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<title>The East of London Family History Society</title><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/index.php</link><description>Latest News</description><dc:language>en</dc:language><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><dc:rights>Copyright 2011 The East of London Family History Society</dc:rights><dc:date>2012-05-12T06:05:33+01:00</dc:date><admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.realmacsoftware.com/" />
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<lastBuildDate>Sat, 12 May 2012 06:17:52 +0100</lastBuildDate><item><title>May Computer Group Newsletter</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Computer Tips</category><dc:date>2012-05-12T06:05:33+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/754527f7c24ba204b79159f3a3463ace-294.html#unique-entry-id-294</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/754527f7c24ba204b79159f3a3463ace-294.html#unique-entry-id-294</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The May Computer Group newsletter is available for download. 


Click on the image to download:
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>April Computer Group Newsletter</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Computer Tips</category><dc:date>2012-04-20T06:17:14+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/0e5cf61423604317aaf7e34c76cac00e-293.html#unique-entry-id-293</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/0e5cf61423604317aaf7e34c76cac00e-293.html#unique-entry-id-293</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The April Computer Group newsletter is available for download. 


Click on the image to download:
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>New Venue for Barking &#x26; Dagenham Branch Meetings</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2012-03-23T05:26:16+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/92ceeac74850b7b96cf7e5f4a9fb0d0b-292.html#unique-entry-id-292</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/92ceeac74850b7b96cf7e5f4a9fb0d0b-292.html#unique-entry-id-292</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Please note, the new location for Barking & Dagenham Branch meetings is now:


St.   Elisabeth's church.   Corner of Hewett Rd/Wood Lane, Dagenham RM8 2XT


Bus routes: 5, 62, 145 , 364 to Martin's Corner


Rail & Tube: 62 bus passes Chadwell Heath BR Station and Becontree Tube Station (District Line)


Link to map


Link to Transport for London
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Rix Family Alliance</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Family History News</category><dc:date>2012-03-21T04:57:10+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/d5a2f2980f4519f03107ab48da127d1f-291.html#unique-entry-id-291</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/d5a2f2980f4519f03107ab48da127d1f-291.html#unique-entry-id-291</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Rix Family Alliance (Guild of One Name Studies membership number  298) is holding a Family Open Day.


All Rixs, Rix descendants and anyone with an interest in the Rix family name are most welcome to attend.


The Open Day will be on Saturday 23rd June 2012 at Ketts Park Sports Hall, Harts Farm Road, Wymondham, Norfolk.   Plenty of parking space is available.


Doors open at 10:00 a.m.   The AGM (usually quite brief) will take place in the afternoon and the day ends at 5:30 p.m.


Anyone requiring lunch (for a  very reasonable price) should contact either Sheelagh Rix on 01727 832762 or Sue Simpson on 01953 454404 in early June.


Link to Rix-Alliance web site
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>New merchant seamen records online</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Family History News</category><dc:date>2012-03-06T04:32:45+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/919b25e24b06243cdfbf8e699fe7ad4f-289.html#unique-entry-id-289</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/919b25e24b06243cdfbf8e699fe7ad4f-289.html#unique-entry-id-289</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Merchant seamen records from the 19th century have been made available online for the first time.


Covering the years 1835-1857, 359,000 records of individuals have now been added to findmypast.co.uk who have released the records in association with The National Archives. 


Details contained within the records can include name, age, place of birth, physical description, ship names and dates of voyages.


Janet Dempsey, Maritime Expert at The National Archives, said: 'These records are as significant to the social historian as they are to the family historian.   No other group of working class men and women had the same freedom of movement and ability to see the world as these 19th century mariners. 


'This was the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen's earliest attempts at keeping individuals records and resulted in four different registers over 22 years. 


Although more of a challenge to work with than other family history sources, it can be very satisfying to decipher the codes and have your investigative efforts rewarded with sometimes surprisingly rich detail.'


The records are taken from volumes held at The National Archives in series BT112, BT113, BT114, BT115, BT116 and BT120 and were created by central government to regulate the merchant shipping industry. 


As the series spans two decades, some individuals may appear in multiple series, making it possible for maritime historians or those with ancestors in the merchant navy to trace a seaman's service over time. 


Search the records here
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>March Computer Group Newsletter</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Computer Tips</category><dc:date>2012-03-06T03:15:18+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/6cc5849a32ef76e037aa7feff0439c76-288.html#unique-entry-id-288</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/6cc5849a32ef76e037aa7feff0439c76-288.html#unique-entry-id-288</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The March Computer Group newsletter is available for download. 


Click on the image to download:
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Essex Record Office News</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2012-02-19T06:01:58+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/1357f02ab772bc935849a6f69212f590-287.html#unique-entry-id-287</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/1357f02ab772bc935849a6f69212f590-287.html#unique-entry-id-287</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This was a time of seaside holidays at home rather than abroad, the growth of nuclear power and more controversially nuclear weapons, as well as the catastrophic East coast floods in 1953. 


Martin Astell, our Sound Archivist, will also be putting together a selection of clips from the fifties to accompany the display so do come and have a look and listen.


...Aimed at those with some basic experience of bookbinding, this 6 week course in the Conservation Studio at Essex Record Office covers the making of a more advanced style of book than those in the Introduction to Bookbinding course. 


...These early parchment documents are of particular interest due to the number which still have original seals attached, an unusual feature in deeds of such an early date (12th &ndash; mid 13th Century). 


...Runwell Hospital opened in May 1936 as a joint venture between the Boroughs of East Ham and Southend for the treatment of people with mental health problems. 

...The hospital has now closed and surviving records have now been deposited at the Essex Record Office under the reference accession A13123. 


...Patient registers and any other records which mention patients by name are closed to the general public for 100 years after the last date in the document. 


...This month Professor Anthony Tuck gave an excellent lecture about Anne Pollard and her life in America to the Saffron Walden Historical Society.   Her story is well documented, not only because she was one of the first settlers in Boston, but she also lived to the incredible age of 104. 

...She was in excellent health and survived the hard and perilous journey, eager to be the first to jump off the flag ship Arabella and land on American soil where the town of Boston, Massachusetts was later built. 


The new ERO online service, Essex Ancestors (www.essexancestors.co.uk), might make it possible to research Anne and her family&rsquo;s background in Saffron Walden in the 1620s.  
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Island History Day</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>London Events</category><dc:date>2012-02-19T05:51:47+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/f1d39b87d9d5daccd7db8bb2f6c0cd3b-286.html#unique-entry-id-286</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/f1d39b87d9d5daccd7db8bb2f6c0cd3b-286.html#unique-entry-id-286</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Royal Naval Seamen Records (1853 - 1923)</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Family History News</category><dc:date>2012-02-19T05:27:22+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/e50f98a9236f3bffbaa63c065194fc45-285.html#unique-entry-id-285</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/e50f98a9236f3bffbaa63c065194fc45-285.html#unique-entry-id-285</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES


You can search and download over 600,000 service records for most ratings who joined the Royal Navy between 1853 and 1923.


These records can tell you about your ancestor's birth, their physical appearance, their occupation and which ship(s) they served on. 


From 1853, all boys from the ages of 14-17 joining the navy had to sign an engagement to serve 10 years, from the age of 18. 


There was the possibility of serving further engagements, towards the 20 years required for a long service pension.   This form of service was also extended to those joining aged 18 and over.


Link to National Archives web site for more information
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Barking &#x26; Dagenham Branch Newsletter</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2012-02-19T05:21:58+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/c8359a822f7da5ce0dfb474c1f91816a-284.html#unique-entry-id-284</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/c8359a822f7da5ce0dfb474c1f91816a-284.html#unique-entry-id-284</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Barking & Dagenham Branch Newsletter for February 2012 is now available for downloading.


Click on the image to download:
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>National Archives Podcast</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Podcasts</category><dc:date>2012-02-06T03:27:46+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/6c2fc45f5590003d48ecd19c5bfe4d07-282.html#unique-entry-id-282</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/6c2fc45f5590003d48ecd19c5bfe4d07-282.html#unique-entry-id-282</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[No vote no census


Published date: Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT


The National Archives held a one day conference at Kew on Saturday 1 October 2011.   The conference brought together an audience wanting to know more about the census, from genealogists to local and social historians. 


The conference looked at all aspects of the census and at what this rich source of information can tell us about our ancestors and society through the ages.   Speakers included specialist staff from The National Archives, academics and professional genealogists.


Link to National Archives podcast.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>West Ham Cemetery Records</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Family History News</category><dc:date>2012-02-06T03:03:49+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/d90da56a912d4655e2c3aa2637a407ab-281.html#unique-entry-id-281</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/d90da56a912d4655e2c3aa2637a407ab-281.html#unique-entry-id-281</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[West Ham Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Forest Gate, London, E7 9DG.


Approximately 180,000 burial records are available online for West Ham Cemetery, East London.


The data available comprise computerised index records, details of graves including names of all those buried in each grave, and cemetery section maps to locate graves.


Note that only the index records are available, and not the full burial register records, as regrettably these were irrecoverably damaged due to flooding.


West Ham Cemetery (located in Forest Gate) was created in 1857 as one of London&rsquo;s first publicly-owned cemeteries following the Metropolitan Burials Act of 1852. 


The Act was introduced as at that time London&rsquo;s small burial grounds were overcrowded, causing serious health problems, and lacked good management and accountability.   All of the burials since its opening were manually catalogued and these have now been digitised and indexed for the Deceased Online website.


These records are available at deceasedonline on a pay-per-view basis.


Transcribed register entries cost &pound;1.50, image of a grave memorial &pound;2 and maps showing grave or memorial location &pound;5.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>February Computer Group Newsletter</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Computer Tips</category><dc:date>2012-02-02T06:22:56+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/66ee6114b1cb6b1fa214c093e595b475-280.html#unique-entry-id-280</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/66ee6114b1cb6b1fa214c093e595b475-280.html#unique-entry-id-280</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The February Computer Group newsletter is available for download. 


Click on the image to download:
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Email Scam: Office of National Statistics</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2012-01-30T04:19:51+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/6beac9bd1f9af242b82dd9a98b51f172-279.html#unique-entry-id-279</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/6beac9bd1f9af242b82dd9a98b51f172-279.html#unique-entry-id-279</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA["Population Census: a message to everyone - act now"


There is a scam email circulating with the above subject line. 


The Office of National Statistics has issued the following statement:


...We are aware that an email entitled 'Population Census: a message to everyone - act now' is being circulated, allegedly in the name of National Statistician, Jil Matheson.   This email demands individuals provide further personal information, supposedly for the Census and threatens fines for non-compliance.


...It has no connection whatsoever with the National Statistician, the 2011 Census or the Office for National Statistics.


We believe the links in the e-mail could download malware to any computer where the user clicks on the links.   This could put your personal data, including financial information, at risk.


Anyone receiving this, or similar emails, should delete them, not open any links and certainly not provide any information.


For more information on how to protect yourself from this type of threat, please see www.getsafeonline.org


If you wish to, please report receipt of any such suspicious emails to www.actionfraud.org.uk
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Mystery Wartime Evacuees</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Picture of the month</category><dc:date>2012-01-29T05:19:15+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/b7af892bccb09ee7d0bb5820aa646802-278.html#unique-entry-id-278</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/b7af892bccb09ee7d0bb5820aa646802-278.html#unique-entry-id-278</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Seeking information on war time evacuees to Weston Super Mare in the 1940s.


