Did you know the New History Lab is expecting?

A big thank you from all the technicians - for a great first New History Lab of 2009/10. A brilliant turnout for four fab speakers! Thanks! I do hope to see you all on the 30^th of October for a spot of Trouble - or why postmodernism is ruining research. More about that in due course.

It was a pleasure to appoint Siobhan Begley the first Distinguished Honorary Fellow to the New History Lab. Not only has Siobhan presented twice to the Lab, and written a very fine thesis, but she has also been a very good friend to the New History Lab, being one of our most ardent supporters.

Finally, if you'd like to come to come to the with CALF (& us?) event on Saturday, 24^th October, please get in touch. I am really excited about the day - I think you'll find it very interesting and well worth your time. You'll use facebook and other technologies as research tools, and consider the future. What will historical research be in the future? How can we consider a history of the future? CALF are kindly providing catering for the event, but we do need a commitment so that we can cater and manage rooms. If you have questions, do get in touch, and to book a place, either attend the facebook event, or e-mail me at [email protected]!

At the tobacconist's

This is a no smoking laboratory, but this gem in the BL's sound archive could tempt us. You can hear JRR Tolkien in this early Linguaphone recording. He's better known now for his fiction, but he was also a skilled linguist and heavily involved in the OED. Follow the link after the link, and do find the three minutes and eighteen seconds to listen - you'll be well rewarded. It seems people really did speak like that. At least some people, anyway.

Leicester Slums - a new exhibition

Veteran Labber and MA student Ann (of Pan Cake fame - see previous post for recipie) has brought this to our attention: http://www.inloughborough.com/news/097123/The%20Slums%20of%20Leicester,%20c1840-1970. Head on up to Wigston Record Office from 12/10 to see a collection of archive and private photographs of Leicester's slums. Bound to be worth popping in if you are up in that neeck of the wood. Please post your reactions here if you do see it. Thanks, Ann!