On Saturday 5th October a Family History Open Day was held at the Local & Family History Centre in Sherford Street. We opened at 10.30am and it wasn’t long before the first couple of researchers arrived.
Several of our extremely well qualified volunteers were kind enough to give their time to help. We were also joined by the Herefordshire Family History Society who proved to be a great help. We had a wonderful turnout on the day, of people researching local Bromyard families as well as some researching their property and family from outside our district. Amazingly, two researchers who moved into the area from elsewhere discovered they had ancestors from Bromyard, it is said that we tend to go back to our roots!
We ended the day at 4pm absolutely exhausted but very pleased and satisfied that we were able to help so many people.
The researchers on the day were so happy that they have promised to return as soon as they can to find out more about their roots.
The day was such a success that we will be holding another Open Day next Spring, so watch this space!
In the meantime, the research room at the Local & Family History Centre is open every Thursday & Friday 10am – 4.30pm (closed 1pm-2pm for lunch) and Saturday 10am – 12.30pm. Our volunteers are always on hand to help.
There is no fixed charge except for printouts but donations are very much welcome to keep us going. We have no public funding but rely on fundraising, members subsciptions and donations from the public.

On Thursday 29th September the Society was informed that Chairman Alex Hoyle had died suddenly whilst out cycling aged only sixty six years old. This news came as a terrible shock to us all.
Alex Hoyle and his wife Joy moved to Herefordshire in 1998. They rented a cottage in Burley Gate for several months whilst waiting to occupy Wootton Farm in Pencombe. Alex’s background had been in the building trade. That was the start of a friendship with Barry and Erica Lawrence who introduced them to the Bromyard & District Local History Society about 2000.
Alex joined the History Society at a time when the newly purchased History Centre was being adapted for our use. Members assisted with the decoration and there are photos of Alex, being tall, painting ceilings and many other tasks. Alex’s first term, of four as Chairman of the Society was in 2002 and he was in post when the History Centre was officially opened by the then Lord Lieutenant in May 2003
Alex was always willing to help friends and members alike. We worked as a team to try and ensure the efficient operation of all activities. Alex was very forgiving of some of the volunteers lack of computer expertise but was always patiently willing to assist. He was nominated to represent the History Society at a Royal Garden Party in 2021 but sadly because of Covid this did not take place.
Alex was the welcoming face of the Society not only on the Reception Desk but in representing the Society at local and other events. His knowledge of anything technical and especially computers was wide ranging which resulted in the phrase “Ask Alex” being everyone’s first port of call. He treated everyone with respect and everyone respected him too.
As well as being Chairman several times, he was also Chairman of publications, membership secretary, he ran the website and dealt with the online shop. He was chief clock winder for the society’s grandfather clock and general D.I.Y person. He was extremely caring and generous with his time.
Alex did so much for everyone and will be most sorely missed not only by Society members but also by the many friends  in the other activities in which he was involved. He has left such a huge hole and we couldn’t have wished for a better friend and colleague. It’s difficult to know how we will cope without you, you did so much and yours are big shoes to fill but we will do our best to keep up the good work. R.I.P

14^th September, 2024 – Raffle draw with nibbles and wine
This year our “summer raffle” turned out to be a “late summer or early autumn raffle” but was very well supported by members of the Society and the general public who visited the Centre or Shop. The main prize was a picnic basket of comestibles to the value of £100.00 which was won by Sue and John Lahiff. We also offered “consolation” prizes: second prize of chocolates and prosecco was won by Mike Field; third prize of a bottle of red wine was won by Stuart Anderson; fourth prize of a bottle of ginger wine went to Cliff Morris. The draw, as advertised on the tickets, took place over a glass of wine and nibbles, at the History Centre in Sherford Street; a very pleasant occasion. The BDLHS is very grateful for all the support from our members and the proceeds of over £500.00 will be a nice addition to our funds. A big thank you to all who took part in any capacity.