BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Midland Ancestors - ECPv6.15.15//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Midland Ancestors
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Midland Ancestors
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Europe/London
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20230326T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20231029T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20240331T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20241027T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20250330T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20251026T010000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0100
TZNAME:BST
DTSTART:20260329T010000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0100
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:GMT
DTSTART:20261025T010000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250422T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250422T150000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
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:20260405T150619
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:20260405T150619
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:20260405T150619
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:20260405T150619
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:20260405T150619
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:20260405T150619
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250407T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250407T213000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250405T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250405T160000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250326T191500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250326T210000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250322T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250322T160000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250315T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250315T160000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
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:20260405T150619
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250304T133000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250304T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
CREATED:20241209T175150Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250202T161505Z
UID:15383-1741095000-1741105800@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Wolverhampton Course: Introduction to Family History (Codsall Library)
DESCRIPTION:Week one of a five week course which is structured for beginners and those who have done a little reseach but do not know what to do next.   Each week covers a different topic with the first three being the basic building blocks of family history research. \nFind out how to …. \n\nget started in researching your family history\nlearn about the records which will help you\nfind the records and interpret them\ndiscover the heroes and rogues in your family\nreveal the truth behind your family tales\n\nSessions are on five consecutive Tuesday afternoons. \nEach session will last for between two and three hours and is completely free of charge.   Lots of handouts and guidance.  Always small friendly groups. \nIf you have to miss a session you will be able to catch up with that missing session on another course \nTo book a place please contact the library direct on 01902 506 060.  Places are limited so if you book a place but later change your mind about attending\, please notify the library to allow someone else to take up the place. \nFor further details please contact the organiser – see details below \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/wolverhampton-course-introduction-to-family-history-codsall-library/
LOCATION:Codsall Library\, South Staffs Council Offices\, Wolverhampton Road\, Codsall\, Wolverhampton\, WV8 1PX
CATEGORIES:Classes
ORGANIZER;CN="Penny Smith":MAILTO:wolverhamptonclasses@midanc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250303T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250303T213000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
CREATED:20241221T142715Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250201T230331Z
UID:15478-1741030200-1741037400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Research Evening
DESCRIPTION:Informal help or research evening. Committee Members have access to numerous items in our digital library and to subscription websites. \nMembers free; we welcome visitors but ask for a donation of  £1.50
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/research-evening-3/
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:20250303T141500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250303T164500
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
CREATED:20241209T175438Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250202T161555Z
UID:15386-1741011300-1741020300@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Wolverhampton Course: Introduction to Family History (Perton Library)
DESCRIPTION:Week one of a five week course which is structured for beginners and those who have done a little reseach but do not know what to do next.   Each week covers a different topic with the first three being the basic building blocks of family history research. \nFind out how to …. \n\nget started in researching your family history\nlearn about the records which will help you\nfind the records and interpret them\ndiscover the heroes and rogues in your family\nreveal the truth behind your family tales\n\nSessions are on five consecutive Monday afternoons. \nEach session will last for between two and three hours and is completely free of charge.   Lots of handouts and guidance.  Always small friendly groups. \nIf you have to miss a session you will be able to catch up with that missing session on another course \nTo book a place please contact the library direct on 01902 506 050.  Places are limited so if you book a place but later change your mind about attending\, please notify the library to allow someone else to take up the place. \nFurther details are available from the organiser – contact detail below \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/wolverhampton-course-introduction-to-family-history-perton-library/
LOCATION:Perton Library\, Severn Drive\, Perton\, Wolverhampton\, West Midlands\, WV6 7QU\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Classes
ORGANIZER;CN="Penny Smith":MAILTO:wolverhamptonclasses@midanc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250301T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250301T160000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
CREATED:20240930T145921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250201T222544Z
UID:14796-1740837600-1740844800@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Birmingham: My Churchley family – a typical West Midlands family?
DESCRIPTION:My Churchley family – a typical West Midlands family ?\nPresenter – Richard Churchley\nIn this talk our speaker will trace his family from early times through Worcestershire\, Warwickshire and North Gloucestershire in the 17th and 18th centuries and into Birmingham in the 19th century and then back out to Worcestershire in the 20th century.\nRichard has made use of various sources apart from the usual ones to try to put some substance on the bare bones of the family history. Although his surname is unusual\, what happened to the family typifies the experiences of many West Midlands families. \n  \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/birmingham-my-churchley-family-a-typical-west-midlands-family/
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:20250226T191500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250226T210000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
CREATED:20241209T162221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241209T194446Z
UID:15356-1740597300-1740603600@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Wolverhampton: Members Evening
DESCRIPTION:We invite members of the group to consider sharing details of their own research.  You may like to tell the group about your discoveries whether this is your own family history or a topic\, or theme\, you have researched.  It’s also an opportunity to ask for suggestions about where next\, or problems you have encountered\, or for help generally.  We all know two heads\, or in this case many heads\, are better than one and maybe someone in the group is also researching a particular area or has knowledge of websites or archives that may assist. \nNobody is expected to talk for longer than they feel comfortable with but it is a great opportunity to share your research with others who are genuinely interested! \nDoors open at 7.15 p.m. for a meeting start time of 7.30. \nPresenters:  group members! \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/wolverhampton-members-evening-4/
LOCATION:Wolverhampton\, The Terry Harding Room\, Perton Civic Centre\, Church Road\, Perton\,\, Wolverhampton\, Staffordshire\, WV6 7PD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Wolverhampton Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="Penny Smith":MAILTO:wolverhamptonclasses@midanc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250222T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250222T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
CREATED:20240801T095742Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250220T170136Z
UID:12751-1740234600-1740241800@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Stourbridge Group - "The Black Country Miners. A Struggle for Justice 1850-1926" - CANCELLED
DESCRIPTION:CANCELLED\nCancelled due to Ill-Health\n\n“The Black Country Miners. A Struggle for Justice 1850-1926”\nThe talk examines why Black Country miners suffered the highest death rate in the British coal industry. It also follows the attempts by the region’s miners to secure better pay and conditions as well as examining the experiences of many individual colliers. \n\n\nThe Speaker – Keith Robinson\nKeith 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\,.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/stourbridge-group-black-country-miners/
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:20250212T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250212T203000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
CREATED:20250202T193253Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250204T215216Z
UID:15666-1739388600-1739392200@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Kenilworth: The Cottage by the Well
DESCRIPTION:Via Zoom\nSpeaker – Mary Bodfish\n\n\n\n\n\nMary says “The world of the past has fascinated me from my earliest memories; and exploring it continues to absorb me in retirement. My working life was spent firstly in bookselling and then in university administration\, but days off frequently found me rummaging happily in record offices and libraries. I began working over 50 years ago on the question of “How come I was landed with the name Bodfish?” \nMary was a founder member of Smethwick Local History Society\, and is currently chairman. She has taught local history research and palaeography for theUniversity of Birmingham’s School of Continuing Studies. \nThetalk … \nBetween 1817 and 1865 the Cottage by the Well at Tadmarton was home to Mary’s 3xg-grandmother\, her daughter and her grand daughter. The first two made the same mistake in life – not so the third! This is the story of how Mary discovered their trials\, tribulations and eventually triumphant survival in a world that was often hard and unforgiving. \n  \nRegister in advance for this meeting: \nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYldeyurTwtH9Lujm9kiI5-TdxlshkNynL5  Please email kenilworthfhs@gmail.com  for further information.
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/the-cottage-by-the-well/
LOCATION:Online Event Using Zoom
CATEGORIES:Kenilworth Meetings,On Line Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250203T073000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250203T213000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
CREATED:20241204T131956Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250201T221500Z
UID:15322-1738567800-1738618200@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:The history of  Staffordshire Oatcakes  by Steve Booth
DESCRIPTION:Oatcakes are sold through out North Staffordshire and are a form of pan cake made with yeast as a raising agent. Nowadays sold plain or with a variety of fillings
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/the-history-of-staffordshire-oatcakes-by-steve-booth/
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:20250201T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250201T160000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
CREATED:20240930T145527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250201T222457Z
UID:14793-1738418400-1738425600@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Birmingham: The Power of Balance - Kingsley Norris Memorial lecture
DESCRIPTION:The Power of Balance  – W&T Avery in the First World War’\nPresenter – Andrew Lound\nIt was a war that would forever change our view of humanity. A war that was driven by treaty and alliances. A war that would leave millions dead. The Great War started out as a great patriotic adventure and it would be over by Christmas (1914). The illusions of those heady days in August soon disappeared as a desperate struggle for survival began. This presentation  looks at the war from the point of view of W & T Avery Limited at Soho Foundry. Many of its employees volunteered to fight\, many were in reserved occupations as Avery’s produced vital materiel for war. With exclusive access to the Avery Archive it is a presentation that will shed a new light on the famous firm. \nAndrew is well known local speaker\, author and commentator and has appeared numerous times on radio and television both locally and internationally. \nThe Kingsley Norris Memorial Lecture is always by a society member.\nIt 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. \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/birmingham-the-power-of-balance-kingsley-norris-memorial-lecture/
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:20250129T191500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250129T210000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
CREATED:20241209T161131Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241209T194317Z
UID:15339-1738178100-1738184400@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Wolverhampton:  Guidance from The Wise Woman!