During the War Group Captain and Mrs McCRAE had three evacuees from, we think, the East End of London. 


The boy in the picture was called Harold HORSLEY now sadly deceased.


We know the two girls in the photograph were not Harold's sisters.


The photograph is currently in possession of the granddaughter of Captain & Mrs.   McCrae.


If you can identify the girls in the picture please contact the webmaster here
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Queen to visit Ilford at start of Diamond Jubilee tour&#xa;&#xa;</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>London Events</category><dc:date>2012-01-29T04:33:50+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/35020f0f0d5b7397499f1a7932b72fa7-277.html#unique-entry-id-277</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/35020f0f0d5b7397499f1a7932b72fa7-277.html#unique-entry-id-277</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Queen will launch her Diamond Jubilee tour of the UK with a visit to Ilford in March. 


She will be accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh on a tour of Valentines Mansion and Gardens, off Emerson Road, Ilford, on Thursday, March 29.


It will herald the start of a series of regional tours throughout the UK to mark the Queen&rsquo;s 60 years on the throne.


She last visited Redbridge in May 2002 as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations, when she was at Redbridge Lane West allotments.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Tower Hamlets Local History Library &#x26; Archives Events</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>London Events</category><dc:date>2012-01-29T03:56:06+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/f5cb37fbdb0656c033d41ab4bd70a742-276.html#unique-entry-id-276</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/f5cb37fbdb0656c033d41ab4bd70a742-276.html#unique-entry-id-276</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[We are proud to present a free screening of "Who Is My Neighbour?"  , a new documentary about community organisation Neighbours In Poplar on  introduced by film maker Bhavesh Hindocha.  


Against the backdrop of huge social and economic flux and upheaval in this part of East London, this new film shows how the organisation Neighbours in Poplar has galvanised generations of volunteers to help a community look after itself.


...Shared Roots in Faith: the Abrahamic East End


This exhibition has been created by multi-faith group Interact.


Working with local Jewish, Christian and Muslim organisations and places of worship, this exhibition showcases interviews carried out by a diverse group of young people with individuals who have grown up in London&rsquo;s multi-faith East End. 


With accompanying workshops on Thursday 16 and Thursday 23 February at 6pm.


...If you missed our Capture Tower Hamlets photography exhibition last year, you can see it again at the Community Window Gallery at Canary Wharf in the Canada Place shopping mall  


...We will have a stand at the "Who Do You Think You Are" family history fair at London Olympia. 


Come and say hello to us, next to the East of London Family History Society!


For more details of all events, visit our web site at: www.ideastore.co.uk
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Handout: Genealogy Version 3</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Computer Tips</category><dc:date>2012-01-29T03:49:41+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/1bcd8412ac0b320753b21e634360825c-275.html#unique-entry-id-275</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/1bcd8412ac0b320753b21e634360825c-275.html#unique-entry-id-275</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Download a copy of the talk Charlie Mead gave to the Newham & Redbridge Branch on 25 Jan 2012 entitled "Putting your Family History on Line".


Download link]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Barking &#x26; Dagenham Branch Newsletter</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2012-01-29T03:48:23+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/21e3a702f0a21d2d01e8937e88896d82-274.html#unique-entry-id-274</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/21e3a702f0a21d2d01e8937e88896d82-274.html#unique-entry-id-274</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Barking & Dagenham Branch Newsletter for January 2012 is now available for downloading.


Download here
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Chairman&#x27;s Report for 2011</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2012-01-24T05:21:27+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/bed82f781414f39a02ca1646b7e0fdc5-273.html#unique-entry-id-273</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/bed82f781414f39a02ca1646b7e0fdc5-273.html#unique-entry-id-273</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Read our outgoing Chairman's Report for 2010/2011: Link to Chairman's Report


The Society wishes to thank Stephen Park for all his hard work and effort on our behalf over the past three and a half years.   We look forward to his continued involvement in the Society, especially as a guest speaker at branch meetings.


Special thanks are also due to our retiring Treasurer, David Wright, who leaves the accounts in a healthy and streamlined state, making the job for his successor so much easier.


Carole Moon and her team claimed just over &pound;5,000 before Christmas for 2010 and the total Gift Aid reclaimed by the Society amounts to approx &pound;37,000.   Well done Carole! 


Our new Chairman, Charlie Mead, was elected by unanimous vote and we thank Charlie for stepping forward to accept the challenge.


Last but not least, thanks are also due to all the volunteers, especially to our Membership Secretary, Sandra  Patchett and the Society Book Store Manager, Melissa Ford and husband Lofty, who helped in the organisation and execution of a very successful AGM.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Computer Group AGM Special Edition</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Computer Tips</category><dc:date>2012-01-24T05:18:04+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/09dbed6b68d2da20dff854d2c594db91-272.html#unique-entry-id-272</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/09dbed6b68d2da20dff854d2c594db91-272.html#unique-entry-id-272</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A Special Edition of the Computer Group newsletter is available for download.   Click on the image to download:
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Newham &#x26; Redbridge Newsletter January</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2012-01-24T05:14:18+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/4c7b800dd0b3eddcbc4c353f67611627-271.html#unique-entry-id-271</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/4c7b800dd0b3eddcbc4c353f67611627-271.html#unique-entry-id-271</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Newham and Redbridge Branch Newsletter for January is now available for downloading.   Click on the image to download:
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>AGM 21st January 2012</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2012-01-10T04:44:50+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/8c8f7bf31e34e27fe8c695807a770683-270.html#unique-entry-id-270</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/8c8f7bf31e34e27fe8c695807a770683-270.html#unique-entry-id-270</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[We hope to welcome as many of you as possible to our Annual General Meeting. 


...9.30 &ndash; 10.00	Doors open&hellip;.registration&hellip;.light refreshments will be available in the piazza.


...10.15 - 11.30	Family History and the Media in the 21st Century &ndash;Dr Nick Barratt, President of the Federation of Family History Societies.


There will be time for questions at the end of the talk.


11.30 &ndash; 13.30 Free time to look round stalls and lunch break.


...Society Bookstall, Newham Books and various stalls, displays of local interest available all day


...13.00 Registration for the AGM will start - you will need your membership number.


13.30-14.30 Annual General Meeting &ndash;The Society&rsquo;s Reports and Accounts


14.30-15.00	Break: Refreshments will be available


15.00-16.15	Finding out more about your Cockney Ancestors using local authority records and other unusual sources at Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives &ndash; Malcolm Barr-Hamilton, Tower Hamlets Archives


There will be time for questions at the end of the talk.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>January Computer Group Newsletter</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Computer Tips</category><dc:date>2012-01-10T04:28:23+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/d53e97552aa8063523976f0558dd0ccd-269.html#unique-entry-id-269</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/d53e97552aa8063523976f0558dd0ccd-269.html#unique-entry-id-269</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Computer Group newsletter for January 2012 is now available for downloading.


Download here
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Barking &#x26; Dagenham Branch Newsletter</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2012-01-10T04:22:58+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/5b3fbf57a5b049c7bf76053c06a55d5f-268.html#unique-entry-id-268</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/5b3fbf57a5b049c7bf76053c06a55d5f-268.html#unique-entry-id-268</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Barking & Dagenham Branch Newsletter for December 2011 is now available for downloading.


Download here
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>December Computer Group Newsletter</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Computer Tips</category><dc:date>2011-12-01T07:22:33+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/4822aaa48ba2a4e1fd858d88deb7cb0c-267.html#unique-entry-id-267</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/4822aaa48ba2a4e1fd858d88deb7cb0c-267.html#unique-entry-id-267</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Computer Group newsletter for December is now available for downloading.


Download here
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Memories of Childhood Play Project</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2011-11-25T05:27:57+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/9cb3cb32ccf674eea0573c38d07f614c-266.html#unique-entry-id-266</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/9cb3cb32ccf674eea0573c38d07f614c-266.html#unique-entry-id-266</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The University of Sheffield is undertaking a project about memories of childhood play. 


They are interested in interviewing people who were at primary school in the Newham area in the 1950s and 1960s about their memories of childhood play, both in school and home.


Initially focussing on St Winefride's School in Manor Park, they would like to broaden the research out to include other schools in the area. 


So if you ever rolled your hoop and stick through the streets and bomb sites of East Ham or West Ham and are interested in learning more about the project, please visit their web site at:


http://www.shef.ac.uk/education/research/groups/csnl/relationmedia 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Changes at the LMA</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2011-11-25T04:07:16+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/d1223a92dd394c46e0e5e17f5af8c13b-262.html#unique-entry-id-262</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/d1223a92dd394c46e0e5e17f5af8c13b-262.html#unique-entry-id-262</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[We have received the following information from the London Metropolitan Archives:


The latest time at which orders for microfilms can be placed is 5.40 p.m. (even on late nights) and it is currently not possible to advance order microfilms via LMA's on-line ordering system.  


You should phone the day before and advance order microfilms up to the maximum number of advance order documents (which I believe is 15).  


You can find the film reference numbers using the LMA website:  when you order by phone you must quote the X---/---- film numbers and not the P/-/-/- reference.  


LMA have also removed one set of parish binders (the black binders where you look up your film reference) leaving only one set.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Huguenot wills and administrations 1617-1849</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Books</category><dc:date>2011-09-14T23:28:29+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/4f50e2bd4be6a9c20f91d0e667eed710-254.html#unique-entry-id-254</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/4f50e2bd4be6a9c20f91d0e667eed710-254.html#unique-entry-id-254</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Huguenot wills and administrations in England and Ireland 1617-1849 


 


A resource for people who are researching Huguenot ancestors, this book includes three sections English wills, Irish wills and administrations. 


All wills were transcribed by Henry Wagner (1840-1926), all the comments are his and his variations in spelling are extensive, obviously replicating the wording of the original wills. 


There is also a full index of names and places.


Published by the Huguenot Society of Great Britain and Ireland, 2007    
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>75th Anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2011-09-14T23:15:25+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/ae585305ee8c4efe93be0d127ccd52bb-253.html#unique-entry-id-253</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/ae585305ee8c4efe93be0d127ccd52bb-253.html#unique-entry-id-253</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[October 4 sees the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street, when in 1936 thousands of residents of the East End turned out in force to prevent Oswald Mosley&rsquo;s British fascists marching through the mostly Jewish area. 


There are a range of fascinating opportunities to celebrate this anniversary including the hosting of the Protest And Survive exhibition by the Cable Street Group at Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives from 7th October until the end of the month. 


Other events include a seminar at St George&rsquo;s Town Hall on Sunday 25 September put on by the Jewish East End Celebration Society and a day of celebration organised by the Cable Street Group at Wilton&rsquo;s Music Hall on Sunday 2nd October. 


The mural on the side of St George&rsquo;s Town Hall completed in 1983 marking the battle has been recently restored and a new plaque will be unveiled by the council in the same week.              


For more information, visit www.battleofcablestreet.org.uk 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Picture of the Month</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Picture of the month</category><dc:date>2011-09-14T23:09:40+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/7e043af293df78ca44ef91f71ded7fae-252.html#unique-entry-id-252</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/7e043af293df78ca44ef91f71ded7fae-252.html#unique-entry-id-252</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Image courtesy of Tower Hamlets Archives


St Andrew&rsquo;s Hospital, Devons Road, Bromley-by-Bow, c1934 


Originally known as the Poplar and Stepney Sick Asylum, this building was opened in 1871 and served the districts of Poplar, Bromley, Bow, Limehouse, Wapping, Shadwell and Ratcliff. 


