Welcome to the website of the Bedfordshire Local History Association (BLHA)
34th Anniversary 1993-2026
The BLHA has been the successful umbrella organisation for local history in the county for over thirty years.
Members include: almost all of Bedfordshire’s local history societies, institutions such as the Bedfordshire Archives, and an increasing number of individuals.
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BLHA – Autumn Event 2026
BLHA Autumn Event 2026 Booking
BLHA – Local History Awards 2026/2027
The Awards scheme was launched in 2024 by BLHA to foster original research, books, magazines and community projects about any aspects of the local history of Bedfordshire. It is being extended for 2026/2027 to include the engagement of schools and colleges and partnership/collaboration with other societies.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE 2026 LOCAL HISTORY AWARDS:
BEST BOOK:
For the best book on the history of any place, community, village or town in Bedfordshire, or topic, e.g. education, local industry, faith, politics, etc. which relate to the county’s local history.
Open to entries from individuals or Bedfordshire societies. Please submit a copy of your book and email the application form.
BEST JOURNAL OR NEWSLETTER, OR ARTICLE:
For the best Local History Society journal or newsletter, or individual article on the history of any place, community, village or town in Bedfordshire, or topic, e.g. education, local industry, faith, politics, etc. which relate to the county’s local history.
Open to entries from Bedfordshire societies. The journal/newsletter/article must have been published before the closing date. Please submit a copy of your journal, newsletter or article and email the application form.
BEST COMMUNITY PROJECT:
For the best local history or heritage community project on the history of any place, community, village or town in Bedfordshire.
Open to local history societies and community groups. The associated engagement events and project must have been largely completed before 30th September 2026. Please email PDFs of any supporting information along with your application form.
BEST WEBSITE:
For the best website on the history of any place, community, village or town in Bedfordshire, or relevant theme.
Open to local history societies, community groups and individuals. The website must be up and running by 30th of September 2026. Please email the link to your website and PDFs of any supporting information with your completed application.
BEST PARTNERSHIP WITH ANOTHER SOCIETY:
For the best partnership by a Bedfordshire Local History Society with another society (either within Bedfordshire or a neighbouring county). The partner society need not be a local history society, for example, it could be a family history society or heritage group would be eligible.
The partner society’s consent must be secured before you submit your application. Please email PDFs of any supporting information, including a statement from your partner organisation along with your completed application.
Entries must be received by 30th September 2026.
Book/Journal submissions by post to:
Bob Ricketts, 68 Mendip Crescent, Bedford, MK41 9EP
Email submissions, queries or want to learn more:
BLHA – Local History Awards Flyer PDF
BLHA - Local History Awards 2026/2027
BLHA – Local History Awards Application Form