BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Midland Ancestors - ECPv6.15.15//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
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:20240331T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20241027T010000
END:STANDARD
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:20251025T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251025T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20250728T094328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250728T102151Z
UID:17253-1761386400-1761408000@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Oxfordshire Family History Fair
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/oxfordshire-family-history-fair/
LOCATION: Cherwell School\, North Site\, Marston Ferry Road\, Summertown\, Oxford\, OX2 7EE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Fairs
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251029T191500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251029T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20241209T170655Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241209T170655Z
UID:15375-1761765300-1761771600@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Wolverhampton: Sir William Marshall - England's Greatest Knight
DESCRIPTION:Sir William was an Anglo-Norman soldier and stateman during the Middle Ages who served five English Plantagenet kings – Henry II\, his son and co-ruler Young Henry\, Richard I\, John and Henry III.  This will be Max\, in costume\, entertaining us with his lively and amusing presentation style. \nOur presenter\, Max Keen\, will be in costume. \nPlease note: there is a minimum donation requested of £5 for visitors for this event however join as a member\, in cash on the night\, and your membership will cover you for this talk\, November’s meeting and all of 2026 – a bargain! \n  \nDoors open at 7.15 p.m. for a meeting start at 7.30 p.m.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/wolverhampton-sir-william-marshall-englands-greatest-knight/
LOCATION:Wolverhampton\, The Terry Harding Room\, Perton Civic Centre\, Church Road\, Perton\,\, Wolverhampton\, Staffordshire\, WV6 7PD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public,Wolverhampton Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="Penny Smith":MAILTO:wolverhamptonclasses@midanc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251101T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251101T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20240930T153037Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251030T132235Z
UID:14822-1762005600-1762012800@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Birmingham: Was Your Ancestor a Criminal ?
DESCRIPTION:Was Your Ancestor a Criminal ? – An examination of 18th & 19th Century Crime\nPresenter – Colin Chapman.   This meeting will be in the John Peek Room.\nSeveral of today’s petty misdemeanours were regarded in the past as crimes. Were your ancestors involved as witnesses\, accusers\, jurors\, or even accused? Crimes were many and varied giving rise to much documentation for the family history researcher. \nColin Chapman is a Life Vice-President of the FFHS. He is Founder/co-founder of six county-based family history societies: President of three and Patron of another. A Vice-President and Fellow of the Society of Genealogists and a former member of its (then) Executive Committee. An acclaimed authority on WW1 German POWs held in Britain. \nColin has written numerous genealogically-related books\, three of which are published also in the United States. He originated the three-letter Chapman County Code for British Isles counties which formed the formed the basis for a British Standard and now an International Standard\, ISO-3166. that we all should be familiar with. \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/birmingham-was-your-ancestor-a-criminal/
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:20251103T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251103T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20241221T162822Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251009T090816Z
UID:15495-1762198200-1762205400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:North Staffs Group - Research / Help Evening
DESCRIPTION:Informal help or research evening. Committee Members have access to numerous items in our digital library and to subscription websites. \nMembers free but we welcome visitors but ask for a donation of  £1.50
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/north-staffs-group-research-help-evening-4/
LOCATION:St. John’s Centre\, St. John’s Centre\, 122 Newcastle Rd. Trent Vale\, Stoke on Trent\, ST4 6QD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:North Staffs Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251112T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251112T223000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20250204T211510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T212612Z
UID:15693-1762975800-1762986600@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Kenilworth: North to Alaska ... The Klondike Gold Rush 1897-99
DESCRIPTION:Speaker – Graham Sutherland\nLocal author and professional speaker\, Graham is a retired Police Inspector\, and has also been a Town crier\, and is a Blue Badge tourist guide. See website: www.talksandwalks.co.uk for more details.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/kenilworth-north-to-alaska-the-klondike-gold-rush-1897-99/
LOCATION:Kenilworth Centre\, Abbey End\, Kenilworth\, CV8 1QJ\, Abbey End\, Kenilworth\, CV8 1QJ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Kenilworth Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251118T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251118T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20240801T103016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250802T121307Z
