The group has been meeting since October 2025. The meetings generally follow the same format; we have a presentation on a specific topic followed by questions and contributions from the members on the same topic, but we also build in regular opportunities for helping each other with our research.

It’s not all serious, we build in a long coffee break for socialising so we can chat about our research, ask for advice and get to know the other members of the group. A handout of the presentation is sent out for anyone who cannot get to a meeting.

We have plenty of room so anyone who wants to join us is welcome. The group is a mixture of beginners and those with more experience. If you have a particular interest or expertise, it would be great to hear from you, especially if you would be able to give a talk about an interesting relative or family line or any of the topics coming up in the future (see the programme below).

At any time, if you are already a u3a member or are thinking of joining, and would like to join the group, or want to see what is going on, please drop us an email or just pop in and make yourself known at the door.

PROGRAMME

Since the first meeting in November, we have looked at using census returns, how we organise and record our research, had a look at DNA testing, and finding and using online newspapers. We have also looked at Wills, using AI and investigated how our ancestors earned a living on land, water and at sea. In September, we shared our surprise at unexpectedly discovering that our ancestors had trodden in the same footsteps as us and finding out that past friendships had led to their descendants unknowingly meeting.