A Conference on the American Revolution, Knowsley Hall, 29–30 October 2026
From 29–30 October 2026, Countess of Derby
will be hosting Dinners of Diplomacy: Dialogue,
Not Division, a two-day conference at Knowsley Hall
exploring the military, political, and diplomatic legacy
of Yorktown and the American Revolution.
The programme brings together leading scholars
from the United Kingdom, France, and the
United States to offer fresh perspectives
on the alliances that shaped America,
and on the enduring importance of international
cooperation today.
As a direct descendant of General Lord Cornwallis,
Lady Derby has a particular personal interest
in this chapter of history, and is delighted to
welcome this exploration of it to Knowsley Hall, the
historic seat of the Earls and Countesses of Derby.
In-person tickets include a guided tour of the
Hall and lunch.
Dinners of Diplomacy: Dialogue, Not Division
29–30 October 2026
Knowsley Hall, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 4AJ
Click for tickets
Click for more information
or visit The Countess of Derby website
A Conference on the American Revolution, Knowsley Hall, 29–30 October 2026
From 29–30 October 2026, Countess of Derby
will be hosting Dinners of Diplomacy: Dialogue,
Not Division, a two-day conference at Knowsley Hall
exploring the military, political, and diplomatic legacy
of Yorktown and the American Revolution.
The programme brings together leading scholars
from the United Kingdom, France, and the
United States to offer fresh perspectives
on the alliances that shaped America,
and on the enduring importance of international
cooperation today.
As a direct descendant of General Lord Cornwallis,
Lady Derby has a particular personal interest
in this chapter of history, and is delighted to
welcome this exploration of it to Knowsley Hall, the
historic seat of the Earls and Countesses of Derby.
In-person tickets include a guided tour of the
Hall and lunch.
Dinners of Diplomacy: Dialogue, Not Division
29–30 October 2026
Knowsley Hall, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 4AJ
Click for tickets
Click for more information
or visit The Countess of Derby website
CURRENT VACANCIES
CHAIR OF THE SOCIETY
A vacancy has arisen for the position of Chair of the Society and expressions of interest are invited from members who may wish to apply for the role.
This is a key role within the operation of the Society and offers the opportunity to become fully involved in the running of the Society and to make an important contribution to its successful operation.
The principal responsibilities of the Chair are as follows:
To provide leadership for the Society.
To Chair the regular quarterly meetings of the General Committee of the Society and the Annual General Meeting. This will include:
- liaising with the General Secretary with the drafting of agendas for the meetings.
- ensuring that the business of the meetings is covered efficiently and effectively in line with the agenda.
- encouraging all Committee members to participate in meetings.
- ensuring voting is carried out appropriately and correctly when required.
To ensure, in liaison with General Secretary, that the Society is run in accordance with the decisions of the General Committee, the Society’s Constitution and Code of Practice, and relevant legislation.
To ensure that appropriate procedures are in place for the governance of the Society, that effective communications are maintained for the benefit of Society officers and members, and that the Society continues to provide public benefit.
To provide a report to every General Committee Meeting and AGM summarising the activities of the Society since the previous meeting (or AGM).
To liaise with the General Secretary and Minutes Secretary on the circulation of Committee minutes and any approved corrections that may arise.
To support, as appropriate, the Chairs of group committees.
To publicise the Society and benefits of Membership as and when the opportunity arises either in person at Fairs or similar events or by Zoom and to encourage other members support this.
To regularly liaise with the Treasurer and General Secretary regarding payments from Society Funds and to authorise such payments as required.
To liaise as necessary with the national Family History Federation.
The Chair is also a named Trustee of the Society and therefore has a legal responsibility to the Charity Commission.
For more information about this role, please email Barry Peacock, General Secretary at secretary@lswlfhs.org.uk
CURRENT VACANCIES
CHAIR OF THE SOCIETY
A vacancy has arisen for the position of Chair of the Society and expressions of interest are invited from members who may wish to apply for the role.
This is a key role within the operation of the Society and offers the opportunity to become fully involved in the running of the Society and to make an important contribution to its successful operation.
The principal responsibilities of the Chair are as follows:
To provide leadership for the Society.
To Chair the regular quarterly meetings of the General Committee of the Society and the Annual General Meeting. This will include:
- liaising with the General Secretary with the drafting of agendas for the meetings.
- ensuring that the business of the meetings is covered efficiently and effectively in line with the agenda.
- encouraging all Committee members to participate in meetings.
- ensuring voting is carried out appropriately and correctly when required.
To ensure, in liaison with General Secretary, that the Society is run in accordance with the decisions of the General Committee, the Society’s Constitution and Code of Practice, and relevant legislation.
To ensure that appropriate procedures are in place for the governance of the Society, that effective communications are maintained for the benefit of Society officers and members, and that the Society continues to provide public benefit.
To provide a report to every General Committee Meeting and AGM summarising the activities of the Society since the previous meeting (or AGM).
To liaise with the General Secretary and Minutes Secretary on the circulation of Committee minutes and any approved corrections that may arise.
To support, as appropriate, the Chairs of group committees.
To publicise the Society and benefits of Membership as and when the opportunity arises either in person at Fairs or similar events or by Zoom and to encourage other members support this.
To regularly liaise with the Treasurer and General Secretary regarding payments from Society Funds and to authorise such payments as required.
To liaise as necessary with the national Family History Federation.
The Chair is also a named Trustee of the Society and therefore has a legal responsibility to the Charity Commission.
For more information about this role, please email Barry Peacock, General Secretary at secretary@lswlfhs.org.uk
YOUR SOCIETY NEEDS YOU!
Our Society is run by volunteers, and there is always the need for new people to help run it for the benefit of all Family History researches in South West Lancashire, whether it's offering to make the coffee and tea at group meetings, or becoming an officer on the main Committee.
YOUR SOCIETY NEEDS YOU!
Our Society is run by volunteers, and there is always the need for new people to help run it for the benefit of all Family History researches in South West Lancashire, whether it's offering to make the coffee and tea at group meetings, or becoming an officer on the main Committee.
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