Chairman's View

"It hardly seems two years since we were all sitting in An Drochaid when we heard Jo say that she was "just testing out the potential for some kind of ... group for people who are interested in tracing family roots." From those 30 odd we seem to have settled down to a "hardy core" of about 12 regulars with others dipping in on occasion. We now have a Membership of 28 Local and 3 UK Members.

I was somewhat taken aback at the turn-out at the AGM. Usually it's the Office Bearers, plus a few; with the Agenda quickly disposed of and then 'off to the pub.' Thanks to all who contributed to a lively (1hr) session followed by an hour on the Computers and Film/Fiche readers.

It is nice to see that our web-site is being viewed and has resulted in a number of "paid-up" UK members; and overseas visitors to the Site asking when they can join the Group - something we must really address. Since 21st April we have had 156 visitors to the Site. with 10 pm and Sunday being the most popular time/day.

We've had some rather good outings this year

The Library - ever popular - thanks to Jo's Silver Surfers for their time;

The Registrar's Office - Isobel was informative - pity we didn't have more time there;

West Highland Museum - Fiona surprised us with a slide-show and tea and biscuits - what would we do without them;

Clan Cameron Museum - everyone said it was very worthwhile and we were well catered for by Denis and his wife;

Glencoe & North Lorn Folk Museum - somewhere I haven't been to for many years - even though it's on my doorstep - of course that's par-for-the-course.

Here's my chance to plug the fact that we need more places to go - please put your minds to it and come up with suggestions.

I understand that Graham's wee 'Family History and the Computer Course' was a great success and that he is intending to run another this back-end. Indeed it looks like he'll need yet another course - maybe in the Spring !!

Following our outing to the Family History Fair at Fochabers - courtesy of Aberdeen & N E Scotland FHS - Alisdair wrote to them :

"Dear people at King Street

May I say how much I enjoyed the Family History Fair at Fochabers on Sunday, and many thanks to all who put so much effort into arranging it all. It is the first time I have been to such an event, and it was well worth the early start from Fort William to get there for the first lecture by Jean Shirer - Introduction to Family Research. I am Treasure for the recently formed Lochaber & North Argyll Family History Group, and 14 of our members went to Fochabers. They all enjoyed the day so much.

Alisdair Campbell (Memb) No. 5686"

You can say that again Alisdair !

On the subject of our 'remote' meeting. Next year the SAFHS (Scottish Association of Family History Societies) Conference will be on Sat 21st Apr 07 at Culloden Academy in Inverness. The theme of the Conference is "Emigration - from Poverty to Prosperity." So far they have Professors Ted Cowan, of Glasgow, and Jim Hunter, of the UHI as speakers. Well worth attending to hear them on their own.

I'm afraid I've been somewhat neglecting the Lochaber and Argyll scene of late as I've got embroiled with my HORN(E)s in Aberdeenshire. Or at least I thought they were from Aberdeenshire but the further I go back the more I find Banff-shire and Elgin/Morayshire reli's. It's the unexpected that makes Family History research so addictive. Nothing can beat the Eureka factor after months of scrabbling about.

Once more a plea. If we're to make this Group a success we ALL need to have input to it - Don't leave it to the (willing?) few. Do you know of an interesting topic, or person to speak to us, at one of our meetings.

Sorry, I did say one more plea BUT, we need somewhere to meet over this winter whilst St Andrew's Hall is being re-built,

Keep digging up your ancestors.
Les"