Today was the 40th annual conference
of the Sussex Family History Group, held in Haywards Heath.
There were three good speakers despite
having to make a last minute to the lineup when Ian Gledhill had to withdraw.
We heard from:
Geoff Swinfield on DNA and how it can
be used by family historians. Possibly
an overdone topic but Swinfield explained it clearly and humorously with a good
dose of family history.
Peter Lovett talked about the
influence of invasions on the English language.
An informative talk showing the worldwide historical influence on our
language.
Finally there was James Gardner who
talked about the history of Brighton workhouses, the topic of his book
published last year. He did a good job
of bringing the horrors of the workhouse system to life.
The usual stalls were there and the
East Sussex Record Office had many photos showing the progress of The Keep
including the room which will be the new home of the Sussex Family History
Group and its library (this year hopefully!).
To celebrate the 40th anniversary there are a number of family history writing competitions. The children's under 13 competition has now
closed but the other categories are under 25 years, for those with a mainly
Sussex family history and for those with a family history outside of Sussex. First price for each category is £100. The standard in the children's competition
was excellent and shows there is a lot of budding family historians out
there. For more details see the SFHGwebsite.
Put three quarts
of water on the fire; mix smooth in cold water some oatmeal to thicken it; when
boiling, pour the latter in, and twenty powdered Jamaica peppers; boil to a
good middling thickness; then add sugar, half a pint of well fermented table
beer and a glass of gin. Boil all
together.