On Saturday 9th April, a small group of us left a rain-soaked Blackwood in a comfortable luxury minibus.  We made good time to the NEC at Birmingham, and were soon enveloped in the warm noisy, enticing atmosphere of extreme family history.

We found a wide assortment of stands full of folk ready to help us, and a choice of interesting, informative mini-lectures. Something for everyone.

There was a large, friendly Irish presence offering better access to Irish records, and supplying contacts and sources for us to try at home.

The National Archives had sent a large team of enthusiastic young experts to provide individual help and a range of interesting talks. My favourite was a clear introduction to the delights of the War Diaries: a good project for our next visit to Kew.

The star of the show was a real, live Spitfire, complete with crew of jolly airmen.

We left at 4.30, some with bulging goody-bags. It was still raining, but we soon drove into lovely sunshine, and enjoyed a smooth journey home.

Our thanks to Anne Vinnicombe for yet another lovely day out, brilliantly organised.