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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Midland Ancestors
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250705T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250705T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20240930T152049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250201T223616Z
UID:14813-1751724000-1751731200@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Birmingham: Country House Libraries
DESCRIPTION:Country house libraries and a case study of the library at Linley Wood.\nPresenter – JJ Heath-Caldwell\nIn the 1700s and 1800s many of the old English gentry families amassed considerable collections of books in their country house libraries. These collections were a vast range of books passed down from ancestors\, relatives\, and friends of the family over the generations. Most of these country houses and their contents are now long gone\, the majority having been sold off in the mid-1900s. Some of these books can be found today in antiquarian bookshops\, often with bookplates or inscriptions just inside the front cover giving a clue to their original owner. \nJJ Heath-Caldwell gives this talk about country house libraries and a case study of the library at Linley Wood\, in Staffordshire\, the home of the Caldwell family from 1789 to 1949. The core of this library was established by James Caldwell (1759-1838) with many of the books\, and other family relics\, coming from families with names Bentley\, Coape\, Crompton\, Hacker\, Martin and Stamford. Later generations then brought additional books and relics from the Crowe\, Cuthbert\, Dalton\, Heath\, Helsham\, Hesketh\, Jones\, Long\, Marsh and Moore families. \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/birmingham-country-house-libraries/
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:20250625T191500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250625T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20241209T164325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241209T173300Z
UID:15362-1750878900-1750885200@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Wolverhampton:  John Wilkinson - part two
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this\, the second part of a presentation from March 2025\, about John “Iron-Mad” Wilkinson by Richard Sells \nThe adult Wilkinson was involved from the start in the ‘new’ iron industry\, eventually operating nine ironworks including the New Willey Ironworks near Broseley\, which was established in 1757. He was a man of huge energy and foresight\, the ultimate inventor and entrepreneur\, a member of the Lunar Society.  His 88-acre site at Bradley near Wolverhampton became the first integrated ironworks in the world and included everything necessary for iron production\, from blast furnaces to canals and housing for his workers\, earning him the sobriquet the ‘Father of the South Staffordshire Iron Industry’. He was also a major force behind the construction in 1779 of a certain bridge across the Severn linking Broseley with what is now the town of Ironbridge. \nDespite being ‘mad on iron’ Wilkinson did not confine his interests to the iron industry. He had investments in copper and lead mines\, chemical plants\, canals and banking\, and is famed for his work in developing cannon to be more accurate and safe. He even took advantage of the government’s inability to produce enough copper coinage to meet demand and began to mint his own trade tokens depicting his own head. \nDoors open at 7.15 for a 7.30 meeting start. \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/wolverhampton-john-wilkinson-part-two/
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:20250611T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250611T223000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20250204T204921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250530T195534Z
UID:15680-1749670200-1749681000@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Kenilworth: Charles Dickens\, Warwickshire & the Great Jennens Case
DESCRIPTION:Speaker – Laurence Ince\nLaurence is from Solihull\, a member of Solihull Local History Circle\, and has been working for many years on family history\, particularly of his wife’s family\, the Holbeches of Alvechurch.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/kenilworth-charles-dickens-warwickshire-the-great-jennens-case/
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:20250607T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250607T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20240930T151350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250201T223339Z
UID:14809-1749304800-1749312000@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Birmingham: Early 20th. Century Family and Social History Research
DESCRIPTION:Early 20th. Century Family and Social History Research\nPresenter – Stephen Dyer\nThe 1920s & 1930s was an era of defining events that would change the course of many families for decades to come\, leading up to the 1921 Census which was released in January 2022. Stephens talk looks at the effect on the family and social history following the end of World War One.\nStephen is National U3A Genealogy Subject Adviser and a member of the Society of Genealogists. \n  \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/birmingham-early-20th-century-family-and-social-history-research/
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:20250607T123000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250607T133000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20250527T095910Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250531T202927Z
UID:16412-1749299400-1749303000@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:National Volunteer Week - Meet the Trustees at the BMI
DESCRIPTION:National Volunteer Week at Midland Ancestors! \nJoin us on Saturday 7th June 2025\, from 12:30pm to 1:30pm\, at Sir Arthur Sullivan Hall\, Birmingham & Midland Institute\, 9 Margaret Street\, Birmingham\, for an informal chat with the Trustees. Learn how you can get involved and help preserve family history! 📜✨\nCome along\, ask questions\, and explore exciting volunteer opportunities!
