Family Tree Magazine: August 2025

The latest issue of Family Tree Magazine combines a timely commemoration with cutting-edge research techniques.

Commemorating History

August marks the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, and Graham Bandy takes readers on a journey back to August 15, 1945. The commemoration extends into Jayne Shrimpton’s Photo Corner, where she examines wartime fashions and the resourceful “Make Do & Mend” culture that defined lives during those years.

Expert Research Strategies

Dave Annal provides guidance on using campaign medals as genealogical catalysts, while Dr Sophie Kay explores the crucial role of methodology in family history research. For those venturing into ancient lineages, Richard Tolson reveals the record collections and techniques needed to trace family places back up to 1,000 years through census substitutes and medieval local records—if you’re lucky!

Technology and Tools

Modern genealogy gets coverage with Claire Bradley’s tour of RootsMagic software. Karen Evans shares her strategies for using DNA testing to locate “missing” ancestors, providing step-by-step guidance.

Personal Stories and Connections

For the human element, there’s Mavis Tilbury’s account of discovering Rita Malyon’s legacy while searching for her maternal grandfather, demonstrating how family history research can forge unexpected connections across generations. Meanwhile, Gill Shaw’s “Twiglets” column captures the excitement of genealogical discovery, and Paul Chiddicks entertains with amusing stories from GRO and beyond – would you believe children named  ‘10
Minutes to 6 Jeremiah’ and ‘6 o’clock Annie’!

Other regular features include news items, the expert Q&A section, which tackles reader puzzles; Ancestry Tree Tips, exploring Pro Tools; reader letters; diary dates for August’s genealogy events; and Diane Lindsay’s thoughtful reflections on moving beyond mere facts to reveal the true humanity of our ancestors.