REGULAR Looking Back readers with a hunger for finding out more about history should think about becoming a genie.

The name derives from ‘genealogy’, which is how members of the Bolton branch of Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society refer to themselves.

It meets the first Wednesday of each month and, whether you are new to genealogy or an experienced researcher, it assists with your research into your family background.

With the rise of such programmes as Who Do You Think You Are? and various family history commercial enterprises, it’s a hobby that is more popular than ever.

The society is extremely active and its latest project has seen it collecting members’ memories of the historic 1969 moon landing.

Regular fascinating talks are given by experts in their field.

Last month David Tilsley spoke about 19th century elementary education in Lancashire. It was another one of the monthly talks given by members of staff of the county record office,

Earlier this month, at Bolton Central Library and Museum, the society invited Robert Poole, Professor of History at the University of Central Lancashire, to give a talk titled Peterloo: 1819 to 2019”.

Professor Poole is the author of the new book, Peterloo -The English Uprising, co-author of the graphic novel, Peterloo: Witnesses to a Massacre, and has been a consultant historian to for a television documentary about it.

In September, the society has arranged a visit to, and guided tour around the churchyard of Walmsley Church led by Derek Bailey.

Promised are tales of murder, death at sea, connections to Bolton Wanderers, an MP, mayors of Bolton and an American Professor.

The society also runs a programme of workshops. The next one begins on Saturday, September 7 and continues on the following Saturdays up to and including September 28. Titled Family History Computer Workshop, each workshop runs from 10am to 12.30pm and takes place at Bolton Central Library ( BL1 1SE )

If you are interested in becoming a member of the society and would like to find out more, please visit the website bolton.mlfhs.org.uk