A PDF/printable copy of this newsletter is also available here.

We still need a volunteer!

As yet, no-one has come forward to help organise the Meetings Programme so we make no apology for re-printing below the article from last month’s LHG News outlining the details.

Can you help?

We are looking for someone to take over the role of Meetings Secretary for LHG.

John Butlin has resigned due to other commitments.  Barbara Burbidge, who did the job from 2002 to 2022, is unable to take up the reins again.  Other committee members already have responsibilities for different aspects of the Group’s work.

The Meetings Secretary organises the annual programme, books and liaises with speakers and ensures everything runs smoothly.  Suggestions for speakers and subjects come in from members, committee and elsewhere and, in conjunction with the committee, he/she aims to get an attractive and balanced programme which members and friends will enjoy. The programme for 2024 is already in place.

Monthly meetings are the essential part of what we are about and without them, LHG would not exist.  If we are to continue beyond this year, it is vital we have someone willing to carry on the work, preferably as a full member of committee or working closely with it.For more details please contact Barbara Burbidge or any committee member.

AGM

A reminder that the AGM is on Tuesday 27th February, 7.30pm in the Onyx Room.  It is your opportunity to hear the report on 2023, including the financial report, and elect the committee.

After the formal AGM we always have a general discussion on the future of LHG and where we go from here.  It is your opportunity to have your say and put forward your suggestions.

As with most AGMs the turn out is usually low, but the committee would appreciate your input and support.  Don’t worry, you won’t be coerced into volunteering for anything – just bring your ideas!

Events for Members

Just a reminder of dates for your diary:

• Visit and guided tour of Thorney and Thorney Abbey, near Peterborough, on Thursday 9th May starting at 10.30am
• Summer Supper Saturday 17th August in Village Hall

Some details were published in last month’s LHG News, but more to follow very soon.  Margaret is busy organising further visits for 2024 – so watch this space!

It’s Quiz Night Again!

The Annual Quiz Night returns next month on Tuesday March 12th at 7.15pm.  Due to popular demand, the Bangers ‘n Mash supper is back with a vegetarian option as usual.  There will be a prize for the winning table, raffle, bar selling wine, beer and soft drinks and, of course, David Hannibal’s cunning questions.  Tickets cost £10 pp including supper, payable on the night.  It helps with catering if you book a table in advance by contacting Pat Dyke or Barbara Burbidge or you can just turn up on the night.  Don’t worry if you are not in a group of 4 as we can arrange tables on the evening.

Please note the earlier than normal start time.  We ask you to arrive by 7.15pm so we can begin the Quiz promptly at 7.30.

Destruction of Wills after 25 years!

Via this month’s speaker Len Holden, we have heard that the Government has started a consultation, with a rather short completion date. See the contents of a message received below:

The Ministry of Justice are running a consultation as they want to scan and then destroy all wills over 25 years old, except for those from selected important people. This would mean almost all wills dated from 1858 onwards would be lost. The consultation document is here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/storage-and-retention-of-original-will-documents/storage-and-retention-of-original-will-documents

They had not done a risk assessment or consulted with the national archives or other relevant bodies before releasing the proposal. Various historical & genealogical societies/bodies have condemned the proposal & a petition to the government has already reached the 10,000 minimum required signatures to get a response from government, details of that petition are here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/654081

Anyone who wants to make comments can. Send your response by 23 February 2024 to:

Will Storage consultation
Ministry of Justice
Civil Justice and Law Division,
Postpoint 5.25
102 Petty France
London, SW1H 9AJ

Or Email: civil_justice_poli@justice.gov.uk

We shall be discussing this at our next Committee meeting, but as it is an important issue, have included it in this Newsletter.

And Finally …

A gentle reminder that, unless you have already renewed, your membership expires on 29th February.  Get in touch with Pat Dyke.