Local Society: Bury St Edmunds

'Founded in 1955 with the aim of helping bring together the community of craft Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. Rather than set up another organisation for individual craft people we chose the path of becoming an Association of Guilds - an umbrella body to which regional or local Guilds are affiliated. The aim is to support those regional Guilds by operating at a larger scale with National Conferences, National Exhibitions, Competitions, publications and recognised qualifications certifying individuals' high level of achievement and competence in their chosen craft. We now have over 100 member Guilds representing over 5000 crafts-people.'

'The Association is a thriving community of over 700 beekeepers ... Its purpose is to promote good beekeeping. This involves crop pollination and the collection, sale, showing and use of honey and wax. We provide instructions and demonstrations in these subjects, leading to an understanding of these fascinating insects and how to keep them healthy. There are facilities for courses in beekeeping and nationally recognized examinations can be taken. There are also branch libraries with beekeeping books ... Regular indoor meetings are held at Kesgrave, Barsham and Bury St Edmunds with practical apiary meetings, social gatherings and events at other locations in the county during the year. Attendance at these events is open to non-members.'

'Founded at Lowestoft in 1975, we are a group of keen amateur genealogists whose objectives are to promote and encourage the study of family history, genealogy, heraldry and local history with particular reference to Suffolk; and to promote the preservation, security and accessibility of archive material ... A warm welcome awaits you at any of our Group Meetings. Each Group organises its own programme of talks, walks, open days and events. Advice is always available for those just starting their family tree, or those who are looking for a missing "branch".'