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Les Mitchinson DipGen

This Member is not accepting research commissions. For research requests please look at an alternative Member.

Introduction

I began my genealogical journey over a decade ago, mainly through curiosity. My desire to reach into my own history was overwhelming and once I got started there was no stopping me. My hobby soon became my passion. I quickly outgrew the major record sources of civil registration and census records and I enrolled with the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies [IHGS], on the IHGS correspondence course, in the hope I would unravel the mysteries of the archives and so lead me towards my ancestors. I achieved both, gaining the Higher Certificate in Genealogy and discovering my ancestors back into the murky depths of 17th century manorial records.

Not satisfied with my accomplishments I went one step further and gained the Diploma in Genealogy (DipGen) in the summer of 2009. The award of the DipGen is recognised by the professional body, the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA).

Research

I started LMentary Family History in September 2009 – soon after gaining the Diploma in Genealogy. I have a steady flow of commissions with clients as far away as Australia and I pride myself on producing the very best for them, based on the high standards instilled in me by the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies and a career with the Royal Navy.

My LMentary Family History service offers family history research across the south coast using the records held in the local record offices of Hampshire, East and West Sussex, Surrey, Wiltshire, Dorset and Devon; family history research in other parts of the United Kingdom will also be considered. In addition to my experience using local family history records I visit the National Archives where I put my military experience to good effect researching the records of the Army, Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force. If you want to discover what your ancestor did at Waterloo, Trafalgar, Jutland or Rorke's Drift, then give me a call.

Education

I have been a tutor with the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS) since 2010, guiding students towards the Institute's Higher Certificate in Genealogy, and in January 2017 became the IHGS Director of Education. In addition to my tutorial duties I have a well-established education service in Petersfield, Hampshire, offering family history courses that cater for the absolute beginner through to a mentoring package for the student seeking the nationally recognised Institute of Heraldic & Genealogical Studies (IHGS) Diploma in Genealogy. Apart from my structured courses I also hold family history days, a programme of talks and modules covering a wide-range of subjects that include: palaeography, how to draw a pedigree tree and how to organise your research, your computer and your desk! My website provides information on forthcoming events and the latest availability updates.

Talks

Finally I offer a wide-selection of family history talks and I travel throughout Hampshire and further afield into Buckinghamshire, Dorset, London, Oxfordshire, Surrey and Sussex, giving talks to family history and U3A groups and local history societies. Please visit the 'Talks' section of my website for my latest list of titles.