If you are a NWKFHS member, please login, if not, please join today.

If you are a NWKFHS member, please login, if not, please join today.

May
03

Society May eNewsletter available

May 2022 eNewsletter is now available on the website

  906 Hits
May
01

Really Useful Bulletin for Family Historians

tinFree bulletin produced by the Family History Federation which provides lead articles on different aspects of family history research. The latest edition No 20 April 2022 features School Records. To subscribe to the RUBulletin go to the federation's web site at https://www.familyhistoryfederation.com/resources-newsletter North West Kent Family Hi...

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  1148 Hits
Apr
22

Family History Frustrations talk by Ian Waller 21st April 2022

Ian Waller's talk Family History Frustrations now on website to view log in as member and go to Zoom Talk page

  969 Hits
Apr
14

Flickr workshop recording now in MOA.

Walter Eves has granted us permission to record his presentation. It is now on the MOA area for members to catch up and learn about Flickr and how it can assist with our family history research by holding documents and photographs that are not in the archives. 

  988 Hits
Apr
14

Trade Sources presentation recording now in MOA.

David Cufley has granted us permission to record his presentation. It is now on the MOA area for members to catch up and learn about Trade and Occupation sources and how they can assist with our family history research by suggesting documents and photographs that are in the archives and record offices. One of the Trade Union sources that has c...

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  1018 Hits
Apr
14

Breaking down brick walls’ workshop recording now in MOA.

The two exercises undertaken at the 23 March workshop have been recorded and are now available on the MOA. The first exercise covering the Barnett family of Tunbridge Wells and Devon connections with Coast guards is on the MOA area for members to catch up and learn about possible research source that could help find the true place of birth George B...

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  936 Hits
Apr
11

Flickr and NWKFHS workshop.

Flickr is a document and photo sharing and hosting service that can be a gold mine for family historians. NWKFHS has had a presence on Flickr since 2009 and Walter Eves one of our Vice Presidents will be leading a workshop on Wednesday 13 April at 10.30 am. He will explain the documents and photographs we have and how they can add to your family hi...

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  1138 Hits
Apr
10

Online Probate Search Service

A member wrote to HMCTS (Her Majesty's Courts and Tribune Service) Wills Help desk because of a problem obtaining a Will. The member said and asked, I was searching for GRACE WINIFRED PAILTHORPE who died 19 July 1971 Ninfield, Sussex. The Probate index on Ancestry has the entry but on the www.gov.uk/search-will-probate it returns 'no record found' ...

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  997 Hits
Apr
10

Record-breaking Victorian weather

The intriguing title spotted when a member checked out the day's weather recently. Following the Met Office archives links to view the historic rainfall data for many parts of the UK and, at a local level, was data for Welling, Bexleyheath, Kent, in many of the years of Queen Victoria's reign. In 1861, these were collected by Henry Septimus Hyde Wo...

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  983 Hits
Apr
01

Lost access to MOA

Its the 1st April and its not a joke when you lose access to the MOA (members only area). No longer can you access the databases, indexes, back journals and the video recordings of the talks and workshops. Whats the solution? Pay your £10 subscription and all will be well again. 

  993 Hits
Mar
21

Parish Chest workshop now in the MOA

The Parish Chest workshop run on the 16th March's recording is now available on the resources menu to members. If you missed the workshop and want to learn about the records available in the Parish Chest watch the recording. If you would like the Workshop run again so you can benefit from the Q & A session after the presentation email...

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  1028 Hits
Mar
13

MOA access will be lost

Be aware if you have not renewed your membership for 2022 you will lose your access to the members only area (MOA) in the next 14 days. Membership is only £10 per year and in our opinion very good value. Membership is cheaper than a meal out. An advantage is that you can sit at home and not wear a mask to avoid  Covid-19

  1038 Hits
Mar
10

Medieval Workshops Recordings Online

The Video recordings from the two Medieval Records Workshops are now available online. Sign in to the MOA and go too the Workshop videos to see our archive of recordings including the latest Medieval Records Workshops. 

  1043 Hits
Mar
06

Members Interests updated

Updated fully searchable tables of Members Interests have been loaded. These tables are for Surname Interests, Subject Interests and Places Interests. You can also see the latest in the March Journal which came out at the beginning of the month.

  1097 Hits
Mar
05

Rootstech 2022 and the Family History Federation.

NWKFHS was represented on this session of Rootstech by our President David Cufley. Despite a number of technical problems experienced the panel of representatives from five family history societies were able to explain the advantages of joining a Family History Society (FHS). If you could not see the original session and want to its now available o...

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  1064 Hits
Feb
24

What are Stray Certificates?

Over the years members have donated BMD certificates that they obtained only to discover they are not of their family.  These have been collected at the library in three volumes on the open shelves at BGR0023.  The index to these volumes under the Birth, Marriage and Death headings are available as PDF files to download under the buttons ...

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  1119 Hits
Feb
23

Murder in your House

"Did you know that there was a murder in your house?" These words were uttered to me by a cousin. He was wrong, but not by much!In 1956 mum, dad, my sister and I moved into Leahurst Road in Lewisham. Back in 1942 the body of an 11 year old girl was discovered under the floorboards of the housenext door. Much wartime crime, including murder, went un...

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  1133 Hits
Feb
23

What is Family ?

A family? ( My family? Your family?)But not The family, or the family of man or even such nebulous bodies as the Commonwealth family. The Oxford English Dictionary defines family as, amongst others, "The body of persons who live in one house or under one head, including parents, children, servants etc. (1545)" (Contentious I know, but who wouldn't ...

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  1091 Hits
Feb
20

You never know where research will lead!

