Midland Ancestors

Family History Beginners Course
2023-06-06 14:00 - 17:00, 2023-06-13 14:00 - 17:00, 2023-06-20 14:00 - 17:00, 2023-06-27 14:00 - 17:00, 2023-07-04 14:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | Perton Library, Severn Drive, Perton, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV6 7QU, United Kingdom
Family History Course
Find out how to ….

get started in researching your family history
learn about the records which will help you
find the records and interpret them
discover the heroes and rogues in your family
reveal the truth behind your family tales

This is a FREE five week course, held at Perton Library, on Tuesday afternoons beginning at 2.00 p.m.
Places are limited and booking is required. To book a place please call the library direct on 01902 506 050
If you book a place but later change your mind about attending please notify library to allow someone else to take up the place

Family History Course - Who Were Your Ancestors?
2023-06-09 10:15 - 13:00, 2023-06-16 10:15 - 13:00, 2023-06-23 10:15 - 13:00, 2023-06-30 10:15 - 13:00, 2023-07-07 10:15 - 13:00, 2023-07-14 10:15 - 13:00 | Wolverhampton Archives, Molineux House, Whitmore Hill, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SF
Family History Course
Family history course for beginners. Find out how to get started in researching your family history and learn about the records which will help you. Discover the heroes and rogues in your family and reveal the truth.
New six week course at Wolverhampton City Archives. Each session lasts between two and three hours. There is a small charge for this course of £30 payable to the Archives.
To book a place call 01902 552 480

Birmingham: Birmingham Middlemore Emigration Homes
2023-06-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
Due To Unforeseen Circumstances a Change of Date and Speaker
The Birmingham Middlemore Emigration Homes between 1873 and 1954
Stories of the Lost Children. A Presentation by Val Hart.
Vals presentation is about the work of the Middlemore Homes in Birmingham who emigrated over 5000 children to Canada and Australia between 1873 and 1954. In the days to 1926 the children went to families living in remote farms in Eastern Canada. Later children were taken to Fairbridge Farm Schools in both Western Canada and Australia.
The future lives of these children varied enormously – there are tales of happiness and achievement as well as tales of great sadness. Val will explain John Middlemore’s intentions in founding the Homes and also shine a spotlight on a few of the children, tracing what happened to them, with material supplied both by relatives and archival research.

Annual General Meeting
The AGM scheduled for 13th May will reconvene, it having been adjourned due to there being no quorum present. It will proceed in accordance with Clause 10h of the Constitution.

Introduction to Family History Course
2023-06-12 10:30 - 13:00, 2023-06-19 10:30 - 13:00, 2023-06-26 10:30 - 13:00, 2023-07-03 10:30 - 13:00 | Codsall Library, South Staffs Council Offices, Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, Wolverhampton, WV8 1PX
A FREE five week course for beginners and those who have done a little research but do not know what to do next. Designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to find and interpret the records to build your family history. Held at Codsall Library.
Places are limited and must be booked through the library by calling 01902 506 060

Bromsgrove: The Malvern Cold-Water Cure
2023-06-13 19:30 - 21:00 | Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, 19 Stratford Road, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 1AS, United Kingdom
The Malvern Cold-Water Cure (or Victims for Weeks in Wet Sheets).
Speaker: John Harcup

Kenilworth: 'Modelling Kinship: Are we related?'
2023-06-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Kenilworth, Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End,, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1QJ, United Kingdom
Speaker: Dr ALan C Smith

This is an in-person meeting at The Kenilworth Centre

Cancelled - Stourbridge: 'Sir William Marshall, the Greatest Knight'
2023-06-20 19:30 - 21:00 | Stourbridge, St. Peter's Church Hall, Pedmore, West Midlands, DY90SW, United Kingdom
This Presentation is Cancelled due to COVID. We need to keep everybody safe, especially with the age profile of the audience. Apologies.
‘Sir William Marshall, The Greatest Knight’

Speaker: Max Keen
Stourbridge Group – Midland Ancestors welcomes back Max Keen to tell us the remarkable story of the 13th century English knight, the power behind five English thrones.