UID:12768-1763494200-1763501400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Stourbridge Group - Weighing the World - The Story of W&T Avery Ltd
DESCRIPTION:Weighing the World – The Story of W&T Avery Ltd\nSpeaker: Andrew Lound \n  \n \nThe name Avery is synonymous with weighing\, and quality. The firm’s roots date back to 1728 although the name ’Avery’ doesn’t go over the shop until 1817. A family business that grew from strength to strength guided by some of the country’s most colourful businessmen until the sudden death of Henry J. Avery in 1894. The firm then became a Public Limited Company with a board of directors and an externally sourced managing Director—the famous William E. Hipkins—the man who would turn Avery’s into the greatest weighing machine company in the world. With access to rare images and research Andrew tells the story of a legend in industry from the anvil of a small workshop to the age of micro processors. A success story with all of the drama of a novel. As usual with an Odyssey Dramatic Presentation® it is high entertainment and not too heavy for the general audience. Accompanied by music\, images and props. \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/stourbridge-group-weighing-the-world-the-story-of-wt-avery-ltd/
LOCATION:Stourbridge\, St. Peter's Church Hall\, Pedmore\, West Midlands\, DY9 0SW\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public,Stourbridge Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="Paul Burkitt":MAILTO:p.burkitt@mid-anc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251126T191500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251126T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20241209T171427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241209T171427Z
UID:15377-1764184500-1764190800@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Wolverhampton:  A Christmas Themed Meeting
DESCRIPTION:Join the Wolverhampton group for their last meeting of 2025.  For the last three years we have enjoyed looking at “12 Days of Christmas” or a presentation about 12 different FREE websites that may aid new discoveries in our research over the holiday season. \nWill it be “Yet Another 12 Days” or something else!   Please check back nearer the time for any further details. \nWe will definitely have some light refreshments so feel free to bring a plate of something tasty to share\, join in with a raffle\, and start the Christmas season here. \nDoors open at 7.15 p.m. for a meeting start at 7.30 p.m.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/wolverhampton-a-christmas-themed-meeting/
LOCATION:Wolverhampton\, The Terry Harding Room\, Perton Civic Centre\, Church Road\, Perton\,\, Wolverhampton\, Staffordshire\, WV6 7PD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public,Wolverhampton Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="Penny Smith":MAILTO:wolverhamptonclasses@midanc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251201T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251201T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20241221T163123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260122T170128Z
UID:15497-1764617400-1764624600@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:North Staffs Group - Christmas Social Evening
DESCRIPTION:As it is Christmas we usually serve mince pies with the tea or Coffee \nInformal help or research evening. Committee Members have access to numerous items in our digital library and to subscription websites. \nMembers free but we welcome visitors but ask for a donation of  £1.50
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/north-staffs-group-christmas-social-evening/
LOCATION:St. John’s Centre\, St. John’s Centre\, 122 Newcastle Rd. Trent Vale\, Stoke on Trent\, ST4 6QD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:North Staffs Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251206T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251206T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20240930T153221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250201T231424Z
UID:14826-1765029600-1765036800@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Birmingham: The Adventures of Harry Payne – the Edwardian “Literary Tramp”
DESCRIPTION:The Adventures of Harry Payne – the Edwardian “Literary Tramp”\nPresenter – Quintin Watt\nThis presentation will piece together the remarkable story of a partially-sighted vagrant\, as he tramped around the British Isles. At each town he visited\, Harry earned a few pence by writing a review of that place for the local newspaper. \nThese perceptive snapshots provide a unique worm’s-eye view of Britain before and during the Great War. They earned Harry the epithet\, “Literary Tramp”\, and challenge the myth that poor people left no written evidence of their lives and experiences. \nQuintin Watt has written several articles for local history magazines and edited two books ‘The Bromsgrove Guild – An Illustrated History’ (1999) and ‘Wolverhampton’s Great War\, 1914 to 1921’ (2020)\nQuintin taught History at a high school in Bromsgrove for 39 years. He has completed two Masters Degrees\, in West Midlands Regional History (1993) and Britain and the First World War (2022).\nQuintin served as secretary and chairman of the Bromsgrove Society’s Local History Group and the Wolverhampton Society. He now serves on the Committe of the Black Country Society. \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/birmingham-the-adventures-of-harry-payne-the-edwardian-literary-tramp/
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:20251210T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251210T223000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20250204T211745Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T211745Z
UID:15695-1765395000-1765405800@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Kenilworth: Christmas Social
