Blog Archives

Here's to another great year!

26/2/2024

On February 22nd, 8 seasoned family history researchers convened at the U3A room to continue their journey into their ancestry.

After individual introductions, we discussed how we could make good use of our monthly sessions, and have settled allocating regular time to:

Sharing tips and tricks.
Contextual stories of an ancestor with a 500-word maximum.
Excursions *
Guest Speakers *

* alternate month.

Anticipating a blend of fascination, occasional frustration, and primarily joy, they each harboured specific goals for their exploration. With a wealth of wisdom to impart, they eagerly anticipated exchanging insights and knowledge with their fellow researchers. As they embark on this collective quest, the year 2024 holds the promise of a deeply gratifying experience filled with learning and sharing.

Next meeting Thursday 28 March 1:30-4:00pm at U3A room Benalla Seniors building.

Here’s to another great year!

Barry O’Connor 0407 266 688
Jane Rushworth 0437 621 575

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Resources for Family Researchers

23/2/2024

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Handouts introduced during our first session included Barry's listing of 'Research Resources' and 'Tips and Tricks' drawn from his notes of classes in past years and experience as both an historian and family historian.

Barry's 'Research Resources' and 'Tips & Tricks' (PDF)

Another handout at the session provided information about the option of joining in the Family Research - Drop In, held monthly on the 3rd Thursday from 1 to 4 pm. The format for the Drop In this year is:

Family Research 'Drop In' - New Format

1 pm 'Drop in Open' - Class Room 2 will be open for group members to settle in with devices and start working on the area/s they have focused on for the day.

1.30pm . Convenor/Mentor./s will begin working with participants.

2pm. Group discussion - pains and gains, stories to be shared, what participants are working on, what they would like help with.

2.30 Review and support for any jointly occurring issues in the group

2.45 ish. Coffee break

3pm. 'Back to work' on devices with help from mentors/other group members.

3.50 to 4 pm Winding up, including arrangements for one to one appointment times to complete any learning needs worked on during the session if requested.

4 pm See you next time!

Note -
*Coffee will be available throughout the afternoon.
*There are naturally occurring 'Drop In' points eg. at the start; for the discussion, and 'Drop Out' points eg. after the discussion, or when goals for the day have been achieved.

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February's session - tailoring the semester to group needs

1/2/2024

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Family Research will be held on the 4th Thursday of the month at 1:30 - 4:00 pm. This semester begins on Thursday 22nd February 2024 in the large U3A room at the Seniors building in Fawckner Drive.

At this meeting Barry and I look forward to hearing from you so that we can tailor the semester to the group needs. So, have a think about what you would like to see achieved as (1) a group and (2) what your personal aims might be ... besides finding that elusive and terribly rich relative who has left the entire estate to you!!

Note that group members can also access "drop in" support on the 3rd Thursday 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm.

Jane Rushworth and Barry O’Connor

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Family Stories

Family Research

Family Research is a guided self-help group for members who are already working on their family tree who enjoy, learn and gain confidence from group interaction. The course includes two sessions a month -

1. A group session which commences with reports on ‘pains and gains’ over the previous month accompanied by shared problem solving and lots of encourage-ment and ideas for next steps. Presentations by group members, guest speakers and excursions will increase your awareness of different approaches and resources and will also expand your understanding of local and other family research initiatives. You will be encouraged to set project goals such as working on a particular family line; preparing stories for a collection; publishing and giving family history related gifts to families, and more.

2. A drop in session with a hands-on component which will support you to build further confidence in using online geneology programs; to resolve problems you are in danger of putting in the too hard basket, and to complete your project goals.

Experienced members of the group will be available as mentors at the drop-in session and for one to one consultations or appointments if required. .