On Saturday 16th May, the East of England network group hosted AGRA’s Spring Study Day at The Maltings in Ely, with the theme Community and Landscape: how surroundings shaped our ancestors’ lives.  Following an introduction by AGRA President Patric Dickinson, Yaye Tange and Alice Whitehead from Cambridgeshire Archives delivered a talk titled ‘Mud, Sweat and Engineers: the making of the modern fens’, which revealed how the draining of the fens impacted the lives of local people in the seventeenth century. There was a selection of original documents on display (records that scarcely leave the security of the archives!) which really brought to life the history of the fens, from resistance and rebellion, to the creation of the Bedford Levels Corporation.

The next speaker was Lisa Constanti, whose presentation on Mary Barbour’s backyard battle, explored the socio-economic resilience women showed in the face of poverty, disease, war and overcrowding.  Floor plans of tenements, accompanied by statistics of the local population, painted a picture of the living conditions of the people of Ure Street.  Following lunch, Gill Blanchard’s talk ‘Living on the Edge: 100 Years at Waterside, Ely, 1840-1940’ continued the theme of community by looking into the lives of residents in and around Waterside - one of Ely’s oldest streets.  Attendees learned how changes in local transport, industry, and social infrastructure, influenced Ely’s society over the century.  Closing the event, Dave Annal spoke about the administrative units of England & Wales, and how important it is to understand jurisdictions, in order to track down relevant surviving records.  The fascinating talk left the audience considering the ‘country’ one’s ancestors might have associated themselves with – a concept that reaches beyond boundary lines.

Throughout the day, attendees browsed the second-hand book stall and bought tickets for a raffle with prizes including premium annual subscriptions to The Genealogist and MyHeritage, vouchers for Society of Genealogists events, and copies of recent publications by Dr Karen Cummings, John Wintrip and Valerie Brenton.  There was also a presentation to Gill Thomas, who was recently honoured with a Fellowship for her services to AGRA. Gill has contributed to our organisation over many years, in many roles, and we give special thanks for her work within the External Engagement Committee, and of course, her time as Chair.

One of the highlights of the day was the Poster Sessions.  Lead by Julian Luttrell, these visual displays of research showcased projects from East of England Associates and Members, allowing for conversations between the attendees during refreshment breaks.  Posters were exhibited by Carolyn Alderson, Julian Luttrell, Kate Sansom and Geoff Young.