National Family History Fair 2014 postponed

The National Family History Fair 2014, which was due to take place in Newcastle on Saturday 13th September, has been postponed, with a new date as yet to be announced. From the website:

There are several reasons for our decision taken very reluctantly. The 2013 Fair made a substantial financial loss.

We have been seeking a Sponsor or Sponsors for the event for several months and hoped to achieve this at Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE 2014, London on 20, 21 and 22 February 2014.

Immediate Media have announced that Who Do You Think You Are? LIVE will be held at Scottish Exhibition & Conference Centre (SECC), Glasgow from Friday 29th, Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August 2014.

This is too close to our scheduled event and major genealogy companies would be reluctant to attend Newcastle.

Without a substantial sponsorship the event has had to be postponed.

Please monitor this website for future announcements.

(With thanks to Jacqueline Hunter)

Chris

Time to find your inner Irish...! All the best online Irish genealogy resources can be found through my book Tracing Your Irish Family History on the Internet - in print and ebook formats. "Very useful, makes me wish I was Irish!" - Saint Patrick, patron saint.

National Family History Fair in Newcastle

I'm back in Largs just now after two days away to Newcastle for the National Family History Fair, which was once again a great event. I travelled down on Friday, stopping off for a few hours en route in Edinburgh to do some client research (see http://walkingineternity.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/recognising-yourself-as-heir.html for details of an interesting find amidst that!), and made it to the Premier Inn in Newcastle, the venue for the fair, for 6pm. I caught up with the fair's organiser Bob Blatchford and others for a meal, then had an early night!

The event itself started at 10am on Saturday morning, with various vendors in attendance. Many of the great and the good were there, including Bryony and team from Ancestry, FamilySearch, Anguline Research Archives, Australia's Unlock the Past (exhibiting for the first time in Britain), Family History Partnership, the University of Strathclyde's Genealogical Studies team, the Federation of Family History Societies, Society of Genealogists, the Ulster Historical Foundation, My History, and many, many others.

I had a chance to browse a few stalls, with some interesting finds - Pen and Sword were selling their new magazine Discover Your History, and had two great new books from Emma Jolly (Tracing Your Ancestors Using the Census) and Sue Wilkes (Tracing Your Ancestors' Childhood). Elsewhere I found a great wee buy, a book published in 1964 by the Ulster Folk Museum called "Ulster Dialects", which is slowly explaining why my accent is so dodgy/brilliant (that's subjective - your call!). I caught up with Ian and Sharon Hartas who explained some forthcoming developments on their UKBMD project (www.ukbmd.org.uk) - keep an eye out, it's all being announced soon!

William Roulston on Irish records

At 12pm and 2pm I chaired the two talks sessions, with the first yet another excellent presentation from Dr William Roulston of the Ulster Historical Foundation, on Irish genealogical resources (and successfully flying the flag for Tyrone!). Mike Hall then gave an interesting overview of the Society of Genealogists website, and its programme to catalogue and digitise materials, some useful materials on the site (particularly, but not exclusively, for English and Welsh research).

The show was over at 4pm, and after the hall was cleared I managed to catch up with Alan Phillips from Unlock the Past, not only to receive copies of my new book just published under his imprint in Australia (Discover Scottish Civil Registration Records), but also to discuss the forthcoming cruise and talks tour we'll be doing in Australia next February. Alan moved into organising genealogy cruises about three years ago, and without giving anything away, things are about to take off in a big way - keep an eye on his new cruises site at www.unlockthepastcruises.com! Remember, still time to book if ye fancy a conference at sea with lots of great speakers, including a few from the UK! (For more see http://www.unlockthepastcruises.com/cruises/4th-cruise/)

Another great event, and a huge thanks once again to Bob and Liz!

Chris

My wife Claire is planning to swim from the Scottish island of Cumbrae to the town of Largs on September 14th to raise money for local charity Gillian's Saltire Appeal, providing respite for families affected by cancer (Claire's mum and sister in Ireland have previously come through cancer, whilst my mum, based in England, currently has bladder cancer). Her Just Giving sponsorship page, with further details, is at http://www.justgiving.com/Claire-Paton1. If you can help to sponsor her, even by a wee amount, we'd be very grateful - many thanks!

