The Hampshire Family Historian | Vol.48 No.1 | June 2021

Chairman’s Report

Message from the Chairman

In the UK we are close to further relaxation of the lockdown guidance, but of course we cannot guarantee that we will be back to normal soon. Currently it looks as if restrictions on numbers meeting inside are still being considered. I am glad we made the decision at the beginning of 2021 to hold a ‘virtual’ AGM this year again. Details are provided on the HGS website and also on the back cover of this edition of the Historian should you wish to join the event. The date and venue of the 2022 AGM has already been decided. We shall follow the same format as in 2019 with guest speakers giving talks throughout the day. The local Hampshire Groups have not reconvened though most are continuing with a ‘virtual’ meeting using Zoom. Of course nothing will replace the opportunity to meet with fellow researchers and have a good old chinwag. We still have a number of members that are unable to join these meetings as they do not have the necessary computer or broadband, so they have missed the opportunity to meet up with fellow members for over 15 months. I am pleased that the International Group appears to be a success with Fiona and Kay receiving many complimentary emails. As you can imagine it is difficult to hold these meetings at a time suitable for all overseas members, but we are trying to compromise. I am hopeful an Out of County Group will start at some time in the future. The using of video- conferencing will not go away; it will continue to be an added benefit to the HGS. Many members will know that for 10 years we have had a Research Centre and Office in Cosham. This year the lease expires on the

property and the pandemic has given the Executive Committee opportunity to consider how we should move forward. A sub- committee was set up to consider several options; should HGS remain in

Portsmouth or perhaps move to a venue more central to our membership; in the future will we require the size of premises we currently have; how can we utilise IT to allow us to provide a service that is more beneficial to all our members; and how can we reduce our financial liability and many more. I am extremely pleased to announce that subject to Licence agreement, the HGS will develop a partnership with Hampshire Archives and Local Studies in Winchester and relocate the Research Centre in the Hampshire Record Office. HGS will be able to promote itself to a larger number of people who are researching their family history. When visiting the new Research Centre you will have ready access to far more Hampshire records and documents to aid your research. I would like to thank all our past and current volunteers based in Cosham and hope they will feel comfortable to relocate to Winchester. Keep and eye on our Website for further details in the next few weeks. Well enjoy reading the June Journal and ‘Good Hunting’ Paul Pinhorne Chairman

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