The HGS Bookstall at The Malvern Family History Show

As I live about 30 minutes from the Three Counties Showground, I decided that I would, as in the past, trot over to spend the day with Jane and Fiona on the bookstall. I think that, as they’re in the area—and it is, after all, to promote the HGS, the work our volunteers do, and all the fantastic resources we have on offer—it is a day well spent. It is also really fascinating to hear other people’s stories and anecdotes from their searches in quest of ancestors, and I always learn something new during the day.

This year, on entering the hall, I could spy straight away the Hampshire Rose at the top of our splendid new navy blue banner! Off I sped to the corner (as I was 10 minutes late!), and I was thrilled to see that the stall, as usual, was: (a) all set up and ready to go—Jane and Fiona having worked their magic the night before—and (b) looking really modern and easy to access and view all the merchandise. Fabulous navy blue tablecloths, embellished with the Hampshire Rose, made the stall striking and tied in beautifully with the banner, which is decorated with photos of ancestors from Jane and Fiona’s research into their respective family histories, and really promotes what HGS is all about: people, ancestors, connections, and stories.

The stall, comprising two tables, was laden with goodies, and the layout and improved, clear labelling made it really easy to see and find what you were looking for. I particularly like the idea of gift vouchers and have already added them to my Christmas list! There were the generic books on the left, and the Eve McLaughlin series of booklets, all very reasonably priced, covering every subject you may need—from Simple Latin to Interviewing Elderly Relatives, from Nonconformist Ancestors (all three copies sold!) to The Bawdy Courts. These always draw a lot of attention, as they are small, concise books about one topic, so there’s no need to hunt for relevant information.

Then we have the monumental inscriptions (MIs) from many different parishes in Hampshire, which include transcribed details of headstones, plinths, plaques, and surrounds from grave markers. These come in a disc format, and I bought one for the first time at the show. I can’t wait to have a look, as I know that at least three of my ancestors are in the cemetery on the disc I bought (Magdalen Hill Cemetery on the outskirts of Winchester), and there is one I haven’t been able to find, so I’m hoping it was still legible when this information was gathered by HGS volunteers.

Moving along the table, we then have the Alan Godfrey Historical Maps. We have a wide range of maps covering towns, cities, and more rural areas—an excellent resource for seeing how areas were set out back in the day, and absolutely fascinating to pore over. It is surprising how the lie of the land and the road networks change over the years, and how often road names are changed too, so they are well worth a small investment if you are stuck with a road name, for example.

Next to the maps are the Village Booklets—another handy little resource written by HGS volunteer Roy Montgomery that always attracts attention. I think this is, again, because being subject-specific, you can just open them and find what you are interested in straight away. They’re also compact and packed with the history of the village in question; they refer to the school, church, and pub, and cross-reference the records held in the Hampshire Record Office. A real gem of a resource.

Then there’s a display of information relating to membership, deals available to new members when signing up on the day, gift vouchers, and 2026 Conference information. We secured two new members at this show, as well as two other non-members who were very interested in attending the Conference—so hopefully we will “get” them on the day!

We also had a small selection of ‘memorabilia packs’. These are packaged in small bags and contain, for example, in the WW2 pack: replicas of a ration book, a newspaper page, items on evacuation, extras needed by mother and baby, a Boys’ Own, a photo of men reporting for war, etc. These are really good for children to handle without risking your cherished archive items! There is also a 1920s pack, Women at War, and others, but they are now getting thin on the ground and are being discontinued to make way for new merchandise—so get buying!

At the other end of the table, we find the second-hand books. These always attract interest, and we have a varied collection—from general family history research guides to specific local books on Winchester, Gosport, and Southampton, to name a few. They always sell well, and people are drawn to them, especially for the old photos they contain—the memories that return when reading about and seeing where they grew up.

And finally, there are the people: the hardcore researcher, head down, ready to soak up any information and keen to find new resources; the intermediate researcher, no less keen but perhaps more measured in approach; and then the newcomer, eager to hear about methods, hints, and tips. All have one thing in common: the fascinating stories they are happy to share about ancestors, research techniques, and the trials of “brick walls”.

However, the final mention goes to Jane and Fiona—the Batman and Robin of the bookstall world—who intrepidly and tirelessly travel miles from home to promote the HGS, gather new members, sell our wares, and offer advice and guidance to all who approach. Thank you, ladies, for another fascinating and fun day.

…Ju x

Julie Martin
Member #12768