By Matthew Jones, Assistant County Archivist
I’m delighted to say that the Record Office has launched a new programme of “coffee time” workshops for 2023, beginning in January with a session on how to start your family tree
As with so many things, the workshops scheduled for 2020 were interrupted by the pandemic and we were sadly unable to resume in 2021 or 2022.
So, it’s great to be back and to have the support of colleagues in the Record Office (Imogen Russell and Abigail Hartley), the Library Service (Sue Worrall and Sarah Godfrey) and former colleague Dr Caroline Adams who now works as an independent archivist, historian and public speaker.
Our exciting programme for 2023 is as follows:
| 11 January | How to start your family tree |
| 1 February | Researching the history of your house |
| 1 March | Getting started with Ancestry.co.uk |
| 5 April | Reading old handwriting |
| 3 May | Old photographs: how to identify, date and care for them |
| 7 June | Tracing your army ancestors |
| 5 July | Newspapers for family and local history |
| 6 September | Getting started with Ancestry.co.uk |
| 4 October | Discovering wills and other probate records |
| 1 November | Researching the history of your house |
The sessions will start at 10am and run for 1 to 2 hours, depending on the topic, and light refreshments will be provided.
They are aimed primarily at beginners, but it’s not unusual for someone who has been researching for a year or two to learn something new. For the Ancestry sessions, to benefit fully you will need to have some basic IT skills so I would recommend the computer buddy sessions run by the Library Service.
Ever mindful of the ongoing Covid and flu situation, we may have a window open during the session so, during the winter months especially, I would recommend bringing some warm clothing with you. And if you suspect that you may have Covid or flu, we would ask you not to attend.
For more information, including details on how to book, visit the Record Office’s What’s On page.
I hope you will join us, whether that be for one or all of the sessions, and look forward to seeing you there.
West Sussex Record Office 