Midland Ancestors

Birmingham Hybrid: Group AGM followed by Lunatick Astronomy
2022-05-04 14:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
Lunatick Astronomy
Presenter Andrew Lound
The Lunar Society was one of the most influential groups in the 18th century, no aspect of science and industry was overlooked at their monthly dinner parties. Although the development of the steam engine and coinage production became the main focus for Matthew Boulton, he had developed a passion for astronomy. Andrew will tell us the story of the Lunar Society’s interest in astronomy based on new research that has revealed some surprising facts!
A dramatic presentation beautifully illustrated and accompanied by music and presented with 18th Century flair! You won’t want to miss this one.
Andrew is well known local speaker and commentator and has appeared numerous times on local radio and television.
Andrews presentation will be preceded by –
Annual General Meeting
Do not be put off by the AGM also being at the time of this meeting. At Midland Ancestors, the record time for the AGM is about 7 minutes. We try to better it each year.

This will be a Zoom Hybrid Meeting taking place in the Birmingham meeting Rooms and virtually.
To see more about how the business part of the afternoon will work and how to Register – Click Here
Visit this page to find out how Zoom works for us.

Note that this meeting is the time of year when we have moved from a Saturday to a Wednesday.

Bank Holiday
2022-05-02
Early May Bank Holiday

Wolverhampton: Scandal at The Star Theatre
2022-04-27 19:30 - 21:30 | Wolverhampton, The Terry Harding Room, Perton Civic Centre, Church Road, Perton,, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, WV6 7PD, United Kingdom
An evening talk by Kate Hartland-Westwood.
Kate will be discussing real events that took place at the Star Theatre in Wolverhampton. In 1895 a local theatre owner was accused of assaulting three girls but what really happened?

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

Executive Committee Meeting
2022-04-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Online Event Using Zoom
Executive Committee Meeting
To which satellite group committee representative members are invited

Stourbridge: Group Open Day & Family History Workshop
2022-04-23 11:00 - 16:00 | Stourbridge, St. Peter's Church Hall, Pedmore, West Midlands, DY9 0SW, United Kingdom
Grow your family tree with Midland Ancestors
The Stourbridge Group throw their doors open to the local community and invite them to come along to St. Peters Church Hall in Pedmore and see who we are.
Grow your family tree with our expert advice and free access to the groups family history resources. Learn how to use the three different search methods with Find My Past, get access and guidance with Family Search, and library version of Ancestry. Find how to use your local BMD website to access records from your local register office. There will also be available access to the Midland Ancestors Family History Centre and Library resources in Birmingham via remote link.
Refreshments available
Do please note that this meeting is not a Tuesday evening but a Saturday

Bank Holiday
2022-04-18
Easter Monday Friday Bank Holiday

Bank Holiday
2022-04-15
Good Friday Bank Holiday

Kenilworth: 'Heir Hunting'
2022-04-13 19:30 - 21:00 | Kenilworth, Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End,, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1QJ, United Kingdom
A talk by Helen Ball BA MCLIP FPAR (rescheduled from 13 October 2021)
Helen is a a Family Historian turned Professional Probate Researcher and will tell about her work.

Bromsgrove: No meeting
2022-04-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, 19 Stratford Road, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 1AS, United Kingdom
Due to an alternate history event in the town, MA Bromsgrove will not meet in April.

Birmingham Hybrid : From Ennis to Emmie - A Postcard Exchange
2022-04-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
From Ennis to Emmie – A Postcard Exchange
A presentation by John Frearson
John will tell us the story of a post card exchange from the early 1900s, and tracking down the senders and their families. How the finding of a series of postcards allowed the sender and her family to be tracked down – family history and postcard history, as well as examples of cards and photographs of the period.
John is a retired construction materials consultant, turned family, company and local historian, researcher, lecturer and author. He is a member of the Guild of One Name Studies [GOONS] and also the Rugby Family History Group and Leicestershire Local History Society. He lives in Rugby and has written a number of articles for his local history magazine, and written and published some 18 local industrial history and family history books.

This will be a Zoom Hybrid Meeting taking place in the Birmingham meeting Rooms and virtually.
Those who intend to participate using Zoom can Register by using this link – Click Here
Visit this page to find out how we do it.

Those who live within reach are encouraged and will be most welcome to take part in the meeting rooms in Birmingham

Note that this meeting is the time of year when we move from a Saturday to a Wednesday.

London: Talk on 'The Startin family and the development of their coach building business'
2022-04-02 10:30 - 12:30 | Wesley’s Chapel and Leysian Mission, 49 City Road, London, EC1Y 1AU, United Kingdom
Talk: Barbara Harvey and Andy Startin: The Startin family and the development of their coach building business”.
Wesley’s Chapel and Leysian Mission, 49 City Road, London EC1Y 1AU. Doors open 10:00.
Underground stations: Old Street (due to building works at Old Street, please use subway 3) (Northern Line City Branch)
Moorgate (Northern, Circle and Metropolitan Lines).
Buses: 21, 43, 55, 76, 141, 205, 214, 243, 271
Railway Stations: Old Street, Moorgate, Liverpool Street, City ThamesLink, Farringdon

Wolverhampton: TBA
2022-03-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Wolverhampton, The Terry Harding Room, Perton Civic Centre, Church Road, Perton,, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, WV6 7PD, United Kingdom
This will be an afternoon meeting. Doors open at 1.45 p.m.

Details will be announced shortly.

Stourbridge: Louis Etienne Goulé, Part Two
2022-03-26 14:30 - 16:00 | Stourbridge, St. Peter's Church Hall, Pedmore, West Midlands, DY9 0SW, United Kingdom
Louis Etienne Goulé, Part Two with Wendy Larmour
Following on from her talk of September 2018, Wendy will tell us part two of the enthralling story of Louis Etienne Goulé and a Threadbare Wellington Quilt.
We are moved to consider whether his son was mad, bad, or insane. Wendy says that this is just one of the important questions that need exploring in the continuing search to discover the truth behind village gossip and folklore surrounding Louis Etienne Goulé, Surgeon of Ombersley. Wendy will ask us the audience to act as judge and jury in this fascinating tale.

On Line Event: Shady Rock Clent - Kingsley Norris Memorial Lecture
2022-03-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Online Event Using Zoom
Shady Rock Clent – A History in House Deeds.
A Presentation by Linda Newey, BA Dip Gen QA
Linda has an impressive pedigree – BA DipGen QA, of Four Oaks Genealogy, AGRA member, Pharos tutor and advanced programme mentor and (of course!) editor of our quarterly journal The Midland Ancestors. Lindas talk traces the history of Shady Rock Cottage, Clent Stourbridge, Worcestershire and those that called it home – including her own family, as revealed in house deeds dating back to 1798.

This will be a Zoom only meeting. Rearranged time, was prev 5th March
You can Register now by using this link – Shady Rock
Visit this page to find out how we do it.

The Kingsley Norris Memorial Lecture is always by a society member.
It was from a germ of an idea of Dr. Stuart Kingsley Norris, retired surgeon at Birmingham Eye Hospital, that BMSGH now Midland Ancestors, was established in 1963. As its pioneering founder member, after his untimely death in 1972, this annual lecture was set up in his memory.
Note that this meeting is on a Wednesday afternoon.

Kenilworth: Members' Special - Getting back to business live!
2022-03-09 19:30 - 21:00 | Kenilworth, Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End,, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1QJ, United Kingdom
An informal get-together, 2 years after we last met face-to-face. Come and renew acquaintance, and share what you’ve been doing.

Bromsgrove: Coroner’s Inquest Records
2022-03-08 19:30 - 21:00 | Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, 19 Stratford Road, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 1AS, United Kingdom
Speaker: Liz Palmer.
Liz is a former librarian and archivist at Birmingham Archives and will share her in-depth knowledge of this fascinating record set.

Course: Introduction to Family History
2022-03-08 14:15 - 16:30 | Perton Library, Severn Drive, Perton, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV6 7QU, United Kingdom
A FREE five week course run by Midland Ancestors at Perton Library.
This is a course run by Midland Ancestors for complete beginners or those who have done a little research and don’t know where to go next.
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.

Places are limited and booking must be made through our host, Perton library, direct on 01902 755794. If you book a place but later change your mind about attending please notify library to allow someone else to take up the place.
Tuesday afternoon from 8th March to 5th April inclusive.

Executive Committee Meeting
2022-03-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Online Event Using Zoom
Executive Committee Meeting
To which satellite group representative committee members are invited

Stourbridge: A Yeomanry Trooper with Lawrence of Arabia
2022-02-26 14:30 - 16:00 | Stourbridge, St. Peter's Church Hall, Pedmore, West Midlands, DY9 0SW, United Kingdom
A Yeoman Trooper with Lawrence of Arabia by Janet Byard-Jones
Trooper Thorne, of the Warwickshire Yeomanry, was involved in the Gallipoli campaign in November/December 1915, when he set sail for Egypt. He became batman to Captain George Lloyd in January 1916 and spent the rest of the war in this position. Captain Lloyd was reporting to the Government on the Arab campaign and, later what T E Lawrence was doing in the Middle East.
Janet’s dad kept a diary of this time and took many photographs of people and places he visited.
Do please note that this meeting is not on the usual Tuesday evening but a Saturday afternoon.

Wolverhampton: Prince Rupert of The Rhine - King Charles I's Pirate Prince
2022-02-23 19:30 - 21:30 | Wolverhampton, The Terry Harding Room, Perton Civic Centre, Church Road, Perton,, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, WV6 7PD, United Kingdom
An exciting presentation by Max Keen who will be dressed in period costume.
Prince Rupert was the nephew of King Charles I and one of the English Civil War’s most paradoxical heroes. Handsome, impetuous and courageous, he was the epitome of the ‘Cavalier’, yet he was born a German prince and a protestant. As the Royalist General of Horse, he was a brilliant strategist, but a volatile and impetuous tactician. He also served the royalist cause as an Admiral and in later life commanded fleets against the Dutch.

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

On Line Event: Heir Hunting: The Real Deal
2022-02-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Online Event Using Zoom
Heir Hunting: The Real Deal
Presenter Kirsty Gray
Born in Stourbridge now based in Calne, Wiltshire, Kirsty Gray is a professional genealogist and probate researcher/heir hunter.As well as a freelance author and well known speaker on the family history circuit, Kirsty is the founder of THE Genealogy Show. Kirsty’s talk will shed light on how heir hunters really do their work and give us an insight as to what is the ‘Real Deal’ in the industry.
An On line event using Zoom. Visit this page to find out how we do it.
You can Register now by using this link – Heir Hunting
All Registrants will be acknowledged with joining instructions included, Registration closes 12:00 noon the the prior. Meeting times are prompt, please allow yourself good time. “Doors Open” at 1:30 pm for 2:00pm start.
All Midland Ancestors presentations are the intellectual property of the speaker presenting. Copying oor Recording any event, in any way is striclty prohibited without the express permission of the speaker. Midland Ancestors cannot be held responsible for any illegal copying or recording that may take place.

