With the gloomy weather of November upon us, some really enjoyable evenings can help to brighten the dull days. Everyone - Members, their guests, and visitors - is very welcome to come along to any of the November meetings listed here. All meetings are free to attend. TONIGHT Nov 10 at Guildford - "Artificial Light - illuminated and illuminating". Peter Gillman from National Trust will give an introduction to the history of domestic lighting, which changed little from the days of the Romans until the 18th century and very rapidly thereafter. Nov 12 at Woking - 'Serendipity' . This will be an Informal Meeting, where everyone will be welcome to contribute a short item. You may have an ancestral artefact, an interesting ancestor, have discovered an unusual resource etc. etc! Everyone comes up with such interesting stories at these meetings it's sure to be a most enjoyable evening, even if you only come to listen. Nov 18 at Camberley - "Criminal Petitions in the TNA". Brenda Mortimer will tell the moving tale of 19th Century petitions for mercy, sent to the Crown. This is a fascinating source coming to light after 200 years. Name indexes are being drawn up - could one be yours? Nov 19 at Pyrford (Computer Group)** - "Browsing Techniques" A presentation designed to help improve basic pc skills ensuring you get the best from your browser followed by practical application on your own or a shared laptop. Nov 24 at Walton on Thames - "Searching the 1911 Census". This will be a 'members' evening when all can share tips and help for getting the best from the 1911 census. The Centre's own laptop should be pressed into service to help with practical demonstrations. Nov 27 at Farnham - "Traditional Christmas in Song" More of an entertainment than a talk, Steve Jordan will present a collection of less well known songs and snippets from festive seasons of years gone by. It should be an enjoyable prelude to Christmas 2009. (Steve is an authority on Music Hall history and artistes.) You do not need to be a Member of WSFHS to attend any of the foregoing. Venues and times and travel directions are on the website at: http://www.wsfhs.org/meetings.htm The WSFHS bookstall is usually present at most of the meetings and in most cases refreshments are available. Journals of many other FHSs are made available at the meetings on a rolling basis. **(There is currently disruption due to road works in Pyrford so email me off list if you need more information about this or the other venues.) Enjoy! Ann Surrey List Admin