The year 2006 was a red-letter one for the ULHR as we finally reached the finale of our three-year database project. We decided to begin with a bang, rather than come in quietly even though the database is only in its infancy. By having a big launch and getting lots of people along, we hoped that people would be inspired to make use of RUTH themselves. In terms of the take-up of the program, this seems to have worked – by the end of our launch about 36 CD-ROMs had been given out to Recorders and others interested in their use.

The database was launched on 16 November by the Uttlesford District Council chairman watched by about 90 guests in the Council Chamber at London Road, Saffron Walden. Michael Southgate who first suggested the idea, gave a presentation showing how he is using RUTH in Radwinter, and Rosemarie Gant who designed the database, demonstrated its capabilities. We owe a huge debt to both of them for all their work on this. The Manuden Recorder, Fiona Bengtsen dealt with publicity and also made us a beautiful iced cake for the occasion, with the RUTH logo and website address as part of the design. The Chesterford Recorder, Kate McManus dealt with the packs and I would like to thank them both, and also Gordon Ridgewell who gave a lot of help on the computer side, designed the new visiting cards and took the photographs of the event. We also now have a ULHR leaflet that can go in libraries, etc.

Our thanks also to Adrian Webb and Michael Frost at Uttlesford and Paul Marsden of Gaia Technology who developed the online version of the database, and set up a number of laptops at the launch so that everyone could try out RUTH for themselves. The feedback after the event was tremendous and the advent of the database has truly put ULHR on the map. Michael Frost has responded with great efficiency to the material I have sent through to fill up the website www.ulhr.org.uk The website was praised in the BALH review as ‘a clear, effective and unfussy website'. If anyone has any ideas for further items that would be useful, please let me know and thank you to all those who sent contributions already – please keep them coming. We are still waiting for the full search capabilities and other features of the online database to be completed, but several villages have already started sending through their records. I now have a separate address chairman@ulhr.org.uk which is being used by enquirers.

We must also thank Gordon for continuing to offer training to those wishing to use our projector and other equipment. During 2006 there were 40 item loans as well as ongoing use of the A3 scanner for copying original documents. The year before there had been 35 item loans, hence the equipment is proving its worth, and the digital projector in particular has been a great boon to all those preparing local history lectures. A number of societies have affiliated to the ULHR so that they can borrow the equipment from time to time.

During the year we acquired new Recorders in Newport, Elsenham, Sewards End, Thaxted, Widdington and Margaret Roding, and there were resignations from those in Wendens Ambo, Lindsell and Ashdon, whom we thank for their past work – there remain vacancies in these parishes, and a few others such as Dunmow. During the year I sent out some newsletters and about 600 emails, some informational to all the Recorders but the rest mostly about RUTH! I also began some email RUTH updates as things progressed, sending these to all those who had asked for a CD. Information on RUTH was supplied to the LHI website prior to its closure, so that it could be included in their records being deposited at the National Archives.

There have been a number of other events this year. In May we had our usual AGM, this time at the Museum courtesy of the Curator, a very interesting evening as ever. On behalf of ULHR I attended a meeting in August to explain the new plans for the library and, at the request of two Recorders, wrote to ECC asking for a meeting to discuss improving history facilities in the revamped library, then in November we had a meeting with two ECC officers to put the case to them personally – we still await a letter in reply to this. I also had two visits to DameBradburySchool to help them sort out their archives, and have also arranged for a concordance of the Saffron Walden Town Archives to be provided for the ERO and Town Council. In September Zofia Everett invited Recorders to a conservation day at the Archive Access Point. Also in September we had a special evening at the Town Library before its temporary closure with Jill Palmer kindly hosting the evening and showing us round.

So one way and another it has been a very busy year and we look forward to 2007 when the data input on RUTH should start to enable Recorders to keep track of their growing collections, and researchers begin to find the online database an increasingly useful resource. My thanks as ever to the committee – Michael, Fiona, Kate and ex-officio Rosemarie – for all their support the past year.