Our calendar is compiled from press releases, e-mails and other sources, such as local history periodicals and personal contacts. If you would like to publicise a particular event or meeting, then please contact us and we will do our best to assist.

Calendar links. The following organisations maintain their own calendar or events sections with which we have links. If your organisation maintains a calendar or events section on the web and would like a direct link to this page, please contact us.

Archive Awareness Campaign
Avon Local History & Archaeology Events
Birmingham & District Local History Association
Cardiff, Butetown History & Arts Centre Exhibitions (this is not being updated at present, but is still a live link)
Cheshire Local History Association
Chiswick Pier Trust
English Heritage
Society of Genealogists
Hampshire Record Office
Heritage Open Days
Hertfordshire Heritage Events
The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies
The National Trust have an online 'Events' search facility which you can use to find events near where you live or, perhaps, will be spending your holidays.
Society for Lincolnshire History & Archaeology
Temple Newsam house and Lotherton Hall, Leeds
London Metropolitan Archives
Nottinghamshire Local History Association (managed by Local History Online)
Society for Lincolnshire History & Archaeology

Every Saturday at 11.00am and 2.00pm there is a Behind the Scenes Tour at the National Archives. Learn how documents are selected to become public records, how parchment is conserved and see original documents. Booking essential, tel: 020 8876 3444, web: www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/events.

Rufford Country Park Weekly Health Walk. Every Monday (Except Bank Holidays) 2pm, meet Craft Centre Courtyard, 60 mins, free, followed by tea/coffee and biscuits. Contact: Steve Kofoed, Rufford Rangers, The Abbey, RCP, near Ollerton, Notts NG22 9DF, tel: 01623 821335, email: steve.koefoed@nottscc.gov.uk.

23 April onwards   Breaking the Chains Slavery Exhibition ‘will examine the historical context of slavery, its destructive effect on relations between Europe and Africa, the nature of survival and resistance amongst African and Caribbean communities, the role of abolitionists and the legacy of the slave trade today’ and occupy an entire floor at the British Empire & Commonwealth Museum in Bristol, daily 10am–5pm, Adults £6.95 (£5.95 conc), contact: BE&CM, Clock Tower Yard, Temple Meads, Bristol BS1 6QH, t: 0117 925 4980, e: admin@empiremuseum.co.uk.

6 June–18 July   My Oldham. Paul Pleck's paintings of 'nostalgic scenes of Oldham in the 50s and 60s (include) the town's Butterworth Chippy, Oldham Baths and Telegraph Office' and can be seen alongside his own recollections of local life, which bring the paintings to life and make this exhibition 'unmissable'. Community Gallery, Gallery Oldham, Cultural Quarter, Greaves Street, Oldham OL1 1AL, Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, free, contact: GO, tel: 0161 770 4653, email: galleryoldham@oldham.gov.uk, www.galleryoldham.org.uk.

4 July–27 Sept   A Cast of Thousands: The 1909 Colchester Pageant. It celebrated nearly 2,000 years of the town’s history, took two years to organise, involved 3,000 participants and was seen by an audience of almost 60,000. This temporary exhibition explains how it was organised and includes rarely seen artefacts from the Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service collection, Hollytrees Museum, High Street, Colchester, Essex, Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 11am–5pm, free, tel: 01206 282940, www.colchestermuseums.org.uk.

18 July–2 August   The 2009 Festival of Archaeology has an excellent online events guide (http://festival.britarch.ac.uk/whatson/) listing over 600 activities. There are a limited number of printed brochures available from the Council for British Archaeology, St Mary’s House, 66 Bootham, York YO30 7BZ, tel: 0904 671417.

July

8   Nobbut Norland Heritage Walk, Calderdale. An attractive mix of village, moor and woods, stout footwear needed, meet at the War Memorial, opposite Norland Parish Church, 7.15pm start, returning approx. 2 hours later, £3, email: CdaleHeritageWks@aol.com, www.calderdaleheritagewalks.org.uk.

11   Discover Brompton. A guided walk around Brompton by Sawdon led by Chris Evans for Scarborough Archaeological & Historical Society, meet Brompton Village Hall, 2pm (walk 90–120 minutes), with light refreshments afterwards at the home of Chris & Joan Evans, contact: Vanessa Milner (01723 865134) to pre-book, www.scarborough-heritage.org.

13   New to Sheffield Archives? A free one-hour introductory session to the archives showing you how to use the catalogues, indexes, microfilm machines and order documents in the search room, 9am, no need to book, Sheffield Archives, 52 Shoreham Street, Sheffield S1 4SP, tel: 0114 2039395, email: archives@sheffield.gov.uk.

16   Palaeography for Beginners. Morning course organised by Bedfordshire & Luton Archives & Record Service to help participants to understand and interpret old handwriting. B&LA&RS, Riverside Building, County Hall, Bedford, 9am–12.30pm, £15, contact: B&LA&RS, tel: 01234 228833, email: archive@bedscc.gov.uk.