DESCRIPTION:Members and Non-Members Welcome
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/kenilworth-christmas-social/
LOCATION:Kenilworth Centre\, Abbey End\, Kenilworth\, CV8 1QJ\, Abbey End\, Kenilworth\, CV8 1QJ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Kenilworth Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260110T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260110T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20251201T122351Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T203805Z
UID:19180-1768042800-1768046400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:London: "Wills & Probate"
DESCRIPTION:“Wills & Probate”\nA talk by Sharon Hintze. \nA talk primarily covering England and Wales\, and including how to use FamilySearch resources to find probate records and record copy wills online. \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-wills-probate/
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:20260110T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260110T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20251201T113404Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260122T155903Z
UID:19165-1768053600-1768057200@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:2026 Kingsley Norris Memorial Talk via Zoom
DESCRIPTION:As this is an online event\, you will need to register your interest via the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/eQjW05g5TQidHs8Fx9OsRQ. \nPlease use the email address we have on record as your credentials will be checked before allowing you into the session. There will be a cut off time of 30 minutes prior to the start time of the event to register. \nIf anyone would like assistance with joining the on-line Zoom sessions\, please contact the General Secretary or “MA-IT support” itsupport@midanc.uk \n  \n\nTitle: Autosomal DNA & One Name Studies\nSpeaker: John Titterton\nAs the registered researcher of the Titterton One Name Study\, John is\nresearching all instances of the name Titterton. He has established about 30\ndifferent Titterton family trees but there are a number of brick walls\nstopping them being connected together.\nThere are three types of DNA testing;\n· that going back in the female line (mitochondrial DNA);\n· that going back in the male line (Y Chromosome DNA)\n· that going back in all lines (autosomal DNA).\nOne might expect that the Y chromosome DNA tests would be the best one\nto help a One Name study. John was contacted by a complete stranger with\na Titterton grandmother. Their autosomal DNA test had three Titterton\nhits which did not connect to the grandparent nor to each other. The talk\ndiscusses how he was able to make connections between different Titterton\nbranches using these autosomal results. He was then able to break down\nbrick walls.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/2026-kingsley-norris-memorial-talk-via-zoom/
LOCATION:Staffs
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings,On Line Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260114T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260114T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20251215T115249Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T221035Z
UID:19248-1768419000-1768426200@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Kenilworth: "AI For Family History" via Zoom
DESCRIPTION:As this is an online event\, you will need to register your interest via the link below:\nClick here to register for this  meeting before 14th January 2026\nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \n   \nAI For Family History : What it can (and can’t) do for you\nSpeaker: Linda Hammond \nA practical\, no nonsense guide to using AI tools effectively (and knowing their limitations). \nLinda is a professional genealogist based in France\, with extensive speaking experience at major genealogy events including Roots Tech\, The Genealogy Show\, and the Really Useful Show. She is keen to engage with the audience during the Q & A session\, so be sure to bring your questions and comments. \nMore details at www.lindahammondresearch.com
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/kenilworth-group-zoom-meeting/
LOCATION:Staffs
CATEGORIES:Kenilworth Meetings,On Line Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260124T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260124T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20260106T221336Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T203243Z
UID:19388-1769248800-1769270400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:East Surrey Virtual Family History Fair: via Zoom
DESCRIPTION:East Surrey Virtual Family History Fair: via Zoom\nSaturday 24th January 2026 – Morning & Afternoon Sessions\nSee all the details for registration here\n  \nSee Event Poster 2026 Virtual Fair
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/east-surrey-online-fair-saturday-24th-january-2026/
LOCATION:Staffs
CATEGORIES:Fairs,Public
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260124T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260124T163000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20250415T104304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251102T142325Z
UID:16327-1769265000-1769272200@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Stourbridge Group - AGM and a Short History of the Chance Brothers
DESCRIPTION:A Short History of the Chance Brothers\nSpeaker: Henry Chance
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/agm-and-short-history-of-the-chance-brothers/
LOCATION:Stourbridge\, St. Peter's Church Hall\, Pedmore\, West Midlands\, DY9 0SW\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public,Stourbridge Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="Paul Burkitt":MAILTO:p.burkitt@mid-anc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260127T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260127T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20251130T160011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251130T173057Z
