General Chat

I am a great fan of Jeremy Paxman no better person to ask Politicians questions they don't want to be asked lol. Great to see them put on the spot by someone like Jeremy. Haven't seen the programme yet as it was being taped for me can't wait, looking forward to the great Sheila Hancock next week. Good stuff. Pat x

I think that before they make the series they obviously do all the research and then pick the people who have interesting trees or show some different types of records that you can use in genealogy. A programme full of 'Oh, he must be mistranscribed, we can't find him' or 'unfortunately the records for that year were destroyed' wouldn't be good tv. I thought it very touching that Jeremy Paxman was so moved by the poverty of his ancestors - and that we know that millions of people lived lives full of disease and disaster, but somehow when its our own flesh and blood it is so much more poignant. Husband found it interesting, especially Bradford Library as he used to go there regularly when he did their computer system. nell

I have to say it was brilliant. Makes the first series seem very amateur. This was so much better. lol Nell, I thought that when he was wading through that fantastically detailed army record! And the piccies at the Sally Ann. Im sure if Id turned up at the records office asking for any of those things Id got short shrift if I didnt have the exact dates etc! And I agree, I think Paxmans outburst were a cover for his embarrassment at being so emotional. Brilliant programme.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. Really good start to the series. I like Jeremy Paxman, he takes no prisoners when he's interviewing people. None of this fluffing around. He goes straight for the jugular. Read an article about him a couple of weeks ago and in it he said he was very moved by the plight of his g/g/grandmother dying of TB as so many thousands did around that time and the poverty they endured.

missed it, anyone know if they're going to repeat it again later in the week ?

Don't worry Paul - the first series they must have repeated it four times - at least. I didn't think he was being rude - the interviewers were asking stupid questions - e.g. are you proud of your scottish roots, your norfolk roots, being a yorkshireman. Ann

Not sure if they are Paul I missed a lot of the original series. I got this programme taped. Check the BBC website it has loads about the programme it may have a schedule on their for the series. Pat x

I also thought the programme was excellent! (Didnt watch the last series as I wasnt 'into' family history then!) Have told all my workmates to watch it in the hopes of them understanding my addiction!! I did not think Jeremy was rude either - a bit blunt maybe! ;o))) Kim XX

Thought it was very interesting and he was so moved by the things he learned about his ancestors, kept saying we don't know how lucky we are, etc. I thought he was fine to the interviewer, why should he accept everything that was asked of him in a positive way - he was vehement on the fact that you shouldn't slag people off about their religious beliefs. Good for him. Will look forward to the next one.

I Agree Purple lol hope you are well? Next one is Sheila Hancock I can't wait very fond of her, reckon it will be just as interesting :-))) Pat x

I thought it was great,,,it really brought to life all the bits of paper we collect,,But i wish it was like that for all of us, how easy to have the right page produced for us in a record office instead of having to wade through stuff before we find anything,I know it has to be that way for the production of the programme but do you think that it gives newbies false ideas about how 'easy' and accesible' stuff is?

Morning JIm. I enjoyed programme but i also agree with Sue, why does he have to be so rude. deb

Brilliant programme, can't wait for next weeks. Heather

I didn't like his abruptness, but admit when he was touched that made it very believable. Also related to the fact, it isn't untill you start looking back, you become emotionally involved in this kind of research.

We thought it was good. My husband was really interested in the bit about William Booth. His g g g grandfather was Wiliam Booths aid so he coud have been in the picture with him. Didnt have time to have a proper look. Jane

I enjoyed the programme. My eyes filled up every time his did. True emotion Elaine x

did anyone else wish they'd looked into his Scottish roots a bit more - especially as they mentioned his great grandfather coming from Dundee then completely ignored it. And they never mentioned the fact that the illegitimate child being called Nicholas could have given a clue to who her father was or that the church records would have probably said so too - I was shouting at the telly at that bit Zoe

I thought it was very good and also the program called family ties at 10pm on bbc4 was just as good. jenny

I missed it, thanks to football! Boo hoo! CB >|<

I agree with Nell about the research done before the series and then cherry pick the ones who have the most interesting trees or the ones that have the most interesting stories behind all those names, dates, occupations and places. It's about storytelling, I think we established that in the last series. They can only cram in so much during an hour, so probably have to edit certain parts that may go off at tangents but undoubtedly we as genealogists would find interesting. By showing what they have, they probably dangle enough of a carrot in front of anyone who has maybe been tempted in finding out more about their own ancestors but has yet to do so. Of course, because of the research done beforehand, this means making it look somewhat easier than it actually is - 'Got a name? OK, here's their death cert!'. I enjoyed the episode and Paxman as the doubting sceptic was a good choice of a guest.