Discover Scottish Civil Registration Records - now on sale

I'm delighted to say that my latest Scottish genealogy themed book is now out from Unlock the Past in Australia. At present it is available in print form from the company via www.gould.com.au/Discover-Scottish-Civil-Registration-Records-p/utp0284.htm at AU$17 (inc GST) plus p&p. An e-edition, if you prefer to read it via your PC, Mac or tablet in PDF format, will be available in the next couple of days (http://www.gen-ebooks.com).

Here's a description of the contents, and what it's all about really!

Discover Scottish Civil Registration Records

This guide from family historian Chris Paton takes a look at the vast world of Scottish civil registration records. Scotland commenced the statutory registration of births, marriages and deaths within the country in 1855, second seventeen and half years after a similar process had already got underway in England and Wales. The information lost to the family historian by such a late start is, however, more than made up for by the fact that Scottish registration records are the most detailed of all those found within the British Isles.

But what was the law behind Scottish registration, and how did it differ to England, Wales and Ireland? Who was legally obliged to do what and when, what were the penalties for default, and how might such knowledge help with our ancestral research? Why were all the forms of Scottish irregular marriage not abolished in 1939, and what angered the country's doctors? Where are the records not found online via ScotlandsPeople, such as those for adoption, vaccination, civil partnerships and divorce - and what vital records does the General Register Office in England hold for Scots as far back at the 1760s, and far beyond Britain's shores?

The book is structured as follows:

Contents:
Introduction
Acknowledgements

Part 1. Civil registration in Scotland
Establishment of civil registration
Registration of births
- Illegitimacy
- Locating birth records
- Minor records of birth
- Stillbirths
- Adoption
Vaccination
- Locating vaccination records
Marriage
- Registration of regular marriage
- Irregular marriage
- Registration of irregular marriage
- Introduction of civil marriage
- Same sex marriage
- Locating marriage records
- Minor records of marriage
- Other marriage records
- Divorce
Registration of deaths
- Medical certificates
- Locating death records
- Minor records of deaths
Registers of Corrected Entries
The Book of Scottish Connections

Part 2. Registration in the British Isles
England and Wales
- Births
- Marriages
- Divorce
- Deaths
- Locating English and Welsh records
- British overseas and military records
Ireland
- Locating Irish records
Crown dependencies

Appendix 1. Glossary
Appendix 2. Further reading
Appendix 3. English and Welsh BMD indexes in Australia and New Zealand
- Australia
- New Zealand
Index

It's the latest in a series of more indepth guides that I have been producing in which I have been trying to find out what really makes the records used within Scottish genealogy tick, going well beyond ScotlandsPeople into aspects of law behind civil registration, record availability, and British generated documents found beyond Scotland's borders. Other titles produced so far include Discover Scottish Church Records, and Discover Scottish Land Records - and I'm already hard at work on the next one...!

Incidentally, if you are at the National Family History Fair this coming Saturday, in Newcastle, I believe some copies may be available there.

I hope you find it of some use - enjoy!

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...!

National Family History Fair on September 7th at Newcastle

Yesterday's family history event in Motherwell was great - now news of another fair coming shortly, one I've attended for the last few years, and always a lot of fun!

The National Family History Fair 2013
Saturday, September 7 between 10.00.a.m and 4.00.p.m, entrance £3.00.

ONE of Britain’s most prestigious history events is being held once again in the Newcastle area for the 11th year. There will be many exhibitors, talks from nationally renowned experts, internet demonstrations and free advice from genealogy experts. You will be able to search for your ancestors with Family Search and the major internet websites.

This year after the very successful event in 2012 it will again be held at the Tyne Suite, Newcastle Central Premier Inn, Newbridge Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8BS.

This venue is in the heart of Newcastle city centre. Saturday, September 7 between 10.00.a.m and 4.00.p.m, entrance £3.00.

Prizes and subscriptions and other special offers are being made available by Genes Reunited, Ancestry.co.uk, My History and other exhibitors at this event.

The entrance ticket provides every visitor the opportunity to win one of 10 (TEN) 6 month subscriptions to Genes Reunited courtesy of GenesReunited worth £49.95.

