Anglo Scottish FHS Branch Report for 2022

We started 2022 full of enthusiasm for a return to normal as Covid injections and boosters were reported to be having the desired result in reducing everyone’s fear of the disease.  But the normal we returned to was rather different to the normal we had left behind.  There was still a reluctance by some members to return to Central Library, although many remain members of the Society.  Also, many speakers have appreciated the advantages of Zoom and now prefer to speak remotely rather than travel to an engagement.  We had arranged to change our meeting date to the first Saturday of the year, to avoid a clash with a noisy meeting that coincided with ourselves and which gave us more space at Central Library.  With Zoom meetings we have not been able to benefit from these changes as much as we had hoped.

Nevertheless, a full programme was arranged for the year.  We started the year with our usual quiz and social gathering which was mush enjoyed by those who attended.  Our Zoom meetings covered the subjects of Kirk Session Records by Emma Maxwell, Scottish Banking by Sian Yates, Finding Scots in Canada by Christine Woodcock, a Palaeography workshop with Alison Diamond, The Fromelles genealogical Project by Michelle Leonard and the Highland Clearances by Dr. Winstanley.  These Zoom meeting were attended by many members who are unable to reach Manchester for in person gatherings.

Our meetings at Central Library included our Annual Meeting incorporating a discussion on Family Heirlooms and an occasion when Plan B was activated upon the non-arrival of our planned speaker.  Those members who attended seemed well pleased with the alternative presented.  Our visit this year was to the Jewish Museum which has a very interesting collection illustrating the contribution by the Jewish emigrants to Manchester.

2022 was the 40^th anniversary of the formation of the Anglo Scottish FHS and to mark the occasion we had a presentation prepared by David Muil about the milestone events in those first 40 years followed by a talk by Bruce Keith ‘’Are we nearly there yet’’ about more physical milestones around the country. The afternoon also included a short quiz to test our knowledge, or lack thereof, of Scottish matters.  The day ended with a party and the opportunity to talk with other members.

Our Scottish Marriage Index continues to receive contributions, and requests for more details of entries.

Hilary Hartigan continues to work maintaining our section of the new Society website.  We are all extremely grateful to have such a computer savvy person as a member of our committee.

We were able to continue with the helpdesk held in the mornings of our meetings whenever we were at Central Library, although these sessions are not attended by many..

For all these activities I am indebted to the contribution given by the Branch committee members, who were unanimously re-elected at our Annual Meeting.  Yvonne Gill-Martin, who organised all our speakers, Hilary Hartigan for the items in the Journal, Mark Campbell for writing and distribution of our newsletter, Ina Penneyston as our representative at SAFHS, Linda McInness for keeping a record of our committee meetings and with support from David Muil.  However, some of our committee would like to share or transfer their responsibilities, so we would welcome any member who wished to join our committee and assist in the running of the Branch.