Chairman; Glynn Burrows

Glynn has been interested in history since childhood, listening to the stories of his grandparents, about their lives in domestic service and on the farms of Norfolk.

Family tradition was that one branch of Glynn’s family had been living for over 500 years in the village where he grew up, so, when he started researching in 1977, that was something he wanted to try to prove. During his first few visits to the Norfolk Record Office, Glynn found that his ancestors did live in the village in 1620 and there was a family of the same name living there in 1503, so the family tradition was possibly correct. He is still trying to find the documentary evidence to bridge the gap, but 400 years already proved isn’t bad!

On discovering that side of the family, the obvious thing was to look at all the other branches, which turned out to be a task which is still going on today and a task that will go on for years to come too. Family history is never ending!

The amazing thing which Glynn has discovered is that all of his ancestors, so far discovered, lived within fifty miles of where he lives today and that is one of his proudest boasts. Although he has some ancestors from Suffolk, the vast majority of his families lived in Norfolk and that makes him a true Norfolk Dumpling!

Glynn is married and has two adult children and three beautiful little granddaughters, so he hopes that someone will inherit his passion for local and family history. 

Secretary; Debbie Bradley

Bio;

I am a very keen family historian. I started family history because I knew nothing about my paternal family at all and was told various things by a cousin at a family event. I have been researching my own family history for over 20 years and my search has taken me all over the country. I have been to many record offices throughout the UK. I have uncovered various skeletons in the closet as well as lots of unexpected things along the way and really enjoy the stories of many ancestors.

I am a professional genealogist, speaker and an administrator for the Family History Federation as well as holding a Postgraduate Certificate in Genealogical, Palaeographical and Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde.

Program Secretary; Margaret Bohn

Bio;

I’m Margaret Bohn your programme secretary.   I’ve been a member of the Society since it’s formation in 1994 and since then even after all these years my enthusiasm for family and local history is unabated. 

 I am ably assisted in my role  with help from members Robena Brown (Beanie) and Sue Dewing   and we hope between us we can arrange some interesting meetings for you.  Beanie and Sue have great knowledge of their own villages of Cranworth and Shipdham  and the surrounding area.  Beanie is a Trustee of Dereham Heritage Trust with responsibility for the Town Archive including  the Dereham and Fakenham Newspapers from 1880-2018.  She and Sue work together on many aspects of family history for local people and those from around the world seeking their local roots who contact them via their history group   

Although I grew up in London my grandfather was a Norfolk boy who left the county in the early 1900’s to join the Metropolitan Police.   I have researched virtually all branches of both mine and my husband’s family but am still uncovering new information and long lost family members .   In fact so much info have I accumulated that it seems to find its way all around my home.( but that’s another story).

Iona Folliard – Librarian for the Norfolk Section of the Library.

Born and breed in Norfolk I trained as a teacher just outside London in the 1970’s. I returned to Norfolk and taught for a few years before having my family. I studied at the UEA in the 1990’s where I obtained a B Ed degree. Since then I have studied at the UEA and have several certificates in history related subjects.

After retiring I joined the monumental inscription team with Tom and Sheila. I have also taken part in some historical research projects, and archaeological digs. I am now a volunteer at Norfolk Record Office where I have worked on several projects. I am also a volunteer at Kirby House for the Norfolk Family History Society.

My special interests are, Local history in the parishes of Northrepps, Overstrand and Hethersett. Wind and Watermills in Norfolk, and the history of education and schools in Norwich and Norfolk.