Every Family has a story to tell……….Welcome to mine
For those of you that enjoy a really good genealogy podcast series, then why not have a listen to The Family Histories Podcast by the wonderful Andrew Martin. If you are a family history addict, which I am assuming you might be, if you are reading this blog, then you will love the Family Histories … Continue reading The Family Histories Podcast
Sometimes we discover a story that's so remarkable that even though it's not a member of your own family, we feel compelled to make sure that the story is told. The photograph of the young boy standing outside the White Star Line offices in London, holding an Evening News poster announcing ‘Titanic Disaster Great Loss … Continue reading The Boy Behind the Titanic Photo: The Story of Edward (Ned) Parfett
Can you really truly know who you are, if you don't know where you came from? It's a simple enough question and one that I am sure that many family historians and probably many psychologists will have considered at some point. Even to the point of analysing why some people are so passionate and so … Continue reading Do You Know Who You Are?
This is the latest and recently updated biography of my great-grandfather, John Edwin Barnes. It’s always good practise to periodically review and …The Life and Times of John Edwin Barnes
A few years ago I was fortunate enough to visit the National Arboretum in Staffordshire, which holds over 300 memorials to those lives that have sadly been lost in conflict and civilian life. The Arboretum stands as a place which honours the fallen and recognises their service and their sacrifice for their country. It was first … Continue reading My Visit to The National Memorial Arboretum
Originally published April 2023 — updated for 2026 Note: This article has been updated to reflect new insights, personal experience, and the evolving landscape of DNA testing. A revised version of this post is also available on Substack. In recent years, DNA testing for family history has grown at an incredible rate. If you’re researching your … Continue reading DNA Kits – Should They Come With a Warning?
Sometimes when we are researching our family history we stumble across a story that is so intriguing and interesting that it's just too good not to share. In this instance I would like to share with you a story that has been written and researched by Alan Mercer. I am sure that like me, you … Continue reading All The Fun Of The Fair
Updated and Revised Version (April 2026) In many ways, being a family history researcher can feel like being a ‘detective’, hunting for clues to solve the latest ‘mystery’. You may have a few uncorroborated facts that you have pieced together, but it is that one piece of ‘critical evidence’ that is missing which prevents you … Continue reading How To Become A Family History Detective Using My ABC Guide
As a RootsTech Ambassador I have the opportunity to host a giveaway competition for RootsTech23 which allows one lucky participant to win a complimentary 3 day pass to attend the in person event at Salt Lake City. I chose to ask those that entered my competition to simply tell me how they started their family … Continue reading RootsTech 2023 Competition Result!
All families have secrets, and it’s almost inevitable that when we undertake genealogical research, that family secrets will emerge. Discovering family secrets might be wonderful, but they can often be distressing, upsetting and even confusing, for those involved. We might even find ourselves having to stop our research and reflect on what we have discovered … Continue reading Ethical Dilemmas and How To Approach Them
The Chiddicks Family Tree 