Family History Group

[richard horner]

Rod

I hope you might be able to help in this General Chatter area to assist in a scheme which local enthusiasts in the Waltham Abbey area are trying to start. We propose to start a self help group of genealogists where we will begin to pool all our interests and resources and try to help each other and any other people who have an interest in our part of Essex with their family history. We would be grateful for any suggestions in getting started. We have a committee and are having an open evening in our local Library to discuss what our aims are and to help any beginners or those who have hit "brickwalls".We hope later if we get enough interested people to affiliate to FFHS. Any other suggestions that you could offer would be gratefully received
Regards
richard

[Rod Neep]

What you are talking about is the creation of a "Family History Society".

What I am about to say may appear to be controversial, but why not all join the one that is there already? That has considerable advantages. Then, as many other societies do, form a local area branch if your location is a long way away from the town where the county society holds it meetings.

Regards
Rod

[Ladkyis]

I agree with Rod, why not join the existing FH Society and there is one in nearly every county. YOu could ask them if you can join as a fully formed Branch. This will give you the advantage of all their resources and expertise, and if they have been in existence for more than a couple of years there will be both. You can then bring your enthusiasm and new ideas to them and believe me they will be delighted to have new members who are keen to be committee members,
Ann Macey

[Guy Etchells]

Ah yes, the early asperations of a Family History Society.
What you describe is exactly what most FHS had in mind when they were first concieved in the mid 70s, unfortunately many have since strayed from these fine ideals.

I would however suggest you first check out your local FHS and see if they run in accordence to their and possibly your ideals, if they do then join I am certain they would be glad of new members, especially those who wished to help.
If the society does not meet your requirements then go it alone, it imessage=Ah yes, the early asperations of a Family History Society.
What you describe is exactly what most FHS had in mind when they were first concieved in the mid 70s, unfortunately many have since strayed from these fine ideals.

I would however suggest you first check out your local FHS and see if they run in accordence to their and possibly your ideals, if they do then join I am certain they would be glad of new members, especially those who wished to help.
If the society does not meet your requirements then go it alone, it is a simple job to start a society, but it is no easy task. Members who are willing to devote time and energy are surprisingly few and far between.

Cheers
Guy

[richard horner]

Thanks for all your comments which may I say I agree with them all. The problem is that FHS are like democracies, so the best way to get your point over is to use the wisdom of others. After the input I shall be pressing again to join EssexFHS and as you state try to get us seen as a branch of the main tree. However, that will only be if others agree.
Once again thanks to all
Richard