I am a retired professional genealogist with considerable experience in English research. I currently serve as the vice chairman and education officer of the Family History Federation (Federation of Family History Societies). I am a Fellow of AGRA (The Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives) the body which represents professional genealogists throughout England and Wales and was a former Chairman.I am a Fellow of the Society of Genealogists and previously served as a trustee and chairman of the Society Education Committee. I have authored several books in the Society’s “My Ancestor” series including My Ancestor was an Agricultural Labourer, My Ancestor was a Mormon, My Ancestor was in the Royal Navy and My Ancestor was a Leather Worker and have also written “Family History Research Challenges and how to solve them” and “Introducing Manorial Records” published by Family History Books.I taught Family History at both basic and advanced levels at various adult education centres in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire and currently lecture and run workshops at many family history societies, U3A Groups and other organisations interested in local, social and family history.