Issued By West Yorkshire Joint Services

FAMILY HISTORY DAY

Many people have an interest in tracing their family tree but are confused about where to start.  The West Yorkshire Local and Family History Day aims to give advice on where to begin your search and provide the answers to such questions.  On the 21^st September, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Richard Wightman, will officially open the West Yorkshire Local and Family History Day, which will provide an opportunity for people to begin their own search into their family tree and to find out about the local history of the region.

This year’s event, which is held annually across West Yorkshire, is being held in the Bradford district at the World Heritage Site of Saltaire.  With Bradford bidding to become the European Capital of Culture in 2008, this event will celebrate the local history and culture of Bradford and West Yorkshire and help raise the profile of Bradford during this important time.

There will be fellow enthusiasts from local and family history societies from all over the North of England, who will be putting on displays about their activities and who will be only too pleased to share their experiences with beginners.

Anyone who wants to start their own research shouldn’t miss the West Yorkshire Archives display, as the Service will be bringing microfiche copies of all the available parish and nonconformist registers of baptisms, marriages and burials for use on the day, plus its extensive database of information about archive collections from many parts of Yorkshire.

The Archives Conservation team will also be putting on fascinating live demonstrations of conservation in action.

Local schools have been invited to design posters to capture the spirit of the West Yorkshire Local and Family History Day and these will also be on display on the day.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Richard Wightman said “It is very apt that the West Yorkshire Local and Family History Day is being held in Saltaire, the World Heritage Site at the heart of both Bradford district and our important bid for Capital of Culture in 2008.  I’d like to welcome all the visitors who have come in search of historical information and urge them to also look at the history around them in this beautiful village”

Councillor Graham Clarke, Chairman of West Yorkshire Joint Services says, “The West Yorkshire Local and Family History Day is always a huge success and I’m sure this year will be no different.  Whether your interest is in old photographs, heraldry or local history, I’m sure that the event will hold something of interest for you”.

For further information please contact

Sylvia Thomas, County Archivist 01924 305979

Carol Hallett, Education and Promotions Officer 0113 3836407

Graham Hebblethwaite, Media Contact 0113 2898218

Notes to Editors