Evacustes. You know how a name can lodge in your mind? As part of a NWKFHS writing workshop, I researched Frankwell, Shrewsbury, Shropshire especially the work of artist Evacustes Phipson. He was a prolific British topographical watercolourist in the 1890s and throughout the opening decades of the twentieth century but I couldn't find any that info...

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  1094 Hits
Feb
22

How UK Family History Societies can help with your research

The Family History Federation has organised a panel of Angela Malin, David Cufley Hillary Blanford, Ian Waller and Malcolm Austin at Rootstech 2022. These representatives of some UK family history Societies will explain the benefits of joining a UK family history Society. They will be able to advise how their and other Societies can help your resea...

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  1162 Hits
Jun
06

Blog request of the Library – Fogarty or Seymour.

Query 4 June 2020 Query from Albany, Western Australia. Two members of my family, Aunts Mabel Elsie Wheeler and Beatrice Nial are buried in Bexley. My Grandfather, William Fogarty, could be William Seymour also died in the area around 1948. The two aunts went to his funeral, they were living at 73 and 51 Rowley Avenue Sidcup at the time, we have he...

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  2069 Hits
Feb
10

Lucy Boxes first pictures

We have received the first pictures of local Lucy Boxes. This one is in Martin Dene, Bexleyheath. 

  1800 Hits
Aug
28

Wills for family History by Jackie Depelle 14th September

  14th September at 7.00 pm the Society presents the zoom talk by Jackie Depelle a family history tutor and speaker. The talk explains the value of using wills, perhaps the most useful resource after certificates & censuses. It is a personal insight into relationships & possessions. Find indexes & associated records. Jack...

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  1334 Hits
Jan
18

Merchant Navy Sources

Handouts available for researching merchant navy relatives following a talk by Penny Allen at Dartford meeting on the 4th September 2021 Click HERE for link 

  1121 Hits
Feb
12

Cloud Recording-DNA Clustering using Excel

 Video of Cloud Recording-DNA Clustering using Excel by David Cufley now available

  1036 Hits
Feb
19

Searching for ancestors when you're adopted

Only available until 19 March 2022 recorded  talk by Penny Walters searching adopted ancestors Go to page www.nwkfhs.org.uk/resources/all-other/zoom-talk-videos

  1048 Hits
Feb
16

King of the Costers, Frank Russell.

 The 1917 Daily Mirror had pictures of military figures mentioning their exploits with a picture entitled 'King of the Costers' of Frank Russell who had died, He was a stall-holder on Beresford Square Market, Woolwich and lived in Salutation Alley, a convenient location to store his barrows and move them into the market. He had resided in Wool...

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  1088 Hits
Feb
13

Updated Journal Contents Index

Searchable Journal contents index is available for you to check if your family or a subject has been previously published. The index is now up to date; December 2021; Volume 15 No 12. Our Journal has been published since 1978 and all its editions are online for you to search. Anyone can check the index out. If you want to read any pa...

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  1079 Hits
Jan
22

Library Catalogue Update

The Microfiche and microfilm catalogue has been updated after the catalogue session on the 21 January 2022. Our thanks go to the Cataloguing Cadre . There are now 157 pages to the catalogue covering 3155 items. When you consider the GRO index in two large cabinets covers 48 entries you will realise how many fiche and films are included in our ...

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  1119 Hits
Feb
07

New Workshop Videos

Three new workshops added and Medieval Records Pt 1 has been updated

  1043 Hits
Jan
28

New recently recorded talks

New recorded talks be quick as one only available until 11th March Click HERE to view or join 

  1089 Hits
Jan
26

What’s a blog about?

A blog gives news, details of events and workshops, talks about research and advice on doing your family history If you want to get regular updates why not subscribe to the blogs to Stay Informed by clicking on the boxes and filling in 'your name' and 'E-mail address'. To get more out of our web site learn about the Talks, Workshops and Discussion ...

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  1187 Hits
Dec
20

New Zoom Workshop Videos added to the Site

Look on the 'Resources' menu for the latest recordings of Zoom workshops that have been added to the site. The page link is https://www.nwkfhs.org.uk/resources/all-other/zoom-talk-videos-2 If you have missed any workshops or talks, all the recordings are available to members on our web site. If you cannot find the subject you want help wi...

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  1267 Hits
Jan
18

Scottish Interest Group Discussion

The Society has a Scottish Interest Group (SIG) that discusses aspects of researching their ancestors that were born, lived married or died in Scotland. At the last Zoom meeting on the 12th January, we discussed the highland clearances and the families that were affected by them. This raised a question about the timeline for this period of tho...

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  1197 Hits
Jan
16

Mid Jan 2022 Society Newsletter

The Mid January 2022 Society Newsletter is now available on the website click HERE

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Jan
16

A Challenge to inform and celebrate your Ancestors lives.

The Editor is seeking new articles for future issues of NWKFHS Journal. Celebrate your research, challenge readers to solve your brickwalls, share the story of an inherited object or explain about some aspect of our area especially to distant members. Send your article to editor@nwkfhs.org.uk, as a Word file or in the body of your email, Target 300...

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  1081 Hits
Jan
13

Phillimore’s Atlas of Parishes

Where is a parish located.? The question that we all ask during our research. For many years we have used 'Great Britain, Atlas and Index of Parish Registers' to standardise parish name spellings. It means indexes are all of the same 'parish' field. If you want to map your family using GENMAP when the index database is loaded it gets accepted easil...

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  1178 Hits
Jan
08

Breaking down Brick walls, 26th January 2022.

 Submit your brickwall by 12th January 2022 if you have booked to attend this workshop. If you are only attending to learn about how to solve research queries then make sure you have booked to get the Zoom link. Contact workshop.booking@nwkfhs.org.uk.

  1097 Hits
Jan
08

Books to help your family history research.

