Since summer 2022 we (the Bishop Auckland element of the group) have shared the Teesdale monthly meeting at Enterprise House, Harmire Estate in Barnard Castle DL12 8XT. The group was suspended for a while due to the health of the Barnard Castle leader but restarted late 2024. The original day was no longer suitable so a poll of members was taken to establish the most popular day.

From January 2025 the family history meetings have been held in the Dales Room at Enterprise House on the second Thursday of the month from 1.30 to 3.30 pm. As usual Alan emails reminders to all members about a week in advance with the topic for the meeting. The monthly talks are wide-ranging and time is planned after the talk for general discussion and/or a 'help your neighbour' session where any member of the group can ask other a question that is puzzling them or for help knocking down brick wall. Sometimes the whole group will look at a particular problem but more often we split into smaller groups according to the expertise available on the day.

This is a free group to join with no subscription. Instead we pay a cash sum on the day that covers the share of room hire as well as providing water or a hot drink and a biscuit. This is usually £3 or £4 per session.

We regularly receive enquiries from new u3a members who are interested in exploring their family tree but we do not run specific new starter sessions as there is never enough interest at the same time to make this worthwhile. From September 2026 there will be a Family History 'Where Do I Start' distance learning pack where anyone can learn how to use a variety of free software/websites that are available to try out some family history research and see if they like it before making any subscription investment. No previous genealogical knowledge is required for this. You will need a computing device* with Internet access and have basic skills in how to use it, A notepad, pen/pencil, and a box file would be useful and, of course, your time. Everything else you need to complete the modules will be provided.

*Any device with a browser that lets you access websites but a reasonable sized screen is preferred. Working on a phone screen can be done but it is difficult and frustrating.

This is a joint group between Teesdale and Bishop Auckland. Members of either u3a can attend these group meetings but must be a full member of either Teesdale or Barnard Castle u3a to take part in this, or any other, interest group activity. If you want to join the group and attend any of the monthly meetings then please let Pam or Alan know (depending on which us3a you belong to) and we'll get you onto Alan's distribution list so you know what is planned.

Below is a reminder of the topics covered in our sessions. Copies of slides from most sessions are available offline and access can be provided to group members on request.

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