A woman searching her family history recently discovered she was distantly related to Malcom Turnbull.
She also uncovered several convicts in her family with the first two dating from 1791.
And, unexpectedly, she discovered she is also very distantly related to her husband through common ancestors from a tiny village in Sussex England back in the 1700’s.
This is one of the many stories of family history searches supported by the Central Coast Family History Society (CCFHS).
The society is a not-for-profit group with experienced volunteers that help people to research their family trees and is currently trying to rebuild after its membership of more than 250 people from across the Coast fell during Covid-19.
“Covid seriously impacted our ability to deliver services with lockdowns, limited numbers and social distancing,” publicity officer Brian Davies said.
“As a result, a number of our members paused their memberships.
The society recently elected a new management team including new office holders Rob Horton (President), Belinda Mabbott (Vice President), Brent Jones (Treasurer) and Lorraine Greve (Secretary).
The centre is near the Lions Hall in East Gosford and offers access to worldwide Ancestry and Findmypast.
“We’re a Familysearch affiliate library providing privileged access to source documents,” he said.
“We also have microfiche and film records including early church records for births, deaths and marriages.”
Those interested can visit the website https://centralcoastfhs.org.au
Media release May 24
CCFHS