Apologies for the lack of a November Update - how many noticed that there wasn't one? - Congratulations if you did! A big thank you to all those who brought items to the November meeting to discuss their contribution to your family history. I was particularly intrigued by the Book of Handy Hints with the weird and wonderful cures for everyday ailments - it certainly emphasised how times have changed. That meeting also saw the publication of the latest edition of Buckets & Spades, which is always interesting - Paul does a really great job in editing it for us but would welcome new contributions. New members might like to catch up on some of the older articles which can be found on this site under "Journal Articles" on the Main Menu. December began with our attendance at the Charity Fair at the Winter gardens in Weston on Dec 1st where Graham Payne and Bill Caple offered help and advice. They traced some elusive ancestors and raised interest in our Society from others. On the same afternoon, the Free Advice Session took place in the Library, where our volunteers cheerfully spent time sorting out problems - these can be extremely interesting - we never know whether we will be delving into local Parish Records, Street Directories, Tythe Maps, local newspapers or unravelling Italian or French ancestors. You don't have to be a member to come along with a question. There is always a mixture of local families and those who were from elsewhere - we do have internet access to help us look wider afield. We will be there again on December 15th and start the new year on January 5th. The date has been fixed for a visit to the National Archives at Kew on Feb 19th - more details and a booking form in Buckets & Spades or more information from our secretary, Brian Airey. Why not take advantage of this visit to download (just for the printing costs) some of the online documents (which include those from Ancestry and Findmypast) which are available at Kew. The addition of the British Newspaper Archive to Findmypast should be of interest to many. Of course, everything we read in the newspapers must be accurate - I was delighted to find out that in March 1859 my gg grandfather, Thomas LONG, received a public apology from a neighbour, Alfred BUSH who had falsely accused him of keeping a brothel! Christmas will probably bring some family reunions and the chance to ask others those questions before it is too late - use your camera, phone, i-pad or whatever to record the family get-to-gether, and make a note of what you are told. Am I the only one who feels that a camera should also be used at funerals but am reluctant to do so? - why is this? We do not have a monthly meeting in December but in January one of own members, Dave Milner will be talking about his experiences tracking down the beneficiaries for a will - heir hunters in action. Have a great Christmas and a successful and Happy New Year. | 
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