FOREST historian Mary Sullivan is seeking information on people who received support from a unique local trust established 80 years ago to help anyone interested in emigrating to New Zealand.

The Bledisloe New Zealand and Memorial Trust was the brainchild of Charles Bathurst, of Lydney, who was appointed Governor-General of New Zealand in 1930. On his return in 1935 he was made Viscount Bledisloe.

Highly respected for his social conscience, Lord Bledisloe promoted various causes including presenting the famous Bledisloe Cup, still competed for annually in a Rugby Union competition between New Zealand and Australia.

The aim of the Trust is to provide assistance to anyone seeking employment, education or considering emigration to New Zealand. It operates to this day and is open to anyone aged under 25 who lives in the Forest of Dean.

The Trust has its own website.

Mrs Sullivan, of Lydbrook, is vice-chairman of the Forest of Dean Local History Society, and is seeking the information for use in a display being organised by the Gloucestershire Local History Association at Pate's Grammar School, Cheltenham, on Saturday, October 24. It is an annual Local History Day event and this year will focus on 'People to Places – Immigration and emigration to, from and within Gloucestershire.'

Mrs Sullivan explained: "The story is an unusual twist on local emigration and all the more interesting as the Trust still functions.

"Unfortunately we have been unable to trace the early records and the names of those who took advantage of the scheme. I would be very keen to hear from anyone who used the Memorial Trust to forge a new life in New Zealand or to visit the country for work experience or education."

The Trust operates from Lydney Park Estate and is managed by a small committee of local people.

•If members of your family used the scheme Mrs Sullivan would be delighted to hear from you. She can be contacted on Dean 860197.