 The Society has a number of second-hand books, both reference and indexes that may be able to help your research. Have a look at the list on the web site https://www.nwkfhs.org.uk/resources/library-catalogues which covers part of our surplus stock. If you want any of these books make a donation and come to the library to pick them up.

  1030 Hits
Dec
31

Video Talks and Workshops available to you

There are now 32 (31-12-2021) video recordings of Zoom worshops and Talks. Did you miss one? Do you want to see it? Do you want to see one for advice to breakdown your brick wall? Then go to the members only area to see all the available recordings.. 

  1241 Hits
Dec
22

Illegitimacy

At this morning's DNA discussion group, Zoom meeting (22-12-2021) the question was asked about illegitimacy. We were talking about Adam Rutherford's book, 'A Brief History of Everyone who ever lived'. On page 175 when AR is discussing the research for Richard III DNA matches he mentions 'false paternity' (NPE) as 2% out of hundred people were ...

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  1166 Hits
Dec
12

Library Catalogues Updated

 We have updated the Microfiche and Microfilm catalogue so you can see the extent of fiche and films available at the Library. Look at nwkfhs.org.uk/resources/library-catalogues. All the catalogues are in seachable pdf format. The main catalogue of books and maps is also available online at the same address and can be accessed by selecting the...

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  1206 Hits
Oct
19

The Society Library visits

The library will open to members who book an appointment by telephoning the Librarian Janet Rose on 01322 384836. Let Janet know what Wednesday you want to attend and the time of the 2 hour slot you would prefer. If you need help then explain it to Janet so she can arrange for the right volunteer to be in attendance.  The Book collection catal...

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  1307 Hits
Nov
30

Covid-19 Masks Required for Society Meetings

From 30 November 2021 in line with governmwent instructions ALL members and visitors who attend Face to Face meetings of the Society are asked to wear masks. 

  1200 Hits
Nov
24

National Burial Index has 300,000 new entries from NWKFHS

The Society has now submitted over 300,000 burials to Find My Past (FMP) for the National Burial Index. These are burials from our area but the site has other Family History Societies submissions. You can also find details on our web pages such as Ladywell and Brockley  Cemetery.

  1242 Hits
Nov
19

Scandals, Sensational, Salacious and Sad

On the calendar there is a zoom meeting booked for next Tuesday 23rd  November 2021. The talk is by Chris McCooey on Scandals of Kent and Sussex, Sensational, Salacious and Sad, Including HG Wells, Noel Coward, grave robbers and prison hulks. The host will open the zoom at 7pm for members to join, the talk starts at 7.30.&n...

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  1245 Hits
Nov
14

Really Useful Show 13th November 2021

The Really Useful Show  booth for NWKFHS was manned by 7 volunteers who were there to help and answer questions  from the vistors to the show. A glitch with the software running the show meant all the Family History Society booths were effected. Some people did not get to ask their questions of our volunteers. If you were one of...

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  1123 Hits
Nov
12

Really Useful Show 12 November

The volunteers enjoyed meeting and greeting the visitors to our booth in the Exhibition Hall of the Show. They will be available again from 10am to 6 pm on Saturday 13th November. So if you have a question on North West Kent FHS area of Kent come and talk to us. 

  1186 Hits
Nov
09

Free access to FHF Really Useful Show on Friday 12th November

Family History Federation's REALLY USEFUL Family History Show 12-13 November 2021 The Exhibition Hall is FREE to access on Friday night Lots of interesting Booths. Come and have a chat with NWKFHS There is something for everyone Just go to fhf-reallyuseful.com and join us on Friday from 6pm - 10pm Talk to a Family Hist...

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  1240 Hits
Nov
09

New Home Page with pictures of North West Kent

We have updated the home page today and you will see changes to the Web site in the coming months. If you have any ideas for its future developement write to the us. 

  1154 Hits
Oct
09

Zoom talks by John Hanson and Jackie Depelle

  We are grateful to John Hanson and Jackie Depelle to allow their talks to be recorded and put on our Members Only area. This is for a limited period permission only They will be available from the 15th to 30 October 2021.

  1166 Hits
Oct
12

Your vote is important and may make a difference.

Only 24 hours to vote The postal voting for the AGM of Society Trustees and the changes to the constitution following Covid-19 pandemic ends on the 14th October. Please vote now either using the form in the Journal or digitally on this web site https://www.nwkfhs.org.uk/agm-voting Your vote is important and may make a difference. 

  1180 Hits
Oct
12

Members Interests updated

The members interests for Surname, Subjects and Places have been updated 12-10-2021 

  1259 Hits
Oct
10

Only 3 Days left to vote

The postal voting for the AGM of Society Trustees and the changes to the constitution following Covid-19 pandemic ends on the 14th October at Midnight. Please vote now either using the form in the Journal or digitally on this web site https://www.nwkfhs.org.uk/agm-voting Your vote is important and will make a difference.  PLEASE ACT NOW

  1208 Hits
Oct
03

Only 5 days to Vote.

The postal voting for the AGM of Society Trustees and the changes to the constitution following Covid-19 pandemic ends on the 14th October at Midnight. Please vote now either using the form in the Journal or digitally on this web site https://www.nwkfhs.org.uk/agm-voting Your vote is important and may make a difference. 

  1173 Hits
Oct
09

271,000 New burial entries added to NBI for England & Wales

The National Burial Index (NBI) project was initiated and produced by the then Federation of Family History Societies; now known as Family History Federation; and their Associates. The aim was that a researcher could look for, and hopefully find, that elusive ancestor in any part of England and Wales. This information meant that the researcher coul...

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  1203 Hits
Oct
07

Wills for family History by Jackie Depelle on 14th September 2021.

The talk explained the value of using wills, perhaps the most useful resource after certificates. A member has written to express her thanks for Jackie Depelle's talk on wills. She has been inspired to order a few wills already, with more to follow. She wanted to add some information that may be useful to others. She said if you sear...

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  1161 Hits
Oct
06

Brickmakers in Octobers WDYTYA magazine

The Who Do You Think You Are? magazine in its October's edition the 'Ancestors at Work' series features an article on Brickmakers. The article gives some basic facts about the trade and sources that may help you find your brickmaking ancestors. There is also a short list of resources and link to the British Brick Society.

  1181 Hits
Oct
03

Parish Chest the inside story.

  On the 19th October Lady Teviot will be talking about the 'Parish Chest' what it is and what it contains. It's a valuable source to use in conjunction with parish registers and shows how people lived, including overseers accounts, settlement and removal orders.

  1181 Hits
Oct
03

The latest Newsletter is out.

1921 CensusThe 1st October Newsletter is out and you can link to it above in the main banner heading. News of Face-to-Face meetings and their talks, Zoom talks, workshops and discussion groups that you really should not miss. Plus, news of the 1921 census coming in early 2022. 

  1217 Hits
Sep
16

Volunteer needed by the Editor's Team

The editor's team needs a volunteer to help with the emails and their attachments submitted by authors and society taskholders for inclusion in the Journal. If you can use emails and open their attachments received from members and can pass them on to others in the Editorial team please email Chair@nwkfhs.org.uk. This is a new role on the Editorial...

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  1249 Hits
Sep
14

Open discussion. All welcome. 15th September 2021

Mike Weeks is leading a Coffee Morning open discussion about family history, the Society and the family history world in general. Got any burning questions or queries come and ask Mike. For the zoom link email workshop.booking@nwkfhs.org.uk

  1228 Hits
Aug
28

The history of Bethlem and Museum of the mind a zoom talk to the Society on the 21st August 2021.

A Talk by Amy Moffat, the Learning & Outreach Officer at the Museum about the history of hospital and its associated sites, the archives and patient records was recently given to the Society. The archives date back to the 1500s and the records of patients for Bethlem from 1670s to 1920s. The patient records are indexed by name on the Findmypast...

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  1311 Hits
Jul
06

Natalie Bodle My ancestors were Irish or were they? Thursday 12 August 7pm for 7.30

Natalie is a full-time professional genealogist, educator and tour guide and am a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG).A native of County Antrim, her company Roots Revealed is based in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The talk examines the history and origins of Irish surnames.If you don't know where in Ireland yo...

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  1281 Hits
Jul
06

Janet Few "Sons of the soil researching agricultural labourers" Saturday 17 July 10am for 10.30

This session covers a range of sources, many of them under-used, which help to shed light on the working lives of our rural British ancestors. Help with those elusive Ag Labs. https://thehistoryinterpreter.wordpress.com/ 

  1241 Hits
Jul
12

Workshop lead by Zoe Brooks on Germans in London during WW1

'Germans in WW1 London and their experiences. Have your European ancestors changed their surname was it because they were German and had been iving in London for many years. What is the backgound to these families? Join the workshop and find out.

  1401 Hits
Jul
09

Library Catalogue updated

 The Library Catalogue has been updated with the books donated by deceased members families. The catalogue is on this web site and available to view by all family historians. Although the Library is closed at present due to Covid-19 restrictions we have managed to catalogue these books. They will make an interesting day for the volunteers when...

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  1341 Hits
Jul
06

John Hanson "One Name, One Place" Thursday 8 July 7pm for 7.30- 9pm

John has been researching family history for nearly 40 years and is a member of the Guild of One-Name studies. A former trustee of the Society of Genealogists for 14 years and has served on many other family history committees.Has lectured on and taught family history for nearly 20 years including at Who Do You Think You Are. This lecture will expl...

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  1374 Hits
Jun
17

Part 2 DNA by Donna Rutherford

Thursday 17 June 7pm for 7.30 - Donna Rutherford DNA (Part 2)- "So you had your DNA results now what? Making the most of your DNA results."Some of you will know that, due to technical difficulties at our end, Donna's part 1 talk started an hour late. Similar difficulties have prevented us uploading the recorded talk to our website for those who mis...

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  1278 Hits
Jun
03

Your Society needs…

The Society needs a Chairman or Chairwoman to lead us into this changing world of Family History. Out trustees form a friendly and close knit team, but now need a leader to direct and organise them and the Society. It is not essential to be part of the current organisation as we are fortunate in having members who can help and advise as one takes o...

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  1459 Hits
Jun
03

You're perfect if...

Wanted volunteers to help with the Society web site as part of a team. You need to be fairly computer competent, able to use MS Office and work with pdf files but this does not need specialist web site skills. The role is as easy managing your own computer, emails and writing up your family history. We have excellent web site designers who are ther...

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  1402 Hits
May
13

Reminder to enter the Calendar Competition.

onIf you have taken an awe inspiring photograph that has a connection with our area or family history research send it to chairman@nwkfhs.org.uk to be entered in the 2022 Calendar competition. 

  1467 Hits
May
04

Have you renewed your membership?

The administration of the web site has been started today and will be done progressively over the next week. If you have lost access to the MOA make sure you renewed your membership for 2021. It should have been done on the 1st January.  

  1463 Hits
Apr
14

Free Talk

Next FREE talk for all Saturday 1st May 10am for 10.30 Donna Rutherford (Part 1)- "DNA for beginners"  Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/81714661579?pwd=VDdrd2ZTaGZ0MnVqT1hmYzhWblFiUT09 Meeting ID: 817 1466 1579Passcode: 973577

  1344 Hits
Apr
12

FREE Talks

FREE talk by 'Elizabeth Barton - the Holy Maid of Kent' talk by Melanie Gibson Barton on Tuesday evening 13th April 7.00 for 7.30.pm Her Talk is about Elizabeth Barton of Aldington. The Prophetess who was executed for speaking against Henry VIII Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/97950252884 - it's a one-click link - no separate password requ...