In addition there will be a FREE draw to win one of 15 (FIFTEEN) copies of Family Tree Maker Deluxe software worth £39.95 which includes 3 months 'Essentials' subscription access to Ancestry.co.uk - worth £30.00 Courtesy of Ancestry.co.uk

Advice
Advice on researching your family history will be available throughout the day from leading genealogist Doreen Hopwood. Doreen was the lead Genealogist for Birmingham City Libraries and is a regular contributor to the leading Family history Magazines.

Talks & Presentations
In addition there will be a series of talks from 12.00.p.m. onwards. One of the many themes at this year’s event is Irish Ancestry with Dr William Roulston who will a talk on Researching Irish Ancestry. In addition The Ulster Historical Foundation will have a stand at the event.

Our second talk of the day is at 2.00.p.m. By Mike Wood from The Society of Genealogists on Using the Society of Genealogists Website & Library. The Society of Genealogists will also have a stand at the event.

Talks are £3.00 for each talk and are limited to 80 places.

There will be FREE presentations thought the day by Ancestry and Genes Reunited

Software and other demonstrations will take place throughout the day with My History; Genes Reunited; Ancestry.co.uk; and Family Search will provide a lookup and search service. Local archives will be represented by Durham County Record Office, Northumberland Archives and Teesside Archives.

We have a first this year with an exhibitor from Australia - Unlock the Past Cruises (International) and Gould Genealogy & History – who will reveal exciting plans for Genealogy Cruises from The British Isles.

Robert Blatchford, organiser of The National Family History Fair and publisher of The Family and Local History Handbooks and The Irish Family and Local History Handbook will showcase his worldwide bestsellers at the event – see www.genealogical.co.uk

Advance Ticket Sales
Advance sales of Admission tickets and talks tickets are available online through the links on our website at www.nationalfamilyhistoryfair.com

Refreshments will be available throughout the day at the event and The Premier Inn will also provide special Meal Deals.

The venue, in central Newcastle, is accessed easily by Rail, Metro and bus services and there is plentiful parking near by. See the website www.nationalfamilyhistoryfair.com for more information.

(With thanks to Bob Blatchford)

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...!

National Family History Fair 2013 - date shift

From Robert Blatchford:

The National Family History Fair 2013

We have had to change the date for The National Family History Fair 2013 to Saturday 7th September 2013. This change has been necessitated to avoid a clash with The Great North Run 2013 which has been organised for our usual weekend.

The National Family History Fair 2013
When: Saturday 7 September 2013
Venue: Tyne Suite, Newcastle Central Premier Inn, Newbridge Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8BS
Times: 10.00.a.m. - 4.00.p.m.

W: www.nationalfamilyhistoryfair.com

(With thanks to Bob)

Chris

Scottish Research Online - 5 weeks online Pharos course, £45.99, taught by Chris Paton from 26 SEP 2012 - see www.pharostutors.com
New book: It's Perthshire 1866 - there's been a murder... www.thehistorypress.co.uk/products/The-Mount-Stewart-Murder.aspx (from June 12th 2012)

National Family History Fair 2012 - report

I finally got back home from the National Family History Fair in Newcastle at a couple of minutes before midnight last night (Saturday), after three trains and two pints of the relaxing stuff! This year I gave one of the three talks at the event, and introduced the other speakers, and so was unable to gain much by way of new developments, though a few did find their way in my direction!

I arrived at the hotel on Friday evening and caught up with a few people before the main event itself, including FindmyPast's Amy Sell, in her first event for a good few months. In recent months the FindmyPast websites in Australasia, Ireland and the USA have changed format, to offer a new worldwide based subscription that allows access to the holdings of all four worldwide sites (each of which carries unique local content to their respective areas). I asked if this was still on the cards for the UK version of the site, and was told that they are intending to place worldwide content on the UK platform, but not necessarily in the same way as has been done on the other three sites. The search method for the other three platforms for the worldwide content is more difficult to use in terms of the techniques needed, essentially involving finding millions of records at he top and then using filters to narrow down to the record of interest. It seems there's a bit of a rethink on that for the UK end, so watch this space.

Elsewhere, I caught up with the wonderful folks at FIBIS (www.new.fibis.org), who have kindly given me a copy of a new research guide for review, which I will write up upon my return from Canada next week. The book is the second guide, and is entitled British Ships in Indian Waters: Their owners, crew and passengers, by Richard Morgan, and it looks a cracker!

