Link Line Ancestral Research

LECTURES AND TALKS

SPEAKER PROFILE

Ian Waller is a professional genealogist and archive researcher, a member of AGRA, with 30 years experience in English research.

He has taught family history at both beginner and advanced levels at several adult education centres in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire and has lectured widely to many family and local history societies. He is the author of "My Ancestor was an Agricultural Labourer" published by the Society of Genealogists and has written many articles for the family history press.

His term as a Trustee of the Society of Genealogists is shortly to end and until recently he was chairman of the education committee.

His other interests include making scale models of horse drawn vehicles, oil painting, digital photography and country and western music..

ABOUT THE TALKS

Most talks last for about one hour and are fully illustrated using Power Point presentations. The content of the talks is continually revised to keep them up to date and topical. Time is allowed for questions at the conclusion of the talks.

IF THE SUBJECT YOU ARE INTERESTED IN IS NOT LISTED BELOW PLEASE CONTACT ME. I AM CONTINUALLY ADDING TO THE SUBJECT LIST

WORKSHOPS

Workshops can be organised to give the practical approach to your meetings. They are best suited to smaller groups as many are "hands on" and can be tailored to run for between 1 and 3 hrs.

BOOKINGS

Talks can be booked for evening or daytime meetings, one day conferences or symposiums. Talks are not undertaken on Sundays.

Programme organisers should decide on the subject and telephone or e-mail to arrange a date and secure a booking. This should be followed up with a confirmation letter or e-mail giving details of your meeting venues and post code/location map.

EQUIPMENT

The only equipment which needs to be provided is a projector screen and extension cable.

FEES

There is a set charge of £40 plus travel expenses for each talk (this applies to 2009 bookings).

Fees for workshops are by negotiation and will include an overhead charge for participant's materials.

TRAVEL COSTS

Up to 25 miles radius of Luton - £17.00
26 - 50 mile radius of Luton - £25.00
50 - 70 miles radius of Luton - £30.00
Travel to venues over 70 miles radius will attract an additional mileage charge of 38p per mile over and above 140 miles total journey.

Travel costs may be subject to variation depending upon fluctuations in fuel and motoring costs.

NEW TALKS FOR 2009

WHAT HAPPENED TO LUCY? Before 1927 and legal adoption what happened to the unwanted child? Even after 1927 children were exploited although supposedly cared for by institutions and well caring organisations. This talk looks at the plight of adoptees, foundlings, orphans and the Empire children (Child Migrants), essentially through the 19th & 20th centuries.

MENDING BODIES, SAVING SOULS Medical advances and funeral traditions have touched every era of society. This talk looks at the social history, the effects medical science had on our ancestors, the unscrupulous body-snatchers, the developments and the many records which exist in regard to medical care and funerals experienced by our ancestors. Some aspects are just gory, some just unbelievable, some still exist today!

SUFFRAGETTES, THE CENSUS AND THE SIDNEY STREET SIEGE With the availability of the 1911 census on line this talk examines the many events and social changes which occurred, almost within living memory in the few years prior to the First World War. Delve into the households recorded in the 1911 census, the associated "Lloyd George Domesday" and the records of other events of the day. Explore the reality of what granny lived through.

ALL ROADS LEAD TO SMITHFIELD Many of our ancestors were "cattle dealers" or the like and may have spent many a day along the established drovers routes from Scotland or Wales to London. Those that did would have travelled with their families or met their spouses en-route. This talk explains the basis of migration and travel within the country and may just provide you with clues relating to your ancestors origin and movement around the country

ARE WE REALLY BRITISH It is a fairly sure fire thing that most of us originate from foreign blood, even if we cannot prove it until Anglo-Saxon times. This talk examines the roles and importance that the many immigrant communities that have arrived in Britain over time have played in both industry and civic life. There are a wealth of records to help trace our immigrant ancestors and the talk discusses many of them including those that are on-line.

THE SUICIDE MAID The story of Violet Sharp from Berkshire. How did a lowly domestic servant from a sleepy Berkshire village and an ordinary labouring family become a sensation by committing suicide when accused of kidnapping in America. This is a family reconstruction and case study based upon official records of the very intricate web woven by both the FBI and Scotland Yard in the famous Lindberg kidnapping of the 1930s.

FAMILY HISTORY SUBJECTS

BREAD, GRUEL & SUET DUMPLINGS
This talk looks at life in the workhouse, what the alternatives were, what conditions were like and discusses the many records available to find information about either an inmate or a staff member.

UP WITH THE LARK
Most of us will have agricultural labourers in our ancestry. This talk discusses their lives and the wealth of records which enable us to piece together their lives. The fact that they existed means that documentary evidence exists.

SOLD, SEPARATED OR DIVORCED
Throughout history marriages have always broken down having a significant effect on the family. Not everyone divorced but there are records recording desertion, wife sale, separation and divorce some of which needed an Act of Parliament.

DEBT, DEBTORS & BANKRUPTS
This talk examines the records generated by many who encountered debts and even bankruptcy throughout history. Many of our ancestors would have been affected by debt as they lived beyond their means, struggled to make ends meet or were just plain irresponsible.

MILITARY AND NAVAL SERVICE
This covers two separate talks one looking at the 20th century and the other pre 1900. In both cases examination is made of the many records available to trace details of any person who served in the military and navy, including the civilian aspects of both services. Please specify which period you would like the talk aimed at.

ROGUES AND VAGABONDS NEED NOT APPLY
The First World War and its aftermath had a significant affect on those who served, their families and society generally. This talk examines what our ancestor's life was like for this short period in history and what the consequences of the war were upon each and every one of us.

THE I.G.I. - USEFUL OR NOT
Family Search is one of the most comprehensive "free" finding aids available for research. Today it is less effective but more comprehensive and this talk examines its usefulness, growth, decline and future.

USING THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
The National Archives at Kew often appears overwhelming to family historians particularly first time visitors. This talk takes away the myths and explains how to get the most out of a visit, what it contains and how to use the on-line catalogue at home.

RESEARCHING BEFORE PARISH REGISTERS
Pre 1600 research is an entirely different "ball game" with many records existing that can be useful although the familiar ones had not even commenced. Many of the early records are underused and many family historians consider there research can go no further when parish registers stop. This talk helps family historians see what is available.

YOU MAY WISH YOU HAD NEVER STARTED THIS!
Keeping effective records on paper or on computer is a sticking point for many of us. Even seasoned researchers do not always have a good system. Using a working pedigree is often alien. This talk examines how to keep good records and looks at ways of overcoming the challenges of research and how to turn the negative into positive.

IN AND OUT OF LONDON
Many researchers find it difficult and somewhat daunting when their ancestors move into or around London. Research in the capital has its own challenges which can easily be overcome. This talk suggests how to do it.

THE INDIA CONNECTION
The East India Company set up in 1600 employed thousands of British people both in India and this country. The records are extensive for civil and military personnel. Lost an ancestor? They may well have been in India.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK
Railways were one of the largest employers and many companies left a legacy of staff records. This talk examines how those records help piece together the career of a railway worker using a variety of records up to nationalisation in 1948.

MANORIAL WORTH
From medieval times up to the 20th century the manor played a significant role in most rural communities. This talk examines how the manorial system operated and what records it generated in which your ancestor may well have appeared.

CONVICT TRANSPORTATION
There is a wealth of information about transportation in various records in England and Australia, some of which are on the internet. Find out how to put the flesh on the bones of your departed criminal.

POVERTY, PAUPERISM AND THE ALLOWANCE SYSTEM
Before the workhouse poor relief was in the hands of the parish and various charities. The talk looks at the systems which either helped or hindered survival of our poorer ancestors.

POST HASTE
The Post Office employed a large number of people. As an occupational source the records are "second to none£. Find out how to trace the career of a "postie"

THE PARISH
As the parish authorities were responsible for many aspects of administration besides the keeping of baptism, marriage and burial records the wealth of information contained within the records of the "parish chest" are essential for family history. This talk examines just what is available and how they will enhance the information and social scene relating to your ancestors lives.

TALK TO THEM (WHAT YOU RELATIONS CAN TELL YOU)
All too often we did not talk to our parents, grandparents, great aunts and then kick ourselves for not doing so when they are deceased. This talk examines the type of things you should ask that won't close doors and gives some ideas about preserving the family tradition. It also examines the archive of information that is in the sideboard drawer!

ACCIDENTS AT WORK
The workplace was a dangerous place to be. Whether your ancestor worked on the land, in a factory, on the railways or down a mine (to mention but a few) worker safety was the last thing anyone was that concerned about. The accidents that happened at work were many from minor wounds to untimely death. Records of such events are an abundant source of information for family historians.

ALL THE B's
Bastardy, bigamists and baronets to mention but a few. A light-hearted look at the effects the Bs had on society and the many records which can give a vivid insight into life at all levels of society.

READING OLD HANDWRITING
Many documents used by family historians from census returns to medieval manuscripts can be difficult to read. This talk provides pointers to help you interpret what you are looking at and how to decipher the various handwriting styles in use over the ages. Can also be amended to become a practical hands on workshop

WHERE THERE'S A WILL
Family historians are often reluctant to look for a will as they think their ancestors simply did not leave one. This talk looks at the wealth of information they contain, how to find them and what other records support them from those associated with disputes, taxes and personal belongings. No one should rule out the existence of a will and searching for one should be automatic.

BEGINNING RESEARCH
This talk is primarily for those beginning the venture of researching their family history and details those important first steps towards success.

CAUGHT IN COURT
The records of the English legal system both civil and criminal provide a wealth of information from both sides of the law. Most of our ancestors would have had some involvement with the courts during their lifetime. This talk examines the content of court and legal records in which our ancestors may appear.

THE FAMILY ARCHIVE
There can be masses of information lying around in boxes, store cupboards and drawers which will help us with our research endeavours. This talk looks at the many "home sources" that can be found, how to interpret them, the shortcomings and also how to preserve them for future generations.

POOR SOUL
This talk looks at the wealth of records either side of the 1834 Poor Law Act in which most of our ancestors will appear. Poorer members of society, through need required assistance in the form of parish or poor relief. As such the records can provide a huge amount of information about the plight of our ancestors and may solve as few stumbling blocks along the way.

MY AVERAGE ANCESTOR
During a lifetime most people left a large number of records (we all generate about 100 records). This talk takes a chronological tour of those records and explains how they can help put the flesh on the bones of our research, where they can be found and what we can find.

HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM?
This is an interactive talk or workshop which gives ideas on strategies and methodology to help solve those inevitable challenges of research right from someone missing from the census, appearing to have died twice and changes of name to mention but a few.

THE BASICS
A series of talks detailing information about basic research documents. There are four talks:
1. Civil registration
2. Census returns
3. Parish registers and nonconformity
4. Getting the best from newspapers and directories
Please specify your interested topic. The talks are suitable for beginners and also as timely reminders to more seasoned researchers.

FAMILY HISTORY ON THE INTERNET
A talk outlining the many sources database sites and information websites available to the "armchair family historian". It looks at both the positive and negative sides of relying upon the internet resources and explains some of the precautions needed to be taken, inaccuracies of information, the pure fictitious and the downright ridiculous.

SOCIAL HISTORY

UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS
many families will find domestic servants, both male and female within their ancestry. This talk looks at their lives and their appearance in records.

GONDOLA'S AND GROWLER'S
The London cabbie was an anonymous character. This talk looks at how the industry grew and declined and how the Hansom Cab affected the lives of every Londoner.

THE DARK SIDE
Most communities had an "underworld" with its share of unsavoury characters as well as highly respected persons who practiced such acts which verged on the criminal. This talk looks at the aspects of society which we all know existed but was rarely acknowledged.

ALL DRAWN BY HORSES (ON THE ROAD)
This talk looks at the horse drawn transport age from the mail coaching networks to transport on the estate or farm. A huge number of carriages, carts and wagons existed and we look at the regional differences, the types of transport and the horses which pulled them.

IN THE PANTRY
Have you ever been curious about how everyday products came into existence. This talk looks at the origins of many popular foods and appliances which we can still buy today.

BEST FOOT FORWARD
Every community would have its shoemaker or cordwainer. They played an important role in the village. Mechanisation and mass production diminished their role significantly but hand made shoes are still available to this day. The talk examines what the cordwainer or shoemaker did, where the records are and what happened when the factories took over.

VICTORIAN SHOPPING
In its heyday the corner shop was king - open all hours and offering a personal service. This talk looks at the rise and fall of the corner shop, the Co-op, and the large departmental and chain stores.

VILLAGE CRAFTS
Throughout rural communities many crafts existed such as the thatcher, blacksmith, wheelwright, cordwainer, and harness maker to mention a few. This talk looks at the role these played in the local economy and concentrates on their "heyday" in the 18th and 19th centuries.

PLEASURES AND PASTIMES OF VICTORIAN BRITIAN
With the advent of the railways many ordinary working class Victorians began to take seaside holidays. Many began to watch or participate in sport, they frequented fairs, went to music halls and the theatre as well as staying at home working on the allotment or playing parlour games. This talk examines the varied leisure pursuits of our ancestors and how their example gave us more leisure time.

THERE'S NONE AS QUERE AS FOLK!
Most communities have their own traditions, peculiarities and dialect. Many of these originated in early history and through to the modern day. Much has been preserved in pictorial, written and even oral histories. This talk gives examples of such traditions (often humorous) and puts them into the context of village and town life.