Kenilworth: 'Fred Hancox - An Exceptional Edwardian Amateur Coventry Photographer'
2022-02-09 19:30 - 21:00 | Online Event Using Zoom
A talk by David Fry, a researcher and author from Coventry, who has been giving talks for over 25 years. David describes this talk:
“Twenty years ago a few glass plates turned up at a car boot sale in Warwickshire. This led to the discovery of many more that had been found in the attic of a house in Earlsdon. With a lot of detective work the photographer tuned out to be a Coventry carpenter born in 1876 who appeared to take up the hobby in about 1900. Unusually he not only captured family life and holidays but also his workplace, events in the city, sporting events and military life from his time in the Royal Warwickshire Territorials. It is unusual to find such an extensive collection of working class amateur photographs from a period when the hobby was so expensive – normally it would be the domain of the middle classes with their own particular cultural interests.
“David has developed several talks, based on this catch of plates that have evolved as more has been found out about Hancox. He will put together aspects from all three for our delight.
“The first is a general view of the collection based mainly upon the pre-war years. The second includes more views from this early period as well as the inter-war years reflecting the additional information uncovered about some of the individuals shown in the pictures as well as holiday fashions – the family were always at the cutting edge of fashion! The third talk brings the extra dimension of the recent contact made with Hancox grandson’s which revealed more material on Hancox’s early life together with a few more photos.”
I’m sure he’s going to leave us wanting more!
—
We are pleased to announce that David has agreed to give this talk online using Zoom. Registration is now OPEN
You can register by using this link: Fred Hancox: An exceptional Edwardian amateur Coventry photographer
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you lose the link for any reason, just re-register to receive a new one.
“Doors Open” at 7:15pm for 7:30pm start.
Meeting times are prompt, please allow yourself good time, especially if you’re using Zoom for the first time.
Visit this page to find out how we do it.
All registrants will be acknowledged with joining instructions included.
All Midland Ancestors presentations are the intellectual property of the speaker presenting. Copying or recording any event in any way is strictly prohibited without the express permission of the speaker. Midland Ancestors cannot be held responsible for any illegal copying or recording that may take place during this event.

Birmingham: On the Trail of The Pilgrim Fathers
2022-02-05 14:00 - 16:00 | Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
On the Trail of The Pilgrim Fathers – CANCELLED
Speaker: J Keith Cheetham
The Pilgrim Fathers stand out in history as the best remembered of all American colonists and over one million North Americans count them as their ancestors. The Pilgrims were the first group to found their own colony and run it on a system of administration and obedience which was the forerunner of the established American tradition of government. Yet who were these people and from where did the name ‘Pilgrim Fathers’ originate?
Keith traces their story from various parts of England, first to Holland then on their epic journey to the New World on the Mayflower in 1620.
Previously planned for March 2019, rescheduled due to CV 19
Note that this meeting is on a Saturday afternoon.

Course: Introduction to Family History
2022-02-01 14:15 - 16:30 | Perton Library, Severn Drive, Perton, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV6 7QU, United Kingdom
A FREE five week course run by Midland Ancestors at Perton Library.
This is a course run by Midland Ancestors for complete beginners or those who have done a little research and don’t know where to go next.
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.

Places are limited and booking must be made through our host, Perton library, direct on 01902 755794. If you book a place but later change your mind about attending please notify library to allow someone else to take up the place.
Tuesday afternoon from 1st February to 1st March inclusive.

Online Event - Introduction to the 1921 Census
2022-01-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Online Event Using Zoom
Introducing the 1921 Census of England & Wales
A Presentation by Myko Clelland
The 1921 Census of England and Wales is here. Join Findmypast for an unmissable exploration of the biggest new arrival in family history. After years spent digitising and transcribing this unique snapshot of our recent history, discover the stories and secrets contained within. Along with the historical context, tips for effective searching and using it to trace elusive relatives, we’ll learn how the 1921 Census will help you understand your ancestors’ lives better. And your own.
This detailed snapshot of 38 million lives will be available on line from 6th January.
Midland Ancestors has been able to get Myko Clelland, Regional Licensing & Outreach Manager at Findmypast to tell us all about it and how we can use it to enhance the knowledge of our ancestors.
Myko (aka The Dapper Historian) has family roots in our area so is ideally placed to be giving us this presentation.

An Online event using Zoom. Visit this page to find out how we do it.
You can Register now by using this link – 1921 Census

Registration closes at 12:00 noon the day prior, be in good time or be disappointed. It is anticipated there will be high demand for this presentation, there is no limit on numbers but someone has to press the buttons, along with walking the dog, preping the lunch, washing and ironing etc.
All registrants will be acknowledged with joining instructions included. Meeting times are prompt, please allow yourself good time. “Doors Open” at 1:30 pm for 2:00 pm start.

All Midland Ancestors presentations are the intellectual property of the speaker presenting. Copying or recording any event in any way is strictly prohibited without the express permission of the speaker. Midland Ancestors cannot be held responsible for any illegal copying or recording that may take place during this event.

Wolverhampton: 1921 Census Presentation
2022-01-26 13:45 - 16:30 | Perton Library, Severn Drive, Perton, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV6 7QU, United Kingdom
Due to rising Covid infection rates, the meeting at this venue is Cancelled but prospective attendees will still be able to join in with the event on Zoom.
You can Register from this page – Click Here
Join the Wolverhampton group meeting, in person, in the Terry Harding Room at Perton Civic Centre when we link in with the zoom presentation by Myko Clelland on the 1921 Census. This will is an opportunity for members old and new to catch up with friends if you have not already attended a meeting at our new location.
This is an afternoon meeting and doors open at 1.45 p.m for a 2.00 p.m. start.
There is plenty of free parking (entrance to car park next to Sainsbury’s petrol station).

Stourbridge: AGM followed by Society Resources
2022-01-22 14:30 - 16:00 | Online Event Using Zoom
Society Resources & Website
A presentation by Caroline Mason and Phil Lamb
Caroline is a long time volunteer worker at the group Family History Centre, the little used resource at the BMI in Birmingham, she will tell us what can be found there. Phil will give us a tour of the society website.
This meeting will be preceded by the AGM which should take no time at all.
Do please note that this meeting is not on the usual Tuesday evening but a Saturday afternoon.

Executive Committee Meeting
2022-01-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Online Event Using Zoom
Executive Committee Meeting
To which satellite group committee representatives are invited.

Birmingham: Motor Ambulance Units during WW1 - CANCELLED
2022-01-15 14:00 - 16:00 | Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
Sadly Cancelled due to Covid

The History of The Friends’ Ambulance Unit Motor Ambulance Convoy during WW1
A Presentation by Paul Handford MBE
The talk looks at the experiences of those individuals who, for conscience and other reasons, chose to serve in the non-combatant Friends’ Ambulance Unit (Quakers) during World War I. Paul will explore the evolution of the Unit, the main area of work of the Unit – Motorised Ambulance Convoys recovering the wounded, and the impact conscription had on the individuals and the organization, including the experiences of Laurence Cadbury of the famous Cadbury family. Paul will also reflect on those members who lost their lives while serving with the FAU.
Pauls talk is supported by many rare original photographs from his own private collection and will also consider the research opportunities for the subject.
Paul is Chair of the Military History Society of the West Midlands Police and has a specific interest in ambulance units and VAD’s of the 1st World War.
Note that this meeting is on a Saturday afternoon.

Kenilworth: 'Beer, Bets and Bullbaiting'
2022-01-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Online Event Using Zoom
A talk by Mary Bodfish. Mary hails from Smethwick, West Midlands, and has been researching her family history – and more! – for many years, and giving talks for over 20 years.
Our forebears revelled in bull-baitings, cockfighting, boxing matches and abominable drunkenness; especially in the Black Country. The boozy, bloody amusements of the working classes rose and fell – and something remains of them today.
—
We are pleased to announce that Mary has agreed to give this talk online using Zoom. Registration is now OPEN
You can register by using this link: Beer, Bets and Bull-baiting
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If you lose the link for any reason, just re-register to receive a new one.
“Doors Open” at 7:15pm for 7:30pm start.
Meeting times are prompt, please allow yourself good time, especially if you’re using Zoom for the first time.
Visit this page to find out how we do it.
All registrants will be acknowledged with joining instructions included.
All Midland Ancestors presentations are the intellectual property of the speaker presenting. Copying or recording any event in any way is strictly prohibited without the express permission of the speaker. Midland Ancestors cannot be held responsible for any illegal copying or recording that may take place during this event.
