Throughout the county the local authorities run family history classes during the year depending on demand by students. These generally have a charge attached to them and roughly fall into three categories. The first being a Family History Course. This is an initial twelve/ fifteen week Family History course which shows you how to research and trace your family using the documents available both on and off the Internet. The course covers Civil Registration, Census Records, Parish Registers and Record Offices plus other sections if time allows.

The second option is a Family History on the Internet Course. This is a twelve/ fifteen week Family History course which shows you how to explore your family history using the Internet. It is very useful for those who have already attended an initial Family History course such above or have already traced their family tree back a good way: some computer skills would be beneficial but no knowledge of the internet is required.

The third option is Using A Family History Programme Course. This is a short five/ six week course on how to use a Family History Programme enabling you to write up your own family history adding photographs, creating a ‘gedcom’ file etc and gives you time to research your own family on the free Internet access within the centre.

To check what courses are available in your area please contact one of the centres written below to find out what dates and which courses are running.

Oxford House, Risca on 01633 612245 where courses are at the moment free to those living in Caerphilly CBC, Torfaen CBC or Blaenau Gwent CBC.

Charles Street Community Learning Centre in Newport

Brynglas House Community Learning Centre in Newport

St Julian’s Community Learning Centre in Newport

The above three can all be contacted by ringing 01633 656656

Abergavenny or Gilwern Community Education Centre in Abergavenny on 01873 851554

Chepstow Community Education Centre on 01291 635154

Overmonnow Family Learning Centre in Monmouth on 01600 712822

Usk Community Education Centre on 01291 674611

WEA who run classes throughout the whole area and they can be contacted on 01495 791128 for opportunities anywhere in the old county of Gwent.