Making the Past Available to the Present -

These pages are produced by David Hallam who has become well-known for his specialist interest in the history of the area. David, was born in Beeston in 1939 and grew up in a family with strong local links and within which Beeston in the past was a topic whenever they met as a family. A school project when aged about nine, on the origin of Beeston's street names, was rewarded with an afternoon spent with the renowned local historian Arthur Cossons - then Head Teacher of Church St Schools - a fascinating experience which led to a lifetime's interest in local history.

A founder member, now Honorary Vice President, of Beeston and District Local History Society, David has seen the interest of local people - both old established residents and newcomers to the area - develop in the last 30 years. More recently, contacts through the growing Internet communities has shown the very real wider interest from Beeston-connected families around the world. David freely assists their enquiries and, for the more comprehensive requirement, is also able to offer a professional service through his "Notts Forgotten" specialist consultancy

At the centre of David's available resources is his Beeston reconstitution which aims to link the available records - including the census, church registers and memorials - with an emphasis on the 19th cenury. This forms the basis of his one-place study focussed on family history and includes much that is unavailable elsewhere.

Now in retirement, David has decided to make a lifetime's research available on the Internet through this site - a process that will take several years. He looks forward to your interest, feedback, comments and contributions with interest.