2023 Was A Good Year For PLHS

PLHS started off the year not sure if this would be our last year.  The effects of Covid had taken its toll but our main problem was having too few people willing to take an organisational role.  Despite smaller member numbers than we would like, we have had good attendance at the talks and we are delighted to report that envisage the society being able to continue for the foreseeable future, though we need to boost membership, or cut costs, in order to stop drawing on finite reserves.  Fortunately, several newcomers to our committee have agreed to act as Society officers.

We have maintained our provision of a regular programme of talks, including some presenting new research by members of the research group and others, and of three newsletters for members each year, updating them on recent research, talks and what is happening with the society. We also had our regular spot at the Pinner Show – and it was great to confirm locally that we are still going and we also got a chance to see some younger people interested in local history. 

In addition, this year we have made progress in a number of areas: 

• Creating a presence for PLHS on social media and the creation of our own social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram and X – formerly Twitter) 
• The ability to take debit and credit cards for payment 
• Computerising the membership database 
• Re-instated our Outings programme with our first visit to Oxhey Chapel 
• The Introduction of flyers at the talk to highlight that evenings presentation as well as the forthcoming calendar. 
• The noticeboard on the entrance to the talks. 
• PLHS publications have been added to Genfair (a website that is a “One-Stop Shop” for resources for Family and Local Historians) to allow people to purchase books about Pinner online 
• Publications page on the website updated to direct people to the Genfair website 
• Released a survey for feedback on the subjects of talks and suggestions for outings 

This year has also seen downs as well as ups.  Janet Brooks stepped down as Honorary Secretary.  Michael Treisman and Jennie Youle (Joint Chairmen), and Janet Baker (Membership Secretary) all stepped down due to ill health.  However, we are delighted that Sharon Holland, Roy Jakes, and Kathy Fry have taken these respective roles.  

Sheila Cole has helped with the organisation of the Newsletters for many years but will now just be helping with the distribution. 

Founding member Pat Clarke, broke her hip after a fall in the summer, but we are glad to report she has recovered from this and is back making vital contributions to the society. 

Looking into 2024 we continue our drive for more members, especially any that would like to help out on the committee, join the research group or assist with admin tasks. Please get in contact if you can help enquiries@pinnerlhs.org.uk