John Avison: Huddersfield and district family history society fair at Batley
Nov 11 2009 by John Avison, Huddersfield Daily Examiner
A MEASURE of the interest in just one area of local history, that of tracking down one’s own ancestors, it that the hobby now justifies the takeover of both Batley Town Hall and the library that faces it.
Webmaster for the Huddersfield and District Family History Society Steven France tells us that he has organised a Family and Local History Fair there on Saturday November 14 (10am-4pm).
Batley Town Hall stewards have agreed to open up the mayoral chambers for visitors.
“We will have lots of volunteers and stallholders on hand, who are all very happy to help people who are experienced or novice researchers in family and local history,” said Steven.
“We will also be having four speakers throughout the day and additional displays over at Batley Library.”
The speakers include Jackie Depelle on Getting Started In Family History (11am), Lynne Schofield on Hints and Tips On Tracing Your Irish Ancestry (12.05pm), Alan Stewart-Kaye on Researching Your 1st World War Ancestry (1.10pm) and Tony Beardshaw on Family Historian Software, Version 4 (2.15pm).
“The event is to help us promote family and local history in the Kirklees area, and I don't think I could have got a better more historic venue for the event, said Steven.
“All the different societies and organisations that attend these events, are always very keen and willing to help with advice and guidance on what to look for and where to look, offering helpful hints and tips, based on their own personal experiences.
The society will have its computer database on hand for anyone who would like to have a search done on the day.”
There’s be a free draw for paying visitors (£2 entry fee) with prizes including family tree design software, CDS and books on family history research.
Light refreshments and sandwiches will be available throughout the day, in the Town Hall.
A good number of family and local history societies and trade organisations are earmarked to attend the event.
Places are likely to be limited for the lectures.
