I'd like to use the mailing list to thank many of the people who came to yesterday's informal inaugural meeting of newly formed Anglo-Italian Family History Society. There were twenty of us in attendance, with many other messages of support from people who couldn't make it for geographical reasons, or because of other commitments. It was great to hear the diversity of research interests and the enthusiasm for sharing our researches and endeavours to make life easier for those researching their Anglo Italian ancestors. We even had two people who found they were researching the same name! The Society is now up and running: its bank account has been opened and we have received a number of subscriptions. The steering committee (see below) is in the process of applying to become a registered charity, and it is inteded to join the Federation of Family History Societies when we have the requisite 40 members. The constitution is currently being finalised. The website is still under construction but can be found at http://www.rootsweb.com/~ukaifhg/index.html with a snappier URL to follow. There are two types of membership: £5 for internet membership, if you are willing to newsletters and communications emailed to you or £10 for postal membership. These fees allow two people to join at the same address. To receive a membership form, please email Stuart Goucher at [email protected] One point that was emphasised at the meeting was that the AIFHS is completely separate from this Anglo Italian mailing list, though because of the obvious overlap of interests, many people may choose to belong to both. However, the activities of the society will not run through this forum, though they may be publicised here to bring the society to the attention of new members of the list who might be interested in joining. This step is particularly necessary to ensure that members of the society who do not have email or internet access will receive the same benefits as those who do, in the form of the newsletters, whether delivered by email or post. As well as the newsletter, the Society aims to engage in the following activities: - At least two meetings per year, one to coincide with the SoG fair in May, and one in November, where there will be speakers and the opportunity to share research interests. - Coordination of transcription projects of relevant records, with a view to publication and helping other members. - The establishment of an Anglo-Italian family history research collection. Initially the books and other resources will be kept in the hands of members who are willing to perform look-ups, though longer terms the aim would be to have a collection available to be visited by members. Any donations welcome! - The identification of archives and records from other Italian societies and institutions to be transcribed or preserved. - The coordination of a database of surname interests. Other projects will be developed according to the interests and enthusiasm of contributing members, and there is an opportunity for anyone to become actively involved. If you would like further details of any aspect of the society please contact the chairman, on the address below. We have a truly international membership (reflected in the steering committee) and I hope many more subscribers to this list will feel it is worth joining the society to support our aims. Finally, thank you to the list owner, Julie Goucher, for allowing this much-needed fledgling society to grow out of this mailing list. I look forward to the two flourishing in parallel long into the future. Kind regards, Elaine Collins Chairman AIFHS [email protected] Steering committee (in place until elections, which will be held in May 2003): Vice chair: Julie Goucher Membership secretary: Stuart Goucher Treasurer: Janet Blunden Marketing and publicity: Carol of Treetops Transcriptions coordinator: Ruth Rowlands Lisison officer: Sarah Rapetti Surname database: Shaen Abdelnour There are still plenty of jobs to do, so why not volunteer to be take on a role on the committee or to contribute in some other way?