It was one of the first and largest workhouse infirmaries built under the Metropolitan Poor Act of 1867.   It was renamed St Andrew&rsquo;s Hospital in 1925. 


The hospital has now been demolished and is being replaced by a large housing scheme called St Andrews.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Plaistow church bells restored</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2011-08-31T04:05:56+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/4ac260be61baedf9b4aca899bcb71974-249.html#unique-entry-id-249</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/4ac260be61baedf9b4aca899bcb71974-249.html#unique-entry-id-249</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Historic bells honouring First World War heroes are being restored to their former glory in a &pound;250,000 Plaistow church project.


The 10 bells in the east tower of Memorial Community Church have been cleaned and painted and rehung as part of the National Lottery funded scheme.


Philippa King, development manager of the church in Barking Road, said: 


...The bells have been cleaned by hand but it makes an amazing difference.   They were really dirty and rusty and should be a lot easier to ring after the work is completed.&rdquo;


The work, which was scheduled for completion this month, is being undertaken by Gillett & Johnston in Croydon, the original maker of the bells in 1925.


...The &pound;49,000 project is being carried out in tandem with the &pound;194,000 restoration of the Memorial Church&rsquo;s east tower, which is on target to be finished by the end of October.   Work also includes repairs to the belfry staircase and the fitting of a new handrail.


People not able to climb the tower will be able to see the bells in a virtual tour available at the church.


An opening ceremony, attended by members of the British Legion and relatives of the fallen 169 servicemen from Plaistow and Canning Town featured on the bells, will be held at the church at November 19 at 11am.


Anyone who thinks they know of a relative whose name might be on the bells, or would like more information, is invited to call Philippa at the church office (020) 7474 6603 or email development@memorialcc.org.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>View your own Surnames of Interest</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Computer Tips</category><dc:date>2011-08-15T03:43:59+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/ef829da9097572ebaf18564a875cf2ed-243.html#unique-entry-id-243</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/ef829da9097572ebaf18564a875cf2ed-243.html#unique-entry-id-243</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[There are three new ways of looking at surnames of interest:


1) You can Search by Member to view your own, or another member's, surnames of interest:


2) You can Make Connections by searching and listing the members who are researching the same surname:


3) You can view the Most Recent additions for the last 10, 30 or 120 days:


Select Surnames of Interest from the Main Menu.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>London Family History Centre Closing for Refurbishment</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2011-08-01T01:19:55+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/34a54c228f7c8f25610d6670a3d92e4b-241.html#unique-entry-id-241</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/34a54c228f7c8f25610d6670a3d92e4b-241.html#unique-entry-id-241</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The London Family History Centre&rsquo;s South Kensington premises are due for refurbishment this autumn. 


To ensure a continuity of service for their patrons they are looking at options and are in discussion with The National Archives on temporarily relocating their facility to The National Archives in Kew. 


While no decision has been made, the feasibility work is at an advanced stage and an announcement will be made once an agreement is reached.


 


In any event, the London Family History Centre will close for refurbishment after Saturday 20 August 2011.


 


Please watch www.londonfhc.org for announcements. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Projects Co-ordinator</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2011-07-21T02:30:04+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/9f90a016ceb10c56198a03f991fc347b-238.html#unique-entry-id-238</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/9f90a016ceb10c56198a03f991fc347b-238.html#unique-entry-id-238</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Linda Kuyper of the Havering Branch has kindly stepped forward and taken on the role of Projects Co-ordinator for the Society.


Linda is currently managing the project on the St Luke&rsquo;s Canning Town registers and requests all volunteers who have been working on this project and either have data saved on their computers or are still in possession of any source documents to contact her.


Linda will also be looking for volunteers willing to help with future projects.


If you are interested and willing to help, please get in touch.


Click here to email Linda for further information]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Recommended Web Site</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2011-07-21T02:28:24+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/4a211c082263aa7fd012a7d21f374814-237.html#unique-entry-id-237</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/4a211c082263aa7fd012a7d21f374814-237.html#unique-entry-id-237</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Search the records of war memorials commemorating all wars located throughout the United Kingdom. 


They range from familiar community crosses and statues to less common memorials like bus shelters, sundials, park benches and even an island.


The UK National Inventory of War Memorials is based at the Imperial War Museum and is working to compile a record of all war memorials in the UK and to promote their appreciation, use and preservation.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Picture of the Month</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Picture of the month</category><dc:date>2011-07-15T04:54:22+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/b40a1d4dfd80a506de0955eb9f99f7d6-235.html#unique-entry-id-235</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/b40a1d4dfd80a506de0955eb9f99f7d6-235.html#unique-entry-id-235</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[&copy; Image courtesy of the Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives


This photograph by Poplar photographer William Whiffin shows a Truman&rsquo;s brewery dray outside the building which was erected in 1927-8 but there had been a tavern here called the White Horse since 1690 or earlier. 


The pub&rsquo;s claim to fame was that in the mid-eighteenth century the licensee was a woman, Mary East (1715-1780), who lived as a man called James Howes and lived &ldquo;as man and wife&rdquo; with a woman friend. 


The pub was pulled down a few years ago to make way for a housing development.   However the remarkable inn sign in the form of a horse made from lead on a post thought to date from the early to mid eighteenth century survives. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>National Archives Podcast: Overseas births&#x2c; marriages and deaths</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Podcasts</category><dc:date>2011-07-09T00:37:01+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/5f0cc0c457898e76341413bcccdd76ce-234.html#unique-entry-id-234</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/5f0cc0c457898e76341413bcccdd76ce-234.html#unique-entry-id-234</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Overseas births, marriages and deaths: records in The National Archives


Published date: Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:00:00 GMT


There is no single place to find all the birth, marriage and death records of the British overseas.   However, The National Archives holds a substantial number of them, in a variety of record collections. 


This talk looks at civilian and military registers kept by the British authorities, and by churches, consulates and other bodies abroad.   Please note that this talk does not include events at sea, which are the subject of a separate talk. 


Speaker Keith Mitchell joined The National Archives ten years ago and specialises in overseas birth, marriage and death records.


Link to the National Archives podcast
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>East London Cemetery WWI Plaques - Help Needed</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2011-07-08T22:44:29+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/0548cd9b7e9fc25c1f18b4d9d44e461e-231.html#unique-entry-id-231</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/0548cd9b7e9fc25c1f18b4d9d44e461e-231.html#unique-entry-id-231</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[East London Cemetery plaques commemorating  servicemen killed in WW1. 


The plaques are on the outside of the chapel and the crematorium. 


The names on them are now illegible. 


The owners of the cemetery would restore them, but only if they can find the complete list of names. 


The names were listed on postcards (probably  C 1919) and we are trying to find anyone who has any of these postcards.


Please contact the Society here
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Recommended Web Site</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2011-06-23T05:45:24+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/21c45ad62fb1906ea8bf13226c05ae5c-228.html#unique-entry-id-228</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/21c45ad62fb1906ea8bf13226c05ae5c-228.html#unique-entry-id-228</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Community Archives and Heritage Group (CAHG) is a national group which aims to support and promote community archives in the UK .   It brings together bodies and organisations concerned with Community Archives, and provides a forum for the regular exchange of views and information.


 


There is a website at www.communityarchives.org.uk and it is possible to sign up for a free copy of their e-newsletter.    A useful feature of the website is the ability to see a map showing the location of archives in a particular area.


 


In these difficult times when archives are under threat through lack of finances, it might be possible for members of family history societies to assist local archives with projects for their mutual benefit.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Books: London&#x27;s East End by Steve Lewis</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Books</category><dc:date>2011-06-23T05:17:25+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/6416df39d2de000ba04e93748a95f992-227.html#unique-entry-id-227</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/6416df39d2de000ba04e93748a95f992-227.html#unique-entry-id-227</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[London's East End


A 1960's Album


by Steve Lewis


Between 1963 and 1969, Steve Lewis, a former photographer for The Sun and the Newham Recorder, captured the East End in all its dilapidated glory. 


He tilted his lens towards everything from the era's bomb-site reconstruction to its political graffiti daubed across walls east of the City and north of the Thames, the area traditionally considered to be the East End. 


To mark his recent retirement from the business, the photographer has assembled an array of images from the time &ndash; miniskirted waifs, pearly kings and queens, even portraits of David Bailey in his book London's East End: A 1960s Album.


Available from the History Press


Youtube video with book images
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Pictures of the Month</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Picture of the month</category><dc:date>2011-06-20T03:50:26+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/11a64f03deb3f7ad1f117261d440b36f-225.html#unique-entry-id-225</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/11a64f03deb3f7ad1f117261d440b36f-225.html#unique-entry-id-225</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This picture shows HRH The Duke of York (later King George VI) at the opening of York Hall (named after him) in Bethnal Green in November 1929.


...The new Public Baths and Washhouses in Old Ford Road cost about &pound;125,000 and were among the best-equipped and most up-to-date in the country. 


The Duke concluded his speech by saying, &ldquo;We shall always retain very happy memories of our visit here today.   We hope we may on some future occasion be able to come here and see you again&rdquo;. 


His subsequent visits to the East End as King George VI were as morale-boosting exercises during World War II. 


In the centre of the picture is the Mayor of Bethnal Green, Councillor Wesley Clark Chandler J.P., and to his left the Duchess of York, later Queen Elizabeth.


...Mile End Road showing the Peoples' Palace and St. 

...The only structure still standing from this postcard view, partially hidden by trees, is the clock tower of the People&rsquo;s Palace, now Queen Mary University of London. 


The rather grand middle-class housing known as St Helen&rsquo;s Terrace, dating from the late 1860s was demolished in the 1930s to make way for the new People&rsquo;s Palace. 


On the right is St Benet&rsquo;s church, built in 1871-2, to the designs of Ewan Christian in the 13th century style.   The church was badly damaged by enemy action in August 1940. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Tower Bridge goes back to 1894 with Victorian games for kids</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2011-06-18T04:34:57+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/6042340a3322707ea68fe6bac302f237-223.html#unique-entry-id-223</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/6042340a3322707ea68fe6bac302f237-223.html#unique-entry-id-223</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[New activities for children are planned for the summer holidays at Tower Bridge taking them back to 1894.


Traditional Victorian games are being added to the permanent exhibition from July 23 to August 29.


These include giant dominoes, hopscotch, noughts & crosses, quoits and roll-a-ball that hark back 117 years to when the world&rsquo;s most iconic bridge was first opened and hailed as the great engineering marvel of its age.


Tower Bridge is also staging a photo exhibition from the end of the month with 60 shots in black and white from the City of London&rsquo;s Metropolitan Archive. 


They show Victorian London in its &lsquo;monochrome splendour&rsquo; including snaps of the bridge itself being built (as pictured) in 1893.


Link to Tower Bridge web site for further information
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Romford Cemetery Records 1871-1994</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Family History News</category><dc:date>2011-06-13T03:29:42+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/862fce05c9d2bb9a0524fed4eb324c29-220.html#unique-entry-id-220</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/862fce05c9d2bb9a0524fed4eb324c29-220.html#unique-entry-id-220</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[All 39,400 burial records for Romford Cemetery in Essex are now available on the Deceased Online website on a pay-per-view basis.