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/16412/
LOCATION:Birmingham & Midland Institute\, 9 Margaret Street\, Birmingham\, West Midlands\, B3 3BS\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250606
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250607
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20250531T204604Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250531T204826Z
UID:16448-1749168000-1749254399@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Volunteer Week - Friday 6th June 2025
DESCRIPTION:Volunteer Week – Friday 6th June 2025 \nJoin Our Team as Programme Secretary! \nAre you passionate about family history and eager to make a difference? Our Family History Society is looking for a volunteer Programme Secretary to help us organise engaging guest speakers for the Birmingham group.\nWhat You’ll Do:\n– Plan and coordinate our programme of talks- face to face and via Zoom.\n– Liaise with guest speakers and members to ensure a varied and exciting schedule.\n– Help promote events to encourage participation and grow our community. \nWhat We’re Looking For:\n– Organised and enthusiastic individuals with a love for history and genealogy.\n– Good communication skills and a friendly approach to working with others.\n– No experience necessary—just a willingness to get involved and learn! \nJoin us and help shape a vibrant and welcoming space for family history enthusiasts. To find out more or to apply\, contact Peter Middleton\nWe’d love to have you on board!
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/volunteer-week-friday-6th-june-2025/
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="Peter Middleton":MAILTO:p.middleton@mid-anc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250605
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250606
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20250531T203854Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250531T210531Z
UID:16445-1749081600-1749167999@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Volunteer Week - Thursday 5th June
DESCRIPTION:Volunteer Week – Thursday 5th June \n📢 Volunteer Opportunity! 📢 \nAre you detail-oriented and a great listener? We need a volunteer to type up minutes from Executive Committee meetings using recorded audio. Help preserve important discussions and keep our records clear and organized! \nInterested? Get in touch today! \nGeneral Secretary: k.walker@midanc.uk
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/volunteer-week-thursday-5th-june/
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="Kim Walker":MAILTO:gensec@midanc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250604
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250605
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20250531T203543Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250531T204102Z
UID:16441-1748995200-1749081599@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Volunteer Week - Wednesday 4th June
DESCRIPTION:Volunteer Week – Wednesday 4th June \nJoin Midland Ancestors as a Shop Product Administrator! \nAre you detail-oriented and tech-savvy? We’re looking for a volunteer to test PDF files\, ensure bookmark links function correctly\, and add items to our shop.\n🔹 Role: To test pdf files to ensure bookmark links work and then add the item to our shop.\n🔹 Requirements: Windows 10/11 PC/Laptop & Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download available)\n🔹 Training: Full training and documentation provided\nMake a meaningful contribution to genealogy and heritage preservation. Join us today!
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/volunteer-week-wednesday-4th-june/
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="Kim Walker":MAILTO:gensec@midanc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250603
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250604
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20250531T203220Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250531T203310Z
UID:16438-1748908800-1748995199@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Volunteer Week - Tuesday 3rd June
DESCRIPTION:Volunteer Week – Tuesday 3rd June \nTrustees\nJoin Our Team as a Trustee – Midland Ancestors Family History Society\nPassionate about genealogy & preserving history? We’re seeking a Trustee to help guide & grow our society\, ensuring family heritage is cherished & shared for generations.\nWhat You’ll Do:\n– Provide leadership & strategic direction\n– Support projects\, research & community engagement\n– Help shape the future of our genealogical society\nWho We’re Looking For:\n– Someone passionate about history & genealogy\n– A strong communicator & team player\n– Experience in governance or nonprofit leadership is a plus\nWhy Join Us?\n– Make a meaningful impact on historical preservation\n– Collaborate with fellow genealogy enthusiasts\n– Help connect people with their family stories \nInterested? Get in touch today! We’d love to hear from you.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/volunteer-week-tuesday-3rd-june/
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="Kim Walker":MAILTO:gensec@midanc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250602T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250602T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20241221T143749Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250201T230759Z
UID:15487-1748892600-1748899800@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/
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:20250520T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250520T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20240801T100228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T111259Z
UID:12757-1747769400-1747776600@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Stourbridge Group - The Commonwealth War Graves Commission
DESCRIPTION:The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC)\n  \n \nThe Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) is an intergovernmental organisation of six independent member states whose principal function is to mark\, record and maintain the graves and places of commemoration of Commonwealth of Nations military service members who died in the two World Wars. \n  \n  \nThe Talk – Architecture/Conservation and Archives\nThis is a great opportunity to learn about the very important work carried out by the CWGC. The talk will primarily focus on the Architure and Conservation work carried out bt the CWGC \n                        Commemoratiom\n\nSpeaker – Sarah Hann\nSarah is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) volunteer speaker. Until Autumn 2024 she was the CWGC ‘Eyes On Hands On’ coordinator for the region covering the West Midlands\, Staffordshire\, Shropshire\, Derbyshire\, Cheshire and the North Wales counties to Gwynedd and Anglesey. \nPreviously\, she worked for Warwickshire Heritage and Culture (the county museum and archive service)\, has been a teacher\, community worker and television producer. \nSarah first became interested in the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission when she visited the war graves in Cairo and at El Alamein for a television programme over 30 years ago. \n                                                                                                         Thiepval Memorial \nDOORS OPEN AT 7.00PM for a 7.30PM START \nVisitors Welcome – £5 Donation appreciated \n  \n  \n  \n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/stourbridge-the-commonwealth-war-graves-commission/
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:20250514T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250514T223000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20250202T195622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T214014Z
UID:15672-1747251000-1747261800@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Kenilworth: Child Migration - Not one of our better decisions!
DESCRIPTION:Speaker – Stephen Dyer\nThis talk looks at the long history of British child emgration schemes up to 1967 when some 150\,000 children were sent overseas to settle and grow up in British colonies and dominions. \nStephen is a National U3A Genealogy Subject Adviser and a member of the Society of Genealogists.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/child-migration-not-one-of-our-better-decisions/
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:20250512T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250512T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20241221T143438Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250429T131310Z
UID:15483-1747078200-1747085400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:North Staffs Group Research / help evening
DESCRIPTION:AGM and 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/research-help-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:20250506T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250506T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20250415T182339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T182858Z
UID:16365-1746525600-1746543600@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Family History Centre - reopens at 10am
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/family-history-centre-reopens-at-10am-2/
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250505T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250505T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20250415T182247Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T182940Z
UID:16363-1746439200-1746457200@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Family History Centre - closed
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/family-history-centre-closed-4/
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250503T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250503T153000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20240930T151028Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250223T164722Z
UID:14805-1746266400-1746286200@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Birmingham: Society Conference and AGM
DESCRIPTION:Family History Day incorporating Annual General Meeting\nAn All day event with Speakers Sharon Hintze and Beverley Walker.\nProgramme Timings – \n09.30 – Doors Open & Registration\n10:00 – Welcome\n10:15 – Presentation by Sharon Hintze\, topic – By the Sweat of Thy Face; Occupations.\n11:15 – Coffee Break\n11:45 – AGM – A link to Agenda & Reports will appear here abt 4 weeks beforehand.\n12:30 – Lunch Break\n14:00 – Presentation by Beverley Walker\, topic – Gypsy Ancestors in the Midlands\n15:00 – Closing Words (Chairman/President)\n15:15 – Disperse \n\nSharon Hintze – Title: ‘By the Sweat of Thy Face’\nThis talk starts with Adam (the first ag lab) but focuses on the 18th and 19th centuries with a nod to censuses after 1900. Some occupations remain the same but have different names\, while others disappear from records as circumstances change. Emphasis is placed on the wide range of sources for occupations. Examples are given of occupations which are carried on through generations or families\, and occupations which are numerous in a specific area. \n  \nAudience members are invited to bring an example of an ancestor with an interesting occupation\, or a link to learning about a specific occupation. \nSharon has excellent credentials. She is a fifth generation family historian with roots in the West Midlands\, specifically Wednesbury. Sharon has served in various family history assignments for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints\, the longest spell being twenty years as Director of the London FamilySearch Centre. She is a member of the Irish Genealogical Research Society Library Committee and a member of Council for the Jewish Genealogical Society of Great Britain. Sharon is a well-known and frequent speaker on the family history circuit and occasional writer. \n  \nBeverley Walker – Title: ‘Gypsy Ancestors in the Midlands’\nWe welcome Beverley Walker who is to speak to us about researching gypsy ancestry.  Beverley discovered in 1985 when she started to research her family that her paternal grandmother (whom she never knew) was a Gypsy.  This led on to the study of genealogy with the University of London and a stint working for the GRO in St Catherine’s House though Beverley does say that they didn’t let her near the certificate production.  She then became an ‘heir hunter’ for a London based Probate Research Company.  Beverley has been a Member of the Romany & Traveller FHS and a committee member since 2004 in the roles of Membership Secretary\, Chair and Secretary and is a noted speaker on the subject. \n  \n\nThe society Family History Centre will be open at times during the day. \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/society-conference-and-agm-2025/
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:20250430T191500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250430T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20241209T165016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241209T165016Z
UID:15364-1746040500-1746046800@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Wolverhampton:  The Story of Carribee Island
DESCRIPTION:In Victorian times Carribee Island was a notorious part of Wolverhampton\, home to the city’s Irish migrants.  The neighbourhood was stigmatized as a problem space using public health language that was shot through with racial and social stereotypes.  In fact\, it was home to ordinary people doing ordinary things.  Once the myths that were layered on it are picked apart\, it was just an ordinary neighbourhood. \nJoin us for a fascinating talk about this lost area of Wolverhampton presented by Simon Briercliffe. \n  \nDoors open at 7.15 p.m. for a meeting start at 7.30 p.m. \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/wolverhampton-the-story-of-carribee-island/
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:20250422T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250422T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20250415T182101Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T182632Z
UID:16361-1745316000-1745334000@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Family History Centre - reopens at 10am
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/family-history-centre-reopens-at-10am/
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250421T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250421T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20250415T181920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T182807Z
UID:16359-1745229600-1745247600@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Family History Centre - closed
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/family-history-centre-closed-3/
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250418T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250418T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20250415T181808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T182735Z
UID:16357-1744970400-1744988400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Family History Centre - closed
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/family-history-centre-closed-2/
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250417T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250417T150000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20250415T181626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250415T182550Z
UID:16355-1744884000-1744902000@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Family History Centre - closed
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/family-history-centre-closed/
CATEGORIES:Birmingham Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250415T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250415T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20240801T100050Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250401T105936Z
UID:12755-1744745400-1744752600@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Stourbridge Group  - The Rise and Fall of Worcestershire's Witley Court