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  1512 Hits
Apr
06

The FHF Really Useful Show 10 April 2021

Join North West Kent Family History Society to ask about our area and the people that lived in it. Our experts are available on the chat line to welcome you and answer your questions. You can come to our stand using the following link https://www.fhf-reallyuseful.com/north-west-kent-family-history-society 

  1643 Hits
Mar
12

Ghost signs on buildings – Fox and Sons, Hither Green Lane.

Email request of the Library. The owner of www.Ghostsigns.co.uk contacted the library saying he was writing a book about London's 'ghost' signs and plans to include the one attached, photographed here by my co-author Roy Reed (see below). It is causing something of a headache in terms of dating and referencing of the history which I wondered if you...

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  1646 Hits
Mar
12

John Parish - Fell ‘Here 17th April 2001’.

Email request of the Library. I was wondering if you could help point me in the right direction to find some information. My step dad and I were walking in beside a stream which ran down the hillside towards Birling. The stream was crossed by two footbridges about a metre wide and three metres long from one bank to the other. One of the bridges was...

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  1546 Hits
Mar
12

Ministry of Works Camp, No154, Swanscombe Street, Swanscombe, German working camp.

Enquiry of the Library, 24 February 2021. I am assisting my brother, Dean Storckmann, with some research into his family history. His Grandfather was held at the Prisoner of War Camp in Swanscombe and went on to marry a local girl. It was known as Ministry of Works Camp, No154, Swanscombe Street, Swanscombe, German working camp. The site is now hou...

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  1778 Hits
Mar
12

Zoom Coffee Morning on the 24th March 2021. From 10.30 am London Time.

An open meeting for family historians to talk and ask about researching family history. Mike our Vice Chairman will co-host the session to moderate the discussions. The idea is everyone is muted and when they want to speak, they can use the 'raise hand' digital button and Mike can call them to speak. This unmuting can be done using the space bar. A...

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  1578 Hits
Mar
08

Thursday 11th March 7pm for 7.30 "Your Average Ancestor" By Ian Waller.

Ian is a retired professional genealogist with over 30 years experience in English research ,a former Chairman of and a Fellow of AGRA (The Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives) and has published several books related to Family research. During a lifetime most people left a large number of records (we all generate about 100 recor...

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  1598 Hits
Feb
20

FindMyPast discount code

FindMyPast discount code Did you know that Society members get 15% off FMP subscriptions? The cheapest FMP subs is £79.99 which means a discount of £12, yet the Society annual subs is only £10. There is an even bigger saving if you pay the FMP Plus or Pro rate. To find out the code use this link, which only works for members logged into our we...

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  1754 Hits
Feb
10

Kevin Bacon ‘Six degrees of separation’ Workshop.

 At Wednesday 10-2-2021 workshop one of the exercises to make connections was to compare birthdates of the participants. The calculation to figure out the probability of finding two people with the same birth date in a given group says that the 50% probability requires a group of approx. 23 people. For 100% probability the group needs to be be...

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  1601 Hits
Feb
03

Lucy Boxes

At Wednesday 3rd February's discussion group Victor told of a new activity when you are exercising by walking your local area. Its 'I spy Lucy Boxes', which are street furniture used to house electrical terminals for tramways, electrical street light terminals or as electrical junction boxes. The older boxes are of cast iron. You can...

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  2177 Hits
Feb
08

Plan B for Thursday evening's talk

The original speaker for Thursday evening, at the last moment, is unavailable.  The talk now will be 'Where will we be without Vincent, Keyes, Pam and Mayhew?' The talk will be a journey through London using four authors of Local and Family History sources. The presenter will be the Society President David Cufley. See the 'Home'...

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  1520 Hits
Feb
03

Addresses used on marriage certificates and parish registers

At the discussion group yesterday (Wednesday 3 February) it was mentioned that the same address was mentioned in the parishn registers for a number of entries for both parties to the same marriages. The address quoted was 101 Gosterwood Street, Deptford. Using street view it was seen this building was a small Victorian Terrace house ...

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  1620 Hits
Feb
03

Zoom Talk "The Inns Of Court"

 Dont forget to login to Zoom talk "The Inns of Court" By Ian Bevan on Saturday 6th February 10 am till 12.00 In 2006 Ian successfully completed the City of London Guides course and in October 2017 he was proud to be granted Freedom of the City of London in a ceremony at the Guildhall Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/86537312759...

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Feb
03

February Society Newsletter

The latest Society eNewsletter for February is now available to download from the website. To view see under top menu Community then click on Newsletters

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Jan
24

Workshop recordings and handouts.

The Society has been asked by members to provide a recording of the workshops and presentations so that they can be viewed at their convenience. Rather than have to alter their diaries. While the recording will miss the Q & A session it does make them more accessible to our overseas members who live in different time zones. See the members only...

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  1541 Hits
Jan
23

Indian ancestors research

One of our members has contacted the Library to tell us of the success she has had researching her Indian ancestors using the familysearch.org web site. You may need to register on the site, but it is free. The Indian collections include:- India, Death and Burials 1719-1948. India, Births and Baptisms 1786-1947. India, Marriages 1792-1948. By click...

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Jan
17

“Chislehurst Characters”

        At Joanna Friel's presentation to the Society on Saturday 16th January 2020 entitled "Chislehurst Characters" in the Q and A session she was asked about Pascall's brickfield on Red Hill now White Horse Hill and if the bricks were used locally. Joanna responded that the brickfield was owned by the Pascalls but an earlier ...

