Family History & Genealogy
Meeting: 4th Wednesday of each month 2-4pm.
Venue: Northumbria Hall, St. Cuthbert's Church Centre, Lytham Road, Preston.
Joint group leaders: Malcolm Woods (Tel.01772 864665). Andy Luscombe (Tel.01772 861062).
Have you ever watched “Who Do You Think You Are?” or similar programmes on TV and wondered about your own family history? If so, why not do something about it.
In the U3A Family History group, we don’t have an army of researchers at our call but we have friendly and willing “experts” and likeminded devotees who are always happy to share their experiences, provide advice and “do’s and don’ts” to help you in your research - and possibly break through the “brick walls” that we all come up against. We have a wide range of experience in the group, including members who are just starting their family history research. Our meetings includes regular “Can anybody help?” sessions, discussions on topics requested by group members, outside speakers, and visits to local museums, archives and information centres.
We meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month 2pm-4pm in Northumbria Hall at St. Cuthbert’s. Why not come and join us, you will be most welcome. For further details contact Malcolm or Andy - contact numbers are at top of page.
Next meeting: 2pm Wednesday 23 September (Zoom video conference). No face-to-face meetings planned until further notice.
Topic: Using DNA for Family History Research
Some of you will remember that we had a comprehensive talk on DNA about 12 months ago, which gave a lot of background on the science and development of DNA. We always intended to have a follow-up session focused on the practical use of DNA in family history and sharing the experience of group members who've taken a DNA test. So here it is at last!!
We'll start off with an illustrated talk "DNA - Just Who Do You Think You Are ?" given by Colin from our group. I'm sure this will be interesting and enjoyable. For the rest of the meeting, we'll have a general forum on using DNA. If you've already had a DNA test then, if you can, please share your experience with the group. If you're perhaps considering a DNA test, the session might show how a test might help with your research. There should be time for questions ..... and even possibly some answers!!
For anyone who's not used Zoom before, you'll need to download the Zoom App onto your laptop, tablet or phone (there are versions for Windows, Mac, iPad, Android phones/tablets) so that covers most devices. As long as your device has a camera you are OK to use it. It's free and straightforward to use, and you don't need to create an account in order to "attend" a Zoom meeting. You just click "Join Meeting" and enter a meeting code that I'll provide.
I'll send out the Zoom meeting code by email a few days before the meeting.