At the October meeting, members took part in a practical workshop on Archives for Amateurs organised by founder member Elizabeth Atkins. Three types of local history source were considered - parish records, tithe maps and census records.

A study of 1851 census records for Webheath revealed a village in the process of changing from an agricultural society to an industrial one. Age, occupation and place of origin were the focus of the exercise. Members were able to cross reference their census findings with the parish registers and were also able to refer to the society's copy of Feckenham tithe map.

This hands-on experience was greatly enjoyed by members and a large number of visitors.

Mrs Atkins hoped the evening would have encouraged people to start researching local history topics, making use of the extensive archive both in Redditch Library and in the County Record Office at Worcester. It is hoped to include a similar session in future programmes.

The next meeting is on Thursday, November 11, at 7.30pm in Feckenham Village Hall when the topic will be Compliments of the Season, an illustrated talk on Christmas cards and other customs by Frank Townsend.