News & Information

One of the most common sayings of family historians is  "I wish I'd asked them about it while they were alive - it's too late now".  It might not be - one of my sons told me something which my mother had told him but which was news to me.  Perhaps this Christmas when talking to your friends and relations you might discover some little clue which explains a mystery in your research.  There's often a grain of truth in those handed down tales which seem so far fetched - don't discount them out of hand.

Haven’t you finished yet? – A question posed by my husband recently when I gaily informed him that I had discovered another of his relations.  The answer to that is that everything new you find poses at least two new questions!  This time it concerned the Vicar of Hornblotton - Elias DYMOCK, (brother of Mike’s 5 x great grandfather) who in 1753 was convicted of cursing 20 profane curses!  I wonder what caused him to do this?

Upcoming Events

Just a reminder that the North Somerset Archivist  will be in Weston Library on 4 December 2014

• The morning session is from 11.00am-1.00pm and the afternoon session is from 2.00pm-3.30pm. Visitors are welcome at either or both of these sessions.  Please bring your library card, if you have one, as you will be asked to sign in when you enter the local studies room.  If you would like to look at original documents or microfiche held at Somerset Archives and Local Studies, please contact us the week before the visit ('last orders' are taken two days before the visit) and please be aware that spaces are limited.  You can carry on looking at microfiche over lunch, if you wish, but not original documents. Please contact Jane de Gruchy, North Somerset Archivist:  Tel: 01823 278805   
• This is a marvellous opportunity for anyone who wishes to consult documents which are normally held at Taunton.   I could even find out more about Elias DYMOCK!

BigWorle Week  

• Also on Thursday afternoon Dec 4th from 1.00pm until 5.00pm the Society is being represented at the BigWorle Week being held at the BigWorle Hub in Clovelly Road, Worle.  Do come along and see us – we will be offering assistance to anyone who is thinking about their family history or who is stuck and would like to know what to do next – You don’t have to have ancestors in Worle!

Rotary Charity Christmas Fair Saturday Dec 6th at the WinterGardens  

• For several years now we have had a stand at this fair and offered advice for people who are interested in researching their family.  This year is no exception - so come along and say “Hello” as you enjoy the Christmas atmosphere at this annual Charity Fair.   From 10-00am until 4.00pm.

Library Help Sessions – No Sessions Dec 27th or Jan 3rd

• We have been holding these sessions every Saturday since September 2013 and with the continued support of a loyal band of volunteers they are still proving very successful.  It is always very satisfying to hear the comments of people who are delighted (and sometimes surprised!) at what they have been able to find out.   
• It was interesting that during the weekend of the Weston Carnival we were able to help people who had come to Weston for the weekend to watch the carnival and to catch up on their research at the same time. 
• However, in case anyone is planning to visit Weston over Christmas we will not be in the Library on Saturdays Dec 27th and Jan 3rd but of course the Library will be open for individual research with access to Ancestry and other online facilities on all normal opening times. The Local Studies Section has Parish Records on Fiche for all parishes in North Somerset and a wide range of books, directories, Electoral Rolls, maps etc.  all relating to North Somerset.

Research Forum

• If you have a query please use the Research Forum on this site – It’s been a bit quiet of late – but several people have commented that they learn a lot from reading the questions posed and the suggestions offered.  No question is too basic to be asked - we were all beginners once and even those who have been researching for some time need to catch up with changing methods and availability of resources.

Internet Resources

• London Probate Search Rooms Closing December 2014 to be Replaced by New On-Line Index to Wills from 1858.  From the beginning of November it has been possible to access Wills  from 1996 online see this page for more details.  It looks as if from Dec 12th this will be extended to all Wills from 1858 Take a look at his announcement  and the response from the Society of Genealogists.  This will mean that all Wills from 1858 will be available for downloading
• FindmyPast has historically had links with the Federation of Family History Societies and gradually more parish records are appearing on their site.  I have been particularly interested in the records for Devon, Glamorgan and Kent which have resulted in me being able to find links to various members of my family.  FindmyPast has also just announced indexes to some Scottish Records which are well worth investigating if you have connections with Scotland
• Ancestry is also increasing their records  - some of you may find their Lunatic Admission Records useful - I did!.
• The Genealogist has Lists of Wounded and mentioned in Dispatches form WW1 on their site

If you know of any other new records becoming available perhaps you could add them as a comment to this Update

November Members’ Meeting – Thanks to Maureen Harvey for overseeing the light hearted quiz and raffle at the November meeting.  We have no meeting in December so we were pleased to start our Christmas celebrations with this meeting and mincepies.  Thanks also to those who brought in some memorabilia from their families and explained why they were important to them. We wish you all a very Happy Christmas and may all your brick walls come tumbling down in 2015!