News & Information

 It’s August 1^st and GB have won their first Gold medal in the 2012 Olympics.  There has been much talk about the adrenaline rush felt by the successful competitors – I’m sure we all have felt similar excitement when we eventually find a link to a long lost ancestor.  The joy of family history is that we don’t have to wait 4 years before we can experience it again! 

However, when watching them on TV the great athletes make winning a medal appear easy and well within their capabilities and we forget the years of perseverance and dedication which it takes.  The same applies to programmes dramatising family history research – the reality of research requires more effort than is sometimes portrayed but the results are really worth it.

We held a successful Open Day on July 14^th and it was good to meet some of our members who do not normally attend meetings.  Thank you to all of you who helped on the day and supported us.  The Help Desks were kept busy and we were able to break down a few brick walls. 

In the July Update I mentioned the arrangements which are in place to cover the move of the Library.  We held our last Help Session in the Library on July 21^st and we will start again in the Town Hall in October.  The North Somerset Archivist has now publicised her next visits to Weston – they will be on Thursdays, the 1st November 2012, 10th January and 7th March 2013 all in the new premises.  This is a tremendous help to anyone who is researching Somerset ancestors because documents can be brought to Weston for you to consult them.  Just contact the North Somerset Archivist for more details and to discuss which documents are available to help you.

Although we have no meetings in August perhaps this is an ideal time to review your research and identify the areas on which you need to work.  A query on our Research Forum might trigger off some ideas from other members of where to look next.  It doesn’t necessarily have to relate to Weston-super-Mare and district because we are very aware that our membership has a vast range of interests.   Have you entered the surnames you are researching or looked to see if anyone else is researching the same surname?

The web site is continually updating and new material is appearing.  Some of the articles which have previously appeared in Buckets & Spades can be found under “Journal Articles” in the main Menu - if you have recently joined these may be new to you.  Also, check the number of transcriptions which are now available to members.  What else would you like to see featured on the web site which would be a help to you?

We wish all members a happy holiday in August but please remember that we can be contacted through this page if you have any queries about your research.