BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Midland Ancestors - ECPv6.15.15//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Midland Ancestors
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Midland Ancestors
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Europe/London
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20250330T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20251026T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20260329T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20261025T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20270328T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20271031T010000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260408T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260408T213000
DTSTAMP:20260621T133838
CREATED:20251215T122117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T163450Z
UID:19263-1775676600-1775683800@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Kenilworth: No meeting this month
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/kenilworth-no-meeting-this-month/
LOCATION:West Midlands
CATEGORIES:Kenilworth Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260411T101500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260411T134500
DTSTAMP:20260621T133838
CREATED:20260329T133510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260412T100719Z
UID:20099-1775902500-1775915100@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Family History Centre Open Today
DESCRIPTION:The Family History Centre is available for members on Saturday 11th April (from 10.15 – 13.45) when a guest speaker (Janet Summers) is due to attend the Birmingham Group meeting. \n
To take advantage of this facility\, members must book their place with Caroline by email c.mason@midanc.uk beforehand.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/family-history-centre-open/
LOCATION:Birmingham & Midland Institute\, 9 Margaret Street\, Birmingham\, West Midlands\, B3 3BS\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260411T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260411T130000
DTSTAMP:20260621T133838
CREATED:20251201T135202Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251201T135202Z
UID:19191-1775905200-1775912400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:London: "Titanic– The Midlands’ Connection"
DESCRIPTION:“Titanic– The Midlands’ Connection”\nA talk by Andrew Lound. \nAlthough the towns of Belfast and Southampton claim the Titanic as their own\, over 70% of the ship’s interior was manufactured in the Midlands. Based on his own\nresearch Andrew tells the story of the Midlands’ industrial work on the ship and the fate of the local passengers. A dramatic presentation delivered in full White Star Line Uniform\, using images\, audio and numerous props. Climb aboard and experience the voyage of your life. \nMeetings will be held at the LDS Hyde Park Family Search Centre\, 64-68 Princes Gate\, Exhibition Road\, South Kensington\, SW7 2PA. Doors open 10.00; talks start 11.00. \nWe will have the research facility largely to ourselves for the day of our meetings so will not be restricted on time. We will be able to take coffee and tea into our meetings as well as sandwiches. \nIf you download and install a Chrome extension on your laptop (which uses the building Wi-Fi)\, you can search records\, use commercial websites for free and download images directly to your laptop after our meeting. In effect\, with the Chrome extension\, your laptop has the same premium access as the PCs in the FamilySearch Centre. This access only works\, of course\, if you are within the building on Exhibition Road since it is dependent on the building Wi-Fi address. Ask a member of staff about this if you are interested. \nUnderground stations: South Kensington (District\, Circle and Piccadilly Lines). \nBuses: 14\, 49\, 70\, 74\, 345\, 360\, 414\, 430\, C1
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/london-titanic-the-midlands-connection/
LOCATION:London Family History Centre\, 64-68 Princes Gate\, Exhibition Road\, London\, SW7 2PA\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:London Meetings,Public
ORGANIZER;CN="Andy Startin":MAILTO:a.startin@midanc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260411T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260411T153000
DTSTAMP:20260621T133838
CREATED:20260120T094216Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T143131Z
UID:19587-1775916000-1775921400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Birmingham: FamilySearch Full-Text Search
DESCRIPTION:FamilySearch Full-Text Search\nSpeaker: Janet Summers\n‘Using a step-by-step guide\, Janet will demonstrate how this method broke through her own research “brick walls” by locating copies of probated wills.\nThis presentation expands on the article Janet wrote for the Midland Ancestor published in June 2025 Vol. 20 No. 10 page 589 – Family Search Full-Text – A Research Game Changer?’\n  \nFamilySearch.org has billions of historical records that have been digitized\, but only a portion of these record images are currently searchable. A full-text search for historical records uses artificial intelligence (AI) to transcribe images into text so they can be fully searched. This automated search will find information almost instantly\, saving hours of manual searching. Using handwriting recognition software\, FamilySearch.org can convert an image of text into a machine-readable format. This gives you the ability to search the full text of these records before they are even indexed. \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/birmingham-family-search-full-text-search/
