I have written a lot previously about One-Name Studies (If you are new here, welcome! – you can read all the posts about researching surnames HERE)

The Guild of One-Name Studies is a registered Charity in England and Wales. Part of our charitable requirements is that we have an educational remit, and educate the public in addition to members.

Education comes in a variety of guises, and members can tap into the ones that appeal when it suits them. We have a proactive seminar team who arrange seminars four times a year, across England. Scotland, Ireland and Wales are not excluded, but as an organisation that runs on volunteers the focus does tend to be on the areas that have the most members and when someone steps forward to run a seminar. Equally we have a conference each year, linked in with our Annual General Meeting (AGM). We try to record both sessions at conferences and seminars and these are available to members. Both seminars and conference is available to non-members.

We have webinars, and again these are available to non-members for a week before becoming a members only benefit. Our members using a variety of communication channels share their knowledge, experience and suggestions.

The Guild’s book, Seven Pillars of Wisdom,the Art of a One-Name study is a useful book and guides members through the hints and tips of running a successful One-Name Study. The Pharos course of which I teach the introduction course is another useful tool to have and not all new members of the Guild take the course. There are often long serving members too and I will talk about the course in a bit more depth later in this A-Z series.

As with anything, taking with existing members, reading material from members will enable those new to the subject to develop a great study and to work in a way that works for you.