The South East Network group met on 16 April at the FamilySearch Center, South Kensington.  We congratulated Janet Smith on becoming a full AGRA member.

Sharon Hintze, who runs the FamilySearch Center, welcomed everyone followed by an introduction to the resources available at the Center, focusing on those only available at a FamilySearch Center (as opposed to an Affiliate Library).  Sharon also spoke about exploring often underutilised features of the FamilySearch website, particularly using AI tools like Full Text search and Research Hints.  We then spent time actually in the FamilySearch research room.

Geoff Swinfield presented a new talk “Finding Great Granddad”, a demonstration of using DNA in conjunction with other relatives to crack a long-standing ‘brick wall’ in his own ancestral tree. This included using techniques such as DNA Painter and www.banyandna.com tree builder. Geoff also shared details of a recent visit to the Society of Antiquarians at Burlington House. 

The meeting was followed by lunch.