LOCATION:Birmingham & Midland Institute\, 9 Margaret Street\, Birmingham\, West Midlands\, B3 3BS\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="Peter Middleton":MAILTO:p.middleton@mid-anc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260413T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260413T213000
DTSTAMP:20260621T133838
CREATED:20260122T165355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260122T170015Z
UID:19621-1776108600-1776115800@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:North Staffs: Research
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/north-staffs-research-2/
LOCATION:North Staffs\, St. John's Centre\, Newcastle Road\, Stoke on Trent\, Staffs\, ST4 6QD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:North Staffs Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260418T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260418T160000
DTSTAMP:20260621T133838
CREATED:20251103T142828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260212T205523Z
UID:18899-1776506400-1776528000@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:'First Steps' in Family History
DESCRIPTION:At our Family History Centre\, B.M.I.\, Margaret Street\, Birmingham. B3 3BS.\nThe day is an in-person event full of research topics – open to anyone wanting to learn from experienced researchers how to use best practice for greater results or simply to use it as a refresher.\nA follow up ‘Further Steps’ on-line event will appear later in the year.\n  \nGareth\, Mark and Kim will be hosting the day with tuition\, tips and advice on how to research your family history. \nThe day is open to anyone first starting out on their journey\, but also to members who simply want to refresh their knowledge. \nLinda and Susan will be in the Family History Centre to answer questions on our resources available to assist your journey. \nPlease contact Kim Walker – General Secretary (or 0121 236-8977 option 2) for further information and to book a place. \nWhilst the event is free\, donations are always welcome.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/first-steps-in-family-history-2/
LOCATION:Birmingham & Midland Institute\, 9 Margaret Street\, Birmingham\, West Midlands\, B3 3BS\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="Kim Walker":MAILTO:gensec@midanc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260421T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260421T213000
DTSTAMP:20260621T133838
CREATED:20250415T105304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251102T142802Z
UID:16333-1776799800-1776807000@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Stourbridge Group - "Oh\, What a Bostin War"
DESCRIPTION:  \n“Oh\, What a Bostin War”\nSpeaker: Quintin Watt\n  \n \n  \n“Oh\, what a bostin war!”  – Mobilisation & Recruitment in the Black Country in 1914This illustrated presentation examines the military reaction to the outbreak of the Great War in the Black Country.  Were people really excited to have a ‘pop at the Kaiser’?  Did thousands of eager young men immediately ‘rush to the colours’\, afraid they might miss out on all the fun?  Why did they really join up?  What are the myths and what was the reality?
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/stourbridge-group-oh-what-a-bostin-war/
LOCATION:Stourbridge\, St. Peter's Church Hall\, Pedmore\, West Midlands\, DY90SW\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public,Stourbridge Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="Paul Burkitt":MAILTO:p.burkitt@mid-anc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260425T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260425T170000
DTSTAMP:20260621T133838
CREATED:20260116T193512Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T094656Z
UID:19548-1777107600-1777136400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:RQG Conference 2026
DESCRIPTION:Register of Qualified Genealogists Conference\nPlease join us at the Birmingham & Midland Institute on Saturday 25 April 2026\nfor our family history conference ‘Exploring the Past\, Embracing the Future’. \nKeynote Speakers: \nProfessor Rebecca Probert (University of Exeter) – Researching bigamy through family history records\nDr Sophie Kay (Khronicle®) – Ethics and You: a people-centred guide to genetic genealogy\nProfessor Julia Laite (Birkbeck\, University of London) – How family history can change the way we think about history (and the world) plus morning and afternoon sessions on a wide range of topics – DNA and genetics\, AI tools for genealogy\, family history projects and research. \nTickets are available via\nhttps://rqg-conference-2026.eventbrite.co.uk/\n\nOur conference is open to everyone\, including non-members.\nFurther details:- 2026 RQG Conference\n  \nThe Family History Centre in the Kingsley Norris Room will be open from 10am to 2pm.\n \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/register-of-genealogists-conference/
LOCATION:Birmingham & Midland Institute\, 9 Margaret Street\, Birmingham\, West Midlands\, B3 3BS\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260425T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260425T140000
DTSTAMP:20260621T133838
CREATED:20260416T095117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260418T195724Z
UID:20515-1777111200-1777125600@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Family History Centre Open Today
