Midland Ancestors

On Line Event: Heir Hunting: The Real Deal
2022-02-16 14:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | 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!
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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.
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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.

London: Talk and tour of the Foundling Museum - CANCELLED
2022-01-08 10:00 - 13:00 | West Midlands
Sadly Cancelled due to Covid
A visit to The Foundling Museum – guided tour starts at 10:30.
40 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk
Nearest underground stations Russell Square (5 minutes’ walk), Kings Cross/St Pancras & Euston (10 minutes’ walk). Buses 7, 59, 68, 91, 98, 168 & 188.
More details will be available in December – charge £10 per head for a full day at the museum.

New Years Day
2022-01-03 | West Midlands
New Years Day Bank Holiday (substitute day)

Boxing Day
2021-12-28 | West Midlands
Bank Holiday Substitute Day

Christmas Day substitute
2021-12-27 | West Midlands

Christmas Day
2021-12-25 | West Midlands
Actual Christmas Day

Bromsgrove: (no meeting)
2021-12-14 19:30 | Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, 19 Stratford Road, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 1AS, United Kingdom
No meeting for Bromsgrove Group in December

Kenilworth: Members' Evening and Christmas Social
2021-12-08 19:30 - 21:00 | Kenilworth, Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End,, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1QJ, United Kingdom
Family History Workshop or Members’ Evening. Topic to be confirmed.
Christmas Social
Visitors are invited to bring a festive plate of food for one, which can be shared. We’ll provide the sparkling refreshments.

On Line Event: My Millward Family - Kingsley Norris Memorial Lecture
2021-12-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Online Event Using Zoom
Re-scheduled, New Date & On Line. Not in the BMI

My Millward Family – 50 Years Of Research
A Presentation by Jackie Cotterill
Jackie says – This is the story of researching my paternal family and what started as a journey of hope, after 50 years, I am no further forward – or back – than when I started in 1969. But what it does show is just how researching your family history has changed over the years.
Jackie is, as we would expect, an avid genealogist. She has been a family historian for more than 50 years.

Door Prize
Kindly donated by Steph Russell, today we have a “Door Prize” which is a copy of Family Tree Maker software to assist with recording your family history research. To be eligible all you have to do is be in attendance on the day. A name will be selected at random from the Register of Participants at the end of the meeting and the result announced immediately.
Family Tree Maker for pc or Mac, download normally priced at £79.95 – thank you Steph

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.

An Online event using Zoom. Visit this page to find out how we do it.
You can Register now by using this link – Millward Family
All registrants will be acknowledged with joining instructions included, Registration closes at 12:00 noon the day prior. 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.

Online Event - Why Pay ??
2021-11-17 14:00 - 15:30 | Online Event Using Zoom
Why Pay For Information From the Internet ?
Presenter – John Hanson FSG
No one likes to pay for information unless they have to and, whilst there is an increasing trend towards more information going into pay per view sites, there is still a lot around for free – if you know where and how to look. This talk looks at some of the interesting sites that enable you to find the free information but also points out the limitations of not paying.
John has been researching family history for nearly 40 years, is a member of the Guild of One-Name studies and former trustee of the Society of Genealogists for 14 years. He has been lecturing on and teaching family history for nearly 20 years including at Who Do You Think You Are Live. He is Currently the Research Director for the Halsted Trust.

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

All registrants will be acknowledged with joining instructions included, Registration closes at 12:00 noon the day prior. 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.

Stourbridge: My Family Heirloom
2021-11-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Stourbridge, St. Peter's Church Hall, Pedmore, West Midlands, DY9 0SW, United Kingdom
My Family Heirloom
Members are invited to bring in a family heirloom, photograph or interesting article that they cherish, pertaining to their Family History and to do a short presentation describing the item.
There will be seasonal refreshments, mulled wine and soft drinks. Jean is making us a fruit cake and there will be a chance to chat and catch up with friends .
Please let Vicky know if you have an item to show and can tell us about.

Birmingham: 65 Brunswick Road - The Musical
2021-11-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
65 Brunswick Road – The Musical
Midlands author Shirley Thompson, who has published everything from biographies to fiction, poetry and children’s books, invites you to a musical adaptation of her 12th book, 65 Brunswick Road. This extensively researched, personal family saga relates the stories of five families from the 18th Century to the present day. Full of highs and lows: the heart-warming, tragic and frequently dramatic, plus many surprising connections.
Brunswick Road is in Moseley.
Note that this meeting is not on a Wednesday evening but a Saturday afternoon.

Kenilworth: 'Family Networks in Elizabethan England' - CANCELLED
2021-11-10 19:30 - 21:00 | Online Event Using Zoom
WITH APOLOGIES, THIS MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO BEREAVEMENT
Re-scheduled for 2022 – further details will be available in due course
Family Networks in Elizabethan England
A talk by Cathryn Enis, Honorary Research Fellow at the College of Arts and Law, University of Birmingham
Cathryn writes, “I tend to specialise in family networks so I could focus on Kenilworth families if you like and perhaps share some of the sources I use. I also like to bring women to the fore and show how they were central to creating these family networks (as with the Dugdale paper) so I can emphasise that and we could make that the focus of the Q&A.”