Another snippet of news from the talks is that the National Archives at Kew will soon have some additional content on crime and punishment towards the end of the year. I also learned that TNA has royalty residing in its gardens, in the form of 'Herod the heron'!

After helping to take entrance and talks tickets money at the door I later had the pleasure to introduce and hear the talks of both Dr William Roulston of the Ulster Historical Foundation, and Gerry Toop of the National Archives, with two very well attended lectures. At 2.30 I then had to take the plunge myself with my own introductory talk on Scottish resources. This was one of the more fun talks I've given in a while, and I think those who attended all three talks had a great time.

Thanks again to Bob and Liz Blatchford, as well as to Paul and Maurice for a great evening meal on Friday - Bob and Liz will be in Dublin again at Back to Our Past in October (www.backtoourpast.com) with the next Irish Family and Local History Handbook. Bob was a happy bunny on Friday with a proof copy of the book  having just arrived, so keep an eye out for the new edition when it is launched! Thanks also to Sheena Tait for drinkies on Friday evening and to Laurence Harris of My Heritage for a quick bite to eat after the show on Saturday - it was useful to get an update on how the company is developing, including plans for its new records and trees integration search facility, coming soon. It was also great to catch up with Ian and Sharon Hartas, Guy Etchells, Chris Halliday, Steve McLeish, Ali MacDonald and Graham Holton, as well as Fiona Mitford and other Tweeters, and also one other lady whose blood truly was royal, in that her ancestor founded the Bruichladdich distillery on Islay!

A few snaps from the talks to end with...!

William Roulston discusses Irish resources

Gerry Toop takes us through the TNA website

My own unfortunate victims! (Thanks to all who attended!)

Chris

Scottish Research Online - 5 weeks online Pharos course, £45.99, taught by Chris Paton from 26 SEP 2012 - see www.pharostutors.com
New book: It's Perthshire 1866 - there's been a murder... www.thehistorypress.co.uk/products/The-Mount-Stewart-Murder.aspx (from June 12th 2012)

National Family History Fair talks

If you're coming to this weekend's National Family History Fair in Newcastle, why not obtain tickets for the following talks?

12.00.p.m. (Noon) to 1.00.p.m.
Researching Your Irish Ancestry
Dr William Roulston

1.15.p.m. to 2.15.p.m.
Using The National Archives Website for Family History Research
Gerry Toop

2.30.p.m. to 3.30.p.m.
Discover Scottish Family History
Chris Paton

Tickets are available at the door - places are Limited.
Tickets cost £3.00 and will be available at the Fair. (You'll be able to purchase them when you pay your admission)

Incidentally, for those attending my talk at 2.30, I've prepared a handout with some key web addresses, as it will be a packed talk to help get you started on your Scottish research!

For more on the fair, including lists of vendors in attendance, visit http://nationalfamilyhistoryfair.com/The_National_Family_History_Fair_2012.html

I'm happy to have a chat with anyone who can get a hold of me to offer advice on any Scottish or Irish genealogical problems. You can also talk to Chris Halliday or Steve McLeish on the Scotlands Genealogy and Scotia Roots stalls also (they know a thing or two!), or try Your Family Tree magazine contributor Doreen Hopwood for English based queries - not to mention all the various societies and other experts on hand.

One other quick shout - if you are interested in a professional postgraduate or masters level course in genealogy, do have a chat with the University of Strathclyde team there about the online courses on offer from the institution.

Hopefully see you there - should be another great day!

Chris

Check out my Scotland's Greatest Story research service www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk
New book: It's Perthshire 1866 - there's been a murder... www.thehistorypress.co.uk/products/The-Mount-Stewart-Murder.aspx (from June 12th 2012)

Nearly time for National Family History Fair 2012

Time to get in another quick plug for the National Family History Fair in Newcastle on Saturday September 8th 2012, which takes place in the Tyne Suite, Newcastle Central Premier Inn, Newbridge Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8BS, from 10am-4pm.

Organised by Bob Blatchford, who also produces the Family and Local History Handbook (and the new Irish Family and Local History and book, new edition coming soon!), this year's vendors will include many of the great and the good from the UK genealogy scene, with a full list available at http://nationalfamilyhistoryfair.com/The_National_Family_History_Fair_2012.html.