DESCRIPTION:Talk – The Rise and Fall of Worcestershire’s Witley Court\n \nA Royal Palace created by the Earls of Dudley before its untimely demise. \nWitley Court was once one of the great country houses of England. An impressive early 17th-century mansion here was transformed in three remodellings: twice by the Foley family in the 18th century and again about 1805–10\, and then by the Ward family\, Earls of Dudley\, in the 1850s. Both families had made fortunes from iron and coal in the West Midlands\, England’s industrial heartland. In the Victorian period Witley was famous for its opulence and extravagant parties. \nAfter a devastating fire in 1937\, Witley became one of the country’s most spectacular ruins. But it is still possible to gain a sense of its former grandeur\, as well as to see the earlier layers of the building’s history laid bare by the fire. \n  \nThe Speaker – Ray Sturdy \n \nBased in Worcestershire\, Ray  is a photographer and explorer who has documented his travels around the world for others to enjoy. Together with geographical expeditions\, Ray’s talks also include historical slideshows with famous figures including Vesta Tilley and I K Brunel. \nRay is a qualified engineer who has spent most of his working life running training courses around the world for pipeline engineers. He spent the last two years before retirement working in Saudi Arabia where he started to put together a list of slideshows and talks to raise money for several charities\, including money for Mencap\, NSPCC and Cancer Research UK. \nMemorably\, Ray has climbed Kilimanjaro\, trekked in Antartica with temperatures of 35 degrees below zero and parachuted free fall from 15\,000 feet. \n  \nDOORS OPEN AT 7.00PM for a 7.30PM START \n  \nVisitors Welcome – DONATION of £5 APPRECIATED
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/stourbridge-group-witley-court/
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:20250412T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250412T163000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20250101T144201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250218T140256Z
UID:15506-1744455600-1744475400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:London: “British Newspapers as Historical Resources”
DESCRIPTION:“British Newspapers as Historical Resources” \nA talk by Denise Bates. \nThemed around family history (though the main principles can be applied to other topics) this talk covers locating newspapers with potentially relevant information\, searching effectively\, identifying an ancestor and using the varied content of newspapers to understand something about the world in which they lived. \nThe group AGM will follow the talk. \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-british-newspapers-as-historical-resources/
LOCATION:London Family History Centre\, 64-68 Princes Gate\, Exhibition Road\, London\, SW7 2PA\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:London Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="David Kerr":MAILTO:londonevents@midanc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250409T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250409T223000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20250202T194327Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T213829Z
UID:15670-1744227000-1744237800@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Kenilworth: Researching & Writing the Mourning Brooch Trilogy
DESCRIPTION:Speaker – Jean Renwick\n\n\n\n\n\nJean Renwick’s talk reveals years of research behind her family saga\, The Mourning Brooch\, based upon the lives of real Yorkshire people who lived in the second half of the 19th and first half of the 20th century. After inheriting a mourning brooch\, Jean was intrigued to know who was Elizabeth Addy\, commemorated in the brooch\, and what happened to the two little girls she left behind. The two novels of the trilogy so far published reveal how the sisters’ lives took them in very different directions. \nUsing newspaper archives\, Renwick discovered scandals\, adding drama to the tale\, and research in England and the USA revealed much about the personalities of the characters. And the story moves to London\, Lancashire\, Philadelphia – even Constantinople – all based on fact. Finally\, she will report on progress in writing the final part of the saga covering two world wars. \n  \nThe Mourning Brooch Book One\, An Ending. A Beginning covers 1839-1876 and Book Two\, Moving On reaches 1913. If you want to read the books ahead of the talk\, they are available as a paperback or for Kindle on Amazon.   More details and images can be found on www.jeanrenwickauthor.co.uk \nGroup members are invited to bring to the meeting any examples of jewellery they have inherited\, mourning jewellery particularly. \nThe books will be available for sale on the night (paperback version discounted to £10).
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/researching-writing-the-mourning-brooch-trilogy/
LOCATION:Kenilworth Centre\, Abbey End\, Kenilworth\, CV8 1QJ\, Abbey End\, Kenilworth\, CV8 1QJ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Kenilworth Meetings
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250407T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250407T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20241221T143252Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250201T225957Z
UID:15481-1744054200-1744061400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Talk about Etruria Bone Mill
DESCRIPTION:Many people living or working in the Stoke on Trent Area will be aware of the Etruria Bone Mill. Now an industrial Museum. Bernard Lovatt is going to tell us all about it. \nMembers free we welcome visitors but ask for a donation of  £1.50 \n  \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/talk-about-etruria-bone-mill/
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250405T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250405T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20240930T150225Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250201T222719Z
UID:14801-1743861600-1743868800@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Birmingham: How We Got Here – the story of back to back housing in Birmingham
