Midland Ancestors

Stourbridge Group - 'Iron, Coal and Roses'
2024-05-21 19:30 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | Stourbridge, St. Peter's Church Hall, Pedmore, West Midlands, DY90SW, United Kingdom
‘Iron, Coal and Roses’
A talk by Keith Robinson about a Black Country family

The Talk
Keith will tell the story of the rise and fall of a Black Country family (The Rose family) of ironmasters during the 19th century. The talk will look at the lives of those who were employed in the family’s ironworks and collieries and include a number of case studies.

The Speaker

Keith is currently the Vice Chair of the Black Country Society and has written a number of books on the area. He is responsible for the Society’s book store and sales. Keith grew up in Princes End and Wednesbury before his family moved out of the area. Having spent 4 years volunteering in village development work in India, teaching and then working for the National Trust in the Midlands he is now retired. Keith also volunteers at the Black Country Museum and is a regular speaker at many of the region’s local history societies. Keith has written a number of local history books, including the following:

London: "The London Family History Centre"
2024-05-18 10:15 | London Family History Centre, 64-68 Princes Gate, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2PA, United Kingdom
“The London Family History Centre”
A talk by Sharon Hintze.
Sharon will tell us what is available at the centre that we cannot access elsewhere. As ever Sharon will be open to questions on a wider scale and as we have the afternoon to use the facility this will be a wonderful opportunity. In addition to onsite terminals you may wish to bring a laptop/tablet and you will be able to log into the centre’s system and Sharon will give full instruction.
Doors open at 10:00 for a 10:15 start. Use of records available until closing time.
Location: London Family History Centre, 64-68 Princes Gate, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, England, SW7 2PA
Underground station: South Kensington
Buses: 9, 14, 52, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430, 452

On Line – Family History Workshop
2024-05-15 19:00, 2024-04-17 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 – Workshop

North Staffs Branch -Research /help evening
2024-05-13 19:30 - 21:30 | St. John’s Centre, St. John’s Centre, 122 Newcastle Rd. Trent Vale, Stoke on Trent, ST4 6QD, United Kingdom
Research / Help evening please email a brief description of help required to secretary@northstaffsfamilyhistory.co.uk
Also an informal group chat about Wills with Derek Cliffe
Tea and coffee available.

Birmingham: Society Conference and AGM
2024-05-11 10:00 | Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
Family History Day incorporating Annual General Meeting
An All day event with Speakers Dr Penny Walters and Doreen Hopwood.
Programme Timings –
09.30 – Doors Open & Registration
10:00 – Welcome
10:15 – Presentation by Dr. Penny Walters, topic – Demystifying DNA
11:15 – Coffee Break
11:45 – AGM – Details Click here – AGM
12:30 – Lunch Break
14:00 – Presentation by Doreen Hopwood, topic – Records of Childhood
15:00 – Closing Words (Chairman/President)
15:15 – Disperse

Dr Penny Walters – Title: Demystifying DNA
Have you done a test and you’re not sure what the results mean? Or, are you not sure whether to even do a DNA test? Haven’t there been some scandals surrounding them? What would the benefits of doing a DNA test be when you’ve already done a thorough paper trail?
When our speaker got her DNA test results back a few years ago, she didn’t understand the jargon and the statistics, and the implications of the results were lost on her. Different DNA testing companies test slightly different things, each company has its own advantages and disadvantages, and different useful extra tools, so which test is best for your research? Mixing DNA results with a paper trail will be explained. Maybe you were adopted and would like some help potentially looking for biological relatives. This presentation will walk you through the initial stages of understanding your DNA test results. Ethical dilemmas will also be discussed. This session will take a bottom up approach to demystifying some of the jargon, and implications of doing a DNA test for genealogical purposes.
Dr. Penny Walters has been a University lecturer for 35 years, currently teaching Masters’ Business studies at Bath Spa University, England; and previously undergraduate Psychology and Ethics. Penny’s interest in genealogy started after having her first baby and then wondering about her biological parents, as she was adopted. Penny has six mixed race children, who have all enjoyed discovering their roots through DNA ethnicity results.

