A Very Busy 2022
I had intended to write a New Year blog post and I am finally making time to write. 2022 saw a big change for me by reducing my commitment to my engineering job so I can increase the time I spend on genealogy. Still doing some engineering (in fact more than I had originally planned) but I am gradually getting more time for the genealogy business.
One of the things that keeps me busy is giving talks. I actually enjoyed my first in person talk a couple of days ago – luckily my projector still works after two years sitting idle. I have also given talks to family history groups and for an adoption agency. My work is increasingly working on unknown parentage for adoptees and others who want to learn more about their parentage. I am starting to work with adoption agencies as it is essential that adoptees have intermediary support when on their journey.
My next online talk is Hidden in the Newsprint at 10.30am (BST) on Saturday 2 April via the Society of Genealogists. Following that, another online talk to the Dorset FHS on Moving DNA to the Next Level before a busy day on 14 May 2022 where I will be giving three talks at the Guild of One Name Studies DNA Seminar in Oadby, Leiceistershire. So looking forward to seeing my friends and colleagues in person.
Moving into June, I will be in York for the Family History Show where I will be giving Using DNA for Family History Research. My talk for them I gave in February (Breaking Down a Brick Wall using DNA) is now available on family-tree.tv along with other talks I have given over the past year or so. Later in the year, travel is hopefully going to be possible and I will be heading to Australia for the Family History Down Under conference in Sydney on 8-11 November. As well as an in person conference, it is also possible to attend on a live stream or by purchasing the recordings only.
As well as giving talks, I am enjoying learning. Notably the History for Ukraine event this weekend (which will be available until 1pm on Tuesday 29 March) and the forthcoming satellite events – you may even see me at one of them (TBC) – which, as well as being a chance to raise money for the British Red Cross, has been fascinating learning about history and genealogy. Shout out to Natalie Pithers (a fellow Associate of AGRA) who came up with the idea and has made it work so well. RootsTech ran again at the start of March and the talks remain available online throughout the year (and beyond). My talk on occupations from 2021 is still available via YouTube. I will add a few of my favourite talks from RootsTech once I have watched a few more.
I do treat myself once a fortnight and meet with fellow genies from around the world in the Talking Family History Virtual Lounge. Join us if you can – noting there are half or full year subscriptions. It keeps me in touch with what is going on in the genealogy world but also gives a chance to work collectively on genealogy mysteries, help other members and have a good old natter!