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Jan
10

Trade Sources - Rural Life Workshop on 13th Jan

The subject of trade and occuaption sources is vast. David  has previously done the workshop based on the themes 'Family History' and 'One Places'. Now he has prepared one on Rural Life and agricultural trades. While there is some overlap it does use other records.  The guidance notes and the flow diagram on this web s...

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Dec
06

New 'How Far' record of members who attended our meetings

On Saturday 5th December the record for the distance a member who attended one of our Zoom meetings was broken. Last month the record had been held by a member from Scotland. On the 2nd December this record was broken by a member who attended one of our Workshops from Vancouver, Canada. The distance to Joydens Wood was 4,718 miles. This r...

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Dec
06

Members Interest update

The members interest's three pages, Surnames, Subject and Place, are now updated (6 December 2020) and include all the new entries that  were listed in the December 2020 Journal that was published on the 1st December 2020. If you want to add your interests or update your current listing use the submission form on this web site or ema...

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Nov
30

Workshop - Medieval documents part 1 and 2

Part 1: A look at some online sites with medieval records and information on 2nd December. Followed by Part 2 the use of early Manorial records to overlap the start of parish registers post 1538, a case study of methodology on 9th December. Contact Workshop.booking@nwkfhs.org.uk. 

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Nov
15

FHF-RU Show Handouts

Handouts for the Trade Sources talk are available on the FHF-RU Show item of the Events menu. All are pdf files that can be downloaded

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Nov
10

5 December 2020 - The Goose is Getting Fat! A history of Christmas traditions presentation.

Imogen Corrigan was due to be presented this talk at our Dartford Branch, The Science & Technology College, Heath Lane, Dartford DA1 2LY. Now Imogen has agreed to do the presentation using 'Zoom' contact the Society to get details and codes. The first 100 members will get access via Zoom to the presentation. 

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Nov
10

Family History Federation is hosting a virtual show on the 14th November 2020.

FHF REALLY USEFUL Family History Show will include 24 FREE Quality Talks, Exclusive Goody Bag, Specialist Vendors, Special Show Offers, Records & Books, Expert Help & Advice, Family History Societies, PLUS Much More … See https://www.familyhistoryfederation.com/ for more details. NWKFHS will be available to give advice during the day a...

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Oct
29

Your Society needs volunteers.

In normal circumstances the trustees get the opportunity to talk to members, learn of their interests and of their life experiences. Without the face to face contact this is not possible. If you have an interest or life experience you would like to share with the Society and help with its organisation PLEASE contact chairman@nwkfhs.org.uk 

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Oct
29

Blog New Workshops – Sign up to join in.

Three new zoom workshops have been organised Drawing Charts and diagrams by hand as a research tool. 11 November 2020. Thinking outside the Box. This is an exploration of sources both inside and outside the box. 25 November 2020. A discussion group on a theme chosen by the participants. 16 December 2020 Contact workshop.booking@nwkfhs.org.uk t...

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Oct
10

Urgent only 4 days left to vote

The 2020 AGM was cancelled in April due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Now we are holding a postal and digital voting AGM. You can vote online by selecting the 'Voting' button on the members page. PLEASE VOTE NOW.  

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Sep
16

Before 14th October please help by Voting for AGM items.

The 2020 AGM was cancelled in April due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Now we are holding a postal and digital voting AGM. You can vote online by selecting the 'Voting' button on the members page. PLEASE VOTE NOW.  

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Sep
13

The next zoom workshops will be held on the 7th and 14th October.

The 'Error's Lies and misinformation' part 1 and part 2 zoom workshops will be run on consecutive Wednesdays. Email workshop.booking@nwkfhs to ask to join either or both workshops. Regular face to face workshops were run before the coronavirus shut down. Now we hope to run zoom workshops to make up for the learning experience and help the Society c...

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  1748 Hits
Sep
13

What zoom workshops do you want?

Send your request for a workshop to help your research on any subject and we will try to get one of our expert researchers to lead a workshop.  Email workshop.booking@nwkfhs to ask to join a zoom workshop and tell us what subject you want to be covered. Regular face to face workshops were run before the coronavirus shut down. Now we hope to ru...

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Sep
13

Zoom discussion group meetings.

Last Wednesday 9th September we held the first zoom Discussion Group meeting on 'Breaking down Brickwalls'. The session dealt with five members queries and the main theme was Irish ancestors. A recording of the session is available, as are the guidance charts that were used. Email workshop.booking@nwkfhs to ask to join a zoom discussion group and t...

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Aug
31

Zoom workshop - Errors Lies and Misinformation pt2 leader David Cufley

To attend this workshop email workshop.booking@nwkfhs.org.uk to obtain an invitation code. Workshop is being held on 14th October from 11.00am to 12.30pm A workshop discussing errors in Official Records and Commercial Search Engines and how to try and spot them. Case studies will be used as part of the discussions Do you believe what your ancestors...

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Aug
31

Zoom workshop - Errors Lies and Misinformation pt1 leader David Cufley

To attend this workshop email workshop.booking@nwkfhs.org.uk to obtain an invitation code. Workshop is being held on 7th October from 11.00am to 12.30pm A workshop discussing errors in Official Records and Commercial Search Engines and how to try and spot them. Case studies will be used as part of the discussions Do you believe what your ancestors ...

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Aug
31

Zoom discussion group - Brickwall Session- Moderator David Cufley

The zoom discussion group starts on Wednesday 9th September from 14.00 to 15.30 or longer if required. Members who wish to attend should email workshop.booking@nwkfhs.org.uk to ask for an invitation code. Member who wish to attend should send details of their 'brickwall' so that the moderator can prepare source data pages beforehand ...

