Family History Research

Successful family history research relies on a combination of knowing which records exist, how access them at a price you can afford (or, better still, free of charge), being able to select from alternative solutions, and knowing how to extract all of the relevant information from the documents you find. At the U3A Family History Group, you will find lots of advice to guide you on your path to discovering your family’s past. And if you have already done some research, sharing ideas and tips with others can help you progress.

When you start researching, you should not be surprised if progress comes in fits and starts. You may discover three or four generations in a single day, or you may take several months to uncover a single generation. Perseverance is the key - even seasoned family historians experience that sense of frustration when the next generation seems just out of reach. The secret is to never give up.

Family history research can be a lonely activity and many genealogists don't join a family history society, but if you would like the companionship of other family historians on the trail of their ancestors’ past the U3A Family History Group is a great place to share tips and find help. Our group has a nice mix of people starting out and those who have researched for a while, ensuring a good variety of interest and experience to aid progress.

Group Leader

My name is David Buist. I have been researching my family since 2015, and have discovered much about my ancestors and relatives. Most of my more recent ancestors spent their lives in east and south east London while further back they hailed mostly from Sussex, Essex and Bedfordshire. Through DNA matches I've located cousins (some more distant than others) in Australasia and North America.

If you wish to join this group, then please contact me by clicking on the link at Leader at the top of the page, giving me an idea of your experience (ie none / started / some / intermediate / experienced). All are welcome, whether you have done any research or not.

Meetings

We normally meet on the fourth Monday of the month in the Wesley Room, Dursley Methodist Church from 2.00 to 4.00 pm (Please note revised meeting times). Meetings typically comprise talks, case studies, working sessions and discussion. Refreshments are normally served during the meeting which gives people the opportunity to chat and pick up tips.

There will not be a meeting in May as the fourth Monday is the bank holiday and the first 'grandparenting' day of the school half-term. Our next meeting will be on Monday 22nd June 2026 when the topic will be 'poor laws and the workhouse.'Railway Ancestors'.

Links

• Family History websites
• First information sheet
• From Cradle to Grave
• Group purpose & starting out
• Military Contact Addresses
• Notes from talk on Village Records
• Pedigree chart
• Bristol & Avon Family History Society
• Gloucestershire family history society
• Legacy free webinars