The birth of the association

On February 21st. by invitation from Mr Patrick Baird, Head of Local Studies Department, Birmingham Central Library, members from a score of Societies met in the Josiah Mason Lecture Theatre to discuss the formation of an association of local history societies in Birmingham.

Welcoming a gathering some 120 strong, Mr Baird said that he had been persuaded that the time was ripe for this venture by Barr Local History Society. Meetings to discuss successes, failures or problems in fulfilling projects and publishing end results, or even contacting appropriate speakers, were amongst the potential advantages he envisaged.

Mr Stephen Price. Keeper of Birmingham Museum's Department of Local History, elaborated on the beneficial ways in which Local Studies and his own department collaborated. Given sound organisational links. the efforts of lay societies could be enhanced similarly.

Mr Andrew Blizzard. who is responsible for promoting the resources of Local Studies Department to community groups, said that if close links were to be forged between local history societies and schools in their respective areas. everyone would benefit enormously. A city-wide association could play an effective role in bringing this about.

Mrs Sheila Fowler wished to see the work of research groups operating under the auspices of MSC Community Schemes made available to researchers throughout the district.

Speakers from all areas voiced support for the proposals, in particular the publication of a regular newsletter featuring matters of interest to the membership, especially details of meetings and other events. There was general agreement that suitable societies outside the City boundary should be eligible to affiliate should they so desire, and that the name chosed for the association should reflect this.

It was decided that everyone would report back to their respective societies. and that a further meeting would be convened some six weeks later. During that period the platform party. acting as a steering committee. drafted and circulated to all known eligible societies a set of detailed proposals for constitution and rules.

At the recall meeting on May 30th. representatives of some 20 societies finalised the constitution, thus formally inaugurating the Birmingham and District Association of Local History Societies. Officers and a Council were elected to conduct affairs until the Annual General Meeting in May

It has to be said that subscription levels have been found to be quite inadequate, but generous donations should make it possible for insolvency to be avoided until finance is reviewed at the AGM

With the publication of this newsletter. our first milestone has been passed. As its next maior objective. the Council has decided to organise a Local History Fair. This event. probably taking place in early summer next year, should provide participants with much useful experience, which will help the local history movement to play a significant part in Birmingham's Centenary celebrations during 1989.

BILL AINSWORTH