Doreen Hopwood – Title: Records of Childhood
The concept of childhood has changed dramatically over time. This presentation explores the changing perception and experiences of childhood from the 16th Century and discusses some of the many sources available to discover records relating to our ancestors’ formative years.
Doreen Hopwood was the genealogist for the City of Birmingham for over 20 years and has been carrying out family history research since the 1970s. Doreen enjoyed teaching family, social and community history at all levels from absolute beginners to postgraduate and is an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Birmingham. Doreen has been a genealogical “agony aunt” by answering reader’s questions for genealogical periodicals and has taken part in the celebrity “Who Do You Think You Are?” for the BBC.

The society Family History Centre will be open at times during the day.
Note this is the second Saturday in the month rather than the first Saturday

Kenilworth: Annual Business Meeting followed by 'WWll Incident Reports for Warwickshire' (LIVE)
2024-05-08 19:30 - 21:00 | Kenilworth, Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End,, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1QJ, United Kingdom
Speakers: Peter Coulls & John Willock
John Willock and Peter Coulls have been working on the’Incident Reports’ held by WCRO for some time. The information within provides an insight into the development of WWII at a local level. The accuracy of the reports has proved interesting and expanded certain aspects of WWII knowledge and its jargon. There are details of impacts on local families – it’s very name-rich. The research continues, so they’ll have more to share…

This is a LIVE meeting at The Kenilworth Centre

Bank Holiday
2024-05-06 | West Midlands
Bank Holiday
Early May Bank Holiday

Wolverhampton: The Portable Antiquities Scheme
2024-04-24 19:30 - 21:00 | Wolverhampton, The Terry Harding Room, Perton Civic Centre, Church Road, Perton,, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, WV6 7PD, United Kingdom
A very interesting presentation about this scheme to record historic finds. Learn how the scheme started, what is recorded and how. When does the coroner become involved and what is classed as ‘treasure’. Perhaps you will learn about local finds and discover how you can access this resource and information.
Victoria Allnatt from the Birmingham Museums Trust provides a fascinating presentation on this topic.

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

Kenilworth: 'Bloody Kenilworth' (LIVE)
2024-04-10 19:30 - 21:00 | Kenilworth, Kenilworth Centre, Abbey End,, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1QJ, United Kingdom
Speaker: Adam Wood, author, speaker and tour guide, true crime historian
Join local true crime historian Adam Wood for an illustrated talk on the seedier side of Kenilworth, as he reveals misdeeds committed between 1790 and 1928.
Learn how the former caretaker of the Kenilworth Baths on Abbey Fields, bristling with resentment over his dismissal, made sure his successor met a watery end; how a one-armed man became one of the earliest motor fatalities when he was struck by a speeding driver outside the Royal Oak, and what happened when a drunken cyclist was annoyed when the lamplighter extinguished the last light on Warwick Road one dark night in 1910.
And that’s not to mention the man who discovered Jack the Ripper’s hideout on Kenilworth Common…
www.adamwoodhistory.com

This is a LIVE meeting at The Kenilworth Centre

North Staffs Branch -AGM followed by Research/help evening
2024-04-08 19:30 - 21:30 | St. John’s Centre, St. John’s Centre, 122 Newcastle Rd. Trent Vale, Stoke on Trent, ST4 6QD, United Kingdom
AGM followed by Help if required and an informal group chat with Steve Stutcinskas the co-ordinator of the Staffordshire BMD index.

Tea and coffee available

Birmingham: How We Lived Then
2024-04-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
How We Lived Then
Presenter – Mary Bodfish
This talk is based on probate inventories with Mary making particular use of the inventory of a West Bromwich man who died in 1700 to give a guided tour of his house and farm; it also includes the history of probate documents with an element of family history research.
Mary is well know on the speaker circuit locally, is an author and local historian, Mary is also Chair of Smethwick Local History Society.

Walking Tour - Birminghams Key Hill Cemetery
2024-04-06 10:15 - 12:15 | Key Hill Cemetery, Key Hill, Birmingham, B18 5NY, United Kingdom
Guided Walking Tour of Key Hill Cemetery
This internationally known Birmingham cemetery is the final resting place of numerous Birmingham notables. Amongst them Alfred Bird egg free custard manufacturer, Marie Beauclerc pioneer of shorthand and typing, Joseph Chamberlain Birmingham Mayor and his brother Richard who was also Mayor, Robert Chance glass manufacturer, Joseph Gillott pen manufacturer, Constance Naden poet & philosopher, Joseph Tangye industrialist.
Guided by Richard of the Friends of Key Hill Cemetery & Warstone Lane Cemetery, this tour has been specially arranged privately for the society. Our thanks go to The Friends.
Tickets for this visit are at a special discount and cost a mere £6.00 They can be purchased through the Midland Ancestors on line shop. Spaces are limited so early booking is a must else you will be disappointed.
Meeting place for this visit will be outside the Jewellery Quarter Station in Vyse Street at 10:15 as mentioned above.
Here you can get trams & trains to/from Snow Hill. Bus Nos 8a, 8b, 101, 16 & 74 all pass close by, car parking available on street or nearby multi-story.
Do ensure you arrive in good time, we will be prompt in starting the walk.
We will be treading some uneven pathways, bear this in mind if you have restricted mobility. Do also please make sure you have suitable footwear,

The tour will wrap up at 12:15 to allow you enough time to take lunch before making your way to the BMI in time for the afternoon meeting.
Plenty of cafes and hostelries can be found locally.

Book thru the on line shop click here – Key Hill Cemetery Guided Walk

Click here for activities and details of the Friends of Key Hill Cemetery & Warstone Lane Cemetery

London: “Whatever happened to Lucy?”
2024-04-06 10:15 - 12:00 | Wesley’s Chapel and Leysian Mission, 49 City Road, London, EC1Y 1AU, United Kingdom
“Whatever happened to Lucy?”
A talk by Ian Waller.
Ian Waller is an experienced researcher and well known speaker. Ian’s talk looks at the plight of adoptees, foundlings, orphans and the Empire Children (child migrants) through the 19th and 20th centuries.
Please note that the planned afternoon visit to the Foundling Museum will not now go ahead due to organisational difficulties.
Meetings will be held at Wesley’s Chapel and Leysian Mission, 49 City Road, London, EC1Y 1AU.
Non-members are very welcome.
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

Course: Introduction to Family History
2024-04-02 14:15 - 16:45 | Perton Library, Severn Drive, Perton, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV6 7QU, United Kingdom
Family history course for complete beginners and those who have done a little research but do not know what to do next. Discover your own “Who Do You Think You Are?” moment.
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

Lots of handouts, guidance, tips and advice.
This is a free FIVE WEEK course but places are limited and booking is required direct with Perton library on 01902 506050. Each session lasts approximately 2.5 hours on five consecutive Tuesday afternoons.
Lots of opportunities to ask questions. Small friendly groups.
For further information email Wolverhamptongroup@midanc.uk

If you book a place but later change your mind, please let the library know so they can reallocate your place.

Bank Holiday - Easter Monday
2024-04-01 | West Midlands
Bank Holiday
Easter Monday

Bank Holiday - Good Friday
2024-03-29 | Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
Bank Holiday
Good Friday

Wolverhampton: Out of Darkness Cometh Light, Sometimes!
2024-03-27 19:30 - 21:00 | Wolverhampton, The Terry Harding Room, Perton Civic Centre, Church Road, Perton,, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, WV6 7PD, United Kingdom
One of our members, Dave Bowdley, will be telling us about his experiences in the mines as an Engineer and of his later work with a mine rescue team.
Dave will tell us how his skills, and those of his colleagues, have been in demand around the world in recent years and he will be bring along examples of equipment he has collected over many years.
There will be a mention of Ruiton Windmill.

