StMaryLangleySmJust before the English Civil war St Mary the Virgin church was changed for ever by the addition of a library that is unique in England. Julian Hunt tells the story of the library’s benefactor Sir John Kederminster and his family, and other works undertaken.

 

The National Archives

On 8th August Simon Fowler will talk about The National Archvies in Kew. This Southern Branch meeting is on Tuesday 8th August at Bourne End Community Centre and starts at on 19:45 (Doors open at 19:30)

old film

At our meeting on 11th July Kathy Chater wil talk about Film and Sound Archives for Family Historians. This Southern Branch meeting is on Tuesday 11th July at Bourne End Community Centre and starts at on 19:45 (Doors open at 19:30)

historic photo of postmen

Our June meeting is a talk by Alan Ruston about the lives and records of Postmen, Customs Officers and others of that ilk. This Southern Branch meeting is on Tuesday 13th June at Bourne End Community Centre and starts at on 19:45 (Doors open at 19:30)

Background brick wall

Having problems with that dead end or brick wall you cannot get past? Come along for some online research to discover how to get round them. Bucks FHS Names Database will also be available. This Southern Branch meeting is on Tuesday 9th May at Bourne End Community Centre and starts at on 19:45 (Doors open at 19:30)

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Unfortunately Tom Doig who was to talk about dating your old family photographs is unwell and cannot make it. As a late replacement Tony Sargeant has stepped in to talk about Charity and the use of WIlls. The Tom Doig talk will be rescheduled. This Southern Branch meeting is on Tuesday 11th April at Bourne End Community Centre and starts at on 19:45 (Doors open at 19:30)

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In March Ian Waller will be talking about "My Average Ancestor" which looks at the records our typical, average ancestor would be expected to have left behind (their genealogical footprint). Given that almost everyone has "average" ancestors this talk will help just about anyone with their research. This Southern Branch meeting is on Tuesday 14th March at Bourne End Community Centre and starts at on 19:45 (Doors open at 19:30)

Mind The Gap Underground sign

David Annal returns to talk about Gaps. Those steps missed in research that will catch you out much later. This Southern Branch meeting is on Tuesday 14th February at Bourne End Community Centre and starts at on 19:45 (Doors open at 19:30)

20230110 SearchingForSurnames

We start 2023 with a talk from the ever popular Kirsty Gray. On 10th January she will be discussing "Searching for Sunames". The meeting is in the Eghams Room at Bourne End Community Centre and starts at on 19:45. 

holly leaves and berries

The Southern Branch christmas meeting is on Tuesday 13th December. There will be a Family History related quiz, minced pies, mulled wine and soft drinks. You are invited to bring along a 5 minute talk about Christmases in your family (distant or recent past). This is a social gathering where we also may be able to help with some famil history riddles. This meeting is at Bourne End Community Centre and starts at on 19:45   

Who Is In Your Family Tree

Using the key records for family history research and examples from his own family and research, Dave Foster builds a family tree using census, parish registers, birth, marriage and death certificates, newspapers, wills and monumental inscriptions. This talk is at Bourne End Community Centre on Tuesday 8th November at 19:45   

Eton Union Workhouse Chapel

 Bourne End's meeting in October is titled "The Workhouse and Poor Law Union" with Colin Oakes. The talk is at Bourne End Community Centre on Tuesday 11th October at 19:45

 The importance of workhouses in the community cannot be ignored when researching family history. This talk covers the start and growth of the instutuion from medieval times though the tudor time and on to the Victoran period. Finally ending with the changes in 1834 and their end in 1948. 

LaceCorner

 Bourne End's meeting in September is titled "Lacemaking" with Jane Burns. The talk is at Bourne End Community Centre on Tuesday 14th September at 19:45

 Bucks Lace was one of the most important cottage industries in Buckinghamshire, even if the census under reports the number of women involved.