Bogs, Baths & Basins – A History of Domestic Sanitation     

Did Thomas Crapper really invent the modern toilet? And why do we talk of lavatories? These and other questions are answered by David in this talk which charts the development of domestic sanitary arrangements from the primitive privy to the introduction of the modern bathroom. David visited the Twyfords factory in Alsager for some of his research, as Alsager was known as Toilet Town until the factory closed. Not for the faint hearted or squeamish.

Steve Booth will be talking about the golden age of stage coaching and will include the route from South Staffordshire, through Cheshire to Liverpool.

Marion Armstrong, having been a Registrar for many years, will give a light hearted talk about the working life of a Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths. Marion will also show how to build family trees from unexpected sources without spending a fortune. You will also be able to see certificates of famous people.

-Auntie Jo is Lost in the Family Tree. Representing women equally in our research is challenging because they are not equally represented in the historical records. Nevertheless, every ancestor deserves thorough, accurate, and honest research, this can be especially hards when researching women. Margaret offers hints and tips to think creatively and expand your perspective, all of which will help you put your female ancestors into their context.