PW_4_2023

Spotlight on the SIGS

Genealogists Are Really Time Travellers Denis Hunt , Family History Group Chair The Section UK Family History SIG was born out of a casual remark regarding family research. Within a short period of time, the Group membership is now around 107, although our Facebook followers number 130. A s the name suggests, the Group consists of UK IPA members who have an interest in researching their family history - Genealogy. The range of experience is varied, from those who are new to such research, through to members who have been involved in the activity for 20 years or more. Many members can evidence their family lines stretching back several centuries. The importance of the Group is in the wide areas of experience that members can draw upon, either during our monthly on-line meetings, or by posting a question on the Facebook Group. We also assist members by directly linking together, for specific aspects of their research that have reached a proverbial ‘brick wall’. The monthly meetings often include a guest speaker, either a group member, or an external specialist. The latter have included The Commonwealth War Graves, and a forthcoming presentation on women in nursing, from the Crimea War to the Second World War. At one time, family research required lengthy and expensive travel around the UK to examine old Parish documents stored in churches, County Archives and other such collections. However, the internet brought with it immediate access to digitised documents, dating back many hundreds of years. Many of our members have a subscription for on-line research facilities, such as Ancestry.com or FindmyPast. There are of course, many other sites available, but most charge an annual fee which varies, depending upon the level of access you require to their records. We always welcome new UK members of all levels of experience. So, if it’s something you have thought about trying, come and join this band of IPA members, who think nothing of sitting into the early hours with their mug of Horlicks, following a trail that might lead to identifying a fascinating history about your family. To join the Family History Group, contact our Secretary, Andy Wright at andy.wright606@btinternet.co .

Hop On, Hop Off

Police Station

London Bridge

POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.4, 2023

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