QFHS Snippets - April 2009 Volume 9, No. 4

April 2009

Learn more about researching in Salt Lake City at our general meeting on 15 April.
Having trouble keeping your documents organised? Learn how to keep your records in order at our workshop later this month.
Celebrate 75 years with the John Oxley Library.
The Easter bunny is visiting us soon; remember that the library will be closed for the Easter holidays on 10 – 13 April inclusive as well as 25 April for Anzac Day.

Happy researching!

About This Newsletter
QFHS Gaythorne Centre
QFHS Dates to Remember
Computer Training - Can You Help?
Online Newspapers for Family History Research
Queensland Marriage and Death Certificates
The Descendants of Moggill Pioneers
Toowong History Group
Celebrate Queensland's 150th birthday in Yarraman
John Oxley Library Celebrates 75 years
HMVS Cerberus Website
2009 Lilian Watson Family History Award
Modern Day Name Changes
New Web Site: Manchester Family History Research
1911 Census Vouchers
Newly Discovered Red Cross War Dead Archive
400 Years of London History Launches Online
No Footprints in the Sands of Time
Acknowledgements

1. About This Newsletter

Snippets is a monthly publication of the Queensland Family History Society Inc. (QFHS). QFHS Website http://www.qfhs.org.au/

Please do not click on reply to contact Snippets - the 'click on reply' facility is strictly for 'un-subscribing' to the mailing list.

You are encouraged to contribute items which you feel would be of general interest to the family historian hunting for that illusive relative. Humorous items and items relating to the technology of using computers in genealogy are also welcome. Submit your BRIEF items supplemented by hyperlinks to additional details.

Snippets will rarely include items of a commercial nature and only then when they are likely to be of interest to a majority of our readers.

Submit your items to us via: snippets@qfhs.org.au
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2. QFHS Gaythorne Centre

Our address is:

    58 Bellevue Ave
    Gaythorne QLD 4051
    QFHS library - (07) 3355 3369

For details about QFHS Centre, including location map, transport etc, click here: http://www.qfhs.org.au/location_hours.htm#Library

3. QFHS Dates to Remember

QFHS Monthly General Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month (but not in January and December), at the QFHS Library, and start at 7:30pm. Attendance is free, and visitors are welcome.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, 15 April 2009.

Nola Fulwood will discuss "Research - Salt Lake City".
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QFHS Daytime Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month (but not in January and December) at 20 Marmont Street, Geebung from 10am - 12 Noon.

Next Meetings: 6 April 2009 and 1 June 2009. No meeting will be held in May due to the Labour Day public holiday.

Contact Maureen Mutton on 3265 4378 if you would like to attend. Top of page
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Central European Group

Meetings are held 10am - Noon on the 4th Saturday of each odd-numbered month. A $2 donation goes toward purchasing relevant records.

The next meeting will be 23rd May 10 am to 12 noon. It will be held at Nazareth Lutheran Church, Hawthorne St, Wooloongabba. Eric Lohe will bring a presentation on the history of the church. With this church being one of the oldest Lutheran churches in the Brisbane area, it is likely that many of our German ancestors will lived in the Brisbane area will have had some association with it.

For further information, contact Eric Kopittke on (07) 3376 4339 or email kopittke@tpg.com.au OR centraleuropean@qfhs.org.au
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Educational Workshop

Cost is $5.50 per person which goes towards purchasing more research materials for the Library. Time - 10am to 12 noon at QFHS Library.

Workshop dates for 2009 are:
* Sunday, 26 April - "How to Keep Your Records in Order"
* Sunday, 28 June - "Where to Begin"
* Sunday, 30 August - "How to Keep Your Records in Order"
* Sunday, 25 October - "Where to Begin"

For bookings - contact Desley Schafer - phone (07) 3204 4254 or email: educationofficer@qfhs.org.au
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English West Country Group

This group researches the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Meetings are held from 12 Noon - 2pm at the QFHS Library, on the fourth Thursday of the odd-numbered months.

Next meeting: Thursday, 28 May 2009.

For further information contact Robert Browning on (07) 3359 9801 or email: robertbb2@bigpond.com
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Family History Writing Group

These meetings are held from 9am - 11am at QFHS Library.

Next meeting: Saturday, 16 May 2009

For further information contact FHWriters@qfhs.org.au OR Robert Adamson on
(07) 3266 8353 OR Sue Reid on (07) 3378 2278. Top of page
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Family Tree Maker User Group

These meetings normally run from 10am - 11:30am venue at QFHS Library and are held on 1st Friday each month except January and last Saturday in each even-numbered month except December.

Next meetings are:
    Friday, 3 April 2009 from 10am
    Saturday, 25 April (ANZAC day) from 1pm (note changed start time)
    Friday, 1 May 2009 from 10am

For further details, please contact Kerri Kleidon or Joe Greaves or email: familytree@qfhs.org.au
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Irish Interest Group

Meetings are held from 10am - 12 Noon at QFHS Library on the second Saturday of the even-numbered months (not December).

