I’m writing this after a fabulous day at The Family History Show, London that took place at Sandown Park in Esher yesterday. It was really well attended by people searching for family history answers or to listen to a talk or take advantage of the Ask the Experts. What was immediately apparent was how the event has grown significantly since its first appearance on the calendar last year. For 2018 the show moved into the larger Surrey Hall making space for more exhibitors ranging from Family History Societies to genealogical suppliers and boasting two lecture theatres this year.
While some people on social media have pedantically pointed out that Sandown Park, where this took place, is not strictly in London I did hear that the race course themselves consider that they are a London Venue and market themselves accordingly. Certainly it was extremely good value for the area with tickets on the day only £7 and with some great online for early birds meaning you could have picked up a ticket for £5 or TWO tickets for £7.50. Whatever your standpoint on the argument, I don’t think those who came in their droves were disappointed.
Some of the highlights:
- Dick Eastman, the highly respected international genealogical blogger gave the keynote speech.
- Tips & Tricks for Online Research talk was delivered by Professional Researcher & Social Historian, Keith Gregson and as always went down well
- Tracing Your Military Ancestors talk was another popular part of the show with Military Expert & Professional Researcher, Chris Baker
- Photo Dating with Jayne Shrimpton, Photo Expert and Fashion Historian I noticed to be well attended
- Mark Bayley from TheGenealogist packed out the theatre with his well received Breaking Down Brick Walls
- MyHeritage gave a talk on using DNA to Trace Your Ancestry
- And Graham Walter spoke on the 5 Killer Apps for Mobile Genealogy
Finding help from a family history society and being able to buy some of their publications, or talking to the MOD medals experts were more reasons that this show worked well, not to mention being able to pick up all sorts of other reading material from Discover Your Ancestors Magazine or Family Tree Magazine. If you bought one or two of these then you may even find one or two of my articles in them.
I was very interested to see several authors of genealogical books taking table stands this year including some that I follow and read avidly.
This event was well organised and I am so pleased to hear them announce that it will be back in 2019. I will come back without hesitation!
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