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

Stourbridge Group- 'Sir William Marshal -the Greatest Knight'
2024-03-23 14:30 - 16:00 | Stourbridge, St. Peter's Church Hall, Pedmore, West Midlands, DY90SW, United Kingdom
‘Sir William Marshal -the Greatest Knight’

A fascinating talk about Sir William Marshal by Max Keen
The Talk
William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke (1146 or 1147 – 14 May 1219), also called William the Marshal was an Anglo-Norman soldier and statesman. He served five English kings: Henry II, his sons the “Young King” Henry, Richard I, and John, and finally John’s son Henry III.
His was a remarkable long life (74 years!!) of loyal service chivalry, bravery, courage and raw martial talent.
Discover the story of this utterly remarkable medieval soldier and statesman, complete with maille, sword, shield and great helm

The Speaker
Max has written 16 talks about people and subjects that he has a passion for.
​Each talk features a multimedia projection and full period costume…..including armour for the Henry V and Richard III talks!
​Max likes to be controversial at times, to stimulate historical thought and debate! Max is a retired teacher, speaking is his profession and he does so with the enthusiasm of an avid historian.
In addition, he holds a Certificate of Higher Education in British Archaeology, which has helped him to probe deeper into his chosen subjects His hobbies include sailing, modern board gaming, following his beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and still playing football on a Friday at the age of 68!

On Line Event – For The Sake Of The Empire
2024-03-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Online Event Using Zoom
By Special Request from the McNab Family. On Zoom.
For the Sake of the Empire
Presenter – Peter Middleton
A Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone in Witton Cemetery marks the last resting place of a Canadian soldier.
He had, in fact, been born only two miles away in Witton Lane, Handsworth. Peter will provide an account of his subjects life experiences (1879-1918) viewed against a family and social background which led him to take a leap into the unknown. Peter in his talk seeks to understand why James McNab took the decision in 1903 to leave his family behind and emigrate to Canada for a promise of a free grant of 160 acres of land. You will hear how Canadian resources, especially census returns were able to provide the means to pin-point exactly where he farmed. Learn how military records were able to provide a great deal of logistical information and help reveal the poignant details leading to a life of promise being tragically cut short.

An Online event using Zoom. Visit this page to find out how we do it.
To Register, click here – James McNab

Family History Show – Three Counties Showground Malvern
2024-03-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Malvern Three Counties Showground, WR13 6NW, United Kingdom
The Genealogy Show at the Three Counties Showground Malvern 16th March 2024
An event at which Midland Ancestors will be present.
This event on our own “patch”, will be the first event of national importance that we have attended since before Covid.
We will be having three tables, do come along and see us.
Event details can be found by clicking this link – Malvern

North Staffs Branch - Talk
2024-03-04 19:30 - 21:30 | St. John’s Centre, St. John’s Centre, 122 Newcastle Rd. Trent Vale, Stoke on Trent, ST4 6QD, United Kingdom
Talk Local “Democracy” in the 18th Century speaker Steve Booth

Birmingham: Heroes and Ghosts
2024-03-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
Heroes and Ghosts
Speaker: Michael H Hallett
Wing Co Harold Blackburn MC AFC Public Domain via Wiki Media Commons
Heroes & Ghosts is the story of Michael’s grandfather Harold Blackburn, a pioneer aviator before World War I and war hero. After the war, scandal struck the family and plunged it into shame for three generations. Along the way, his story was lost, his memorabilia buried for decades.
This presentation brings the story of his amazing career to light through the recognition of unconscious shame affecting multiple generations. Shame affects the way memories are carried in a family, both in terms of what is remembered — or allowed to be remembered — and in terms of what mementos survive. Researching such events requires a softer approach than conventional, data-driven genealogy. While telling this story Michael share tips and techniques that are useful for all genealogists.

Wolverhampton: Wightwick Princesses
2024-02-28 19:30 - 21:00 | Wolverhampton, The Terry Harding Room, Perton Civic Centre, Church Road, Perton,, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, WV6 7PD, United Kingdom
This is an change to our original planned meeting.
We will now enjoy a talk about two Mander brothers who had lived at Wightwick Manor, now a National Trust property, in Wolverhampton, and who each married an Indian princess. These two ladies were sisters, born in Calcutta in the 1890’s, the daughters of Nripendra Narayan, Maharaja of Cooch Behar.
Our speaker, Amarjit, is passionate about the history of Asian women in the UK, and will be sharing details of her research, and of the family experiences of, and impact, on British society of the marriages.
Doors open at 7.15 p.m. for a 7.30 p.m. start

