Sevenoaks Talk: Tracing My Ancestors During Lockdown with Clare Walker

Doors open 10.45am meeting begins 11am.

When Clare Walker set out to research her husband’s ancestors, she never imagined the astonishing stories she would unearth and the many frustrating mysteries that would both enthral and frustrate her.

She also did not bargain on the shocks she would have to deliver to family: ancestors who were executed (they backed the wrong side); murdered in their bed by a best friend; a missing RAF crewman; a doctor who has left his young wife and two small daughters to travel to Australia where he drowned; and a Gaiety girl who voyaged to South Africa with her wedding dress in her suitcase to marry a ‘stage-door Johnny’.

About the speaker:

Clare began her career as a journalist, went into publishing and then qualified as a pilot aged 50, excelling at each challenge. Since retiring she has co-founded the Dockland Sinfonia.

She came from a background of illustrious ancestry, had family memorabilia and the advantage of lots of contacts from her journalism, including photographers. However, when Clare decided to research her and her husband’s ancestors during Lockdown, she never imaged the amazing stores that she would uncover.

There is an adjacent, large car park (50p for 2 hours, £1 for 3 hours) but it can be busy at times.

No booking, just turn up.

The Society is a registered charity and membership fees and donations are an important part of our income. The Talk is free to members but guests and visitors are asked to make a donation towards hall hire and speaker's fee. There will be a donations box at the venue.