16   Women's History Walk. Come along and learn about famous, and not so famous, women of Nottingham. Free, meet at Nottingham Castle Gates 6.45pm for 7.00pm set off. No need to book. Contact: Mo, email: mocooper@yahoo.co.uk, tel: 07950 472022 or Val on 07745 847005.

18  Working Weston and Twerton. A guided walk beginning on the towpath by the Dolphin Inn, Lower Weston, organised by Museum of Bath at Work, 11am, £4, contact: MoBaW, tel: 01225 318348.

20   New to Sheffield Local Studies Library? A free one-hour introductory session to the archives showing you how to use the catalogues, indexes, microfilm machines and access photographs, maps and books, 9am, no need to book, Loading Bay entrance on Arundel Gate at the side of the Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield S1 1XZ, tel: 0114 2734753, email: localstudies.library@sheffield.gov.uk.

24   Exploring Local History: A Beginner's Guide. Woodhouse Library, Tannery Street, Sheffield S13 7JU, 10.30–11.30am, free but must pre-book, contact: contact: Sheffield Archives, tel: 0114 203 9395, email: archives@sheffield.gov.uk.

25  Working Walcot. At guided walk beginning at the main entrance to St Swithin's Church, Walcot, organised by Museum of Bath at Work, 11am, £4, contact: MoBaW, tel: 01225 318348. Note that this is a change of date from the 19th.

26    Walk around the Highdown and Wellbury farmland. A moderate 7km walk through undulating farmland to see how this attractive Chilterns landscape looks today, 10am–12pm, a Delme Radcliffe Archive event, £5, for more details contact Herts Archives, tel: 01992 555101, www.hertsdirect.org/libsleisure/ heritage1/HALS/delem.

August

1   Working Widcombe. At guided walk beginning in the car park at the rear of Bath Spa Station, organised by Museum of Bath at Work, 11am, £4, contact: MoBaW, tel: 01225 318348.

2   Walking with History in the North York Moors National Park. Assistant Ranger Jim Hall will lead a 5 mile walk taking in the villages of Appleton-le-Moors and Spaunton. Along the way participants will learn more about a medieval planned village and its environment, including a visit to an historic archive, a 15 minute presentation, with tea and biscuits after the walk. Appleton-le-Moors Village Hall, 12noon start, 3.00pm return, free, to book tel: 01439 772738, www.northyorkmoors.org.uk.

3   Prisoners of War in Leicestershire, 1943–1948. A talk by Margaret Bonney, Learning & Information Library, Bishop Street, Leicester LE1 6AA, 7.30pm, contact: Leicester Community History Network, L&IL, Bishop Street, Leicester LE1 6AA, tel: 0116 2995401.

9    Walk around Pirton village. A moderate 5km guided walk comparing the medieval landscape around Pirton with what exists today, 2,00–4.30pm, a Delme Radcliffe Archive event, £5, for more details contact Herts Archives, tel: 01992 555101, www.hertsdirect.org/libsleisure/ heritage1/HALS/delem.

10   New to Sheffield Archives? A free one-hour introductory session to the archives showing you how to use the catalogues, indexes, microfilm machines and order documents in the search room, 9am, no need to book, Sheffield Archives, 52 Shoreham Street, Sheffield S1 4SP, tel: 0114 2039395, email: archives@sheffield.gov.uk.

17   New to Sheffield Local Studies Library? A free one-hour introductory session to the archives showing you how to use the catalogues, indexes, microfilm machines and access photographs, maps and books, 9am, no need to book, Loading Bay entrance on Arundel Gate at the side of the Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield S1 1XZ, tel: 0114 2734753, email: localstudies.library@sheffield.gov.uk.

September

6    Walking with the Georgians. An opportunity to explore York's rich Georgian cityscape, including a visit to the Mansion House, the Assembly Rooms and Assizes before a tour of Fairfax House Museum, 11am–1.30pm, £16 incl coffee and cakes, contact FHM, Castlegate, York YO1 9RN, tel: 01904 655543, email: info@fairfaxhouse.co.uk, www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk.

14   New to Sheffield Archives? A free one-hour introductory session to the archives showing you how to use the catalogues, indexes, microfilm machines and order documents in the search room, 9am, no need to book, Sheffield Archives, 52 Shoreham Street, Sheffield S1 4SP, tel: 0114 2039395, email: archives@sheffield.gov.uk.

20    The History of Cinemas in York. An illustrated lecture by members of the York Film Trust, Fairfax House Museum, 10am–12pm, £12.50 incl coffee and cakes, contact FHM, Castlegate, York YO1 9RN, tel: 01904 655543, email: info@fairfaxhouse.co.uk, www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk.

