In the past the focus of the fair has been on researching and sourcing historic records. This time, the fair explores our history.

This year one of the guests will be Susan Boyer, a contemporary Australian author with a passion for Australian colonial history. Susan is the author of Across Great Divides: True Stories of Life at Sydney Cove.

As it is 200 years since John Oxley's expedition, the organisers welcome historian Rob Tickle to the fair. Rob's topic will be the 1818 expedition by John Oxley,

“I am sure this presentation will be of interest to the wider community with commemorations of this expedition being held in Harrington as well as other towns,” Barbara Waters of the Manning Wallamba Family History Society said.

Family history is not forgotten, however. David Freeman, an avid genealogist, along with festival Chieftain Bruce MacLennan, will present The MacLennans of the Mid North Coast of NSW as well as some research tips. Bruce is the world wide historian of Clan MacLennan.

“We are fortunate to have him present for us and he will be available to answer questions,” Barbara said.

Television shows such as Who Do You Do You Think You Are are keeping the interest in family history alive as people continue to search their past often hoping to find a ‘skeleton in the closet’ or a famous ancestor. So many records are on line and sites such as ancestry,com, findmypast.com.au, familysearch.org, and NSW State Archives, just to name a few, make it a lot easier to research family history.

“The Manning Valley is fortunate to have Manning Wallamba Family History Society, The LDS Library and archives of the Manning Valley Historical Society, where volunteers can assist with research and show you how to use these sites,” Barbara said.

The Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival Genealogy Fair will be held on Thursday, May 31 at Wingham Services Club. Registration is at 9.30am with the presentations to commence at 10am. The cost for attending is $25.