This is not a talk about a sixties rock band! It is a Victorian tale of betrayal, a female Messiah, riots, a controversial religious sect, manslaughter charges and much more. This is no melodramatic Victorian novel but a real life story. Starting in rural Suffolk, ‘Mother Girling’ along with the able support of ‘Brother Harry’, moved her followers to London, before finally settling in the New Forest. This commune attracted national attention, questions in parliament and polarised the local community. I found all this out when I dipped my toes into my wife’s ancestry, only to find an absolute gem of a story and a new fascinating project. If you think family history is boring this will convince you otherwise.
Views: 1158 | Enquiries: 3I have been heavily involved in researching family history for over 42 years and delivering talks for the last 20 years. I am also an ex-chairman of the Essex Society for Family History and I have spoken about family history on BBC Essex. My talks are about an hour long and include Family History for Beginners and other individual talks on different aspects of research.
All my talks are illustrated with Powerpoint. I have my own data projector, laptop and sound equipment although I am happy to use the equipment at the venue if that is easier. The only thing that you need to provide is a screen or a suitable pale wall space at your venue. I can deliver talks in the daytime or evenings and may be able to attend with short notice subject to my availability. I can also carry out zoom talks when hosted by the booking organisation.
Yes, I am passionate about family history and genealogy but please be aware, humour is often, intentionally, or unintentionally, found in my talks. I aim for a relaxed atmosphere.
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