A RENEWED interest in ancestral research, coupled with an appeal by the Guardian, has boosted the popularity of the Newham and Redbridge branch of the Family History Society.
Wanstead committee member and publicity officer Beryl Rickards, whose branch faced closure last year, says the society has benefited from the BBC's Who Do You Think You Are?, as well as a Guardian appeal last year.
She said: "Thanks partly to the support which the paper gave us last year, I am pleased to report that at the Newham and Redbridge branch annual meeting in November we were able to install a new chairman, Sylvia Law.
"And sufficient members came forward to enable the branch to continue holding its meetings at Wanstead Library on the fourth Wednesday of each month."
She added: "The BBC Learning Department last autumn issued a book and had a TV series, Who do you think you are?, about researching ancestors and that has also created considerable interest and in attendance at our branch meetings."
At the group's next meeting at 7.30pm on Wednesday the speaker will be former chairman George Smith, who will talk on the subject of using the family records centre.
The society's bookstall is usually open by 7.15pm for those interested in publications covering various areas of interest. Meetings are free to society members with visitors donating £1.50.
The society's highlight this year will be a joint meeting of all four branches in the Redbridge and Newham area to be held from 9.45am on Saturday at the Students Union building of Queen Mary College, Bancroft Road, London E1.
For the first time in the east London area there will be a family history fair with stalls which will be hosted by neighbouring family and history societies and local studies centres, providing expert help for anyone researching their family's ancestors.
Mrs Rickards added: "A similar event held near Cambridge in early December had more than 3,000 visitors, so it's hoped the East of London fair will also be well supported."
Admission is £2 but is free to members of the society. For information log on to www.eolfhs.org.uk or contact Beryl Rickards on 0208 530 4514
