Uttlesford Local History Recorders Chairman's Report 2005

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(edited extract)

 
The year 2005 was dominated by the arrangements for equipment and preparations for the RUTH database. Its development was commissioned to Gantwell Solutions. The committee members have been putting RUTH through a trial, in order to ensure that all potential problems are ironed out, and that the database truly reflects what is most useful for village history recording purposes.

EQUIPMENT & DATABASE

The Recorders are grateful to Saffron Walden Town Council for offering storage space for the Recorders’ equipment. The equipment came into use in April, with the A3 scanner available from August. During 2005, the laptop, projector, OHP and scanners were all well used, including training sessions and demonstrations.

The good news is that our RUTH [Recording UTtlesford History] database is almost ready. All that remains to be done is for the software developers to discuss our suggestions and for the final version to be piloted, then RUTH will be ready for launch later in 2006, with training sessions available for its use. The database will operate as an independent information logging and retrieval system for all Recorders who wish to use it, and in addition we will have a Recorders’ website both for general information and to hold a selective online version of the RUTH database, which can be updated at intervals.

Other matters

 
Out of 38 Recorders, covering 45 parishes, a record 24 attended our annual meeting in May when we were the guests of Manuden History Society. We received about 20 village reports, which have been sent to the ERO for permanent deposit, and a summary was published in the Saffron Walden Historical Journal issue autumn 2005. Newsletters have continued at irregular intervals, plus Recorders E-News bulletins sent to those Recorders online. On behalf of all Recorders, the chairman sent letters regarding the temporary closure of Saffron Walden Library, currently proposed to last for 10 months starting in autumn 2006. Concern was expressed about the loss of access to some of the Town Library study materials. Some individual Recorders also sent letters.

My thanks to the committee and other supporters. I look forward to the next few months when RUTH is born among us!