760's to c1800 were a period of great activity under the leadership of William Doubleday Crofts. In 1765 he became member 922 of the London based Ancient Society of College Youths and their website makes the notation: "First Nottingham member. Famous ringer *".
The Society continued to be active throughout the 19th century. With the formation of the Midland Counties Association the Society became defunct towards the end of that century.
The Society was revived in May 1924 under Albert Coppock who was at the time Ringing Master at St Mary's. There being then alive two old member of the Society, George H Johnson and Alfred Archer the Society cannot be said to have become totally extinct.
The Second World War caused a decline until the mid 1950's. Since then the Society has organised regular meetings and other events, complementing the work of the Southwell Diocesan Guild of Ringers by organising advanced practices, outings and annual dinners.
For many years regular monthly meetings took place at Nottingham St Mary's and in 1981 the Society funded the new treble of the 12 which holds the inscription:
Eijsbouts Astensis me fecit Anno MCMLXXX. The Society of Sherwood Youths gave me. "Their sound is gone forth unto all lands". Canon M.J. Jackson, Vicar, S. Yarnell and E. Mottram, Churchwardens. (E) Eayre and Smith.
The Society continues to hold a number of meetings at various towers around the East Midlands during the year as well as maintaining the custom of an annual dinner when possible to commemorate the memory of William Doubleday Crofts.
Tony Lees (Secretary)
With thanks to historical information supplied by George Dawson
William Doubleday Crofts
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