The Elizabeth Simpson Award
For the Journal making the Best
Contribution to Family History
Overall Winner of the Elizabeth Simpson Award 2009
Cumbria FHS

David Smetham (Vice Chairman FFHS) presenting the Elizabeth
Simpson Shield to Sheila Lawson Editor of the Cumbria FHS journal
Large Societies
1st - Cumbria FHS
2nd - Powys FHS
3rd - Sussex FHG
Small Societies
1st - West Middlesex FHS
Overseas Societies
1st - Alberta Genealogical Society
One Name Societies
1st - Stonehewer to Stanier Society
Highly Commended
Anglo-German FHS
Badham Society
Botany Bay FHS
Commended
Genealogical Society of Victoria
Metcalfe Society
Rotherham FHS

Lady Mary Teviot receiving the award (Large Societies 3rd place)
on behalf of Sussex Family History Group from David Holman Chairman

Jenny Towey of the Anglo German FHS receives the award
(highly commended) from David Holman Chairman

David Lambert of the Metcalfe Society receives the award
(commended) from David Holman Chairman

Bridget Purr the Editor of West Middlesex journal
who won the Small Societies class

Joe Leach receiving the award for Rotherham FHS (Commended)
from Jackie Depelle Chair of Yorkshire Group of FHSs

Peter Stavely and Marilyn Hindmarch, editors of the Alberta Genealogical
Society's journal which won the Overseas Society Award

John Levy, editor of "The Endeavour" the journal of the
Botany Bay FHS which was Highly Commended.
Judging Panel Report for 2009
The Judges would like to thank all those editor's who took the trouble to enter this year's competition: forty eligible entries were received.
It is difficult as judges, having been personally successful with our own journals in the last three years, to criticise our peers willing to enter this competition. However, we have all taken a totally objective assessment of the entrants against the existing criteria of the FFHS to arrive at the following general comments.
Submissions varied from 'glossy', to pulled off a basic desk printer; as well as, for the first time a journal submitted in CD format. All have their place and the judges tried not to let the larger-budget societies, or those with access to printing facilities, rank over those with tight purse strings - content and relevance of content are the more important factors. A journal produced in the home, edited well and presented carefully can be a worthy contender for prizes.
The overall appearance of a journal can make such a difference to its appeal. Whether a plain white cover with a mono drawing or a full colour one, it is the overall use of what is available and making it 'look good' that matter.
Overall there was disappointment in the lack of advice given for newcomers, particularly in good methodology and further educational items for more seasoned researchers.
It is important that journals encompass current topics in the family history world, offer general advice, information on local archives and what is happening in the area the society covers as well as information - or reminders on what the society is doing
The judging panel used the criteria determined by the FFHS, this and the classes are geared to the traditional concept of a family history society, one that covers a specific geographical area, the families that have dwelt there and the records they appear in.
There are now groups that do not fall within this concept, therefore, the judges have made recommendations that consideration be given to classes for geographically-based large family history societies, for small ones and for overseas ones; and that a fourth category be established for subject specific groups which would embrace the current one-namers, railway ancestors, GOONS and so forth.
Finally we praise those willing to take on the mantle of editor for their local society. In these days of dwindling volunteers, we take our hats off to all editors for their dedication to their societies and for the many hours of time they give to produce journals for everyone to read.
Thank you for entering and giving us interesting material to read. Well done everyone!
The winning society receives £100 from our sponsors Family History Monthly and the winning Editor receives a year's subscription to the magazine.
Jacqui Simkins - Wining Editor 2005
David Gilligan - Winning Editor 2006
Geoff Gardiner - Winning Editor 2007
