Children baptised Faintnot, Twitty or Anonymous, a boy who has been given a girl’s name by mistake, a woman recorded as having died on a dung heap – it’s easy to see why tracing family trees has become popular.

Surprise discoveries help make up for frustrations such as several generations using the same first names, the sudden end of a tree line, or a gap in old records which might include your ancestor.

Wiltshire, Somerset & Dorset, Oxfordshire, Bristol & Avon, and Dorset Family History Societies are joining together to help people solve problems in their research for a family history day at the Michael Herbert Hall, Wilton on Saturday, 17th June.

There will be information desks for help with getting started and using DNA testing, plus specialist help from The Rifles (Berkshire and Wiltshire) Museum, Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre and South Wilts Industrial Archaeological Society.

David Weaver, chairman of Wiltshire Family History Society which is organising the free event, said: “There is a huge amount of information available on the internet which can make searching historic records much more accessible.

“But there’s nothing better than face-to-face help on how to check you’re on the right track, where to go next or what to do if you get stuck.

“Our Family History Day, with its line-up of societies and other organisations, is just the place to pick the brains of people only too happy to share their own experiences and help you find that elusive ancestor you’re looking for.”

More information at: Wiltshire fhs.co.uk/news