Can you be defined by what your ancestors did or who your ancestors were? This is probably a question that can equally be aimed at psychology students as well as Historians or Family Historians and one that is probably far more advanced than my level of education! Having said that, I do have my own … Continue reading How Much Does Your Past Shape Your Future?
Category: General Family History
My Genealogy Hints, Tips and Cheats Mini-Series
Are you new to genealogy or an experienced researcher? Either way, we can always do with a little bit of help with our research. In this mini-series written for Family Tree Magazine, I have looked at some of the main subscription websites and have put together a series of hints, tips and cheats for each … Continue reading My Genealogy Hints, Tips and Cheats Mini-Series
Blogging in the Past Lane
My Genie friend Caroline McCulloch ("Coach Carole") has kindly allowed me to share with you her latest ecourse for people that are new to blogging. The online six part course covers every aspect of blogging, from choosing a host site, designing your website and posting your first blogs. Blogging In The Past Lane "Years ago, … Continue reading Blogging in the Past Lane
Out of the Blank Podcast
Another day, another podcast! This time something a little bit different, two guys chatting down the pub (minus the pub and beer of course), all things history, genealogy and family related and putting the world to rights. I even manage to squeeze some Lego in there as well!!!! Looking back at history, how we fit … Continue reading Out of the Blank Podcast
“Enthusiastic Amateur” Podcast
I was recently invited by Australian Genealogist Carole McCulloch, to take part in a podcast interview, to discuss all things Genealogy related and my role as the writer of the 'Dear Paul' column for family tree magazine. Carole is an author, storyteller, family historian, teacher and now podcast host, if you want to visit her … Continue reading “Enthusiastic Amateur” Podcast
My Family Tree in Numbers
A lot of our family tree is based on numbers, we are obsessed with them, birth dates, marriage dates, death dates and census returns. Thanks to the wonders of technology, we can now crunch these numbers from our family tree software programmes. Whatever software you use, there is usually a way of representing your family … Continue reading My Family Tree in Numbers
How to Research a WW1 Soldier
Before the start of WW1, the British Army comprised of approximately 700,000 men of which 250,000 were regulars, 250,000 territorials and 200,000 reservists. By the end of WW1, it’s estimated that 8.7 million men and women had served in the British Army. So, the chances of you having an ancestor who served in WW1 is … Continue reading How to Research a WW1 Soldier
TV ‘Gold’
Did you see last night's DNA Journey on ITV with Martin and Roman Kemp? If not, then I urge you to have a watch if you can on catch up, it's brilliant. The programme really got me thinking about lots of different aspects of my tree and the whole DNA journey itself and also the … Continue reading TV ‘Gold’
How do we differentiate between ‘Fact and Fiction’?
A father's name on a birth certificate, is that a fact? The birth certificate itself is the 'evidence', anything stated on the certificate is then normally classed as a 'fact', including the birth date and the father's name. But what if that information is, in fact incorrect? How can we determine what is a fact, … Continue reading How do we differentiate between ‘Fact and Fiction’?
#52Ancestors Week 52 ‘Resolution’
Welcome to Week 52 of my Genealogy challenge, from the wonderful Amy Johnson Crow, of writing something about your Ancestors for a whole year, #52Ancestors in 52 weeks. This weeks prompt is 'Resolution' Today I am celebrating the fact that I have completed the #52Ancestors challenge and not missed one single week this year. After … Continue reading #52Ancestors Week 52 ‘Resolution’









