For our first meeting of 2026, we are looking at some ideas to consider if you have an ancestor who seems to have disappeared from the usual records (BDMs, Census' etc) and who then re-appeared in a completely different place than where you were expecting?

We will be looking at the gypsy lifestyle - a bit of their historical background, occupations that might indicate a gypsy lifestyle, how and where they lived and other interesting information on their social life.

Perhaps your ancestor was a pirate? A talk from a few years ago explained the reasons why someone may have become a pirate.

A few members have already agreed to give us a talk on where their ancestor went and/or why but we would love to hear from others who had an ancestor who vanished for a while and was found again. It could have been a name change, they migrated elsewhere in the world or went somewhere "at his Majesty's pleasure". Or perhaps they became a member of the clergy (where did they study) or they were gaoled? Were they foundlings or adopted and you found them through DNA and other records?

We look forward to hearing your stories at our session.

 People helping people

Come along ready with your story and also be ready to help others because that’s what SAG research groups are all about: collaborative, friendly, and engaging family history research.

If you are unable to attend any English Research Group meeting live, then all people who have registered will receive a link to the recording plus any handouts from that meeting so you can catch up later or listen again, and again.

Convenors: Diana Pecar, Linda Radulovitch and Annesley Watson

Skill Level: All