The Friends of Cumbria Archives (FOCAS)

The Federation has a longstanding and close association with FOCAS, and works closely with FOCAS on common projects, recognising that history and archives are inseparable. This page brings the purpose and work of FOCAS to members’ attention and encourages members to support FOCAS. Click the logo to enter the FOCAS website.

What does FOCAS do?

FOCAS is a membership organisation and a registered charity. It:

Provides financial contributions to assist Cumbria Archive Service (CAS) in acquiring and maintaining valuable records.
Provides help to CAS in transcribing, sorting and preparing historical documents.
Provides small financial grants to researchers using the four Cumbria record offices.
Arranges lectures and visits related to archives,for its members and others.
Supports the promotion of archives to schools and other educational establishments.

Grants to assist work using Cumbria archives

FOCAS has a small fund that is available to assist researchers on projects which use the records of the CAS. Grants are available to members and non-members. The work should be of general interest and the results or report should be made available through CAS, and may be reported in the FOCAS Newsletter. For further information and how to apply please see the FOCAS website.

The Newsletter

FOCAS also has a Newsletter which is sent to its members four times a year, quarterly, in March, June, September and December. This publication keeps FOCAS members up to date with the development of the Cumbria Archives, current and future projects and recent acquisitions and activities at the four offices of the Cumbria Archive Service.