Digitised burial register scans for the period 27 October 1871 to 15 August 1994, and computerised records thereafter, include details such as occupation and/or marital status, age, place of death and grave number.   Grave details for all interments are also available.


Romford Cemetery is managed by the London Borough of Havering, and joins Hornchurch, Rainham and Upminster cemeteries, which have all their burial records on www.deceasedonline.com. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>National Archives Podcast: Two centuries of census taking</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Podcasts</category><dc:date>2011-06-08T06:14:41+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/a1172f6e21497532e74a683a83c0b9a9-219.html#unique-entry-id-219</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/a1172f6e21497532e74a683a83c0b9a9-219.html#unique-entry-id-219</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Published date: Fri, 03 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMT


The census has been described as a 'snapshot in time', recording the nation as it stands at midnight on one Sunday every ten years.   But the preparation for each census started years before each census date, and the collating and publishing of the results continued long after. 


This talk takes a look at the army of civil servants, temporary clerks, registrars, enumerators and others, and the part they played in this astonishing feat of organisation once a decade.   Of course, there were incidents and accidents along the way, some of which are revealed in the talk, including the only time advertising was allowed on census material: it didn't end well!


Audrey Collins is family history records specialist with a particular interest in the history and organisation of the General Register Office, including the census. 


Play or Download and listen to the Podcast


It's just like getting the wireless on your computer...
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Computer Group Handout - Free Genealogy Software</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Computer Tips</category><dc:date>2011-06-05T04:00:22+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/1b3236ac930aaecefcd6c69f12ba7b53-217.html#unique-entry-id-217</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/1b3236ac930aaecefcd6c69f12ba7b53-217.html#unique-entry-id-217</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A useful selection of free genealogy software compiled by Charlie Mead.


Download here
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Make sure you receive Message Board notifications&#x21;</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2011-05-22T08:55:55+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/a6ae6df36f384336212727e89bf045f9-214.html#unique-entry-id-214</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/a6ae6df36f384336212727e89bf045f9-214.html#unique-entry-id-214</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Depending on your Internet Service Supplier or your own email settings, automated email notifications from the Society's Message Board may end up in your Junk email folder.


To ensure you receive notifications to your email inbox please add the following email address to your Contacts:


Many thanks
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>New Books available in the Store</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2011-05-19T02:28:35+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/7365374a4a7d80adeee91cd450acd91d-213.html#unique-entry-id-213</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/7365374a4a7d80adeee91cd450acd91d-213.html#unique-entry-id-213</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Two two new books available from the Society Store:


...This book tells you how to research your East End Ancestors, available from our Society Store or at Branch Meetings.


As author Jane Cox writes in the preface, the East End of our great grandparents&rsquo; days was another world, and her fascinating and accessible guide to East End ancestry will help you find out about it. 


She takes readers through the maze of courts and alleys that was the home of their ancestors, bringing to life that vibrant, polyglot society, and describing the many sources researchers can consult &ndash; archives, records, books, the internet &ndash; in order to discover the lives of individuals who lived in the area or passed through it.


Our price &pound;12.00 + P&P (Retails at &pound;14.99)


...London is a key site for family historians.   Many researchers, seeking to trace their ancestry back through the generations, will find their trail leads to London or through it. 


Yet, despite the burgeoning interest in genealogy and the importance of London in so many life stories, few previous books have explored the city&rsquo;s history or provided guidance on the research resources family historians can use to discover the life of a London ancestor.   This is the purpose of Jonathan Oates&rsquo;s invaluable handbook.


An excellent book to help trace your London Ancestors, available from our Society Store or at Branch Meetings.


Our Price &pound;10.50 + P&P (Retails at &pound;12.99)
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Abney Park Cemetery Online Register Index</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Family History News</category><dc:date>2011-05-19T02:19:01+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/7d1ab154f095f6da6af727f5a1644805-212.html#unique-entry-id-212</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/7d1ab154f095f6da6af727f5a1644805-212.html#unique-entry-id-212</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[There is a free on-line index containing over 193,000 burials of the 194,815 burials that took place in this cemetery from 1840 to 1978. 


There have also been a small number of burials since that time in family sites.


This information was kindly provided by Gary Barnes, member 11005.


Many thanks!


Link to web site
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Recommended Web Site</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2011-05-04T01:15:29+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/26d568cc115079989305afe4037cbd7d-205.html#unique-entry-id-205</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/26d568cc115079989305afe4037cbd7d-205.html#unique-entry-id-205</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Flickr through London Metropolitan Archives


Join us now at Flickr and post a comment on, or favourite, any of the fascinating images we have depicting life in London.


Recent updates include a look at Royal Weddings throughout London's history.


Link to LMA on Flickr.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Computer Help Desk</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Computer Tips</category><dc:date>2011-04-30T10:55:16+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/b4d66f4fefa52a6b608fefb849f44f30-203.html#unique-entry-id-203</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/b4d66f4fefa52a6b608fefb849f44f30-203.html#unique-entry-id-203</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Help is available on a one on one basis to address any difficulty that a member may have concerning computer hardware, computer software and general genealogicial issues.


An internet connection is available as well as full access to ancestry.co.uk records to assist with any enquiries.


Members may bring in their notebook or laptop computers and in exceptional circumstances local house calls can be arranged to handle software installations if necessary although we can't undertake to spend protracted amounts of time to fix all problems!  


The main objective is to provide advice and guidance for members to pursue at home.


These sessions are held at the Havering Branch in Upminster during the lunch recess between the morning Computer Group Meeting and the Branch meeting.


HELP WITH MAC COMPUTERS


Email advice about Apple Mac computers and related software.


<a href="greens" id="greens" onclick="V2CUnScrambleEmail('peterde1','','mac.com',this.id)" >Click here to send an email enquiry about Mac computers</a>


HELP WITH WINDOWS COMPUTERS


Email advice about Windows computers and related software.


<a href="yellows" id="yellows" onclick="V2CUnScrambleEmail('JohnIGoodwin','','Yahoo.co.uk',this.id)" >Click here to send an email enquiry about Windows computers</a>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>National Archives Podcast: Criminal Records of our ancestors</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Podcasts</category><dc:date>2011-04-25T19:37:51+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/b7c78c4b97543b855c5cad9bfef7fd3a-201.html#unique-entry-id-201</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/b7c78c4b97543b855c5cad9bfef7fd3a-201.html#unique-entry-id-201</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[From crime to punishment: criminal records of our ancestors from the 18th and 19th centuries


The second half of the 18th and the first half of the 19th centuries were characterised by rapid increase in population, urbanisation and impressive industrial growth.   It was also a period of rising crime rates and grave concerns about criminality. 


This podcast takes researchers through the various stages of the criminal justice system of the period and focuses on the various records created, from the commission of a crime, through the court processes and on to the records of punishment. 


Jeff James is Director of Operations and Services at The National Archives, and has previously worked as Head of Operations at The British Library, in the University sector and as a Submariner in the Royal Navy.   Jeff has an MA in History from the University of Hertfordshire and has a particular interest in 18th and 19th century crime and poverty.


Link to most recent podcast from the National Archives
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Redbridge History Project</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2011-04-25T19:18:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/52957528251990242891084e28059e83-200.html#unique-entry-id-200</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/52957528251990242891084e28059e83-200.html#unique-entry-id-200</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Historians are looking for Redbridge residents to come forward and share their stories with a preservation project.


Eastside Community Heritage, based at the University of East London, Docklands, wants to hear from anyone in the borough with an interesting tale to tell about local life from the last 50 or more years.


The records will join an archive of over 1,500 oral histories and thousands of photographs preserved for the public&rsquo;s benefit.


Angela Hatcher, of Eastside, said: &ldquo;The headquarters of Ilford Films were in Redbridge from 1879 to 1983 and many Redbridge women in the 1940s became munitions workers as thousands were conscripted into the war effort, were you one of them?   The first tube trains to stop at Woodford and Newbury Park were in 1947, were you there?


&ldquo;If you remember any of these events or have anything else to share then we want to hear your story.&rdquo;


If you are interested in taking part call Angela Hatcher on 020 85534343 or email angela@ech.org.uk.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Victoria Park Plans</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2011-04-25T19:08:48+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/e09f0441c4bd2c1f2a178754c59129ce-199.html#unique-entry-id-199</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/e09f0441c4bd2c1f2a178754c59129ce-199.html#unique-entry-id-199</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Ambitious plans to revamp Victoria Park have been announced after &pound;12 million was secured towards a programme of works.


The investment from the Big Lottery and Heritage Lottery funds and Tower Hamlets council is the biggest since the park&rsquo;s creation in the 1840s and will allow for makeovers of two popular children&rsquo;s areas and the restoration of marble statues.


The Victoria & Alexandra and Pools playgrounds will benefit from new apparatus with the V & A site to be trebled in size and its shelter to be transformed into an under-fives play area.


Replicas of the Dogs of Alcibiades statues are also now in place at the Bonner Gates and will eventually find a home in the &ldquo;Eastern Hub Building&rdquo; once complete which will house a caf&eacute;, community room and park managers office.


The council has appointed construction firms Osborne and Rooff to carry out the restoration works and a spokeswoman said the park will remain open to visitors.


Other plans include a new &ldquo;Wheelpark&rdquo; to cater for skaters and bikers and improving the water quality of the East and West Lakes through drainage and de-silting.


A third island is also to be introduced on the West Lake where a Chinese pagoda will be placed and two new bridges will be built on and off the island, the Pennethorne Bridge, which was in original plans for the park but was never constructed and the Rustic Bridge.


The Old English Gardens are also to be refurbished and the Burdett Coutts Fountain will be restored to provide drinking water to park users.


A masterplan for the whole site and further information can be viewed here
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Podcast from the National Archives: March 2011</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Family History News</category><dc:date>2011-03-25T03:55:30+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/854db19498acb21262fbb5331d6120d3-194.html#unique-entry-id-194</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/854db19498acb21262fbb5331d6120d3-194.html#unique-entry-id-194</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Family History Resources at The National Archives


Published date: Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:00:00 GMT


This talk provides an introduction to the main sources for family history research available via The National Archives website. 


Topics covered include the online catalogue, online resources and the research signposts.   The talk is given by Gerry Toop, a Reader Adviser in the Family History team in the Advice and Records Knowledge department.


Link to national Archives podcasts
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Largest cinema organ in Europe finds new home in the East End</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2011-03-25T03:07:19+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/8c889b1dcc400d9c3ac42a6016cf9d3d-193.html#unique-entry-id-193</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/8c889b1dcc400d9c3ac42a6016cf9d3d-193.html#unique-entry-id-193</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[EAST London&rsquo;s Troxy venue is set to recreate its glory days by providing a home for a cinema organ which was originally created in 1930.


The largest Wurlitzer pipe organ ever installed in a European cinema will find a new home in the art-deco building in Commercial Road, itself a cinema until 1960 showing films from &ldquo;King Kong&rdquo; to &ldquo;The Siege of Sidney Street&rdquo;.


The four keyboard organ, which uses 1,500 pipes which will also be restored on either side of the Troxy stage, began life at the former Trocadeo cinema at the Elephant & Castle.


