Amateur Family History Podcast (UK)

Episode 33 – The 1921 Census: a first look

After much hype and anticipation, the 1921 census is finally here. The last census to be published for a few decades (listen to Episode 32 to find out why), this snapshot into the post-WW1 life of our ancestors will be sure to add to your research and help build a picture of your heritage. Available initially on a pay-per-record basis, I take a first look at the records of my ancestors, and share my thoughts of the hotly anticipated world of the census, the website/searching experience, the value for money, and the information you can glean. With there being a cost for these records, it’s important that you know what you’re getting, and I’ll give details of what you can see for free, and what you get from paying out for either the transcription or the record image. (Please remember this is only my experience, and you are – or course – responsible for any purchases you choose to make). This episode is published as soon as practically possible after the release of the census on 6th January 2022, and more details will follow as I explore the records more deeply. If you unearth any golden nuggets of information about your family free from the 1921 census, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – or if you have any hints and tips on getting the most from the website. It’d be great to her from you. In the meantime – happy census-searching! Recommended drinks to accompany this episode: Anything caffeinated. I feel a lot of research coming on. Recommended biscuits accompany this episode: Whatever’s left over from Christmas. Listen now

Episode 32 – The 1921 census: a look ahead

Well, this is timely, isn’t it? Just a day after I recorded this episode, the National Archives announce the date of release of the 1921 census. That’s why I’m publishing it today! This genealogical mine of information will be released on 6th January 2022, and will be available on Find My Past. When I recorded this episode, we didn’t know the date of release, other than it being “Early 2022”, but now we have something to look forward to after the excitement of Christmas has died down. In this episode I look at some ways in which we, as genealogists, can prepare for the release of the 1921 census, and the sorts of things that it’ll contain, and how we can use it. I’ll also take a look at your comments and thoughts on the upcoming release, and get a feel for what you are looking forward to finding out. Please remember that this episode was recorded a day before the release date was announced, and – no doubt – other information will be coming out too soon… so, apologies if anything has been superseded. I’ll update anything that may be ‘breaking’ in a future episode. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy my meander through the many aspects of the census, and look forward to hearing your comments and receiving your emails. Recommended drinks to accompany this episode: Champagne! To celebrate a nice new chunk of genealogical records. Recommended biscuits to accompany this episode: Molasses Cookies. Apparently, as a substitute for sugar, molasses was used in lots of 1920s baking. Listen now

Episode 31 – Family History Societies: Part 2 (and other stuff besides)

Welcome back to the latest installment of the Amateur Family History Podcast – and the second part of my chat with Margaret Roberts of the Cheshire Family History Society. Last time, we talked about what Family History Societies do, how to get involved, and how they can help you to break down your genealogical brick walls. In this month’s episode, we pick up where we left off, but bounce around a few more genealogical topics, that – hopefully – will make you think of new and different ways to approach your research. I also share some hints and tips from listeners on how they have managed to make progress – using techniques and resources that I also discuss with Margaret. I’m also looking for your help on a future episode, where I preview the world of the 1921 census, due for publication in a few months’ time. Details are at the end of this episode. So, this episode is something of a mixed bag – but I hope you find it interesting and useful. Thanks again to Margaret for all her insights and knowledge. For more information about the Family History Society of Cheshire please visit https://www.fhsc.org.uk/ and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/FHSofCheshire. You can contact Margaret on Twitter here. Recommended drinks to accompany this episode: A cocktail/mocktail of your choice, to reflect the ‘mixed bag’ nature of this episode. Recommended biscuits to accompany this episode: Chocolate-covered Malted Milk biscuits. For no other reason than I’ve recently discovered them, and am now addicted. Listen Now

Episode 30 – Family History Societies: Part 1

Pretty much every area has one. And they are a mine of information. But, do you know about all the information they hold, the records they maintain, the huge amount of local knowledge that their members have? Not to mention the social aspect of interacting with like-minded, friendly people? Today, I’m joined by the highly knowledgeable Margaret Roberts of the Family History Society of Cheshire, for a natter about the benefits of Family History Societies. We discuss how they may be able to help you break down those brick walls, and solve genealogical challenges that have eluded you for years. We chat about what societies do, the records and advice they hold, how local and family history combine – and a number of other subjects to (hopefully!) enthuse you about getting involved in these fascinating groups. In fact, we had such a pleasant chat, bouncing around lots of family history topics, that I’ve split this episode into two parts. The next, to be published next month. Huge thanks go to Margaret for giving up her time. More information about the Family History Society of Cheshire can be found at https://www.fhsc.org.uk/ and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/FHSofCheshire. Margaret can be contacted on Twitter here. Recommended drinks to accompany this episode: In the finest tradition of all the best community meetings, tea or coffee made from a large, silver, communal drum of boiling water. Just clean the sugar spoon! Recommended biscuits to accompany this episode: Crackers – with Cheshire cheese, to mark the location of the FHSC. A fabulous part of the country. Listen now

Episode 29 – World War 1 Genealogy: Part 2

Welcome to the second part of my discussion with military historian and genealogist, Chris Baker, where we continue our stroll though some of the records and sources that can help you research your ancestors in the Great War. Part one of this chat is still very much available wherever you found this and, between them, both episodes cover a variety of practical topics. This time, we calk about researching deaths in the Great War, touch on pension records, specialist military resources like Fold3, records from the GRO and what the upcoming 1921 census might bring. Thanks again to Chris for taking the time to join me on these two episodes. If you’d like to take part in a future podcast, to discuss any aspect of genealogy, please do get in touch. Chris’ websites (as mentioned in the episode) are: The Long Long Trail www.longlongtrail.co.uk (for a comprehensive guide to genealogical sources) FourteenEighteen Research: www.fourteeneighteen.co.uk (Please note that Chris has been on sabbatical during 2021, so please check the website for his availability) Recommended drinks to accompany this episode: A simple cup of tea. The Imperial War Museum describes how water, transported in petrol cans, was purified and used to make tea to mask the taste. Recommended biscuits to accompany this episode: World War I trench cake. Not strictly a biscuit, but worth a Google. Listen Now