A Change to Local History Month

Local History Month is moving from May to September this year. The organisers say that this will enable schools to take part and it will be closer to Black History Month (held in October each year). If May was not a good month because of exams and tests, then September seems an equally strange choice. The month coincides with the start of the new school year, when many pupils will not only have changed teachers, but schools as well. Most local history societies do not meet during August because of holidays. It is also time when many older activists have their hands full helping to look after grandchildren, so they have other priorities. September also clashes with the start of local history courses, whilst local history activists with an interest in Black History may well be busy preparing for their own events in October. Time will tell if the change is a success, but July may have been a better choice. Schools, local history societies and classes are all winding down in readiness for the summer break - what better time to relax and celebrate the past year's achievements? For more details about events during Local History Month 2006 visit: www.history.org.uk.