Local studies events promote National Year of Reading

As part of the National Year of Reading, Herefordshire Council's libraries are running a series of local studies events.

It is hoped the events, being held at Ross, Leominster and Hereford, will inspire county residents to make more use of their library for carrying out research into their own families and the area they live in.

Paul and Heather Bufton from Herefordshire Family History Society are giving a talk on Starting you Family Tree at Ross Library on Wednesday, September 10 from 6pm to 7pm. Tickets are available at £3 in advance from Ross Library on 01432 383280.

Local historian and author Duncan James will be giving an illustrated presentation on timber-framed buildings of north Herefordshire at Leominster Library on Friday, September 19 from 7.30pm until 9pm. Tickets at £3 are available in advance from Leominster Library on 01432 383290.

Then at Hereford Library on Wednesday, September 24, local historian and author Heather Hurley will be giving an illustrated presentation on Barges, barrels and bark - river navigation on the Wye from Hereford to Ross. This will be held at the Woolhope Room, Hereford Library from 7.30pm until 9pm. Tickets at £3 are available in advance from Hereford Library on 01432 383600.

Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for community services and economic development, said: "Researching your family tree and looking into local history are both popular pastimes and I am sure these events will prove to be popular.

"Our libraries stock a wealth of books on all imaginable topics, including local history, and I would encourage people to make full use of this valuable resource.

"Anyone wanting help with tracing their family tree can also access the internet for free at libraries and staff are also on hand to offer advice and help," he added.