Bromsgrove: Old Occupations
2021-11-09 19:30 - 21:00 | Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, 19 Stratford Road, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B60 1AS, United Kingdom
Speaker: Richard Churchley

Online Event - Birth & Death. The Hidden Secrets of Registration
2021-10-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Online Event Using Zoom
Birth & Death, The Hidden Secrets of Registration
Presenter – Antony Marr
Why can the same birth be registered more than once and in different years ? Why does a single death registration involve three different certificates ? This talk by Antony Marr will look at the complex rules of registering birth and death events, uncovering the complexities and hidden information these essential records of civil registration can contain.
Antony is a former deputy registrar of births, deaths and marriages, he is also a retired police officer with many years training experience. Now a professional genealogist and Chair of AGRA (Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives). He has specific interest in the records of civil registration.

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

All registrants will be acknowledged with joining instructions included, Registration closes at 12:00 noon the day prior. 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.

Stourbridge: An Amble Around Worcestershire
2021-10-19 07:30 - 21:00 | Stourbridge, St. Peter's Church Hall, Pedmore, West Midlands, DY9 0SW, United Kingdom
An Amble Around Worcestershire
A slide show and talk by John Billingham
This will be the first meeting at Stourbridge Group since Covid came upon us.

Kenilworth: 'A Brummie in the Family'
2021-10-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Online Event Using Zoom
A talk by Vanessa Morgan
NOTE: Our scheduled speaker, Helen Ball, who was going to talk to us about Heir-hunting, would prefer to give her talk in-person, so according to the new talk schedule, this will be postponed until the Spring/Summer 2022 (date TBC).
Instead, Vanessa Morgan has agreed to do a talk for us, based on her new book, ‘A Brummie in the Family’, depicting bits of local or social history and, in particular, the quoted paragraphs included in the book which have been taken from books written in the 1800’s describing Birmingham and its people as it and they were at that particular time.
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We are pleased to announce that Vanessa has agreed to give this talk online using Zoom. Registration is now OPEN
You can register by using this link: A Brummie in the Family
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 7:10pm 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.

Kenilworth: 'Heir Hunting' - POSTPONED
2021-10-13 19:30 - 21:00 | Kenilworth, Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End,, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1QJ, United Kingdom
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED TO 13 APRIL 2022
Heir Hunting: A Family Historian turned Professional Probate Researcher tells us more
A talk by Helen Ball BA MCLIP FPAR
—
Following a discussion, the Kenilworth Branch has chosen to continue with online meetings until Spring 2022. The speaker for this event, Helen Ball, would like to deliver her talk ‘live’ and will be rescheduled to 2022.
Vanessa Morgan has agreed to step in as replacement speaker – Find out more

Coffee Morning in the BMI
2021-10-06 10:30 - 12:30 | Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
Coffee Morning in the BMI
Catch up with old friends you haven’t seen in more than 18 months and find out what we are aiming to do now we are coming out of the pandemic.

Let Jackie know if you intend to drop in so that we can make sure there are enough chairs out.

Online Event - Spread the Net Wider and Dig Deeper
2021-09-15 14:00 - 15:30 | Online Event Using Zoom
Spread the Net Wider and Dig Deeper.
Speaker: Ann Simcock.
When we first begin to research our families, often the aim is to try and get as far back as possible adding names and dates with a hope to find a link to someone famous. However, our ancestors were living breathing human beings with fascinating stories, both happy and sad. By using basic records, extracting every fact and hint and extending our research Ann will show us how to include people and places involved with our ancestors. Ann will also demonstrate how their stories can be discovered and a better understanding of our past revealed.
Ann’s presentation is aimed at those just starting out with their research and those of us who need some reminders.

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

All registrants will be acknowledged with joining instructions included. Registration closes at 12:00 noon the day prior. 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.

Kenilworth: 'Maundy Rodgers - A doctor abroad'
2021-09-08 19:30 - 21:00 | Online Event Using Zoom
A talk by John Frearson
Maundy Rodgers: A doctor abroad
Wimeraux and Amara during WWI
Maundy was an Assistant Surgeon 4th Class from India, and with his hospital served in France in the seaside town of Wimereux in WWI from 1914 and later went Mesopotamia. He was mentioned in Dispatches. The talk gives a family and military history – and something of a wider view of WWI Hospitals, and with additional illustration from some of the 150 postcards that he sent home.
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We are pleased to announce that John has agreed to give this talk online
using Zoom. Registration is now OPEN
You can register by using this link: Maundy Rodgers
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 7:10pm 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.
