Hampshire Genealogical Society Conference 2026: A Day of Discovery and Community

What an enjoyable day we had on Saturday! It is always wonderful to meet fellow members at a live event, and this year’s conference certainly did not disappoint. We were spoilt for choice with an outstanding line-up of speakers, and the proceedings were seamlessly brought together by Dr Nick Barratt, who served as our entertaining MC for the day.

A Captivating Line-Up of Speakers

• Jude Rhodes – Unsanitary: Privies, Open Sewers and Cholera

The morning kicked off with Jude Rhodes’s presentation. Despite the gruesome title, Jude delivered a lively talk that brought plenty of laughter alongside fascinating historical insights.

• Mark Bayley – Mapping your Ancestors

Next, Mark Bayley from The Genealogist presented an eye-opening session on the versatility of their Map Explorer tool. Attendees gained valuable practical tips on how spatial data and mapping tools can add context to family history records.

• Ian Keable – The Century of Deception: The Birth of the Hoax in the 18th Century

There was no post-lunch lull thanks to Ian Keable. Keeping the full details of this presentation under wraps beforehand paid off: the audience was delighted when Ian incorporated live magic into his talk on 18th-century deceptions.

• Geoff Boyce – The Boyce & Beckett Trail

Closing the day, Geoff Boyce shared an extraordinary piece of research started long before the internet became a mainstay for genealogical research. His talk served as an inspiring reminder of the power of traditional archive work.

Displays, Resources, and Networking

Beyond the main stage, members had ample opportunity to connect and explore:

• Browsing the HGS bookstall and viewing detailed displays compiled by society members.
• Learning more about the proposed Community Forum.
• Taking advantage of look-ups for Hampshire baptisms, marriages, and burials.
• Getting expert advice directly from Mark Bayley following his mapping presentation.

Good Food and Great Prizes

Attendees enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch and catching up with old friends. The statutory raffle was enthusiastically supported, featuring a coveted ‘One-Year Diamond’ subscription to The Genealogist as top prize.

Thank you to all the speakers, organizers, and members who made the 2026 conference such a warm and memorable occasion.