Due to the timing of Easter this year, the next meeting is: Saturday, 13 June 2009.

For more information about Irish Interest Group contact Mary King on (07) 3205 3353 or email irish@qfhs.org.au
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Member Orientations - 'Old' & New Members Welcome

You will almost certainly learn new stuff about the Society, and helpful hints about using the Library and researching, all in a friendly atmosphere and informal setting. New members are especially welcome.

Upcoming orientations: Saturday, 18 April at 9:30am and Friday, 15 May at 10am.

Numbers are limited to allow full participation. BOOKING is ESSENTIAL. Please note: Sessions are usually fully booked, with a waiting list, so please advise the organisers as soon as possible if you find you are unable to attend when you have a booking.

Contact Bev Bonning on (07) 3355 7389 or Wendy Annand on (07) 3395 2530 or email them at welcome@qfhs.org.au Top of page
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Scottish Interest Group

Meetings are held from 10am - 12 Noon at QFHS Library. Donations to buy more Scottish resources are welcome.

Next meeting: Saturday, 9 May 2009.

For further information: Email scottish@qfhs.org.au OR phone Sam on (07) 3266 9131 Top of page
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Welsh Interest Group

This group meets on the fourth Sunday of the odd numbered months from 10am - 12 Noon at the QFHS Library.

Next meeting is: Sunday, 24 May 2009.

Contact Paul Wood on welsh@qfhs.org.au for further information.

4. Computer Training - Can You Help?

The Computer Training Group is looking for new trainers to assist with the computer training sessions at the library at Gaythorne.

All you need is a good knowledge of the computer facilities available in the QFHS library and ability to undertake family history research on the Internet, using sites like FamilySearch, FreeBMD and FreeCen.

We are looking for people who can present sessions to a group of 16 participants. Many of our participants do not have a lot of computing experience, and are very enthusiastic about what they learn at the computer training sessions.

Presenting one or two sessions on four Saturday mornings per year is all that is required. We currently have three trainers, but a larger pool of trainers would give us much more flexibility. If you would like to help your society, and contribute to the computer training, please contact the Convenor, Sue Reid at computer_trng@qfhs.org.au or phone (07) 3378 2278. Top of page

5. Online Newspapers for Family History Research

Have you ever wanted to know what newspapers and indexes are available online to assist your family history research? Perhaps you want to know more about using online newspapers to further you family history research?

Sue Reid will be conducting a two hour demonstration of some online newspapers and indexes available on the Internet that can assist in your family history research. The first part of the session will investigate some of the newspapers and indexes which may be relevant to researchers; the second part of the session will examine four sites in greater detail.

All newspapers and indexes included in the demonstration are accessible online free of charge, although registration is required to access some sites, and users need to hold a library card (Brisbane City Council or National Library of Australia) to access some others.

The tutorial will be held on Friday, 5 June 2009 from 1pm to 3 pm at the Meeting Room at QFHS Inc. Library. Cost is only $11.00 per person which includes notes.

Bookings are essential as numbers must be limited. Contact Sue Reid on computer_trng@qfhs.org.au,or complete the flyer in the May Journal. Top of page

6. Queensland Marriage and Death Certificates

From the 1 March, 2009 historical access provisions for death and marriage certificates have changed, effective 1 March 2009.

These are now: deaths - open access after 30 years and marriages - open access after 75 years.

The registry has recently updated the certificate access policy. Before submitting your application to obtain a certificate, refer to the certificate access policy to confirm your eligibility.

For more information go to: http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/859.htm

7. The Descendants of Moggill Pioneers

Everyone is welcome to attend the next get-together of this group which will be at Moggill Cemetery on Sunday, 26 April 2009. Feel free to bring your Family Tree, photographs or any other memorabilia to share with others.

For more details about the meeting, please contact Don Greer (President) on Phone (07) 3202 6244 or Email: margaret@thegreers.com.au or Keith Watson (Secretary) Phone (07) 3263 3576 or Email: wattos50@bigpond.net.au Top of page

8. Toowong History Group

On Thursday, 2 April 2009 at 7pm the Toowong History Group will hold its meeting. Guest speaker will be Lisa Jones, Curator of the Police Museum. All welcome, no fees and no membership required.

In a story entitled 'Gold and Greed' you can hear of the murder of Constables Power and Cahill whilst escorting a consignment of bank notes and gold bullion to Clermont in 1867. Lisa will tell who the killer was; he was not a desperado, but a man who held a high position in Rockhampton.

Mark it in your calendar from 7pm - 8.30pm at the Toowong State School Historical Library. Entry is via Kate Street (off Sylvan Rd.)
For more details go to: http://www.toowong.org/

9. Celebrate Queensland's 150th birthday in Yarraman

There are four days and three nights of fun and festivities to enjoy in Yarraman from 1 - 4 May. Events include a street parade, entertainment incorporating bands, a 60 piece string performance, and lots, lots more!