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a talk on the naughtier side of Tudor and Medieval life\, looking at  sexual attitudes and beliefs\, by the Wise Woman in full costume.  Funny but  graphic – not suitable for those of a sensitive disposition! \nOur presenter\, Pam Manning\, a former nurse and midwife\, tells us about the historical research she carried out for part of her further qualifications using the Bawdy Court records. \n  \nDoors open at 7.15 p.m. for a meeting start time of 7.30 p.m. \n  \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/wolverhampton-guidance-from-the-wise-woman/
LOCATION:Wolverhampton\, The Terry Harding Room\, Perton Civic Centre\, Church Road\, Perton\,\, Wolverhampton\, Staffordshire\, WV6 7PD\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Wolverhampton Meetings
ORGANIZER;CN="Penny Smith":MAILTO:wolverhamptonclasses@midanc.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250125T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250125T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
CREATED:20240809T071210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240809T072622Z
UID:13107-1737813600-1737822600@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Stourbridge Group - AGM and "Women in the Glass Industry"
DESCRIPTION:Talk – “Women in the Glass Industry”\nStourbridge Glass Museum is custodian of many thousands of pieces of glassware reflecting the skills and artistry of glassblowers\, designers\, and decorators from the Stourbridge area for over 400years. It reflects the industrial efforts from such world-renowned makers as Richardson’s\, Stuart Crystal\, Royal Brierley Crystal and Webb Corbett’s. Yet how many pieces in the collection have been produced solely by women? \nWithin those hot working factory conditions\, it was said that the only limitation to the glass-blower’s art is ‘the strength in his arm’ and the hot shops were considered at be an all-male environment\, women were not allowed. Archive sources and ladies who worked in the glass industry have helped me uncover a fascinating account of this ‘glass ceiling’.  From the 1860’s to the present day. This is a revealing account of changing attitudes and the struggles between Unions\, Management and workers to allow women to do ‘men’s work’. \nEdith Shutt\, Acid-dipping at Stuart Crystal\, Red House Glass Cone\nSpeaker: Dr. Kate Round\nKate is an outreach presenter and tour guide for Dudley Museum Service. \nDr Kate Round\nIn 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. \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/stourbridge-group-agm-and/
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:20250111T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250111T160000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
CREATED:20240930T144135Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250201T225355Z
UID:14787-1736604000-1736611200@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Birmingham: Weeping Angels
DESCRIPTION:Weeping Angels – interpreting the symbolism of the Victorian cemetery\nSpeaker – David Moore\nSymbols are a language that can help us understand our past. As the saying goes\, “a picture paints a thousand words”: but which words? Understanding our past determines actively\, our ability to understand the present. David will take a journey back in time to look at the Victorian symbolism to be found in cemeteries and try to understand what messages the living were being left\, to tell the story of their dead loved ones. \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/birminghamweeping-angels/
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:20250111T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250111T163000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
CREATED:20241216T140458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250201T225304Z
UID:15404-1736593200-1736613000@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:London: “By the sweat of their brows”
DESCRIPTION:“By the sweat of their brows” \nA talk by Sharon Hintze. \nSharon will be talking about industrial workers and their like in our area of interest in past times. \nMeetings will be held at the LDS Hyde Park Family Search Centre\, 64-68 Princes Gate\, Exhibition Road\, South Kensington\, SW7 2PA. Doors open 10.30; 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 and Circle Lines). \nBuses: 14\, 49\, 70\, 74\, 345\, 360\, 414\, 430\, C1
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/london-by-the-sweat-of-their-brows-2/
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:20250108T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250108T203000
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
CREATED:20250202T193000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250202T200151Z
UID:15663-1736364600-1736368200@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Kenilworth: Travels with my (Great Great) Aunt
DESCRIPTION:Via ZOOM\nSpeaker – Helen Baggott
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/travels-with-my-great-great-aunt/
LOCATION:Online Event Using Zoom
CATEGORIES:Kenilworth Meetings
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250101
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250102
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
CREATED:20230910T151729Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230910T151729Z
UID:11730-1735689600-1735775999@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Bank Holiday
DESCRIPTION:Bank Holiday\nNew Year’s Day
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/bank-holiday-25/
CATEGORIES:Public
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241226
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241227
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
CREATED:20230910T151619Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230910T154659Z
UID:11728-1735171200-1735257599@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Bank Holiday
DESCRIPTION:Bank Holiday\nBoxing Day \n  \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/bank-holiday-24/
CATEGORIES:Public
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241225
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241226
DTSTAMP:20260405T150619
CREATED:20230910T151521Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230910T154634Z
UID:11726-1735084800-1735171199@midland-ancestors.uk
SUMMARY:Bank Holiday
DESCRIPTION:Bank Holiday\nChristmas Day \n  \n 
URL:https://midland-ancestors.uk/event/bank-holiday-23/
CATEGORIES:Public
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR