Who Do You Think You Are wins BAFTA award

The 15th UK series of Who Do You Think You Are? has won a BAFTA Television award for the Features category. Congratulations to all involved.

You can see the award being accepted at https://youtu.be/0l9p2J3HnGU, or below:

Chris

My next Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs course starts May 13th 2019 - see https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=302. Details of my genealogical research service are available at www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk. For my Scottish and Irish themed books, visit https://britishgenes.blogspot.com/p/my-books.html. Further news published daily on The GENES Blog Facebook page, and on Twitter @genesblog.

Congratulations to Maureen Selley!

A belated congratulations to everyone's favourite Time Lady, Maureen Selley, on being awarded a British Empire Medal in the most recent Honours list, for "Services to Local History".

Maureen has been a long running volunteer with Devon Family History Society (www.devonfhs.org.uk), of which she is the current Secretary and a former Chairman. She's also a bundle of fun, and thoroughly dedicated to helping others with their family history pursuits - and more importantly, for this particular genie, a fellow Whovian!  I've had the pleasure to meet and chat with Maureen on several occasions in recent years, both at Who Do You Think You Are Live? events, and in Portugal at the Lost Cousins conferences in 2014 and 2015, and this is most certainly a thoroughly deserved recognition by the state for all of her past and continuing efforts.

The formal announcement is available in the London Gazette at https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/61962/supplement/B31.

Well done Maureen!

(With thanks to Wendy Archer at Oxfordshire FHS)

Chris

My next 5 week Scottish Research Online course commences Sept 11th 2017 - details at https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102.
For details on my Scottish & Irish genealogy guide books, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.
For my genealogy research service, please visit http://www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk.

WDYTYA series wins UK BAFTA award

The UK television series Who Do You Think You Are?, produced for the BBC by Wall to Wall Television (www.walltowall.co.uk), has won a British Academy of Film and Television Award (BAFTA) for the Features category. It is the fourth time that the show has been nominated, but the first time it has won.

The announcement for the award, and its acceptance by the production team, is available to view at https://youtu.be/F2h9xcBplUQ or below:

Congratulations to all involved with the production. For BAFTA's own coverage of the Television Awards, visit http://www.bafta.org/television/tv-2017.

Chris

My next 5 week Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs course commences May 15th 2017 - details at https://www.pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=302. For details on my genealogy guide books, including A Beginner's Guide to British and Irish Genealogy, A Decade of Irish Centenaries: Researching Ireland 1912-1923, Discover Scottish Church Records (2nd edition), Discover Irish Land Records and Down and Out in Scotland: Researching Ancestral Crisis, please visit http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html.

WW1 Military Medal collection launched on The Genealogist

From The Genealogist (www.thegenealogist.co.uk):

Newly released for the first time are First World War Medal Records that crossed the great social class divide

Over 117,000 ‘Military Medals’ were awarded in the First World War for ‘acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire’. These records are now available to view online complete with an image of the actual Medal Card and a link to the official government publication of the time. It’s a unique, comprehensive set of records available only on TheGenealogist.co.uk

The Military Medal was awarded to ‘Non Commissioned Officers and Ordinary Ranks’ and covers exceptional courage as a soldier in battle. It also was awarded for those that risked their lives trying to save others, often in extreme danger. The Medal Records on TheGenealogist show people from a wide range of backgrounds and social classes, including a number of young women from very privileged families who chose to drive ambulances and rescue the wounded in the mud of battle.

The role of ‘stretcher bearer’ was one of the most dangerous jobs of the time and surprisingly, the records show many women bridged social constraints of the time to risk life and limb to help rescue and bring in soldiers wounded in battle.

Details now available on TheGenealogist range from the most highly decorated Military Medal recipient, stretcher bearer Private Ernest Corey of the 55th Australian Infantry, to Lady Dorothie May Evelyn Feilding-Moore, the daughter of the Earl of Denbigh (the first female recipient of the Medal), to Mairi Lambert Gooden-Chisholm who rescued a German pilot from no-man’s land. Both men and women, crossing the social divide and class customs of pre-1914 to demonstrate outstanding bravery.

The new Military Medal records provide:

• Full details of the person winning the medal – their rank, regiment, date of medal citation and the details of their heroism in battle
• Sophisticated search techniques to find the medal recipient with just one mouse click
• A further addition to the comprehensive medal and First World War records now available on TheGenealogist.co.uk

Mark Bayley, Head of Online Content comments: “With our military record releases in 2014, we are aiming to cover all aspects of The First World War. Every new record set unearths surprises and the Military Medal collection is no different as we discover the female front line heroes listed alongside those who fought to protect our freedom. These unique records consistently provide fascinating tales behind them.”

More details on the records of the First World War ‘Military Medals’ can be found at www.TheGenealogist.co.uk/military-medal

(With thanks to David Osborne)

Chris

Now available for UK research is the new second edition of the best selling Tracing Your Family History on the Internet: A Guide for Family Historians, whilst my new book British and Irish Newspapers is also now out. And please consider purchasing the great new version of Caledonia by The Libations at 79p via www.caledonia2014.com - all profits go to help fund Scottish foodbanks

Winners of English Heritage Angel Awards 2013

From English Heritage (www.english-heritage.org.uk)

LONDON PUB, LEAD MINE, GOTHIC FOLLY AND LEICESTERSHIRE CHURCH - WINNERS OF THE ENGLISH HERITAGE ANGEL AWARDS 2013

- Andrew Lloyd Webber Awards for Local People who Save Their Heritage–

The winners of the English Heritage Angel Awards, founded by Andrew Lloyd Webber to celebrate the efforts of local people in rescuing their heritage, were announced at a glittering West End show in London today (Monday 21 October, 2013). The annual awards are run by English Heritage and inspired by its Heritage at Risk Register.

Andrew Lloyd Webber, addressing a packed audience of heritage experts and enthusiasts at the Palace Theatre said: “Every year the Angel Awards bring more and more outstanding heritage rescue projects to public attention and I am delighted that through the Angel Awards we can properly celebrate the people involved. This year’s winners have shown courage, tenacity and perseverance and have saved listed buildings and historic ruins from being lost to posterity. Now these places have a future. They will uplift and enlighten all who come across them and will be cherished by their communities for generations to come.”

Paul Martin hosted the show. Andrew Lloyd Webber, George Clarke, “Restoration Man”, Bettany Hughes, award-winning author, historian and broadcaster, and Richard Chartres Bishop of London gave speeches, announced the winners and presented the awards.

Out of a strong field of 17 finalists, the winners were:

Angel Award for the Best Rescue of an Industrial Building or Site
Malcolm and James Nattrass for Low Slit Mine, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham

Angel Award for the Best Rescue of any Heritage building or site
Ivy House Community Pub Limited for the Ivy House Public House, Southwark, London

Angel Award for the Best Repair of a Place of Worship
St James’s Restoration Fund and Parochial Church Council for the Church of St James the Greater, Ab Kettleby, Leicestershire

Angel Award for the Best Craftsmanship Employed on a Heritage Rescue
Vivat Trust / Save Hadlow Tower Action Group for Hadlow Tower, Tonbridge, Kent

Angel Award voted for by English Heritage followers and Telegraph readers
Vivat Trust / Save Hadlow Tower Action Group for Hadlow Tower, Tonbridge, Kent.

Paul Martin said: “A pub, a church, a mine and a tower built for partying – our winners have saved places which say so much about the variety of England’s buildings and the richness of our culture. These places don’t just tell us about the past. The human stories behind their rescues tell us just as much about the present. I’d love to visit all of them – though not in the same day!”

Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said: “This year we, as a nation, celebrate a hundred years of heritage protection by the government – but the Angels prove again that it is individuals, inspired by their local historic treasures who make all the difference. While we need official bodies to give legal protection to our national heritage, it is ordinary people who more often than not save important historic places that have fallen into neglect and disrepair. I salute all our winners and hope that they will inspire others to follow their brilliant example. ”

Andrew Lloyd Webber chaired the judging panel which comprised Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, Charles Moore of the Telegraph, Bettany Hughes, George Clarke and the Bishop of London.

For more information on the winners see www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/angel-awards/winners-2013/. Short videos of all 17 of the shortlisted candidates, including the winners, can be seen on the English Heritage website www.english-heritage.org.uk/angelawards and on the English Heritage YouTube channel http://bit.ly/16fCCPW.

The English Heritage Angel Awards are co-funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation. www.andrewlloydwebberfoundation.com and the Telegraph is the media partner. More information about the English Heritage Angel Awards is at www.english-heritage.org.uk/angelawards

(With thanks to Debbie Hickman)

Chris

My latest book, Discover Scottish Civil Registration Records, is now available from http://www.gould.com.au (print) and http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html (ebook), whilst Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet is available at http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-History-on-the-Internet/p/3889/. My next Pharos Scottish course, Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs, starts Nov 13th - see http://pharostutors.com.

English Heritage Angel Awards - latest

From English Heritage:

ENGLISH HERITAGE ANGEL AWARDS FINALISTS TO BE HONOURED BY ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER

Paul Martin will be taking to the stage of the Palace Theatre in London’s West End at 11.30am next Monday to introduce the communities, church groups, private individuals and trusts behind some of the nation’s best heritage rescues, English Heritage announced today (Thursday 17th October).

There will be 17 finalists at the English Heritage Angel Awards and Paul Martin will be introducing celebrities including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Bettany Hughes, George Clarke and the Bishop of London to announce the five winners. Paul will then interview the winners in front of an audience of heritage experts and enthusiasts.

A film telling the story of each of the rescue projects will be shown at the event. The films are available on the English Heritage YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/16fCCPW

Founded by Andrew Lloyd Webber in 2011, the Angel Awards celebrate the efforts of groups and individuals from all over the country who put hours of hard work perseverance and imagination into saving derelict and severely damaged historic landmarks from being lost forever.

The finalists include a decaying Victorian glasshouse, a London pub with a ballroom bought by the community, a Northumbrian battlefield, a County Durham lead mine and a Somerset silk mill, a castle used for target practice in the Second World War, an overgrown cemetery, a mausoleum to a man buried in his chair, and a church neglected for 100 years.

All have been filmed by award-winning filmmakers D R Hood and Hannah Robinson (www.likelystory.co.uk). The films are already attracting large audiences on the English Heritage Youtube channel.

Paul Martin said: "Our heritage isn't just about the past, it's about the present; and if we don't act now, some of our buildings and monuments will be lost forever. Not only are they a unique document of social history, they also provide a window into the past, giving us a sense of connection with traditional heritage craft skills. We can make it happen, we can save these iconic landmarks so the next generation can embrace them."

Filmmaker D R Hood who has worked with top stars, said: “Filming the people short-listed for the Heritage Angels was a joy. They are all so passionate about the buildings and places they have saved and want others to enjoy them as they do. I hope our films help spread their infectious enthusiasm for the rich and varied heritage all around us - and their incredible persistence in getting things done.”

Follow @EnglishHeritage on Twitter for the latest #AngelAwards updates.

Chris

My latest book, Discover Scottish Civil Registration Records, is now available from http://www.gould.com.au (print) and http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html (ebook), whilst Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet is available at http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-History-on-the-Internet/p/3889/. My next Pharos Scottish course, Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs, starts Nov 13th - see http://pharostutors.com.

Society of Genealogists certificates of recognition awards

The Society of Genealogists in London has created a new certificate of recognition award for individuals who have contributed to the genealogy sector worldwide. The succesful recipients for the first certificates are Dick Eastman, Dr Hugh Kearsey, Rosemary Cleaver and the Polish Archive of Przemyślu.

For further details visit the SoG blog at http://www.sog.org.uk/news/article/society-of-genealogists-launches-a-new-prestigious-award-for-the-genealogic.

Chris

My latest book, Discover Scottish Civil Registration Records, is now available from http://www.gould.com.au (print) and http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html (ebook), whilst Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet is available at http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Tracing-Your-Irish-History-on-the-Internet/p/3889/. My next Pharos Scottish course, Scotland 1750-1850: Beyond the OPRs, starts Nov 13th - see http://pharostutors.com.

Jodi Awards 2013

The Jodi Awards are presented annually to "promote the cultural equality of disabled people through the use of accessible digital media; the provision of accessible information and learning content; the involvement of disabled people in the process of creation, design and evaluation of digital media." The initiative is steered by the Jodi Mattes Trust, which was created in 2003 as part of the European Year of Disabled People. Started in England, the project was extended to Wales in 2006 thanks to support from CyMAL, then to Scotland in 2008, thanks to support from support of Museums Galleries Scotland, Scottish Libraries and Information Council and the Scottish Archive Network.

As part of the initiative's tenth anniversary three new awards are to be presented this coming November for the following categories - Access Planning and User Involvement, Innovation, and Legacy and Impact. There will also be an International Award for best website outside the UK. For details of previous winners see www.jodiawards.org.uk/awards-listing. NB: "The judges will be particularly interested in projects that have been evaluated after completion of the project."

Who can submit a nomination? "Museums, art galleries, heritage sites, archives, libraries, and disability organisations can submit a nomination, as well as commercial companies (commercial companies are invited to submit nominations in association with a service provider)." For more, see www.jodiawards.org.uk/eligibility.

Full details of the application criteria, and the nomination form itself, are available at www.jodiawards.org.uk/home. The deadline for applications to be submitted is Friday August 2nd 2013.

Good luck to all those nominated!

(With thanks to Ben Bennett from the Scottish Council on Archives)

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. My Scottish land and church records ebooks are available at http://www.gen-ebooks.com/unlock-the-past.html, whilst my next Pharos Scottish course, Scottish Research Online, starts Sep 4th - see http://pharostutors.com/details.php?coursenumber=102. Time to smash a few brick walls...!

FIBIS wins FFHS awards

Congratulations to Valmay Young and the team at the Families in British India Society (www.new.fibis.org), for winning both first place in the Large Society category of the FFHS Geoff Riggs Award (second year running), and the overall award for Best Site. The full story is available at www.new.fibis.org/archives/875

Chris

My new book, Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet, is now available from Pen and Sword. For my other genealogy books, please visit  http://britishgenes.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-books.html; whilst for my online Scottish based genealogy courses please visit the Pharos Teaching and Tutoring Ltd site.

50+ awards: genealogy service providers

The following services have been nominated in the category of Best Genealogy Services Provider in the 50+ Awards, organised by the 50+ Show:

• Ancestry.co.uk
• FindMyPast.co.uk
• GenesReunited.co.uk
• MyHeritage.com
• ScotlandsPeople.gov.uk
• Society of Genealogists

Vote for who you think should win at www.50plusshow.com/50plusAwards/ - voting continues until June 30th.

Good luck to all the nominees!

Chris

British GENES on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BritishGENES and Twitter @chrismpaton

Scotland's Greatest Story research service www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk and www.facebook.com/ScottishGenealogyResearch