As many as six hundred people headed for the Local and Family History Fair held at the Harrogate Pavilions by North Yorkshire County Record Office recently.
More than 30 voluntary societies and traders were on view, including Internet genealogy company FindMyPast, and talks and film presentations ran throughout the day including keynote speaker Dr Nick Barratt, TV personality and editor of Your Family History magazine.
Support and advice on tracing a family tree was also available from professionals.
One keen family historian commented:
I have been to many fairs, and this ranked with the best of them.
Chairman of the County Council, Cllr John Fort, with Nick Barratt, editor of ‘Your Family History’ magazine
Cllr John Fort, Chairman of the County Council, who opened the event said:
I want especially to thank the dedicated voluntary groups whose work continues to provide the lifeblood for this event, and covering such a tremendous range of interest – everything from the Iron Age in Nidderdale, to the Metcalfe Society.
County Cllr Chris Metcalfe, North Yorkshire’s Executive Member for Library and Community Services, Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, and Cllr Mick Stanley, Mayor of Ripon also attended. .
Cllr Metcalfe said:
It is tremendously gratifying to witness the buzz and excitement as people come together to discover the roots of their families and communities.
The Record Office is planning to hold an even bigger and better event next year.
