Saffron Walden Historical Journal appears in the latest BALH newsletter as, in the last 25 years since they started awards, our Journal has won 8 times, which is the second most number out of all the journals reviewed.
As their Editor, Alan Crosby says ” Each year we receive numerous local and county society Journals, newsletter, bulletins and other publications, for award listing. In 2024 this amounted to about 480 publications in total. All the individual papers are considered for shortlisting, which means that each year there are at least 2000 from which to choose two shortlists of eight articles each-one for long articles and one for short papers.
During the past quarter century, some 206 papers have been recognised in this way, from no fewer than 67 different publications. The intention throughout has been to recognise and publicise the often outstanding work that is published in such journals and does not achieve wider circulation. The awards also highlight the crucial importance to local history of the rich variety of local and county publications which are all too frequently overlooked”.
” A quick check on my list of winners showed which journals have appeared several times. The journal which has appeared most often is Warwickshire History, with 12 award-winning articles since 1999, followed by Saffron Walden Historical Journal (eight)” .
When comparing Saffron Walden with other, much larger contenders such as cities or counties he goes on to say” Saffron Walden is of course a much smaller place, but it has a very thriving arts, culture and heritage scene and the local history society is well meshed into community and civic life. The journal is lively and is abler to draw upon the researches of members in a range of surrounding villages. Again, the role of editor has been crucial; the now retired Jackie (sic) Cooper set a very high standard and was instrumental in developing the journal’s winning combination of authority, accessibility and variety over a long period”.
High praise indeed. Our new editor, Helen Lunnon continues to work hard to maintain our leading position in such a prestigious group.