"I thought you would like to know what a successful and enjoyable event the regional conference proved to be. The location and venue were excellent, the speakers very entertaining and knowledgeable, and the catering exceptional. Please pass on to the organisers our thanks for all their efforts, and we feel the BALH is in good hands. We will look forward to the next time." -Yatton Local History Society

Bring together five expert and engaging speakers with a room of enthusiastic and interested local historians, provide excellent catering in a perfect venue, and you can – with fingers crossed - expect something special to happen. If a two-year delay enhanced expectations, they were more than met when our Regional Conference in Taunton finally took place on Saturday 22 October 2022.

From the expected to the unexpected. Sources less well-known to local historians were brought under the spotlight accompanied by guidance and suggestions on how to use more familiar sources in unexpected ways.

Lucy Browne (freelance genealogist, IHGS tutor and AGRA Council member) began the day with an entertaining and instructive account of how to ‘read’ a Coat of Arms, a journey that can often lead to the question ‘how local is your local history?’ We then went into the attic with Mark Forrest (former archivist at the Dorset History Centre, now archivist to Lord Shaftesbury, and author of the BALH publication Manors and Manorial Documents after 1500) to discover what might be hiding among family papers or in the backroom of a solicitor’s office. Mark highlighted questions to ask when seeking out material from within the depths of a collection.

After lunch, Paul Dryburgh (Principal Record Specialist at The National Archives and BALH Chair) provided instructive insights into the use of deeds and evidence from the early modern Court of Wards and Liveries (WARD 2 series). Using case studies from Sevenoaks and the surrounding area of West Kent, David Killingray (Emeritus Professor of Modern History at Goldsmiths) offered fresh perspectives for local research taking in nineteenth century religious and political struggles. Jonathan Mackman (experienced medieval and early modern historical researcher, and BALH Membership Secretary) brought the day to a close with a lively exploration of new ways into medieval and early modern taxation records.

With thanks to everyone who took part and to the BALH team for organising a smoothly run event.

‘Unexpected Sources for Local History’: BALH Regional Conference, Taunton. A thank-you from co-organiser Adrian Webb.

Despite a few poor souls being waylaid by Covid the hall in Taunton was filled by the BALH faithful. Situated within easy walking distance of the Train Station and an ample car park, many attendees were grateful for such facilities. Stalls full of publications proved by Somerset & Dorset Notes & Queries, the Somerset Record Society, our own BALH publications manned by John Chandler, and the Hampshire Field Club were kept busy when time allowed between speakers. Also present was Tim Collins representing the Friends of Somerset Archives. Never ending supplies of tea and coffee were provided, as well as numerous opportunities for people to mix, share ideas and generally get used to "in person" events once again.

The organisers of the Taunton event are very grateful to all those who bought tickets, brought along books, helped in the kitchen all day, helped put out chairs (and put them away), picked up rubbish, and generally contributed to making the event a great success. We are looking forward to future events.