Local History Societies

'Objectives are to encourage interest in the recent and distant past history of the area, particularly the landscape, buildings and, of course, the people ... The main activities are a series of illustrated winter lectures, on topics of historical interest, held usually on the last Monday of each month.'

'We usually meet at The Borough Theatre ... Visitors to the area can attend any lecture at the Theatre. If you come more than once, please take out membership.'

'Founded in 1947 and promotes interest in the history of Dundee, Angus, Fife and Perthshire. The Society organises public lectures in Dundee and elsewhere in the Abertay area on a variety of historical topics, as well as occasional special events including guided tours and conferences. We also support the work of other local heritage organisations.'

'Founded in 1968, and since then it has been the principal meeting point for all who have an interest in the past of Abingdon and its region ... The Society organises monthly lectures by acknowledged authorities on topics related to history and archaeology and to those of Abingdon in particular. There is also, during each summer, a programme of visits to sites of particular significance ...  The Local History Group provides a forum and meeting point for members with a particular interest in the local history of Abingdon and its region.' The Lambrick Lecture is an Annual Lecture for the Society held in memory of Gabrielle Lambrick.

Normally, 'the Society meets at 2.00pm for 2.15pm in the community room at Acocks Green Library on the second Tuesday in the month from September to May'.

'Acton is now a suburb of West London about 5 miles from the centre, and well within the built-up area, but for the greater part of it's history, consisted of only a small cluster of houses around the medieval Church of St. Mary's, providing refreshment for travellers on the road from London to Oxford; together with a smaller farming community at East Acton and a number of scattered farm dwellings.'  Normally, the History Group 'meets at 7.30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month from September until March in St Mary's Church Hall'.

'We bring together those interested in local history and archaeology and to encourage research in Addlestone, New Haw, Ottershaw, Row Town, Weybridge and Woodham areas. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month (excluding August) ... with speakers covering a variety of topics.'

'The Society was founded in 1957 to record and preserve the history of Aireborough, which consists of:- Yeadon; Guiseley; Rawdon; Carlton; Hawksworth; Esholt; High Royds - Hospital ... The Society holds monthly (usually 2nd Thursday) speaker events on a variety of topics.'

'The Society is concerned with the local history of the area covered by Aldeburgh, Thorpeness, Leiston, Snape, Iken, and Sudbourne ...  We carry out archaeological digs, have a comprehensive series of lectures and expeditions, and an ongoing oral history programme.'

'Founded in 2018 to advance the understanding and sharing of historical information, photos and artefacts about the Aldermaston area. The activities undertaken by the group are: * Maintain the Aldermaston History Online website; * Develop an online archive for members of additional physical material; * Hold meetings to discuss the history of Aldermaston; * Talks on relevant historical topics ...'

'Based in the beautiful Whittingham Vale, the Society acts as a focus for those interested in the local history of North Northumberland, and in particular the Aln & Breamish Valleys. The A&BLHS meets once a month during the autumn and early summer ; 7 lectures in all. Topics range from local speakers giving a fascinating look at the past, and researchers and archaeologists bringing us up to date with the latest projects and discoveries.'

'Exists to further the study of the Altrincham area and to enable such research to be communicated to the public. Members enjoy a series of talks through the year, with occasional visits, and are encouraged to become active in researching topics related to the history of the area.'

'Arranges talks by experts on local places, historic figures and issues ... There is also a social programme of events and trips throughout the year. Priority is given to members so please join!'

'The Society was founded in 1962 to assist the public in the study of archaeology and local history ... Meetings are held every month through the winter with guest speakers covering a wide range of topics, also an annual Celebrity Lunch with a special speaker ... Visitors are very welcome.'

Our Society was formed in 1991 by the union of two much older societies - Andover Archaeology Society founded in 1965 and Andover Local History Society founded in 1979. We continue the traditions of those societies, promoting an interest in local history and working to preserve and protect features and items of historic and archaeological interest ... Our annual Dacre Lecture is a public event and is given by an archaeologist or historian of national standing.'

'We aim to encourage and support an interest in the history of the Arnold area, including Daybrook, Red Hill & Woodthorpe. The group conserves and archives material of local interest ... We host an annual series of lectures on topics of local historical interest, attracting eminent speakers to our group's meetings.'

'The Society was formed in 1994 and covers the area of the Parish of Aston Cantlow, including the villages of Aston Cantlow and Wilmcote, together with the hamlets of Little Alne, Newnham and Shelfield. The main object is the promotion of interest in community, local and general history, through talks, meetings, outings, and by participating in history based events.'

Normally, 'monthly speakers meetings are held 3rd Thursday at 7:30pm in the Scout and Guide Hall, Cheshire Street, Audlem'.

'Aycliffe Village Local History Society had its inaugural meeting 30 November, 2004. It is for anyone interested in local history, especially that of the Great Aycliffe area. Normally, ' meetings are held on Wednesdays at 7.30 p.m. at Aycliffe Village Hall.'

'Began in June 1984 through the enthusiasm of a group of local people with an interest in the history of this wonderful Norfolk market town. The Society arranges a diverse programme of lectures, visits and social events.'

Normally, 'meetings are held in Ayton Community Hall each month September to March (except December) and start at 7.30pm. A guest speaker is invited to talk on a topic of interest'.

'Founded in 1958 by a group of local historians to encourage research into the local history of Banbury town and its hinterland. Our annual programme of activities runs from September to July, with lectures from September through to Easter and then a varied programme of outings and events in the summer. We meet for the lectures at 7.30 pm on the second Thursday of each month ... Members and visitors are made very welcome at our meetings.'

'Founded in 1955. The Society promotes interest in the local history of Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The Society plays an important role in the local community. Our lectures and other activities are justifiably popular with our 400 members and are well known for their friendly atmosphere, attracting enthusiastic support from members and guests ... The Society presents a monthly lecture from September to April. The emphasis is on local history but our programmes are varied and include a wide range of historical topics. The lectures are free to members; non-members are very welcome and are asked to make a payment.'

'B&DHS offers the local community a forum for enjoying all aspects of British history, including the very rich local history of the Battle and eastern Sussex. Founded in 1950 as part of Battle’s contribution to the Festival of Britain, the Society features a year-round series of lectures, occasional excursions, a small research group devoted to local history and a reading group. Our lecture programme has a long tradition of attracting first class speakers ... If you have recently moved to the Battle area or are just visiting and would like to come to one of our meetings, just come along, you will be very welcome.'