In addition there will be a series of talks (including one from yours truly!):

12.00.p.m. (Noon) to 1.00.p.m.
Researching Your Irish Ancestry
Dr William Roulston

1.15.p.m. to 2.15.p.m.
Using The National Archives Website for Family History Research
Gerry Toop

2.30.p.m. to 3.30.p.m.
Discover Scottish Family History
Chris Paton

Tickets can be pre-purchased for £3 +£1 admin and postage, or can be purchased on the day. I'm looking forward to helping out again this year, usually I've been on the floor or introducing talks etc, so great to have a chance this year to be able to share a few tips about Scottish research. I've heard William's talk before, which is excellent, though not Gerry's - but if ever there was a time to listen to someone talking about the National Archives site, now's it, with many major changes having taken place over the last few months.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Chris

Check out my Scotland's Greatest Story research service www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk
New book: It's Perthshire 1866 - there's been a murder... www.thehistorypress.co.uk/products/The-Mount-Stewart-Murder.aspx (from June 12th 2012)

National Family History Fair 2012

The National Family History Fair 2012 will be taking place on September 8th 2012 at Tyne Suite, Newcastle Central Premier Inn, Newbridge Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8BS, from 10am - 4.00pm.  I've been helping out at the fair over the last three or four years, but I'm delighted to say that I will actually be giving a talk there this year entitled Discover Scottish Family History, a beginner's guide to all the wee genealogical things that we do a little differently north of the border! Additional talks will also be given by William Roulston and Gerry Toop, and the place will be packed with all the top vendors from across the UK.

It promises to be another great day, in a very easy to access venue in the centre of Newcastle. For full details, see the fair's web page at www.nationalfamilyhistoryfair.com/The_National_Family_History_Fair_2012.html.

Hopefully see you there!

Chris

Check out my Scotland's Greatest Story research service www.ScotlandsGreatestStory.co.uk
New book: It's Perthshire 1866 - there's been a murder... www.thehistorypress.co.uk/products/The-Mount-Stewart-Murder.aspx (from June 12th 2012)

National Family History Fair 2012

Get your diaries ready!!

The National Family History Fair 2012  (www.nationalfamilyhistoryfair.com) will be held on Saturday 8th September 2012 between 10.00.a.m - 4.00.p.m at Tyne Suite, Newcastle Central Premier Inn, Newbridge Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8BS    Admission Price: £3.00 Accompanied Children under 15 Free

Exhibitors will include:
Ancestry.co.uk; National Archives; Genes Reunited; Families in British India Society; Society of Genealogists; Guild of One Name Studies; My Heritage; as well as Archives, Record Offices, Family History Societies, Books, Postcards, Maps and much more...  (A full list of exhibitors is given at www.nationalfamilyhistoryfair.com)

A series of talks and demonstrations will take place during the day.

• Researching Your Irish Ancestry - Dr William Roulston
• Using The National Archives Website for Family History Research - Gerry Toop
• Discover Scottish Family History - Chris Paton 

There will also be presentations by Ancestry.co.uk

A dedicated Family History Advice table will be provided by Doreen Hopwood, writer and former Genealogist for Birmingham Libraries

Following the success of the event in 2011 the show is returning to Newcastle Central Premier Inn – Tyne Suite, Newbridge Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8BS

In the heart of the City Centre the Newcastle Central Premier Inn is a short walk from Newcastle Railway Station, Monument Metro Station and City Centre Bus Routes. Easily access from A1 and A167M.
Car Parking (On Street and Multi-Storey) nearby. Refreshments Available All Day.

The Hotel has 186 en-suite bedrooms and a restaurant. The hotel makes an ideal base from which to explore the local surrounds. Just a short walk from the historic Quayside, as well as great shopping, galleries, museums and theatres. Bookings can be made via www.premierinn.com.

COMMENT: I've helped at the fair for the last three or four years now, and it is up there with WDYTYA as  a must attend annual event. From my point of view, this one's more Scotland friendly though, being just over the border! This is also the first year I'll be speaking at the event, having previously introduced speakers at it, so very much looking forward to seeing some of you there!

(With thanks to Bob Blatchford)

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