About the Society
The Society was formed in 1986, with just six members, to assist and encourage the study and research of Family History particularly in the history rich area of Hastings and Rother. Today it has a worldwide membership of over 300 and is a member of the Federation of Family History Societies (Registered Charity No. 298438).
Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. approx at the Ore Centre, Old London Road, Ore, Hastings, East Sussex - where all are welcome. We usually have a guest speaker on a Family History topic or a related subject. Occasionally, we will have a research evening. There is always the opportunity to purchase books, CDs and microfiche on aspects of Family History.
We have a research room at the Ore Centre - The Tomlin Room, named after our Founder Member and late President, Stan Tomlin - which is open on Thursday mornings from 10.00 a.m. until noon, Saturday mornings from 10.00 a.m. until 12.30 p.m. and on meeting nights. The Tomlin Room contains a growing reference library, computers with Family History CD-ROM resources and internet access, and fiche readers for looking at the microfiche of the IGI, the 1881 Census, and the 1891 Census for Hastings plus other miscellaneous fiche. Outings are arranged during the year to various record offices to enable members to pursue their enquiries.
The Family History orientated lending books have now been transferred to the LRC at University Centre Hastings (UCH), and are in the process of being catalogued.
We have produced several publications of Monumental Inscriptions and Parish Register transcriptions, and we have more in the process of compilation. The Society Magazine is published four times a year, and is sent to all members (the cost is covered by the subscription). Appropriate articles are always welcome for insertion.