Doncaster Family History Society
Matters Arising :
86 people are booked on courses.
The Webmaster decided to write a new Message Board rather than connect to ancestry.com where the Society would not have any control over messages received. This is now password protected after 200 very unpleasant, suggestive and abusive messages had to be removed. There is a link to apply.
The speaker at the AGM will be Mrs Jennings or Miss Hambrecht.
Membership Update - Out of last year's membership 636 had renewed 458 had not to date.
GRO Indexes - There had been one or two requests for additional indexes. This was discussed once more. Members of the Executive Committee who are volunteers at the Research Centre are still of the opinion that the 10 years up to 1960 purchased 2 years ago are little used. The requested GRO Miscellaneous Overseas Index purchased at a cost of over £600 is rarely used. It was felt that the outlay of over £800 for an additional 10 years to 1970 was not warranted for the few who had requested it once again. They are all available on the internet and attendance at the RC dropped at the beginning of last summer and did not recover. The matter will be monitored and reviewed again.
Family History Day 2006 - All speakers booked and talks chosen. Caterers provisionally booked. Hopefully tables can be obtained from previous sources. More volunteers needed. Seven tables have been booked by stall holders at this point.
BBC Bus - BBC Radio Sheffield contacted Mr Staniforth. The bus to be sited at Clock Corner, Doncaster on 26 January with volunteers from DDFHS on board to give help and advice on researching family history. Radio presenter, Jimmy Carol, is sending details of his family, who came from Liverpool, to be traced back in time for the broadcast! Research for the current TV Programme "Who do you think you are" started last summer. Mr Staniforth, Mrs Jennings and Dr Barber, Archivist, to be interviewed.
Publicity Officer - Sylvia Mulligan has taken over this role and has organised displays in Libraries.
Programme Secretary - New member Chrissie Webster is taking over from Miss Frost.