On Line – Family History Workshop
2023-06-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Event Using Zoom
Family History Workshop by Members
An On Line Members Meeting where you can hear about other members research experiences. You can learn how they knocked down their brick walls, what new websites they found, how they got to grips with better known sites, any obscure or lesser known websites, archives offices or libraries, or tackled computer problems. What Tips & Tricks they might have to help with research or help with software they might use. All the issues that family historians frequently come up against. In essence, a Midland Ancestors Self Help Workshop.
Please get in touch by email eventsonline@mid-anc.uk if you have a query or are stuck somewhere and we will raise it in the workshop.

These meetings will be fairly loose format and will go where they lead. If you would like to make a contribution, please get in touch. You do not need to be an experienced researcher.
The success of the format is entirely dependent upon the members. It is in your hands. Many people have asked if we will be running any Zoom meetings in the future, now is your chance to help out.
An Online event using Zoom. Visit this page to find out how we do it.
To Register Click here – FH Workshop

Wolverhampton: The Man who Mapped the Arctic
2023-06-28 19:30 - 21:30 | Wolverhampton, The Terry Harding Room, Perton Civic Centre, Church Road, Perton,, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, WV6 7PD, United Kingdom
This talk begins with the tale of a family bible, pre-internet research, a single name society, and the discovery of a famous ancestor, George Back, who charted the fabled North West Passage. Our speaker, Nigel Metcalfe, will share his research and discoveries with us but most importantly tell us the story of a famous ancestor.
Doors open at 7.15 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. start

Birmingham: Mobility in Your Family History
2023-07-01 14:00 - 16:00 | Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
Mobility in Your Family History
Presenter – Dr. Mike Haynes
Human beings are always restless. Throughout history we have moved in different ways. We can migrate to live in different places. But mobility is something different. It is about our journeys to work, to school, the trips to the shops, our holidays. Mobility takes us from our homes and back again. This talk is about how this mobility has changed over the last centuries – the first railway trips our ancestors took, their travel to work, their holidays. Who was the first to have a cycle, a driving licence, a car. And when did we first take to the air?
Emeritus professor Mike, has appeared on Radio Four (Thinking Aloud, More or Less, PM), Radio 2 (the Jeremy Vine Show), TV ( News 24, Midlands Today), local radio and in Wetherspoons News. He has written for the local and national press and authored, co-authored and edited five books. His published research has ranged across British and European history to the story of death and killing in war onto the controversies about the economy today whether at home or globally.

Taking place in the BMI

London: Kathy Chater - Insanity
2023-07-08 10:15 - 12:30 | Wesley’s Chapel and Leysian Mission, 49 City Road, London, EC1Y 1AU, United Kingdom
This talk offers clues about possible sufferers from mental illness in the family, what kinds of records there are and where to look for them. Kathy Chater has been tracing her own ancestry for over forty years. She is the author of My Ancestor Was A Lunatic (2014); Tracing Your Huguenot Ancestors (2012); The Reformation in 100 Facts (2016) and Tracing Your Family Tree in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales (2nd ed. 2008).
Meetings held at Wesley’s Chapel and Leysian Mission, 49 City Road, London, EC1Y 1AU. Doors open 9:45 (coffee, tea & biscuits, some recyclable cups provided, but if you can bring your own it would help) talks start 10.15.

Kenilworth: Summer Social and Members' Meeting
2023-07-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Kenilworth, Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End,, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1QJ, United Kingdom

Stourbridge Group - Evening visit to Enville Church and its interesting churchyard
2023-07-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Stourbridge, St. Peter's Church Hall, Pedmore, West Midlands, DY90SW, United Kingdom
Evening visit to Enville Church and its interesting churchyard

On Line – Family History Workshop
2023-07-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Event Using Zoom
Family History Workshop by Members
An On Line Members Meeting where you can hear about other members research experiences. You can learn how they knocked down their brick walls, what new websites they found, how they got to grips with better known sites, any obscure or lesser known websites, archives offices or libraries, or tackled computer problems. What Tips & Tricks they might have to help with research or help with software they might use. All the issues that family historians frequently come up against. In essence, a Midland Ancestors Self Help Workshop.
Last month there was a focus on maps and mapping and how that can help you where your ancestor was living. Highlighted were Ordnance Survey Maps generally, Planning Approvals maps, Fire Insurance maps, Tithe & Enclosure Maps, Chas Booth Poverty Maps. Some excellent contributions
Please get in touch by email eventsonline@mid-anc.uk if you have a query or are stuck somewhere and we will raise it in the workshop.

These meetings will be fairly loose format and will go where they lead. If you would like to make a contribution, please get in touch. You do not need to be an experienced researcher.
The success of the format is entirely dependent upon the members. It is in your hands. Many people have asked if we will be running any Zoom meetings in the future, now is your chance to help out.
An Online event using Zoom. Visit this page to find out how we do it.
To Register, Click here – FH Workshop

Family History Surgery & Help Desk
2023-07-22 10:00 - 16:00 | Warstone Lane Cemetery, Warstone Lane, B18 6AR, United Kingdom
Family History Surgery & Help Desk
Midland Ancestors can help you grow your family tree. We can help you find your ancestors buried at Warstone Lane Cemetery, Key Hill Cemetery.
At the Jewellery Quarter Festival 22nd July.
Enquire at our gazebo in Warstone Lane Cemetery today.
Free Entry – Tickets available thru Eventbrite here – Surgery & Help Desk

Wolverhampton: The History of the Former Wolverhampton Royal and Eye Hospitals
2023-07-26 19:30 - 21:30 | Wolverhampton, The Terry Harding Room, Perton Civic Centre, Church Road, Perton,, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, WV6 7PD, United Kingdom
This will be a DVD presentation by Roy Stallard, a well known Wolverhampton hospital historian who will share his knowledge of the history of these iconic local Wolverhampton hospitals from his extensive research and experience of working there.
Unfortunately Roy is no longer able to present in person but he has very kindly provided us with a copy of his DVD’s to share with the Wolverhampton group.

Doors open at 7.15 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. start

National Archives Introductory Session
2023-07-29 10:00 - 12:30 | Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
National Archives Familiarisation
Intended for those who have possibly wanted to visit the National Archives, found their website a little daunting and then left it at that. Also for those who have visited perhaps just once and felt they have not had the best out of it.
This is a group participation live computer assessment of the TNA website and their Discovery search engine, finding out how to be undaunted by it so that you can make the most of your visit.
You can use your own laptop or suitable mobile device and tap in to the BMI WiFi or use the society computers. Lasts about 2 ½ hours, places strictly limited. Includes some handouts and time for some 1 to 1 afterwards. Takes place in the group Family History Centre, the Kingsley Norris Room at the BMI. You can register your interest through the email address below.
Cost is just £5 in advance which can be considered as part payment for a seat on either of the next two coaches to Kew.
Always subject to there being enough interest anyway in the subsequent outing to Kew, Register your interest for this session by emailing coachtrips@mid-anc.uk
Get back to the Trips page here

Birmingham Heraldry Conference
2023-08-07 10:00 - 16:30 | The Council lHouse, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B1 1BB
The Fifth Free Birmingham Heraldry Conference
Arranged jointly by The Heraldry Society and Midland Ancestors (Birmingham and Midland Society for Genealogy & Heraldry)
and with The Birmingham Heraldry Project

The Theme will be Fabulous Beasts
In Memory of and as Tribute to the late Ralph Brocklebank

Click the image at right to download a flyer

Presentations include –
A Miscellany of Monstrous Meanderings by Dr Bernard Juby, Hon FHS
Pegasus: A Personal Perspective by W. Howard Connell, BA (Dunelm), LLM (Leicester), LLM (Cardiff), FSA Scot.
John Withies 17th cent Book of Monsters by Dr Paul A Fox,F.S.A., AIH.,
Fabulous Beast – A Differenced Kelly Enfield by Tony Kelly, FRSA
The Audley Beast by David Phillips
A Griffin Proper by Andrew Gray, F.H.S., AIH.,
From Nessie to Biscione – Ferocious Beasts of Scotland and Italy By Liam Devlin, Rothesay Herald of Arms
The Maltese Heraldic Authority, A Most Fabulous Beast by Richard d’Apice, AM., AIH., FSAG.
The Queens Beasts by Mike Scott Rumble, CMgr., FCMI., Chair, The White Lion Society
The Fabulous Pantheon by Stephen Szabo, BA(Syd)., FSAScot.
The Brocklebank Approach: How Ralph Helped Me by Robert Noel, Norroy and Ulster King of Arms.

Taking place over two days in –
The Chamberlain Room, Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham B1 1BB.
With a Celebration Dinner set for Monday evening at Edgbaston Hall.

We are delighted that Robert Noel, Norroy and Ulster King of Arms, has agreed to serve as President of the Conference.

Click the image at right to download Menu details and Booking Form
