Welcome to the Family History Group Web page
The group meets at the Emmaus Centre at 2:00pm on the last Friday of each month except there will be no meetings in DECEMBER and AUGUST.
The venue has ample parking to accommodate us, either in the smaller car park to the left of the main St. Barnabas Centre or in the large car park in front of the Church, which is opposite the main centre. There is no charge for parking at the Centre.
The Emmaus Centre is the smaller hall adjoining but behind the St Barnabas Centre at St James the Great Church.
Usually we have between 15-20 members at each meeting although the total membership is 40+ ranging from complete beginners through to those with many years experience so there will always be someone who is able to help with your genealogical problems!
We are a very friendly group and would welcome new members to join us on the search for their ancestors.
We also run group visits to Record Offices like The National Archives, London Metropolitan Archives, The Society of Genealogists etc.
For more information, contact the group leaders Barbara or Sue using the e-mail links or phone numbers below.
| Status: | Active, open to new members |
| Leader: |
Barbara Jacobs
Tel: 01279 655578
|
| Leader: |
Sue Swan
Tel: 01279 506123
|
| When: | Monthly on Friday afternoons Last Friday of the month, January to November at 2:00pm |
| Venue: | Emmaus Centre |
| Cost: | Each member pays £20 subs for the hire of the hall and to enable us to have good speakers at some of our meetings. Those joining throughout the year pay pro rata. |
Family History Programme 2026
January 30th speaker Dave Annal
Read All About It - This talk is about newspapers. But it’s also about stories; about bringing our ancestors to life; about moving away from the idea that once we’ve discovered their names and dates, our task is complete; it’s about seeing our ancestors as real, living, breathing, thinking people. The talk will demonstrate how newspapers – specifically local newspapers – can lead us some way along this path. How, by uncovering references to the smallest, apparently insignificant events in our ancestors’ lives, we can start to get glimpses of the people behind the names and dates.
February 27th Ian - using maps to further your research
March 27th Members contributions - things discovered from newspapers and maps
April 24th Speaker Kathy Chater Coroners' Inquests
Inquests provide more information than just how people died, but where and how they lived and also how they got on with those around them.
May 29th Sue how she found information about great aunt Lucy and constructing a family tree. This is an interactive session with members participation
June 26th TBA - Visit to Hitchin Schools Museum
July 31st Members contributions - School Memories
August no meeting
September 25th Members contributions – Family treasures
October 30th Speaker Michael Holland They won't hang me will they?
Using the trial transcript the evidence of the trial of an Essex incendiary (aka arsonist) during the period of the Swing riots is presented to the audience who act as the jury and decide guilt or innocence of the accused
November 27th Christmas Quiz