Uckfield

This talk will explore how you start with a family tree (genealogy) and then add the story of the lives of the individuals and their families.

 A social evening, quiz, Christmas stories etc. Refreshments.

Please check this page for any last minute alterations etc.

Passing on or Where there's a Will:  archives of death and burial.   T

The subject of this talk may sound morbid but in fact passing on creates records that can tell us as much about life as about death.   The archives created as a result of inquests, burials and proving wills following a death can also shed light on our ancestor's relationships and their way of life and this talk aims to shed some light on these, with examples from East Sussex.

Elizabeth Hughes was County Archivist of East Sussex from 2000 and head of The Keep from 2013 until her retirement in 2016.   She has a particular interest in local social history, including the old poor law but since retirement has been taking the opportunity to indulge her love of singing and recorder playing, covid-permitting.

Members of the group will share stories about an interesting part of their family history research or of a family heirloom which might have sentimental rather than financial value.   In the manner of WDYTYA, surprises can be expected.

Pat Selby, one of our members and a trained oral historian, will introduce us to this approach.   It's probably too late for recording our ancestors' lives but we should be considering recording our own lives for future generations.

Mat Homewood is a professional genealogist and will share his Masters thesis and give some local examples.   Our ancestors were far more mobile than we imagine and Mat will help us understand their motives for moving.

Our talk will be 'Notorious Women of East Sussex' by Louise Peskett.

Louise has worked as a Guide and Museum Teacher at the royal Pavilion and Museums in Brighton for 21 years. 10 years ago she put together a walking tour based on Brighton and Hove's women's history. This became an instant hit at the Brighton Festival and was featured in many newspapers, magazines and on BBC radio 4's Woman's Hour. She has also written columns and articles on local history and women's history for publications such as Sussex Life, the Brighton and Hove Independent, Jane Austen's Regency World and Herstory Magazine. Louise's book, The Fearless and the Fabulous, a Journey through Brighton and Hove's Women's History', was published in January 2021. She also lectures about women's history and related subjects to Women's Institutes, U3A and other groups.