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  1736 Hits
Aug
25

Zoom workshops and discussion groups start

The Society is very pleased to announce workshops and discussion group meetings are available to members. Contact workshop.booking@nwkfhs.org.uk with the subject you want for the workshop you wish to attend. If you want to be part of a discussion group then let let us know the topic you wish to discuss. If you are an out of area member or an overse...

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Aug
25

Good News, the 2021 Society Calendar is now available.

The Society is pleased to announce the 2021 Calendars are now available through the Eshop. Order your copies now for an early Christmas present for members of your family, so they know by the highlighted dates what meetings you are attending; Corona Virus regulations permitting. Keep well and safe. 

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Aug
25

Blog from our Journal editor. 25th August 2020

The editor Pauline asked 'have you had a look at the September issue of the Journal? Members can read it on-line now and many will also receive their paper copy in early September. Subscription to the Society is only £10 pa and includes in the benefits of four quarterly copies of the Journal. Pauline, the editor commented "It has been remarkab...

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  1698 Hits
Aug
14

First Workshop Zoom trial run yesterday successfully

News for all members that use Zoom we have now run our first workshop (13 August 2020). The trial went well and we hope to be announcing soon the dates and times to all members of other workshops. We need your ideas of what workshops should be the first to be run. We would also like you to say what times and the day of the week&...

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  1778 Hits
Aug
09

Library Blog – Meanings of words used on Certificates.

 Query from a member 9th August 2020. Is there anyone that can give me a little advice please? I have recently received a death certificate for a 2-month-old boy, it was registered in Croydon 1936. Under the name and surname he was shown as, David Bailey Hopkins otherwise Williams. The surname being researched is Hopkins. Never come up with a ...

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  1734 Hits
Jul
19

Library Research Blog – Samuel Levens a baker.

Query 18 July 2020 I wonder if you can help me please. In my family tree there is a Samuel Levens born Croydon 1753, died 1843 Beckenham. I have found on the internet (ancestry.co.uk) an article with the headline: Luxury bakers that served up a treat for the fat cats of the past, which I have been told relate to this person. However, it is very poo...

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  1927 Hits
Jul
19

Library query about General Registry Office Certificates. Warning to All.

 18 July 2020 It was with shock we learnt from one of our Canadian members that she had been charged $45CD for a certificate. She said a GRO certificate will cost me $45CD for only one certificate plus it will take 2 months to arrive by snail mail. Call me cheap but that price is exorbitant and the delivery archaic. We investigated and respond...

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  1970 Hits
Jul
14

Library Blog - Further Q & A on Orpington Institute

 Query and Answers to further queries following Orpington Institute request. 1) You discovered "Two patients online who died at Orpington Institute. Obray, John Robert, Born 1872 in Sheerness, Kent, England, Died Jun 27 1939 and Alice Mary Maude Louise LOPEZ was born about 1862 in Jamaica, Died on 8 Dec 1937…". Where did you find the...

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  1940 Hits
Jul
13

Library Blog – Research of Stone near Dartford

Query 11 July 2020 I've recently been doing some work on my family tree. Unfortunately I don't have many people to talk to about it so I have got information off the Census's etc but no other information. Most of my dad's family lived in Stone in Dartford and were all labourers. Basically, I wondered if you could suggest where I could look for more...

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Jul
13

Library Blog - A wonderful idea for Redundant or Duplicate NWKFHS Journals.

A number of members have asked recently what to do with their old Journals. The Library replied The library has a full set of Journals for access of members who like paper copies. We do not have the space and facilities to store duplicate copies of Journals and books. The web site has a full set of journals online available for members to read and ...

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  1822 Hits
Jul
09

Blog from the Library – Farnborough Hospital aka Orpington Institute.

Query 8 July 2020 From Canada, the writer said they were not sure if anyone is monitoring this email during the pandemic but thought they would try. I've come across a great aunt who apparently died at the Orpington Institute in Orpington, Bromley, Kent in 1937. I can't find any reference to the Orpington Institute online and with libraries closed ...

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  2656 Hits
Jun
28

So why do you study family history?

Dick Eastman's Newsletter of 7 June 2018 asked the question 'Why do we study genealogy? Genealogy is defined as the direct descent of an individual or group from an ancestor. It is a simpler question than 'Why do we study family history'. Family History I believe is to research not only our lines of descent but also the details of our family member...

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Jun
28

Teaching an old dog old tricks.

At the AGM 2018 I purchased one of the surplus books from the Society Library. At 20p it was too good to pass over and it had so many interesting subjects, which I had still to learn their value. It's a copy of English Genealogical Congress, Selected papers given at the Congress of 1978 and 1984. Published by English Genealogical Congress c/o Socie...

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  2066 Hits
Jun
26

Blog Library Request – Bethel – Bromley Chapel - Dickens.

Query. 25 June 2020. I've found out that my ancestors were married at "the Independent" Chapel in Bromley on 25 July 1860. I was wondering if there was any information or parish registers that the NWKHS has on the Independent Chapel. My family seem to have been quite religious and non-conformists (not really sure what that means) and Annie and Fred...

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  1967 Hits
Jun
16

Blog donation to the Library – Stoneham and Ivimy families.

16th June 2020 Stoneham Brage Builders of the River Thames 1797-1881 A description of three generations of our barge-building ancestors Audrey E Cirillo's book on the Stoneham and Ivimy families was produced as a self-publication in 2002. She writes in the forward that 'she had written the following narrative not only for my satisfaction but also a...

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Jun
09

Blog donation to the Library – Crockenhill, Kent.

9th June 2020 The Society Library has been donated a number of postcards and photos of old Crockenhill, inherited from Agnes Abdey (nee Luxford). She worked for many years at the village stores for the Kingsnorth family. We are interested in these photographs as the Society Library has a photograph collection of pictures that have been donated. The...

