Latest news from The National Archives features the release of hundreds of UK government files from the year 1983, to the TNA, as the government begins the ten year transition to a '20 year rule', down from the previous 30 years, for transfer and release of files and information.
The National Archives website states that two years' worth of government records will be released every year until 2022 and files from 1984 will be released by December.
The latest files detail the end of Mrs Thatcher's first term in office as victory in the Falklands War helped propel her to a second successive election triumph in June 1983. There are files on the US-led invasion of Grenada which was one of a number of foreign policy challenges that year. There was also the arrival of American cruise missiles in Greenham Common amid a general deterioration in East-West relations.
There's more information available from The National Archives website.
I found the Nigel Havers episode of Who Do You Think You Are? last night on BBC1 another interesting and very watchable programme, following on from Una Stubbs and her journey last week. The series so far does seem to have improved in format, coupled with some very interesting family history stories.
Last night's episode was both interesting and varied. Ranging from a clever businessman in Colchester who suffered ill-fortune and bankruptcy after building up a very successful set of businesses, to the life and times of his ancestors who worked in a mill in Cornwall who suffered both personal tragedy and scandal. All a far cry from the posh actor from a recent legal dynasty!
Hopefully the TV series continues to be as good as the first two episodes. I'm already looking forward to the Minnie Driver programme next week!
Not quite as posh as we expected, Nigel Havers on Who Do You Think You Are?
The second episode of the popular series 'Who Do You Think You Are?' continues tonight on BBC1 at 9pm. Featuring actor Nigel Havers, it promises to be another great episode after the emotional and 'coincidental' journey of Una Stubbs last week.
Nigel Havers has played many upper class roles over the years and it was assumed his family history would produce a long line of aristocratic characters. However, despite his immediate family consisting of a number of high profile, successful legal professionals, it appears Nigel comes from a family of far more humble origins!
TheGenealogist has looked into his background if you'd like to know more before the show tonight. The featured article can be found here.
Nigel Havers features tonight on Who Do You Think You Are? on BBC1 at 9pm
Here at Family History Social, we've just received the latest e-mail news from S&N Genealogy Supplies with the latest developments.
Firstly, there's news of the new release of nearly 500,000 Royal Navy and Merchant Seamen Ship Crew records on TheGenealogist, now available to view.There's also some great offers on archival products and new data CDs now available.
There's an article on royal babies and the new series of Who Do You Think You Are? and a special research offer to subscribe to TheGenealogist available for a limited time. It’s all available here.
TheGenealogist has launched a new resource for those with sea going ancestors. The new 'Ship Crew Lists' give details of over 439,000 Royal Navy and Merchant Seamen records which are searchable by name, rank, age and ship. The full crew list can be displayed for any of the ships.
Covering the years 1851-1911, these include lists and agreements for those involved in merchant shipping and ship crews for those at home ports, sea and abroad. Details given may include age, place of birth, rank and ticket number, previous and current ships with ports of registration, dates and places of joining and leaving and reason for leaving.
The records are taken from a variety of sources including the unique TNA ‘BT98’ records, not available online from any other source. There's more information available from TheGenealogist website.
TheGenealogist has now added over 439,000 Royal Navy and Merchant Seamen records
Latest news from S&N Genealogy Supplies and TheGenealogist is the announcement of a new promotional partnership with 'Unlock the Past' Cruises.
Offering an international programme of history and genealogy cruises, ‘Unlock the Past’ provides the perfect opportunity for a relaxing holiday and to learn more about genealogy at the same time.
All the major conference cruises feature an international team of presenters and a programme with international appeal.
The expanded cruise commitment follows on from the success of the first three ‘Unlock the Past’ cruises. With over 70 different topics and 38 different sessions, the next tour to Southern Australia in February 2014 is fast booking up.
Nigel Bayley, Managing Director of S&N comments: “We are pleased to develop a promotional partnership with ‘Unlock the Past’ Cruises. Their previous cruises have been very highly regarded and with well- known speakers such as Chris Paton, Else Churchill and many more from around the world, it is the perfect way to combine a cruise and learn more about your family history whilst you holiday! We look forward to supporting ‘Unlock the Past’ in their future genealogy cruises.”
To book on the next cruise, travelling around the coast of Southern Australia, please go to http://www.unlockthepastcruises.com/
Don't forget the new series of Who Do You Think You Are? starts tonight! It's at 9pm on BBC1 with what promises to be a great first episode on Una Stubbs. The link between Una and one of the founders of two new towns in Hertfordshire promises to be one of a number of interesting family history stories. Will you be watching?
Congratulations from Family History Social to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their new baby. For those who like a competition, TheGenealogist is running a competition on facebook to guess the name of the baby. If you'd like to enter just click on this link. Good luck!
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, now very happy parents
What's been happening at The National Archives can be seen in their new communications release entitled 'a year in archives 2012-13'. To find out what's been going on in archive services all over the country over the last year and to see future plans go the National Archives website.
From funding to community archive heritage projects, it's definitely an interesting read.
This forthcoming Saturday (27th July), sees the Buckinghamshire Family History Society Open Day in Aylesbury. The annual Open Day, will take place from 10am to 4pm at The Grange School, Wendover Way, Aylesbury HP21 7NH.
As always, this free event will have something for everyone - whether beginner or experienced researcher - and wherever your ancestors came from! A talk aimed at those new to family history will be given by Dave Foster at 11am and 2pm.
If you're in the area, it's well worth taking a look! There's more details at their website.