20   Halls, Houses and Hamlets. An extended walk covering settlements to the south east of Coley in the Calderdale Valley, using old routes. Stout shoes needed, meet Coleby Church, 2.15pm returning 2½ to 3 hours later, £3, email: CdaleHeritageWks@aol.com, www.calderdaleheritagewalks.org.uk.

21   New to Sheffield Local Studies Library? A free one-hour introductory session to the archives showing you how to use the catalogues, indexes, microfilm machines and access photographs, maps and books, 9am, no need to book, Loading Bay entrance on Arundel Gate at the side of the Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield S1 1XZ, tel: 0114 2734753, email: localstudies.library@sheffield.gov.uk.

22   Abraham Darby of Coalbrookdale. The annual Michael Cross Lecture at the Museum of Bath at Work will be given by Dr Barrie Trinder, MobaW, Julian Road, Bath BA1 2RH, 6.30pm for 7.00pm, £7.50 incl refreshments, tickets from: Treasurer, Friends of MoBaW, Julian Road, Bath BA1 2RH, tel: 01225 318348, www.bathatwork.co.uk.

25   Looking After Your Family Papers and Books. Sheffield Archives, 52 Shoreham Street, Sheffield S1 4SP, 10.30–11.30am, free but must pre-book, contact: Sheffield Archives, tel: 0114 203 9395, email: archives@sheffield.gov.uk.

October

3   Medieval Life in the Eden Valley. One Day Autumn Conference organised by the Appleby Archaeology Group, chaired by Dr Angus Winchester. Appleby Grammar School. Contact: Phyllis Rouston, tel: 017683 53463, web: www.applebyarchaeology.org.uk.

5   Angels and Sculptures in Welford Road Cemetery (Leicester). A talk by Gwyn Jones, Learning & Information Library, Bishop Street, Leicester LE1 6AA, 7.30pm, contact: Leicester Community History Network, L&IL, Bishop Street, Leicester LE1 6AA, tel: 0116 2995401.

12   New to Sheffield Archives? A free one-hour introductory session to the archives showing you how to use the catalogues, indexes, microfilm machines and order documents in the search room, 9am, no need to book, Sheffield Archives, 52 Shoreham Street, Sheffield S1 4SP, tel: 0114 2039395, email: archives@sheffield.gov.uk.

19   New to Sheffield Local Studies Library? A free one-hour introductory session to the archives showing you how to use the catalogues, indexes, microfilm machines and access photographs, maps and books, 9am, no need to book, Loading Bay entrance on Arundel Gate at the side of the Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield S1 1XZ, tel: 0114 2734753, email: localstudies.library@sheffield.gov.uk.

November

9   New to Sheffield Archives? A free one-hour introductory session to the archives showing you how to use the catalogues, indexes, microfilm machines and order documents in the search room, 9am, no need to book, Sheffield Archives, 52 Shoreham Street, Sheffield S1 4SP, tel: 0114 2039395, email: archives@sheffield.gov.uk.

15  Meldreth Local History Group's Third Annual Open Day, 11am–4pm, Village Hall, High Street, Meldreth, Cambs. For more information contact Kathryn Betts, email: info@mlhg.org.uk.

16   New to Sheffield Local Studies Library? A free one-hour introductory session to the archives showing you how to use the catalogues, indexes, microfilm machines and access photographs, maps and books, 9am, no need to book, Loading Bay entrance on Arundel Gate at the side of the Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield S1 1XZ, tel: 0114 2734753, email: localstudies.library@sheffield.gov.uk.

20   How to Read Old Handwriting: some practical tips. Sheffield Archives, 52 Shoreham Street, Sheffield S1 4SP, 10am–12pm, free but must pre-book , contact: Sheffield Archives, tel: 0114 203 9395, email: archives@sheffield.gov.uk.

December

14   New to Sheffield Archives? A free one-hour introductory session to the archives showing you how to use the catalogues, indexes, microfilm machines and order documents in the search room, 9am, no need to book, Sheffield Archives, 52 Shoreham Street, Sheffield S1 4SP, tel: 0114 2039395, email: archives@sheffield.gov.uk.

21   New to Sheffield Local Studies Library? A free one-hour introductory session to the archives showing you how to use the catalogues, indexes, microfilm machines and access photographs, maps and books, 9am, no need to book, Loading Bay entrance on Arundel Gate at the side of the Central Library, Surrey Street, Sheffield S1 1XZ, tel: 0114 2734753, email: localstudies.library@sheffield.gov.uk.

August 2010

20–28  Historical Association Tour to the Western Isles. Led by Philip & Cynthia Johnston, commences at Glasgow, with coach to Oban, and returns to Inverness, with visits to Mull, Iona, Barra, South & North Uist, Benebecula, Harris and Lewis. £899 (not including lunch or insurance), plus single supplement of £135. Contact: Philip Johnston, Town Head House, Long Preston, Skipton, N Yorks BD23 4QH, tel: 01729 840760.