he Historical Association has designated May 4-12 2002 as Local History Week and has invited its branches to organise local history events in their area. The Manchester Branch, in collaboration with English Heritage North West Region and the MCRH, is planning a day conference at MMU on Saturday May 4 2002. This will be a prelude to a series of activities - historical walks and visits, schools’ events, museum and archive exhibitions - during Local History Week.

Social and economic change in north west communities is rapidly removing buildings, artefacts and memories of our past. At the same time, the study of local and family history is becoming a popular leisure activity, and is contributing to the retention of that memory of the past so essential in planning the future.

We would like to use Local History Week to bring together all those involved in local and family history whether in societies, local studies centres or as individuals, to talk about common issues and problems and to co-ordinate our activities more effectively.

We want participation to be the name of the game in an area rich in local history and historians.

Contacts: Melanie Tebbutt