DESCRIPTION:The Family History Centre in the Kingsley Norris Room is available for RQG Conference delegates during their lunch break and for any other Midland Ancestors members on Saturday 25th April from 10 am – 2 pm (not the usual opening times)
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/family-history-centre-open-today-3/
LOCATION:Birmingham & Midland Institute\, 9 Margaret Street\, Birmingham\, West Midlands\, B3 3BS\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260428T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260428T210000
DTSTAMP:20260621T133838
CREATED:20251130T161503Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260516T122527Z
UID:19133-1777402800-1777410000@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Heraldry Group Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Why not come along and learn how to interpret the various coats of arms in stained glass windows\, church monuments\, etc\, and discover who married who\, together with their family history. \nToday’s information covered the following: \nHeraldry Group – 28th April 2026\n\n Marshalling Arms (Combining Families)\n\n\n\n\nImpaling: Splitting the shield down the middle. This usually shows a husband’s arms on the left (dexter) and his wife’s father’s arms on the right (sinister). As noted\, it’s also used for office—where an individual (like Colonel Swinnerton) impales their personal arms with the arms of the society they preside over.\nEscutcheon of Pretence & Quartering: If the wife has no brothers\, she becomes an heraldic heiress. Her husband places her arms on a tiny shield in the center of his own. Their children then quarter the arms\, blending the lineages permanently. This is how families like the Bowes-Lyons wound up with beautifully complex\, multi-quartered shields.\n\n\n\n\n Cadency (Spotting the Sons)\n\n                    Marks of Cadency are used to tell who is who in a family\, so you “kill the right bloke” in battle: \n\n\n\nEldest Son: Wears a label (a bar with three drops) while his father is alive\, which “peels off” when he inherits the main\, undifferenced arms.\nSecond Son: Wears a crescent.\nThe “Silly” Factor: When younger sons have younger sons\, stacking marks on top of marks gets chaotic. As mentioned\, the College of Arms often steps in to simplify this by adding a bordure (a border) around the shield to denote a cadet branch of the family (like the Martineau example in Birmingham).\n\n\n\n\n The Rule of Tincture\n\n                    This is the cardinal law of heraldic design ensuring high visibility from a distance: \n\n\n\nMetals: Or (Gold/Yellow) and Argent (Silver/White).\nColours: Gules (Red)\, Azure (Blue)\, Sable (Black)\, Vert (Green)\, Purpure (Purple).\nThe Rule: You never place a colour on a colour\, or a metal on a metal. Putting black on silver or gold on blue creates sharp contrast; putting blue on red blends into mush at a distance.\n\n\n\n\n Status\, Helms\, and Orders\n\n                     You can read a person’s exact rank just by looking around the shield: \n\n\n\nThe Helm (Helmet):  Open with gold bars: A Peer (Duke\, Earl\, Baron\, etc.).\n\nOpen/Facing forward: A Knight or Baronet.\nClosed/Profile: An Esquire or Gentleman.\n\n\nChivalric Orders: Suspended beneath or wrapped around the shield (like the Tria Juncta In Uno ribbon for the Order of the Bath\, or the insignia for a CBE).\nThe Order of St. John vs. Malta: A great distinction made here! The Venerable Order of St. John features the little lions/unicorns between the cross whiskers\, while the sovereign\, Catholic Order of Malta uses the plain\, crisp eight-pointed Maltese cross.\n\n\n\n  \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/heraldry-group-meeting-5/
LOCATION:Birmingham & Midland Institute\, 9 Margaret Street\, Birmingham\, West Midlands\, B3 3BS\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Heraldry Group,Public
ORGANIZER;CN="Adrian de Redman":MAILTO:heraldry@midanc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260429T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260429T211500
DTSTAMP:20260621T133838
CREATED:20251119T160006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T171036Z
UID:19016-1777491000-1777497300@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Wolverhampton:  The Forgotten Staffordshire Workhouse
DESCRIPTION:In Victorian England\, the question haunted every parish: what should be done with the poor? The answer\, in 1834\, was the workhouse — a place meant to provide food\, shelter\, and discipline… but remembered today for something far darker. \nHidden among the lanes of Trysull\, the Seisdon Union Workhouse served the surrounding villages — from Wombourne to Tettenhall\, Pattingham to Kinver. Built in 1860\, it stood for decades\, shaping countless lives — and then\, somehow\, slipped quietly from memory. \nJoin the Wolverhampton group as we learn about the stories of those who lived and worked behind its walls — and rediscover a forgotten chapter of Staffordshire’s social history. \nPresenter:  Andrew Sloane \nDoors open at 7.15 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. meeting start. \nPlenty of FREE parking at our venue.  Members and Visitors are welcome. \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/wolverhampton-the-forgotten-staffordshire-workhouse/
LOCATION:Wolverhampton\, The Terry Harding Room\, Perton Civic Centre\, Church Road\, Perton\,\, Wolverhampton\, Staffordshire\, WV6 7PD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Wolverhampton Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="Claire Bullock":MAILTO:clairebullock706@btinternet.com
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR