Federation Of Family History Societies

The Elizabeth Simpson Award

For the Journal making the Best
Contribution to Family History

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