DESCRIPTION:How We Got Here – the story of back to back housing in Birmingham.\nPresenters – David and Pam Humphries\nThis talk by husband and wife team David and Pam tells the story of back to back housing in Birmingham. Find out what was happening in the Town of Birmingham in the 18th & 19th centuries that led to half the population living in these tiny houses – and about their disappearance. \nIn retirement from the telecoms industry David has become a tour guide at the Back to Backs and a number of other heritage attractions in Birmingham. Along with Pam\, he was responsible for training as many as 150 new tour guides at The Coffin Works\, Highbury Hall & the Back to Backs. \nDavid and Pam are society members. \n  \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/birmingham-how-we-got-here-the-story-of-back-to-back-housing-in-birmingham/
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250326T191500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250326T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20241209T163951Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241209T163951Z
UID:15359-1743016500-1743022800@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Wolverhampton:  John Wilkinson - part one
DESCRIPTION:John “Iron-Mad” Wilkinson was an English industrialist who pioneered the manufacture of cast iron and the use of cast-iron goods during the Industrial Revolution. \nJohn Wilkinson started life inauspiciously in 1728\, born in a cart as his mother was on her way to market in Workington\, Cumbria. \nThe adult Wilkinson was involved from the start in the ‘new’ iron industry\, eventually operating nine ironworks including the New Willey Ironworks near Broseley\, which was established in 1757. He was a man of huge energy and foresight\, the ultimate inventor and entrepreneur\, a member of the Lunar Society.  His 88-acre site at Bradley near Wolverhampton became the first integrated ironworks in the world and included everything necessary for iron production\, from blast furnaces to canals and housing for his workers\, earning him the sobriquet the ‘Father of the South Staffordshire Iron Industry’. He was also a major force behind the construction in 1779 of a certain bridge across the Severn linking Broseley with what is now the town of Ironbridge. \nDespite being ‘mad on iron’ Wilkinson did not confine his interests to the iron industry. He had investments in copper and lead mines\, chemical plants\, canals and banking\, and is famed for his work in developing cannon to be more accurate and safe. He even took advantage of the government’s inability to produce enough copper coinage to meet demand and began to mint his own trade tokens depicting his own head. \nThere is so much to hear about with John “Iron-Mad” Wilkinson that the talk is divided into two parts: part two will follow in June. \nPresenter: Richard Sells \nDoors open at 7.15 p.m. for a meeting start of 7.30 \n  \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/wolverhampton-john-wilkinson-part-one/
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250322T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250322T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20240801T095908Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250305T120618Z
UID:12753-1742652000-1742659200@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Stourbridge Group - "Titanic - The Midlands Connections"
DESCRIPTION:“Titanic – The Midlands Connections”\n \n\nThe Speaker – Andrew Lound\n \nAndrew has been presenting public lectures and staging exhibitions for nearly 50 years and has participated in thousands of events. He regularly tours the UK with his Odyssey Dramatic Presentations® and Lectures® being invited back time and again due to popular demand\, and now presents on-line. \nA main area of interest of Andrew’s is the Titanic. After many years of dedicated research he is now recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on the subject. His research into the Birmingham and Midlands’ connections of the Titanic has been extensive and led him to write\, direct and produce a stage show ‘1912: A Titanic Odyssey: He has also written and performed a 10 and 12 part series about all aspects of the Titanic from its conception to its re-discovery. For the Titanic\nCentenary Commemoration he staged a large multi-media exhibition tracing the history of the ship with emphasis on its Midlands’ connections. \nAndrew has been researching the history of the ill-fated R.M.S. Titanic for over 45 years with particular emphasis on the Midlands’ connections. Andrew alsoI wrote a biography of William E. Hipkins\, who was a first class passenger from Birmingham.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/stourbridge-group-titantic/
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250315T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250315T160000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20250201T220625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250201T221945Z
UID:15655-1742032800-1742054400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Fair at Malvern: The Family History Show
DESCRIPTION:Three Counties Showground\, Malvern on 15th March 2025\nMidland Ancestors will be represented \nDetails and alternative costs available HERE
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/malvern-the-family-history-show/
LOCATION:Malvern Three Counties Showground\, WR13 6NW\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Fairs
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250312T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250312T203000
DTSTAMP:20260404T115053
CREATED:20250202T194020Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T213504Z
UID:15668-1741807800-1741811400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Kenilworth: Researching Irish Ancestors
DESCRIPTION:Speaker – Paul Wilkins\nPaul is the founder of The Family Tree Tracers\, Director of Family History Detectives and delivers family history courses at WCRO as well as giving talks and teaching genealogy\, and writing for WDYTYA? Magazine.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/researching-irish-ancestors/
LOCATION:Kenilworth Centre\, Abbey End\, Kenilworth\, CV8 1QJ\, Abbey End\, Kenilworth\, CV8 1QJ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Kenilworth Meetings
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END:VCALENDAR