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  1874 Hits
Jun
06

Blog request of the Library – Thomas Pound

Query 4th June 2020. I am wondering if you might be able to give me some assistance in my family history research. I am trying to find the baptism of my gt-gt-grandfather Thomas Pound whose entry in the family bible states that he was born on 5th February 1813 and christened in Chatham, but no specific date for that is given. They were a Navy famil...

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  2039 Hits
Apr
30

Blog request of the Library - Woolwich Arsenal Record

Query 30 April 2020 Can you tell me if there are any employment records that still exist relating to the employees of the Royal Arsenal Woolwich. My Father and Grandfather both worked there and I am trying to find out more information if that is possible. Answer 30 April 2020 The records we have are on the web site, but there are not many modern re...

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  1979 Hits
Apr
28

Blog request of the Library - Deptford Parish Registers.

Query 27 April 2020. I am researching my family history and I know they were living in Deptford in the late 16th century so I would dearly love to have sight of the relevant registers for that time. I see from the FamilySearch website that your society has produced a 4CD set of images of the St. Nicholas registers and I wonder if it is possible to ...

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  1892 Hits
Apr
10

Blog request of the Library - Request from Australia.

Query 9 April 2020 I live in Gladstone, Queensland, Australia. I was born in the UK and my family come from the village of Sandhurst in Kent. Samuel Reeves moved to Bermondsey in 1825. Their family name was Reeves. I am a member of Ancestry, but appear to have exhausted all the information they can provide. I was hoping that you could provide me wi...

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  1868 Hits
May
04

Blog request of the Library - Request from Australia re Canterbury, Kent.

Query 4 May 2020 I have a strange request which I hope you may be able to help me with. I'm in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, looking for ancestors. I have an address which google earth isn't showing. Ancestry.com is too hard for me and I don't know how else to find information. I google mapped around Canterbury and came up with you. Do you ...

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May
07

Blog request of the Library - Early Census (CD-ROM)

 Query 7 May 2020 Please could you advise whether the above CD includes Rochester and Chatham? Also is this just numerical data or does it include the names and/or occupations of people resident. I have an ancestor who was born elsewhere but was a cutler in Rochester from c1825 to 1847 when he died. I am trying to find out when he arrived in R...

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  1960 Hits
May
08

Blog request of the Library - Question WW2 soldier.

Query 8 May 2020 I'm searching information on soldiers who are buried at the local cemetery in Enschede (Holland). One of the men buried there is Clarence Paul Carver and I still have little information from him. I found information that he used to live in Kent that's why I sent this message. Do you have any information on him or know someone who h...

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  1931 Hits
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May
06

Blog request of the Library – East Street, Plumstead in 1891 Census

 Query 6 May 2020 Can I ask please, have you ever heard of EAST STREET, PLUMSTEAD, or possibly LAST STREET? It appears on the 1891 Census. Answer 7 May 2020 One of our researchers wrote. If memory serves me well East Street was down near Siemens Factory (which became AEI where he had spent his apprenticeship) and this area is now an industrial...

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  2225 Hits
May
19

Blog request of the Library – Bromley Little Theatre.

Query 15 May 2020 I am a member of Bromley little theatre and I'm embarking on a project to make a video of the theatre's history, most of the video will just be a guided tour for posterity, but I'm hoping to start it with a brief history of the building we think the theatre was originally a bakery but I can't find any proof of this, in fact I can'...

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  2069 Hits
Mar
18

Bromley 22nd September meeting now on 15th September

Due to an unfortunate sequence of events that were out of our hands, we have had to change the date of our September meeting from Saturday 22nd to Saturday 15th. The venue is the Methodist Church as usual. Meryl Catty will still able to visit us, but we have had to change the title of the talk, as Maureen Binks will be on holiday on the 15th. Meryl...

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  3419 Hits
Mar
11

Insight into occupation records

Everyone of your ancestors had to earn a living to survive, no social services and little parish support. So if you want to learn more about occupational records then Jean Stirk's workshop on 21 March 2018 will help you. Contact workshop@nwkfhs.org.uk. There are places available for members. Sorry, due to lack of workshop space we cannot accept non...

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  3338 Hits
Mar
10

Calendar Photographic Competition 2019

Each year the Society produces a slim wall calendar using images submitted by members. Contributions after costs from the sales of the calendar become income for the Society. This year you can sponsor the cost of the printing by making a donation. This will reduce the cost and enable us to sell the calendar at a lower price. The names of all the sp...

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  3216 Hits
Mar
06

3rd March 2018 meeting CANCELLED

Guest speaker Peter Calver of Lost Cousins Our meeting on Saturday 3 March was cancelled as the venue, Dartford Science and Technology College, had been closed due to snowfall. It was hoped to hold the meeting this Saturday 10 March as the speaker, Peter Calver, of LostCousins is available. BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE COLLEGE HAS TOLD US THAT THE HALL IS...

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  3385 Hits
Jan
20

General Data Protection Regulations

The Data protection regulations come into  force on the 25 May 2018. Family History Societies like NWKFHS need to consider these regulations. Help on the regulations is available on the Federation of Family History Web site.

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Jan
19

Mapping Family Locations

At the mapping workshop on Wednesday 17th January 2018 one of the queries raised was to do with a brickmaker in 1911 at Kilsyth, Stirlingshire. Checking the Brickmakers Index there were two entries for sources that refer to Kilsyth. The first was Gartshore Brickworks at Kilsyth, Dunbartonshire. The second was for Gartshore Brickworks at Kiltsyth St...

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  3535 Hits
Jan
19

Bedfordshire Parish Registers

If you have an interest in Bedfordshire you can find the F G Emmison published parish registers  online at www.archive.org. These transcriptions were published in the 1930s to 1940s and run to about forty volumes. Some volumes deal with a single parish while others combine a number of parishes.

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