Herefordshire FHS are also holding Free Zoom Meetings, see here https://www.herefordshirefhs.org.uk/meetings/
Zoom Meetings at 7-30pm (Meeting open from 7pm)
2026 Zoom Meetings
Tuesday 13th January 2026 – Evidence Analysis: Proving What You Think You Know – Linda Hammond
How many of the “facts” in your family tree are truly proven – and how many are just educated guesses? In genealogy, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of assumptions: a family story that must be true, an “obvious” connection that fits neatly, or a record that seems reliable at first glance. But without careful evidence analysis, we risk building a house of cards. This talk introduces you to the tools and methods that turn uncertain clues into sound conclusions. You’ll learn the difference between information, evidence, and proof; how to distinguish direct, indirect, and even negative evidence; and why the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) is your best safeguard against errors. Through clear examples, we’ll explore how to handle conflicting sources, weigh reliability, and avoid common misconceptions about records. You’ll also discover practical tools – like evidence tables and research logs – that make analysis manageable and effective. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned researcher, this talk will sharpen your detective skills, boost your confidence, and help you move from “I think” to “I know” in your family history research.
Tuesday 10th February
Philip Thomas – Telling the story of your own Family History.
I have recently begun a short storytelling/family history performance to community groups, lunch clubs, U3A groups etc which is based on elements of my own family history and which is designed to encourage people to investigate the stories that exist within their own families. I wonder if this might be of interest to your group members? I have attached a flyer for information. To be clear, I am a storyteller, not a family history expert, but the performance has been well received so far.
Tuesday 10th March
Dai Davies. – Research how to simplify and engage the next generation.
The talk covers topics like 1) pushing our research beyond names and numbers to get at the stories, 2) simplifying the research process to help us write those stories, and 3) finding stories that are meaningful to our loved ones to get them more interested in our research. I’ve given the talk previously for the Society of Genealogists and the Family History Zoom Group and there was a lot of really great conversation afterwards.
WE do not hold Monthly Zoom meetings from April to August.
Our local meetings continue at Brecon, Llanddewy Ystradenny and Abermule
Breconshire Group Meetings – Kensington Baptist Church, Kensington Terrace, Brecon, LD3 9AY
Montgomery Group Meetings – Hafren Room, Abermule Community Centre. SY15 6ND.
Radnorshire Group Meetings – Llanddewi Ystradenny Village Hall. LD1 6SE
Tuesday 8th September
Life on the stage: the story of Sam Ranson and Blanche Slater.
Sam and Blanche toured the country as music hall artistes. This explores their careers, the theatres they appeared in and life as a performer in the 1870s and 1880s.
Tuesday 13th October
John Price – The Bevan Family of Hay Castle
Tuesday 10th November 2026 – A Spa Town in the Great War – Phillip Jones
I am born and bred in Llandrindod wells, a Radnorshire lad through and through.
I have been a keen Military historian for over 40 yrs especially from a local point of view, from digging up Spitfires to raising memorials to lost aircrews.
Since publication of my 3rd book Early birds and boys in blue I have been actively involved in researching the fallen of Radnorshire, it is hoped in time that each serviceman/servicewomen will have their stories told so that they are not forgotten, and hopefully I will get this into print.
My Talk a Spa town in the Great War describes how a popular Spa town which was the favoured place of the rich and famous changed so that it could cope with the demands that the Great War would bring, from the influx of troops to the loss some of its sons.
I will go through the town from place to place describing the events of the period, and how they are connected to the building both still standing and long since demolished, and highlight the supreme sacrifice paid by many locals in service of their country during a war that was supposed to end all wars.