Family History Societies

[Jan1954]

My problem is the London relatives, has anyone any tips about Family History Societies here.

It really does depend upon where in London you are looking - especially as what we now know as London used to be in the surrounding counties. Would any of these help you?
Hillingdon Family History Society
North West Kent Family History Society

Then there is the Huguenot Society of Great Britain and Ireland, which started by just covering London... and then grew!

[Ladkyis]

If you do not get satisfaction from a society you should explain this when you decide not to renew membership. If they are really not very helpful then it might be a good idea to write to the Federation of Family History Societies and explain your dis-satisfaction. It would give them something to do as they seem to have lost their purpose along the way.
Most Societies are experiencing a severe reduction in membership because people believe that the internet can aswer every question. Some Societies seem to think that burying their heads in the sand will make the internet go away while others desperately need volunteers to give a little time to keep the society going.
I believe that local knowledge will always trump internet - eventually. I also believe that Societies are not doing enough to encourage internet access to their transcripts through their own society website and through sites like Parish Chest.
Once members who see the potential can get themselves elected to a position where they can do something, then we'll see more interactive society websites - watch out for the new Gwent FHS website coming soon to a server near you
~Announces her area of interest, waves her banner and walks away grinning~

[Guest]

The Carsington Parish Register Transcripts mentioned in the OP are a prime example of how the Internet can be a force for good in promoting the work of societies.

The original work was undertaken by DFHS member Brian Greatorex who then decided he would like to make the results available to all. The information was sent to me by e-mail (I was DFHS webmaster at the time) for adding to the web site. Neither Brian nor I live near Derbyshire and it is only rarely that we can attend meetings - but the Internet meant that distance was irrelevant.

Graham

[Waitabit]

More than happy with Sussex Family History group & Liverpool & SW Lancs Family History Society. absolutey bonza bunch.

To think I cowered at the sidelines so long, Still considering KENT. Perhaps will wait until July to join. Still have business in Kent.

[thewideeyedowl]

I'm 'flying the flag' for the Isle of Wight Family History Society, to which I belong as an 'electronic member' as I live miles away on the mainland. Everyone involved has shown themselves to be helpful and unstuffy; plus, they have produced a searchable database of BMDs on the Island, many monumental inscriptions, and much more. For me, this is a goldmine because my husband's family are from IoW - both sides stretching back to the 18th century; and it has been this that has been the catalyst for doing something about delving into our family histories after many years of good intentions. So raise a glass to IWFHS!

The Wideeyed Owl