Stourbridge Group - "History of Stourbridge Glass"
2024-02-24 14:30 - 16:00 | Stourbridge, St. Peter's Church Hall, Pedmore, West Midlands, DY90SW, United Kingdom
“History of Stourbridge Glass”

A talk by Dr. Kate Round on the history of glass making in Stourbridge
The Talk: – History of Stourbridge Glass
This talk is a good introduction to the subject of Stourbridge Glass, and traces the roots of Stourbridge glassmakers back to the 8thC BC, from The Alabastron of Sargon II to their arrival in Stourbridge. We explore the hot side of the industry, the workings of our unique glass cones, and the distinctions between the hot and cold side of the industry. Kate explains how glass is made, the source of the ingredients and the importance of the canals and associated trades. On to the cold side of the industry we look at the innovations in glass decorating and the skills and fame of local craftsmen including the reproduction of The Portland Vase. This is a fascinating look at how the geology of Stourbridge shaped its history, its wealth and the health and working lives of its people.
Speaker: Dr. Kate Round
Kate is an outreach presenter and tour guide for Dudley Museum Service.
In the glass industry, her interests include the historical development of the industry in the Stourbridge district, how the geology and geography impacted on the wealth and sociology of the area, driven by the rivalries of our Glass Dynasties.In her my previous life,Kate was a research chemist and lecturer, so understand the chemistry of glass having worked on the synthesis of ‘zeolites’ (silica based materials) with my work published in International Journals.

On Line – Family History Workshop
2024-02-21 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.
A Register Click Here – Workshop

Course: Introduction to Family History
2024-02-19 13:30 - 16:00 | Cannock Library, Manor Avenue,, Cannock, WS11 1AA, United Kingdom
Family history course for complete beginners and those who have done a little research but do not know what to do next. Discover your own “Who Do You Think You Are?” moment.
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

Lots of handouts, guidance, tips and advice.
This is a free FIVE WEEK course but places are limited and booking is required direct with Cannock library on 01543 334525. Each session lasts approximately 2.5 hours on five consecutive Monday afternoons.
Lots of opportunities to ask questions. Small friendly groups.
For further information email Wolverhamptongroup@midanc.uk

If you book a place but later change your mind, please let the library know so they can reallocate your place.

Kenilworth: 'Iron, Coal and Roses: the story of a Victorian Black Country family of iron masters and their workforce' (ONLINE)
2024-02-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Online Event Using Zoom
Speaker: Keith Robinson
(Rescheduled from Oct 2023)

This is an ONLINE meeting
When: Weds Feb 14, 2024 19:30 London
Click here to register in advance for this meeting
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Birmingham: For the Sake of the Empire - Kingsley Norris Memorial lecture
2024-02-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Birmingham & Midland Institute, 9 Margaret Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 3BS, United Kingdom
Note Change of Date (was 3rd Feb) due to Rail Strike.
For the Sake of the Empire
Presenter – Peter Middleton
A Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone in Witton Cemetery marks the last resting place of a Canadian soldier. He had, in fact, been born only two miles away in Witton Lane, Handsworth. This is an attempt to provide an account of his life experiences (1879-1918) viewed against a family and social background which led him to take a leap into the unknown. Peter in his talk seeks to understand why James McNab took the decision in 1903 to leave his family behind and emigrate to Canada for a promise of a free grant of 160 acres of land. You will hear how Canadian resources, especially census returns were able to provide the means to pin-point exactly where he farmed. Learn how military records were able to provide a great deal of logistical information and help reveal the poignant details leading to a life of promise being tragically cut short.

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.

North Staffs Group: HELP/RESEARCH EVENING
2024-02-05 19:30 - 21:30 | St. John’s Centre, St. John’s Centre, 122 Newcastle Rd. Trent Vale, Stoke on Trent, ST4 6QD, United Kingdom
Research / Help evening for any who need it – please email a brief description of help required to secretary@northstaffsfamilyhistory.co.uk
Also to have an informal group chat with Dianne Shenton showing the Tithe maps on the genealogist.co.uk with Tea or Coffee.

Visitors welcome we just ask for a donation of £1.50 towards expenses.