Its saviours, the Cinema Organ Society, still need funds for the restoration, which will cost &pound;240,000 to complete and are holding an open day at the Troxy on Saturday April 9th 2011 to show off the organ console and give guided tours of the theatre.


In the heyday of silent films, cinema organs differed from church varieties because they were voiced to mimic orchestral instruments and had their own percussion.


For fans of large organs the society and the Troxy owners plan to hold special events to showcase the instrument once the installation is complete.


Entry to the open day is free but a donation of &pound;3 is recommended.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Queen visits St Katherine&#x27;s in Limehouse</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2011-03-25T02:49:08+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/74e425e35550041a82ac5bdda02c4d98-192.html#unique-entry-id-192</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/74e425e35550041a82ac5bdda02c4d98-192.html#unique-entry-id-192</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[On Thurday 24th March, Her Majesty the Queen planted a tree and spent more than an hour chatting to visitors during her first tour of the Royal Foundation of St Katherine in Limehouse, of which she is patron. 


The tree was planted outside the centre&rsquo;s chapel which was restructured in 2004 in memory of the Queen Mother who was a patron of the foundation and had visited it many times.   Pupils from Stepney Greencoat School sang a hymn for the Queen in the chapel grounds.


The Queen met staff and service users and signed the visitors&rsquo; book before leaving  at midday.


Founded in 1147 as a religious centre and hospital for the poor, the foundation is one of the oldest of its kind and has always been in the patronage of the Queens of England.


It has been at its current site since 1948 and is an oasis in the middle of east London where people can come and find tranquillity.


Open to all, it offers conference rooms for hire, bed and breakfast accommodation and also acts as a retreat centre.


Link to The Royal Foundation of St Katherine, Charitable Conference and Retreat Centre
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Britton Family DNA&#x2c; London 17th century</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2011-03-20T09:12:33+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/fe39cc2eb11029c4fddad3272856ba77-187.html#unique-entry-id-187</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/fe39cc2eb11029c4fddad3272856ba77-187.html#unique-entry-id-187</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[I am looking for the English ancestors of John Britton who was born in England about 1672 or 1673 and was living in Henrico County, Virginia by June, 1684.  


Since the links between Henrico and London in the 17th century are strong and well documented, I believe that he was sent to Virginia from the London area, probably in the autumn or winter of 1683/4.  


DNA results of seven of his descendants indicate that the family was of Anglo-Saxon, Danish Viking, or perhaps Norman stock, with a probable origin somewhere in eastern England.   


Even a low-resolution match to another Britton family in England should be proof of common ancestry, because our DNA signature is so rare that we do not match anyone else of any surname within the past 750 to 1,000 years.


Elizabeth Lindsey Britton


Administrator of the Britton DNA Project


<a href="brittondna" id="brittondna" onclick="V2CUnScrambleEmail('LPlantagenet','','AOL.com',this.id)" >You can email me here</a>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Gravestone Photographic Resources</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2011-02-23T09:05:00+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/c162121bc1f097ef683b62c680a3fc8d-184.html#unique-entry-id-184</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/c162121bc1f097ef683b62c680a3fc8d-184.html#unique-entry-id-184</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Gravestone Photographic Research Project is a free genealogy resource that contains an index of the names and relationships that appear on grave monuments. 


This information is of special interest to anyone reseaching their family history as information on tombstones is rarely listed and it is often hard to find a grave.


The database currently holds information from Canada, Cyprus, England, Wales, Scotland and Australia. 


The genealogical information within the online database has been extracted from either photos taken by the Gravestone Photographic Resource or by volunteers who have donated them to the resource.


Not many cemeteries within our area of interest but you never know...
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Rainham Spitfire factory</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2011-02-23T09:00:00+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/5deaae80457776f006b7a28e4753e6f6-183.html#unique-entry-id-183</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/5deaae80457776f006b7a28e4753e6f6-183.html#unique-entry-id-183</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A HORNCHURCH historian is appealing for people who may have worked in a Rainham factory in the 1940s repairing damaged spitfires as part of the 75th anniversary of the first flight of the aircraft.


Richard Smith wants to speak to anyone who worked in the factory, which is believed to have been based near the site of the former Cherry Tree Pub in Cherry Tree Lane, Rainham.


From the early 1940s, Richard believes that factory employees based in Rainham would undertake basic repair works of the spitfire.


The site was one of many dispersal aircraft repair sites across the country, where people would work on repairing the aircraft&rsquo;s wings and body frames.


Richard, who has written a number of books on the subject, first came across the factory as part of research he was doing two years ago on the site.


The appeal is part of the 75th anniversary of the first flight of the aircraft which now has become a British icon and a symbol of the Second World War.


To mark the anniversary a special exhibition will take place on Sunday March 6 at the Purfleet Heritage And Military Centre.


For the first day of the exhibition, Richard is hoping to have the return of one of the world&rsquo;s oldest spitfires and to be able to reunite many of the people who may have played in the history of spitfires.


If you were one of the people that worked at the Rainham factory or know anyone else that might have, contact the Romford Recorder Newsdesk on 0208 477 4444.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>In Memoriam</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2011-02-03T02:05:36+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/1013f5279218881361f79e1a942fb2bc-178.html#unique-entry-id-178</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/1013f5279218881361f79e1a942fb2bc-178.html#unique-entry-id-178</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Dear all


...It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that Deborah Earrey died at lunchtime yesterday in St Francis Hospice in Havering atte Bower.   As you will all know she had been suffering from cancer for several years.   She was 50 years old.


...Deborah's membership number was No.86 and with her parents Jack and Pauline at No.87 shows they were members since our earliest years.


...Whilst Deborah had work committments that often prevented her from attending meetings, she was busy behind the scenes working as Strays Coordinator and later closely with Jacqui Crompton on projects (1994-1996) and assisted Pauline with the National Burials Index.


...Her smiley face and friendship over the years will be sorely missed.


...No doubt I am sure all our thoughts and prayers are with Jack and Pauline.


The funeral will held be on Monday 14th Feb at 12 noon at South West Essex Crematorium.   Corbets Tey, Upminster.


...Stephen Park
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>AGM Awards</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2011-02-03T01:49:20+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/2906d3c6b9b8428bbfe9109393b1bb8b-177.html#unique-entry-id-177</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/2906d3c6b9b8428bbfe9109393b1bb8b-177.html#unique-entry-id-177</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The following awards were made at the Society's AGM on 22nd January 2011 at the Old Town Hall, Stratford, East London:


Jean Vagg, member 193, former General Secretary (twice) and latterly first Secretary to the Newham and Redbridge Branch, was awarded an Honorary Life Membership.


Vera Bangs, member 2457, was made an Honorary Vice President of the Society.


Enid Thorogood, who for over 20 years has produced the familia "Yellow insert" in cockney ancestor detailing new members and their surnames of interest, was awarded an Honorary Life Membership.


Jo Fitz-Henry of Nottingham (who salvaged and donated to the Society the Calendar Volumes of the National Probate Indexes (c1861-1941) which were sold to Ancestry.com and are now available on that website -  a truly valuable source for family historians) was also awarded an Honorary Life Membership.


Janet Seward kindly offered to undertake the role of Society General Secretary.


View the Gallery for images of the day
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Plaistow Memorial Church bells to be restored</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2011-02-02T01:00:00+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/508b12cf98d03df00e3692a6bff5d92e-175.html#unique-entry-id-175</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/508b12cf98d03df00e3692a6bff5d92e-175.html#unique-entry-id-175</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[THE HISTORIC bells of a Plaistow church will be ringing out for many years to come after it received a &pound;40,800 National Heritage Lottery grant for a restoration project. 


Memorial Community Church in Barking Road has been given the funding to clean and repair its ten Memorial Bells, which include the names of 169 men who died during service in the First World War.


The funds will be used to have the bells restored at a local foundry and for the staircase up to the belfry to be made safe with a handrail.


Plans are in place to carry out the work at the same time as the external repairs to the bell tower this summer, provided a further &pound;29,000 can be found to fund this separate &pound;250,000 project.


Volunteers from The Hub, Kaizen Primary School, the East Ham branch of the Royal British Legion, Newham Community Learning and the Historica Apus history club will work together to find out more about the men whose names are preserved on the bells. 


They will use their findings to produce an exhibition and website about the memorial.   A virtual tour will be available at the church for those not able to climb up to the belfry.


The volunteers hope to track down relatives of the servicemen.   The Grade II listed Byzantine-style church opened in 1922, with the bells being installed in 1925.


You can help the church reach its fundraising target by going to www.memorialcc.org
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Recommended web sites</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2011-01-27T01:09:32+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/b3d32f2706661d54313cce87abad38c5-169.html#unique-entry-id-169</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/b3d32f2706661d54313cce87abad38c5-169.html#unique-entry-id-169</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Metropolitan Archives on Flickr


Flickr through London Metropolitan Archives and post a comment on, or flag as favourite, any of the fascinating images we have depicting life in the City of London.


From the architecture, fashion and markets of London to current events at LMA - take a look and get involved.


London Metropolitan Archives' photostream


Image &copy; London Metropolitian Archives.   All rights reserved.


Bow Creek School, Poplar


A most interesting site about a forgotten corner of Poplar - with index of names.


Pupils Admissions Register 1896 - 1935


Link to Bow Creek School web site
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Web Site: Making Text Bigger</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Computer Tips</category><dc:date>2011-01-22T20:30:16+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/eadb6049eef247f2e37a834a0be9f654-165.html#unique-entry-id-165</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/eadb6049eef247f2e37a834a0be9f654-165.html#unique-entry-id-165</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Because of all the smaller screens on laptop, notepad and other portable computers, it's become necessary for web sites to use smaller sized text in order to fit everything on the screen.


You can make the text on your screen larger by simply adjusting your browser (it works for any web site you find difficult to read):


Internet Explorer


	▪	From the View Menu, select Text Size


	▪	From the drop down menu, select the desired size from Largest or Smallest


Firefox


	▪	From the View Menu, select Text Size


	▪	Select Increase or Decrease until the text is the desired size


Safari


	▪	Select View, then Zoom In or Zoom Out
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>AGM and Society Accounts</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Society News</category><dc:date>2011-01-22T01:00:00+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/3cb28ea2ad3592eb2e6002e1c5610d97-163.html#unique-entry-id-163</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/3cb28ea2ad3592eb2e6002e1c5610d97-163.html#unique-entry-id-163</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Society accounts for 2010 are available for members to download.


The file is 2.4mb in size and requires Adobe Reader (free).


...These accounts have not been formally adopted by the membership and are provided for information prior to the AGM to be held on Saturday 22nd January 2011.


Nominations are invited for the posts of Chairman, General Secretary and Treasurer.   Nomination forms are available from the General Secretary (address inside the front cover of the Cockney Ancestor).


...Attendance at the AGM is restricted to Society members only and you will need your membership number to register. 


There will be the usual raffle with many exciting prizes including free subscriptions from:


...10.15 - 11:15 Talk: &ldquo;London Over the Border&rdquo; &ndash; John Marriott, Professor of History, University of East London


...11.45 - 12.15 Presentation by Jean Jeffrey, Communication Officer, London Borough of Newham


...14.00 - 15.00 Annual General Meeting, the Society&rsquo;s Reports and Accounts


...15:30 - 16.30 Talk: "The Secret East End" by Diane Burstein, Tour Guide and Broadcaster.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Recommended web site</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2010-12-05T22:34:57+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/9eca0d695e7edaf56e337b9f4de0b603-161.html#unique-entry-id-161</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/9eca0d695e7edaf56e337b9f4de0b603-161.html#unique-entry-id-161</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Bryant and May Strikers Register


The main part of the Register provides details of the workers on strike at the Bryant & May match factory at Bow, East London in March 1888. 


There are three lists showing 263 workers from the Centre and Top Centre workshops, 186 workers at the Victoria factory and 263 workers at the Wax and Box Stores and Patents. 


The lists show the name and address of each workers, together with marital status, occupation, last week's wages and whether living at home or independently. 


Additional notes show rent owed or dependents.   Boy workers are indicated.   This is followed by the Payments Register for all three workplaces, showing strike pay allotted and amounts actually paid out to each striker on July 14 and July 21. 


All workers received a minimum of 4 shillings [20p] , those who had earned over 6 shillings received 5 shillings and married women and widows received more.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Recommended web site</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2010-12-02T09:00:00+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/9e11976c1b944e5da7bb213e26e93d3d-160.html#unique-entry-id-160</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/9e11976c1b944e5da7bb213e26e93d3d-160.html#unique-entry-id-160</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A site of remembrance and comprehensive guide to the military cemeteries and memorials of Belgium, France, Great Britain and throughout the world.   Includes a Roll of Honour with over 1,000 photographs of individual soldiers.


NAMES  |  FREE  |  
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Recommended web site</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2010-12-02T08:00:00+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/fed7e1697fc7b82216b7b8e7056da52c-159.html#unique-entry-id-159</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/fed7e1697fc7b82216b7b8e7056da52c-159.html#unique-entry-id-159</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A site that lists the 'lost' hospitals of London, including WWI Auxiliary Hospitals, with details about medical dates, medical character, history, images and more useful links.


Thanks to Brenda (member 904)
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>The Indian trading company with Redbridge roots</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2010-11-08T16:09:00+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/cad539e193f7e2d1af0ad5c683786723-151.html#unique-entry-id-151</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/cad539e193f7e2d1af0ad5c683786723-151.html#unique-entry-id-151</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[India is, apparently, to thank, or maybe to blame, for men and women up and down Great Britain enjoying a cuppa so much.


...The revelation is one of many held within the posters, artefacts and memorabilia of the East India Company exhibition at Redbridge Museum, Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford.


The exhibition, which has been open for two weeks, explores the history of the trading body and its deep-rooted connection with Redbridge through its employees and their fortunes.


The East India Company was established on December 31, 1600, when Queen Elizabeth I gave royal approval by charter.


But what do Ilford, Wanstead and Woodford have to do with the company, which traded mainly with the Indian subcontinent and which became the largest multinational business the world had ever seen?


Valentines Mansion, Valentines Park, Ilford, was home to Sir Charles Raymond, an owner of East India Company ships.


...He used his massive wealth to buy Wanstead House and live there until his death in 1699.


Sir Robert Preston, who lived in Harts House, Woodford Green, started as a captain of ships before becoming a company director


Two of his ships were named Woodford and they made eight trips to India in the 1790s.


Artefacts and memorabilia at the exhibition include a painting of a cloth merchant, a cutting of chintz fabric, common in Gujurat in the 1700s, together with a replica chintz dress, an opium pipe and a Chinese porcelain plate.


The East India Company and Redbridge: An Exhibition, is open from 11am-5pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 10am-4pm on Saturday.]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>&#x27;Old Flo&#x27; returns to the East End</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2010-09-19T21:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/6cf417e2fbb415e78dfa2ec21a0b367e-150.html#unique-entry-id-150</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/6cf417e2fbb415e78dfa2ec21a0b367e-150.html#unique-entry-id-150</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Campaigners were celebrating this week after sealing a deal that will see 'Old Flo', otherwise known as artist Henry Moore&rsquo;s sculpture Draped Seated Woman, returned to her rightful place in east London.


The bronze sculpture, believed to be worth millions, was originally placed in the former Stifford Estate in Stepney in 1957.


The striking woman lounged there for 40 years until the estate was demolished in 1997.


Flo was then sent on free loan to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield, which also paid for her insurance.


The sculpture had remained there ever since, but not without campaigning from deputy leader of the Conservative Group, Cllr Tim Archer, to see it returned.


A motion to go-ahead with the move was unanimously agreed at full council on Wednesday (September 15).


The options included selling the Draped Seated Woman and using the money for social housing or bringing it back to the borough to be put on display by Canary Wharf.


Canary Wharf has offered to pay for it to be moved and insured and placed in a secure site. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Parish Register Newsletter</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2010-09-13T18:24:23+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/e6e3040893cc9e996db60ac5267cb20c-149.html#unique-entry-id-149</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/e6e3040893cc9e996db60ac5267cb20c-149.html#unique-entry-id-149</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Additions to on-line searchable database this month: St Matthew Bethnal Green 1799-1819


Click here to read the latest newsletter
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Recommended web site</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2010-09-13T17:07:12+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/f8aeba71facd508d95926fff6b3caf00-145.html#unique-entry-id-145</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/f8aeba71facd508d95926fff6b3caf00-145.html#unique-entry-id-145</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[(null)]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Winning Endeavours: Images to feature on 2012 website</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2010-09-13T16:49:37+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/45cba7b3d3ca9536988f7534cc21edd1-144.html#unique-entry-id-144</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/45cba7b3d3ca9536988f7534cc21edd1-144.html#unique-entry-id-144</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A significant number of pictures from the Local History Library&rsquo;s image  collection will feature on an exciting new site as part of the Winning endeavours project. 


The project is a partnership of The London Metropolitan Archives, Archives for London and the British Library, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. 


Winning Endeavours will digitise and share documents, newspaper articles,  visual material and ephemera  relating to sport in London, especially the 1908 and 1948 Olympic Games which were hosted in London, and London sportsmen and women who have participated in Olympiads over the years.  


The archive material will be taken from repositories throughout London and the South East, and digital copies will be taken of all selected items.   These copies will be published on a new website which will remain live  until the end of 2012, when it will be archived at the British Library. 


The stories behind the images will be told in the website and the collection of images will be fully searchable.   The website will be useful for journalists, researchers and anyone interested in London&rsquo;s place in Olympic History. 


The project&rsquo;s dedicated researcher has visited over 20 repositories in the London area and was particularly  impressed with the richness of the collections. 


Image courtesy of the Tower Hamlets Idea Store
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Picture of the Month</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Picture of the month</category><dc:date>2010-09-13T16:44:05+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/3aa740e791b83c0ad8e06cc319f47471-143.html#unique-entry-id-143</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/3aa740e791b83c0ad8e06cc319f47471-143.html#unique-entry-id-143</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Seventy years ago on 7th September 1940 (or &ldquo;Black Saturday&rdquo; as it came to be known) the beginning of the Blitz on London began. 


Although there had been sporadic raids prior to this, it was the first time that the capital, and in  particular, the East End experienced the intensity of a massed air attack. 


The picture shows the damage inflicted on the church of  St Matthew, Bethnal Green.   The church, which was built in 1743-6, had  already witnessed partial destruction in the middle of the nineteenth century following a fire in 1859. 


The west end of the church was repaired in 1955 and the rest reconstructed in 1958-1961. 


Image courtesy of the Tower Hamlets Idea Store
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Wilmot Street History</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2010-09-06T05:49:34+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/2331abc2ba9d2ac9f2332b8d264b8b99-142.html#unique-entry-id-142</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/2331abc2ba9d2ac9f2332b8d264b8b99-142.html#unique-entry-id-142</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A collection of posts and articles on the history of The Waterlow Estate in Bethnal Green, London, E2.   The Estate comprises Wilmot , Corfield, Finnis and Ainsley Streets.


Link to web site
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Billingsgate porters in mass protest to protect ancient licenses</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2010-08-07T08:30:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/e0b87943276cfd7751911d9059bb49a0-139.html#unique-entry-id-139</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/e0b87943276cfd7751911d9059bb49a0-139.html#unique-entry-id-139</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[MARKET porters protesting this morning (August 3rd) at the historic Billingsgate fish-market to protect their ancient role were backed by MPs and London Assembly members.


At least 100 demonstrated at the market complex near London's Canary Wharf at 7am against what they claim is the City Corporation's bid to end the centuries-old licensing of porters. 


MP Jim Fitzpatrick, whose Poplar & Limehouse constituency includes Billingsgate, spoke to support the protesters at the rally, along with London Assembly budget chairman John Biggs and ex-London Mayor Ken Livingstone.


"The porters felt angry and frustrated at the City Corporation refusing to come to the negotiating table," Mr Fitzpatrick later told the East London Advertiser. 


"They had to invoke the historic Billingsgate Charter that goes back to 1327 to force the City Corporation to negotiate, when the porters will make their case on Thursday."


The leasehold on the Billingsgate complex is up in 2013 and the City Corporation is seeking a new location, possibly further out towards the M25. 


"Billingsgate has a historic importance serving London," the MP added.   "It is the most famous fish market in the world.   Billingsgate is a national treasure that must be protected." 


Billingsgate has been in Docklands for the past 35 years, since it moved from its historic site neat the Tower of London where it had been since the 14th century.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Picture of the month</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Picture of the month</category><dc:date>2010-07-23T08:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/60c8c0518608cdd85cd8af67283b8c4f-136.html#unique-entry-id-136</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/60c8c0518608cdd85cd8af67283b8c4f-136.html#unique-entry-id-136</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[East India Dock Road 1904 courtesy of Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives


East India Dock Road was laid out in 1806-1812 as a &ldquo;branch&rdquo; of the Commercial Road (made between 1802 and 1804) to give traffic from the newly completed East India Docks a straight run to London, bypassing Poplar High Street.   A forest of masts in the docks can be seen in the distance. 


The picture is dominated by the United Methodist Free Church, built 1866-8 in a &ldquo;modern Italian&rdquo; style to accommodate 1,500 people.   In 1919 it was taken over by the nearby Poplar Methodist Mission and renamed King George&rsquo;s Hall and was used as a men&rsquo;s club, Sunday school and concert hall.   It was badly damaged in the Second World War.


In the distance can be seen Poplar Railway station (the site of the present All Saints DLR station).   This was built for the North London Railway in 1865-6 to replace the former station in Poplar High Street. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Photographs of historic housing schemes available on-line</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2010-07-23T09:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/498ef18e9a38ac5ae215bbb3bd1658b2-135.html#unique-entry-id-135</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/498ef18e9a38ac5ae215bbb3bd1658b2-135.html#unique-entry-id-135</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Tower Hamlets has a huge variety of council housing estates developed over a period of over 100 years. 


Many of these were built by the  borough councils of Bethnal Green, Poplar, Stepney and Tower Hamlets, and others by the London County and Greater London Councils. 


Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives has a fine collection of  photographs of borough-council built housing estates taken mainly when the estates were under construction or just completed. 


A sample of around 150 of these pictures has recently been made available in the Digital Gallery on the IDEA store website. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Sugar Refiners Database</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2010-07-11T09:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/bee7dcb1c5fced13b0c5b9457c586846-132.html#unique-entry-id-132</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/bee7dcb1c5fced13b0c5b9457c586846-132.html#unique-entry-id-132</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It is generally agreed that the sugar trade began in the UK, in London, c1544, with two cane sugar refineries .... today there is only one. 


In between, a vast number of individuals and companies have come and gone, in an industry, which until the 20c, was a notoriously labour intensive, hot, exhausting, and dangerous place to work.


Whilst the majority of owners of these refineries were British, those who ran the refineries, and the labourers, were mainly migrants, with those from N.Germany predominating.


This useful web site has a database of people, factories and locations throughout the UK.


Link to web site
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>London Lives</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2010-07-10T09:15:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/0f524e31d119a340170d287dff5eb3c9-131.html#unique-entry-id-131</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/0f524e31d119a340170d287dff5eb3c9-131.html#unique-entry-id-131</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Sources for London Lives


A fully searchable edition of 240,000 manuscripts from eight archives and fifteen datasets, giving access to 3.35 million names.


Link to web site
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Tracing travelling ancestors</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2010-07-10T09:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/281bb018567ff5d3c9e4d14aa228a037-130.html#unique-entry-id-130</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/281bb018567ff5d3c9e4d14aa228a037-130.html#unique-entry-id-130</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Did your ancestors travel to the UK during the late 19th or early 20th centuries? 


If so, you may be able to find them in the inbound passenger lists, available at ancestry.co.uk.


These Board of Trade lists can be searched by name and are vital for tracking people who arrived in the UK during this time.


If your ancestor settled in the UK during the 19th century, you may also be able to find them in the alien arrivals collection, also available on ancestry.co.uk.


Search immigration and travel records now.


You can also trace people who sailed from the UK to destinations all over the world in the outgoing passenger lists.


Explore ancestorsonboard
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Recommended web site</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Family History News</category><dc:date>2010-06-29T09:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/1104f24a50d5664cbd92c5c830100f4a-129.html#unique-entry-id-129</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/1104f24a50d5664cbd92c5c830100f4a-129.html#unique-entry-id-129</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Explore two million pages of 19th century newspapers.


Search 49 local and national titles using keywords.


View complete articles from the  Penny Illustrated Paper and The Graphic  free of charge; 


or buy a 24-hour pass for &pound;6.99 allowing you to view up to 100 articles, or a seven-day pass with 200 article views for &pound;9.99;


or access the whole site free if you are a member of a subscribing institution 


(The digitised nineteenth century British Library newspapers are freely available for people in UK higher and further education, in some UK public libraries, and in some institutions in other countries.   Please contact your library to find out about access.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Picture of the month</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Picture of the month</category><dc:date>2010-06-30T10:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/f60b65bda13fe2be4efb2e5420d10a5e-128.html#unique-entry-id-128</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/f60b65bda13fe2be4efb2e5420d10a5e-128.html#unique-entry-id-128</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Angel Lane, Stratford, 1959. 


The white covered portico in the middle of the photograph is the entrance to the Theatre Royal.   The poster outside the theatre advertises the Joan Littlewood production of the musical "Make Me An Offer" which opened at the Theatre Royal in October 1959.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Victorian Thames steamship to be &#x27;airlifted&#x27; onto pontoon</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2010-06-29T08:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/7965cf83c88a809f1ef17a9c85364741-127.html#unique-entry-id-127</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/7965cf83c88a809f1ef17a9c85364741-127.html#unique-entry-id-127</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[THE newly restored SS Robin, the last remaining steam-coaster in the world, is being airlifted by cranes onto a floating museum pontoon on Monday, ready to return to the River Thames.


The historic vessel will be lifted onto her new floating base at Lowestoft in Suffolk, ready for her return to East London where she will eventually take up her role in Docklands as a new museum and learning centre for youngsters. 


The SS Robin, built in East London in 1890, is a unique piece of maritime history, listed on the National Historic Fleet register and regarded as one of the most important British-built ships.


Picture: Carmen Valino


Monday&rsquo;s crane lift marks the penultimate milestone in a two-year restoration.   The operation at Lowestoft&rsquo;s Commercial Road slipway involves two heavy cranes raising the 300-ton vessel off the quayside and onto the floating pontoon, starting around 9am and taking five hours. 


The irreplaceable vessel is a classic Victorian coaster, of the type immortalised in John Masefield&rsquo;s poem Cargoes.   She was brought to Lowestoft in 2008 from her Isle of Dogs mooring for essential conservation and repairs to her riveted structure.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Essex Online Parish Clerks</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2010-06-09T09:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/f2cc018aea1e9bbdf7e886f00ca15ca3-122.html#unique-entry-id-122</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/f2cc018aea1e9bbdf7e886f00ca15ca3-122.html#unique-entry-id-122</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Essex online Parish Clerks.   A worldwide group of volunteers who endeavour to provide free information about a parish, its people and history, to assist family historians. 


Each Essex OPC has a mandate to collect, collate and compile reference material for parishes throughout the county in the form of transcripts, extracts, abstracts, and indexes of original source records. 


The OPC should in no way be confused with the Parish Council appointed Parish.


Link to web site
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>New online records at FamilySearch International</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Family History News</category><dc:date>2010-06-09T08:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/36f17cb86f0391348dde34d94ae813de-121.html#unique-entry-id-121</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/36f17cb86f0391348dde34d94ae813de-121.html#unique-entry-id-121</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Salt Lake City, Uta.   FamilySearch International announced recently that it has posted an additional 300 million names to its huge family history database. 


The names come from extracted original sources and include many collections that have never before been available online. 


The move bolsters FamilySearch's earlier announcements regarding ongoing efforts to digitize the billions of genealogical records stored in its Granite Mountain Records Vault near Salt Lake City, Utah.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Recommended web site</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2010-06-03T08:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/eef02cecc4ca0dc703c083568df55664-120.html#unique-entry-id-120</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/eef02cecc4ca0dc703c083568df55664-120.html#unique-entry-id-120</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[TheShipsList website, online since August 1999, will help you find your ancestors on ships' passenger lists. 


They also have immigration reports, newspaper records, shipwreck information, ship pictures, ship descriptions, shipping-line fleet lists and more; as well as hundreds of passenger lists to Canada, USA, Australia and even some for South Africa. 


Over 3,000 totally free access web-pages with new databases added regularly.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Parish Register Newsletter</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Family History News</category><dc:date>2010-06-03T09:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/7520672131b5313444c018c90ba23eb4-119.html#unique-entry-id-119</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/7520672131b5313444c018c90ba23eb4-119.html#unique-entry-id-119</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Latest Newsletter from Parishregister.com


"This month we've uploaded another in the St Dunstan's series, 1608-1628, so we're gradually closing the gap up to 1730.   Once that's been achieved then we'll have all the records from 1568 all the way up to 1848! 


We've also got the first of our Catholic Register CDs back in stock (SS Mary and Joseph), two new CDs from the East of London Family History Society, three offers on East of London Family History CDs, a new special offer on our compendiums 1-5, and a new book in stock."


For special offers, books, CDs, maps and more, see all their current offerings and news here...
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Launch of Nonconformist Registers 1694-1921</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Family History News</category><dc:date>2010-06-02T17:01:01+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/63c43261fea11c0950a72da30f2599f5-118.html#unique-entry-id-118</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/63c43261fea11c0950a72da30f2599f5-118.html#unique-entry-id-118</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[For the first time ever the names and details of hundreds of thousands of UK radicals and religious dissenters from over 225 years are available online.


Ancestry.co.uk have launched the first tranche of Non Conformist Registers (1694-1921)  containing 224,000 names including baptism, marriage registers and burial inscriptions.


Digitised in partnership with London Metropolitan Archives (where the paper originals are held), the online records detail the names of thousands of men and women who refused to conform to the doctrine of the established (Anglican) Church including Methodists, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Baptists and Quakers.


Click here for ancestry.co.uk]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>First World War merchant seamen medals available to download</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Family History News</category><dc:date>2010-05-19T09:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/9c1a2f842036304e24c3ae6c1bcda489-114.html#unique-entry-id-114</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/9c1a2f842036304e24c3ae6c1bcda489-114.html#unique-entry-id-114</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The cards, from Catalogue references BT 351/1/1, BT 351/1/2 and MT 9/1404, record the issue of medals to individual seamen. 


The Mercantile Marine Medal was given to those who served at sea for six months or more between August 1914 and November 1918, and who served on at least one voyage through a danger zone. 


Recipients of this medal were automatically entitled to the British War Medal. 


The Silver War Badge was awarded to merchant seamen no longer fit for service as a result of wounds or sickness received or contracted during the war.


More information available at the National Archives web site
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Marriage records for St. Dunstan&#x27;s 1640 - 1696</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2010-05-14T10:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/16607cc727509f8df0661e74f7d8d02f-112.html#unique-entry-id-112</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/16607cc727509f8df0661e74f7d8d02f-112.html#unique-entry-id-112</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This on-line book containing the marriage registers for St.   Dunstan's is fully searchable using the search box at the top right of the screen:


Link to St.   Dunstan's marriage register
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Spitalfields Market resurrects ancient role of Ale Taster</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2010-05-14T09:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/4f3f3db60990ad9fcc5614c36338d503-111.html#unique-entry-id-111</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/4f3f3db60990ad9fcc5614c36338d503-111.html#unique-entry-id-111</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Not surprisingly, one of the most popular offices to be held was that of the Ale Taster also known as Ale Conner.


Malcolm Ball, chief executive of Wellington Market Company, the firm, which manages the market, said: "Ale Tasters would have been a familiar sight in London


"Although the attraction of such a role may seem obvious at first, the 21st century version would incorporate many more responsibilities than the original.


"Our ceremonial Ale Taster would become an ambassador for the promotion of drink and food in the area.


"Modern tastes have evolved and become so much more sophisticated in recent times and people demand ever greater levels of quality and variety.


"The successful candidate will have a sound knowledge of local, regional, national and international beers and he or she must be passionate and vocal about the subject, actively wanting to promote good drinks and food within the Spitalfields area."


Applicants should submit a short, written application explaining why they would be the best person for the ceremonial role to info@londonaletaster.co.uk 


Rules and more information is available at www.londonaletaster.co.uk 


The closing date for entries is midnight on Sunday, May 23.   Applicants must be 18 or over and live in London.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Picture of the month</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Picture of the month</category><dc:date>2010-05-04T17:20:18+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/5679d329e7cee0b46e19b6cddf45834e-106.html#unique-entry-id-106</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/5679d329e7cee0b46e19b6cddf45834e-106.html#unique-entry-id-106</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This photograph of what is now known simply as Alie Street was taken by Poplar photographer William Whiffin (1878-1957). 


It shows an intriguing mix of motorised and horse-drawn traffic. 


The left half of the picture is dominated by eighteenth- century buildings with shop fronts, destroyed by enemy action in the Second World War.  


Behind the lorry laden with timber, at the corner of Leman Street is the Eastern Dispensary built in 1858, now a public house. 


The Dispensary had been founded in 1782 to provide free medical and surgical relief to the poor. 


Beyond this building are silhouetted the chimneys of the former St George&rsquo;s German Lutheran School. 


Image courtesy of TOWER HAMLETS LOCAL HISTORY LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Bethnal Green&#x27;s Victorian facades get facelift after 130 years</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2010-05-01T11:30:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/b6fa9e78aadda19d499c26ed49d07253-104.html#unique-entry-id-104</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/b6fa9e78aadda19d499c26ed49d07253-104.html#unique-entry-id-104</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[A NEW lease of life is being given to parts of an ageing Victorian terrace along Bethnal Green Road, as restoration works kicked off last week.


Sections of the terrace, stretching from 125-159 Bethnal Green Road near its junction with Brick Lane, will be restored to their former glory by a skilled team of workers who will return the building facades to their original design and decoration.


Tower Hamlets council said that work on the historic terrace will include repairing facades and shopfronts and hopes the restored facades will set a benchmark for how shopfronts should look in the area.


The council's conservation team leaser Mark Hutton said: "This significant financial boost to restore the area's heritage is a big win for local businesses. 


"The terrace has a lot of history behind it and we hope these works will inspire other business owners to improve their shopfronts and enhance their building's historical features." 


Work on the terrace, which is in the Redchurch Street Conservation Area, is being paid for by section 106 planning contributions following the development of Bishop's Square at Spitalfields Market and with funding from English Heritage.


It will be carried out in three phases between April this year and March 2012.   Scaffolding went up last week around the first four buildings, located close to the junction with Brick Lane.


The terrace frontage last had a major facelift in the mid-1880s in 'High Victorian' style, although much of the original 18th century fabric remains to the rear.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Recommended web site</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2010-05-01T11:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/4a9f868d3c1811c61162fce4b6334062-102.html#unique-entry-id-102</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/4a9f868d3c1811c61162fce4b6334062-102.html#unique-entry-id-102</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Historical Directories is a digital library of local and trade directories for England and Wales, from 1750 to 1919.   It contains high quality reproductions of comparatively rare books, essential tools for research into local and genealogical history.   Search by location, decade or keyword.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Recommended web site</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2010-04-09T23:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/7d2525f69d740d1a315c19e3a8edf0c9-98.html#unique-entry-id-98</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/7d2525f69d740d1a315c19e3a8edf0c9-98.html#unique-entry-id-98</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[British History Online is a source of valuable in-depth information (source and secondary) about places, events and people.   With a powerful search facility that usefully highlights the key words of your search criteria, you can also narrow your search by region.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>East End&#x27;s Vicky Park (no relation) to get &#xa3;12m revamp</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2010-04-08T22:00:00+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/6e5e9f8d34181d27db58d73ad15df479-97.html#unique-entry-id-97</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/6e5e9f8d34181d27db58d73ad15df479-97.html#unique-entry-id-97</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Heritage Lottery Fund committee described the park as one of three 'serene spaces' in London which are special for the community and for London.


Plans include restoring the model boating lake and historical monuments, as well as an urban beach and skate park. 


"Victoria Park is East London's 'royal' park," says Heritage committee chairman Wesley Kerr.


"It's part of the biggest investment in our parks since Queen Victoria's time.


"Restored lakes, watercourses and monuments, improved horticulture and maintenance will ensure it is passed on to the next generation in prime condition."


Victoria Park was created and landscaped for the people of East London in 1841 by architect James Pennethorne after a petition of 30,000 signatures to Queen Victoria.   It encapsulated Victorian splendour, with its grand entrances and wide promenades, while meeting the needs of the overcrowded population in an ever expanding East London with much needed open space. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Bethnal Green Tube Disaster 1943</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2010-04-01T09:08:44+01:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/70e9ef45d4660abce226cc17f00a298b-91.html#unique-entry-id-91</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/70e9ef45d4660abce226cc17f00a298b-91.html#unique-entry-id-91</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[ A link to the Stairway to Heaven Memorial web site has been added to the Links page under Area History. 


Link to web site
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Hornchurch War Memorial Mystery</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2010-03-13T04:16:23+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/c267d1dc292b10071735a5ab2b19004c-86.html#unique-entry-id-86</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/c267d1dc292b10071735a5ab2b19004c-86.html#unique-entry-id-86</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The huge gunmetal tablet, measuring 40 inches by 30 inches, was discovered by David King, president of the Hornchurch branch of the Royal British Legion, as he tidied wreaths at the Hornchurch cenotaph, beside St Andrew's Church, in High Street, last month


...The memorial remembers 13 men from World War One, and four men from World War Two - none of whom appear on local rolls of honour.


It's poignant inscription, which appears on ten other memorials across the country, is from the poem, 'To Our Soldiers, Our Sailors, and Our Airmen' by Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley. 

...Spearheading the search is Mike Long, parade marshal of the Legion, who has so far identified six of the men on the list - all of whom have links to Waltham Abbey in Essex, and Edmonton in north London.


..."My feeling is that it's come from a building - either a church or possibly from a sports club - and somebody has suddenly had an attack of conscience and left it where they knew it would be found by the right people.


"But, without knowing exactly where it's come from, we don't know how long it's been missing; it could be weeks, months or even years."


He has posted information on popular World War Two forum www.ww2talk.com which has elicited a 13-page thread of comments, but no firm leads.   The memorial is now resting at St Andrew's Church until it can be returned to its rightful home.


A spokesman for the UK National Inventory of War Memorials, based at the Imperial War Museum in south-east London, said it had no record of the plaque, though a similar one appears in Beckington, Somerset.


She added: "We rely on volunteer fieldworkers and the general public to send us details of war memorials, so if this one has been in private hands or locked away in storage, we may not have a record of it. 

...Anyone with information about the mystery plaque is asked to contact the Hornchurch Royal British Legion on 01708 457840.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Last chance today to walk through Brunel&#x2019;s 1843 Thames Tunnel</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2010-03-13T05:45:04+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/299a0bb8d17be6f41ed8a6b1b1fce0e1-85.html#unique-entry-id-85</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/299a0bb8d17be6f41ed8a6b1b1fce0e1-85.html#unique-entry-id-85</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[This was a special trip for the media arranged by London&rsquo;s Brunel Museum, just before the public was allowed through yesterday (Friday), herded in groups by health and safety marshalls on the walk-through from Rotherhithe to Wapping and back. 


...The label was justified, enthused our tour guide Robert Hulse, the Brunel Museum&rsquo;s proud director, with 50,000 people walking though on the first day in 1843, each paying a penny a time.


A million people had walked through in the first 10 weeks, at a time London&rsquo;s population was just two million. 

...The miners, working in groups of 16 in excavation &lsquo;cages&rsquo; inching their way along with hand-picks and shovels would have been drenched in foul water whenever this happened. 


The air was usually putrid from the build-up of methane and the miners would break every two hours to get back up to the surface for fresh air. 

...London was the world&rsquo;s busiest port back then, at the centre of the Empire, with up to 3,000 sailing ships on the Thames at any one time. ...  But the money ran out before the spiral ramps could be added at either end to take horse-cart traffic, which is what the tunnel was built for in the first place.


...In 1852, all that changed&mdash;briefly&mdash;with the first Thames Tunnel Fancy Fair staged with musicians, fire eaters, sword swallowers, jugglers, tightrope walkers, clowns, performing horses, waltzes played on steam organs, coconut shies and freak shows. 

...An underground railway was built from Bishopsgate to New Cross which opened to regular passenger traffic in 1871, using the tunnel to cross under the river.


Today is the last chance to walk under the Thames without getting your feet wet&mdash;to soak up the atmosphere our Victorian ancestors created a century-and-a-half ago.


The East London Line reopens April or May after a three-year shut-down while it was being converted to link up with London&rsquo;s new Overground network and being extended north from Whitechapel and south from New Cross.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Book published about local crooner</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Area News</category><dc:date>2010-03-08T06:47:12+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/95d05cfa055161db0d487105d7ccc7f6-78.html#unique-entry-id-78</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/95d05cfa055161db0d487105d7ccc7f6-78.html#unique-entry-id-78</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Singer's Singer: The Life and Music of Matt Monro, celebrates the life of the vocalist who rubbed shoulders with some of the most famous names in show business, recorded the very first James Bond song, represented his country in the Eurovision Song Contest and made a string of global hits including Born Free, Walk Away, From Russia With Love and Softly As I Leave Her.


The book is a four-year labour of love written by his devoted daughter Michele Monro, who wanted to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his death.


Michele traces the life of her father, from an impoverished Shoreditch upbringing as Terry Parsons, to a job as a London bus driver and eventual superstardom as singer Matt Monro.


Michele was inspired to write the book after a near-fatal car crash three years ago: "I had a head-on collision and it was only because I was stationary that I survived. 


...She has recorded the highs and lows that shaped his life, delving into her father's long battle with alcoholism, his struggle to come to terms with his past and how he even accidentally killed a man.


Michele was just 25 when she lost her dad aged 54 to liver cancer: "I felt robbed as I think any child would, we were incredibly close, I'm still very cross and I miss him very badly, I do.


"When he first died I wouldn't listen to his songs, but I got into a lift one day and his music was playing and I got such a shock, it was like hearing a ghost," said the 50-year old who lives in Harrow. 


"Now of course it's a great comfort and you can't take that away -what I have is immortalised, and I'm passionate about his music and his legacy."


...The book recounts his impoverished childhood, when as one of five children, Matt's dad died when he was three, and his mother had a break down trying to support the family.


"He had a hard struggle and a lot of heartache in life - he did like a drink, it was his prop-up," said Michele.


In the book she draws on more than two hundred interviews with celebrities including singers Paul McCartney, Shirley Bassey and celebrity friend Jimmy Tarbuck: "Not one person had anything derogatory to say - I was brimming with pride," said Michele.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Recommended web site</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Recommended web sites</category><dc:date>2010-03-02T20:01:21+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/309c1ca6fcf6e44c9633b00daf12baad-74.html#unique-entry-id-74</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/309c1ca6fcf6e44c9633b00daf12baad-74.html#unique-entry-id-74</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA["On 5th April 1851, Dickens published a feature entitled &ldquo;Spitalfields&rdquo; in Household Words, his weekly journal.   When Dickens came to Spitalfields, the weaving industry was in decline, unable to compete with cheaper imports and the mechanised mills of the North.   Liverpool St Station had not yet been built, instead there was an Eastern Counties Rail terminus at the junction of Shoreditch High St and Commercial St, fragments of which still survive.   Fascinated by the precarious ramshackle wooden constructions upon the tops of houses, used for breeding pigeons and as weavers&rsquo; workshops, Dickens and his colleague Wills entered Spitalfields from Bishopsgate, walking into Spital Sq, site of the former Priory of St Mary Spital."


&copy; Spitalfields Life 2009-10.     Link to web site
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Picture of the month</title><dc:creator>webmaster@eolfhs.org.uk</dc:creator><category>Picture of the month</category><dc:date>2010-03-02T18:59:43+00:00</dc:date><link>http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/239eb19b11f2de412b8033c593b734be-72.html#unique-entry-id-72</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eolfhs.org.uk/news/files/239eb19b11f2de412b8033c593b734be-72.html#unique-entry-id-72</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Crossland Square, Bethnal Green, 1954  


This picture shows some typical weavers cottages which at one time were very prevalent in Bethnal Green.   They are typified by the larger-than-normal windows on the first floor to illuminate the room where the weaving took 


place. 


Crossland Square was just south of Derbyshire Street.   The houses had just been compulsorily purchased by the London County Council as part of the process of creating the appropriately named open space &ndash; Weavers Fields.


&copy; Courtesy of Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives www.ideastore.co.uk
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