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Blackmore Vale Group

The People, the Places, the Life behind Doors: The World of the Workhouse

Posted on 3rd September 2023

We are delighted to be able to engage Kirsty Gray to give our opening talk of the autumn season: Kirsty has been involved in genealogy from a very young age and is now a fully-fledged professional genealogist, business owner, heir tracer, TV/radio personality, Genealogy Show Director, and more besides Many of us will have found ancestors who disappeared into the workhouse: what were these institutions Why were they feared so much What happened behind the closed doors Speaker: Kirsty... more

Son of a Spy

Posted on 26th February 2023

Mike’s father spent 27 years as a soldier, including some time as a POW He also spent over 20 years as a diplomat in places such as Moscow, East Berlin, Istanbul, Bagdad Was it “Diplomatic Security” or “Counter Intelligence” … Speaker: Mike... more

From blacksmith to online retailer – over 100 years in the life of a Sturminster family business

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We welcome Graham Hart and Jon Dart from Harts of... more

Sin, Sex & Probate

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Following Visitations, particularly prior to the mid-nineteenth century, church courts heard cases of, and passed judgement on ecclesiastical sins, defamation and sexual misconduct of parishioners and clergy, issued marriage licences and honorary degrees, and granted probate (wills and letters of administration) In this illustrated lecture Dr Chapman provides many examples of the depositions (statements) of witnesses whilst explaining how these courts operated and where their records may be... more

Demystifying DNA

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7pm start We’ve all got it – what is it Have you done a test and you’re not sure what the results mean Or, are you not sure whether to even do a DNA test Different DNA testing companies test slightly different things, each company has its own advantages and disadvantages, and different useful extra tools, so which test is best for your research This presentation will walk you through the initial stages of understanding your DNA test results Speaker: Dr Penny... more

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