The Elizabeth Simpson Award
For the Journal making the Best
Contribution to Family History
Revised Format for 2012
The Elizabeth Simpson Award was first introduced in 1979 and has been awarded annually to the society whose journal has, in the opinion of the judges, made the best contribution to family history during the preceding twelve months. The decline in the number of entries submitted for the award over the past few years prompted a thorough review that, in consultation with members of the 2011 judging panel, the review has now been completed.
Entries are invited for the 2012 Award, the closing date for which is 31st October 2012.
Societies are asked to submit a journal published between 1st October 2011 and 30th September 2012, entries may be submitted electronically if preferred.
Previously societies entering for the award have been categorised as follows:
Large societies – declared membership of 750 and over
Small societies – declared membership of fewer than 750
One-name societies
Overseas societies
Under the new rules, there will be three categories:
Large Societies – 1000 members and over
Medium Societies – 201 – 999 members
Small Societies – 200 members and under
10 entries must be received in each category for judging to take place
The overall winner will be selected from the three category winners.
The runner up in each category will be Highly Commended.
The large Elizabeth Simpson Shield is being withdrawn from circulation. The overall winner will receive a small trophy which will remain with the winning society.
The winners and runners-up, can display an emblem in their journals as well as a “virtual emblem” on their websites with a link to the FFHS page announcing the award.
The winning society will receive £250 sponsored by Immediate Media Co. and the FFHS which will be awarded to the Editor of the winning journal to be used in furtherance of the production/educational aims of the journal. The Editor will also receive an annual subscription to Who Do You Think You Are? magazine.
In addition the overall winner will be given greater exposure by the FFHS during the twelve months following the announcement of the award i.e. Spotlight feature in the Ezine, Home Page of the website etc.
The Chair of the Judging Panel will be a FFHS Officer; currently the FFHS Education Officer, this will ensure continuity of the role. The Chair will not be involved in the judging process but will assume overall responsibility for promotion of the award, administration of the award and overseeing the judging panel as well as continual assessment of the award and its aims and objectives.
The judges will be the winners of each category and will change on an annual basis.
For the 2012 Award the judging panel, chaired by the FFHS Education Officer, will be:
Sheila Lawson – Editor of the winning journal 2009
Bridget Purr – Editor of the winning journal 2010
Narelle Donegan – Editor of the winning journal 2011
The judging panel for the 2013 award will be the Editors of the winning journals 2012 in each of the three newly defined categories: large, medium and small.
The winning societies will only be barred from entering for one year.
The societies nominated for an award in the 2012 competition will be announced ahead of the AGM 2013 when the presentation will be made. It is hoped that wherever possible the Journal Editors or representatives from the nominated societies will be present at the AGM to receive the awards in person.
Following the AGM a copy of the report of the judges will be sent to all societies who entered for the award. This will be general report and individual feedback will not be given. The judge’s decision will be final.
Details of How to enter, Rules and Judging Criteria are now available on the website.