For more details and regular updates sign on to the website http://www.yarraman.net/ and click on the Q150 icon.
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10. John Oxley Library Celebrates 75 years

Immerse yourself in history when the John Oxley Library celebrates 75 years of collecting Queensland memory. Join in the celebrations on Sunday 5, April 2009 at the State Library of Queensland from 10am to 3pm.

Meet specialist librarians, subject experts, researchers and historians for a tour through Queensland memory, featuring displays, exhibitions, white gloves sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, live music and special guests Professor Anna Haebich, Professor Peter Spearritt, Dr Raymond Evans and Kate Eltham.

For further information see http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/
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11. HMVS Cerberus Website

A website is now available for the HMVS Cerberus (1868) and other ships of the Victorian Navy. The site includes an alphabetically sorted database of over 800 men who served in the colonial Victorian Navy at: http://www.cerberus.com.au/muster_dadabik/index.php

Data is constantly being added, and you may even be able to contribute some information about an ancestor. Check it out at: http://www.cerberus.com.au/

12. 2009 Lilian Watson Family History Award

The Tasmanian Family History Society Inc. is encouraging entries for the 2009 Lilian Watson Family History Award. The Award is for a book, however produced or published, printed on paper, dealing with family history and must have a significant Tasmanian content.

Entries close 1 December 2009 and further information and entry form available from the Award Co-ordinator, PO Box 191, Launceston Tasmania 7250 or email at: secretary@tasfhs.org

Read about it at the Tasmanian Family History Society's web site at: http://www.tasfhs.org/award.htm
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13. Modern Day Name Changes

Many ancient names are on the decline and not as popular as they once were. Read about this modern day phenomenon at: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25239454-601,00.html

14. New Web Site: Manchester Family History Research

This new web site contains a lot of free information for people with ancestors in Greater Manchester and Lancashire.

Settle in with a cuppa while you access the site at: http://www.manchester-family-history-research.co.uk/
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15. 1911 Census Vouchers

The 1911 Census is now available online. The site is pay per view in a partnership between FindMyPast and The English National Archives. The site is not part of the FindMyPast system and is not available for viewing using their subscription services.

Try your luck at: http://www.1911census.co.uk/

16. Newly Discovered Red Cross War Dead Archive

A British historian has stumbled across records from World War One that have been virtually untouched for 90 years. The records contain the personal details of soldiers who died in the war and may reveal the final resting places of many of them. The records include U.K. soldiers as well as many from South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. While not mentioned, I suspect Canadian soldiers would also be listed in this archive. The German Army recorded the information and gave it to the Red Cross during the war.

The records were stored in Switzerland and remained untouched for 90 years; apparently no one ever looked at them until a few weeks ago. For many families, this will be the first opportunity for them to learn their relatives' dates and places of death and internment.

Peter Barton shows Robert Hall some of his findings at the Red Cross archive in Geneva in a BBC video at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7940569.stm
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17. 400 Years of London History Launches Online

The definitive collection of records detailing the rich history of London and its inhabitants over 400 years is available online at http://www.Ancestry.co.uk/

The London Historical Records, 1500s-1900s include more than 77 million records, providing an unprecedented insight into the colourful history of one of the world's greatest cities.

Key record types include parish and workhouse records, electoral rolls, wills, land tax records, school reports, Parish Registers from 1538 and Diocesan Divorce Exhibita.

The London Historical Records, 1500s-1900s, can be accessed directly at http://www.ancestry.co.uk/lma/

18. No Footprints in the Sands of Time

It's nice to come from gentle folks
Who wouldn't stoop to brawl,
Who never took a lusty poke
At anyone at all.
Who never raised a raucous shout
At any country inn,
Or calmed an ugly fellow lout
With a belaying pin.
Who never shot at a revenuer
Hunting for a still,
Who never rustled cattle
and agreed with Uncle's will.
Who lived life as they ought
without uncouth distraction,
And shunned like leprosy a thought
of taking legal action.
It's nice to come from gentle folks
Who've never known disgrace
But oh, though scandal is no joke
It's far easier to trace!

Author Unknown
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19. Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all those who have taken time out to send items of interest to our "Snippets" mailbox at: snippets@qfhs.org.au

The more we receive, the more frequently we can produce a Newsletter. If your submission does not appear in this issue, we will try to include it in a future edition. Please note that reference to any product does not imply endorsement. Members are cautioned to evaluate products prior to purchase.

Pauline Macfarlane

Disclaimer: This newsletter is produced in good faith, and information received is deemed to be accurate, but the editor takes no responsibility for incorrect information supplied. [Editor's note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Editor or of QFHS]

Permission to reprint articles from QFHS 'SNIPPETS' NEWSLETTER is granted unless specifically stated otherwise, provided: (1) the reprint is used for non-commercial, educational purposes; and (2) the following notice appears at the end of the article: "Previously published in QFHS 'SNIPPETS' NEWSLETTER" with the appropriate date and volume number (eg QFHS 'SNIPPETS' NEWSLETTER January 2009 Vol 9 No. 1). The last six months issues of Snippets are available from: http://www.qfhs.org.au/snippets.htm

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