UID:19118-1769540400-1769547600@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.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/heraldry-group-meeting-2/
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:20260128T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260128T211500
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20251119T121242Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T165333Z
UID:18992-1769628600-1769634900@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Wolverhampton: Longest Way Up and Shortest Way Down
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the first meeting in 2026 of the Wolverhampton Group for a look at life in the Mounted Police by an experienced officer\, Stephen Gwilt\, with first-hand experience of the role. \nThe doors open at 7.15 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. meeting start.  There is plenty of FREE parking at our venue and all members and visitors are welcome to join us for what promises to be an interesting presentation about the Mounted Police. \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/wolverhampton-longest-way-up-and-shortest-way-down/
LOCATION:Wolverhampton\, The Terry Harding Room\, Perton Civic Centre\, Church Road\, Perton\,\, Wolverhampton\, Staffordshire\, WV6 7PD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public,Wolverhampton Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="Penny Smith":MAILTO:wolverhamptonclasses@midanc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260202T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260202T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20260122T163951Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260122T170220Z
UID:19615-1770060600-1770067800@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:North Staffs: Research / Help Evening
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/north-staffs-research-evening/
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:20260207T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260207T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20251201T114347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260122T183220Z
UID:19172-1770472800-1770476400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Breaking Down Brick Walls:   Zoom
DESCRIPTION:As this is an online event\, you will need to register your interest via the link below:\nClick here to register for this meeting before 7th February 2026\nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \nPlease use the email address we have on record as your credentials will be checked before allowing you into the session. There will be a cut off time of 30 minutes prior to the start time of the event to register. \nIf anyone would like assistance with joining the on-line Zoom sessions\, please contact the General Secretary or “MA-IT support” itsupport@midanc.uk \n  \n\nTitle: Breaking Down Brick Walls: Methods and Skills\nSpeaker: Mike Sharpe\nAll of us encounter ‘brick walls’ in our research. Indeed\, it can be argued that\nevery research line ends with a brick wall at some point. Going back to\nbasics\, professional genealogist Mike Sharpe will look at theoretical\nconcepts for our research\, as well as some practical approaches and skills for\nbecoming a better researcher. \nAspects discussed will include:-\nusing online information; reading old handwriting; understanding local context; making\nthe most of archives; family reconstitution; and using DNA in our research. \nMike Sharpe is a professional genealogist\, writer and lecturer and runs\nWriting the Past\, a family history research and writing service. He is a\nMember of the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives\n(AGRA)\, the Society of Genealogists\, as well as a Trustee and Vice-Chair\,\nGenealogy for Midland Ancestors. He writes for family history magazines\nand is the author of three books on family history.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/on-line-meeting-via-zoom/
LOCATION:Staffs
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings,On Line Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260211T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260211T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20251215T120037Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T221426Z
UID:19252-1770838200-1770845400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Kenilworth: "Thomas Stokes\, Apprentice" via Zoom
DESCRIPTION:As this is an online event\, you will need to register your interest via the link below:\nClick here to register for this meeting before 11th February 2026\nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \n  \nThe Life and Times of Thomas Stokes\, Apprentice\nSpeaker: Steve Manning \nA fascinating ‘how to do it’ family history adventure built around the indenture papers signed by Thomas Stokes of Yarwell\, Northamptonshire and his widowed mother in 1842. \nSteve’s interest in Family History began when he was still a teenager. Unsurprisingly\, his level of activity waxed and waned over the years as work and family needs took priority\, but that early enthusiasm never dimmed. Looking back with the wisdom of years\, he acknowledges much of his early research had serious shortcomings – but he has absolutely no regrets about having started out so young. \nSteve currently serves as both Chairman of the Family History Federation and President of the Peterborough & District Family History as well as being a member of various other family history societies. An enthusiastic public speaker\, he absolutely loves talking on his favourite topic – Family History! He is based on the Cambridgeshire / Lincolnshire / Norfolk border\, so delivering talks by Zoom works!
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/kenilworth-zoom-meeting/
LOCATION:Staffs
CATEGORIES:Kenilworth Meetings,On Line Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260223T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260223T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20251119T170235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260122T164927Z
UID:19038-1771855200-1771866000@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Course:  Introduction to Family History Research at Perton Library
DESCRIPTION:Week one of a five week course which is structured for beginners and those who have done a little research but do not know what to do next.   Each week covers a different topic with the first three being the basic building blocks of family history research. \nFind out how to …. \n\nget started in researching your family history\nlearn about the records which will help you\nfind the records and interpret them\ndiscover the heroes and rogues in your family\nreveal the truth behind your family tales\n\nSessions are on five consecutive Monday afternoons. \nEach session will last for between two and three hours and is completely free of charge.   Lots of handouts and guidance.  Always small friendly groups. \nIf you have to miss a session you will be able to catch up with that missing session on another course \nTo book a place please contact the library direct on 01902 506 050.  Places are limited so if you book a place but later change your mind about attending\, please notify the library to allow someone else to take up the place. \nFurther details are available from the organiser – contact detail below
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/course-introduction-to-family-history-research-at-perton-library/
LOCATION:Perton Library\, Severn Drive\, Perton\, Wolverhampton\, West Midlands\, WV6 7QU\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Classes,Public
ORGANIZER;CN="Penny Smith":MAILTO:wolverhamptonclasses@midanc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260224T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260224T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20251130T160933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251130T173002Z
UID:19127-1771959600-1771966800@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.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/heraldry-group-meeting-3/
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:20260225T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260225T123000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20260121T161454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T161640Z
UID:19610-1772013600-1772022600@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Course:   Introduction to Family History at Wombourne Library
DESCRIPTION:Week one of a five week course which is structured for beginners and those who have done a little research but do not know what to do next.   Each week covers a different topic with the first three being the basic building blocks of family history research. \nFind out how to …. \n\nget started in researching your family history\nlearn about the records which will help you\nfind the records and interpret them\ndiscover the heroes and rogues in your family\nreveal the truth behind your family tales\n\nSessions are on five consecutive Wednesday mornings beginning at 10 a.m. on 25th February 2026. \nEach session will last for between two and three hours and is completely free of charge.   Lots of handouts and guidance.  Always small friendly groups. \nIf you have to miss a session you will be able to catch up with that missing session on another course \nTo book a place please contact the library direct on 01902 506 055.  Places are limited so if you book a place but later change your mind about attending\, please notify the library to allow someone else to take up the place. \nFurther details are available from the organiser – contact detail below
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/course-introduction-to-family-history-at-wombourne-library/
LOCATION:Wombourne Library\, Church Road\, Wombourne\, South Staffordshire\, WV5 9EZ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Classes,Public
ORGANIZER;CN="Penny Smith":MAILTO:wolverhamptonclasses@midanc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260225T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260225T211500
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20251119T122726Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T165253Z
UID:18996-1772047800-1772054100@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Wolverhampton: Members Evening
DESCRIPTION:We invite members of the Wolverhampton group to consider sharing details of their own research.  You may like to tell the group about your discoveries whether this is your own family history or a topic or theme you have researched.  No-one is expected to speak for longer than they feel comfortable with however we do try to limit each person to approximately 15 minutes to give everyone a chance to ask questions and to make a contribution to the evening. \nDuring a similar evening in 2025 we learned of a connection to a lifeboat disaster\, a Swiss barometer maker and drownings of two different merchant seamen of the coast of South American all from just one member.  What will we learn this year? \nThere is plenty of FREE parking at our venue.  Doors open at 7.15 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. meeting start. \nPresenters:  our Group Members! \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/wolverhampton-members-evening/
LOCATION:Wolverhampton\, The Terry Harding Room\, Perton Civic Centre\, Church Road\, Perton\,\, Wolverhampton\, Staffordshire\, WV6 7PD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public,Wolverhampton Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="Claire Bullock":MAILTO:clairebullock706@btinternet.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260228T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260228T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20250415T104808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251102T143730Z
UID:16329-1772289000-1772294400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Stourbridge Group - J M W Turner and the Black Country
DESCRIPTION:J M W Turner and the Black Country\nSpeaker: Brendan Clifford\n \nVoted Britain’s favourite artist in a 2004 BBC Poll\, JMW Turner visited the Black Country and Birmingham area a couple of times during his life (1775-1851). The Talk covers the background of Turner’s interest in the area\, the watercolours he produced and specifically the tangled tale of what happened to his watercolour of Dudley.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/stourbridge-group-3/
LOCATION:Stourbridge\, St. Peter's Church Hall\, Pedmore\, West Midlands\, DY9 0SW\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public,Stourbridge Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="Paul Burkitt":MAILTO:p.burkitt@mid-anc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260302T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260302T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20260122T165234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260122T170058Z
UID:19618-1772479800-1772487000@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:North Staffs: Research
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/north-staffs-research/
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:20260302T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260302T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20260224T142850Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T142850Z
UID:19926-1772479800-1772487000@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Chartist Riots in Hanley in 1842
DESCRIPTION:2 March at 7.30 pm A Talk on The Chartist Riots in Hanley in 1842 by local Author Margaret Moxon  who has written fiction books based on Real events which she has researched.  Many family historians may wonder why there is a difficulty finding records from St. John’s Church Hanley and this is the reason. \nMargaret will have some of her books available for sale.  See https://maggiemoxom.artweb.com/maggiemoxomaol.com for more information about her books.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/chartist-riots-in-hanley-in-1842/
LOCATION:St. John’s Centre\, St. John’s Centre\, 122 Newcastle Rd. Trent Vale\, Stoke on Trent\, ST4 6QD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:North Staffs Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260307T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260307T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20260114T112014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T152119Z
UID:19515-1772892000-1772895600@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Posted in the Past - Zoom Talk
DESCRIPTION:Posted in the Past: Stories from 20th century postcards – via Zoom\nSpeaker – Helen Baggott\nA soldier killed in the First World War\, the man who helped keep the doors to Great Ormond Street Hospital open for more than 30 years\, and a 10-year-old servant working for a laundress in 19th-century Bath are all revealed by messages sent using the first real social media phenomenon of the 20th century. Drawing on the research from her collection of more than 300 postcards\, Helen will share some of the stories in an illustrated talk. \n \n \nAs this is an online event\, you will need to register your interest via the link below:\nClick here to register for this meeting before 7th March 2026\nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. \nPlease use the email address we have on record as your credentials will be checked before allowing you into the session. There will be a cut off time of 30 minutes prior to the start time of the event to register. \n\n  \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/posted-in-the-past-zoom-talk/
LOCATION:Staffs
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings,On Line Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260311T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260311T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20251215T120424Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T163412Z
UID:19255-1773257400-1773264600@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Kenilworth: "Fatal Transport Accidents"
DESCRIPTION:“Let my quick fate a warning be…” Fatal Transport Accidents in the West Midlands\, 1820s-1920s\nSpeaker: Quintin Watt \nThis illustrated presentation deals with various accidents that involved the region’s stage-coaches\, canals\, railways and trams. How and why did these shocking events occur\, and who was to blame? What ‘Health & Safety’ lessons were learnt from these many tragic mishaps? \nQuintin taught History at a high school in Bromsgrove for 39 years. He has completed two Masters Degrees\, in West Midlands Regional History and Britain and the First World War. He has written articles for local history magazines and edited two books –  the Bromsgrove Guild – An Illustrated History and Wolverhampton’s Great War\, 1914-1921. Quintin served as secretary and chairman of the Bromsgrove Society’s Local History group and the Wolverhampton Society as well as the Black Country Society.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/kenilworth/
LOCATION:Kenilworth Centre\, Abbey End\, Kenilworth\, CV8 1QJ\, Abbey End\, Kenilworth\, CV8 1QJ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Kenilworth Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260314T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260314T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115120
CREATED:20260106T221446Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T095932Z
UID:19391-1773482400-1773504000@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Family History Show: Malvern Showground
DESCRIPTION:Family History Show: Malvern Showground\nSaturday 14th March 2026\nSee all the details here\n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/family-history-show-malvern-showground/
LOCATION:Malvern Three Counties Showground\, WR13 6NW\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Fairs,Public
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR