03 Jun 2016
James Fleming, from The National Archives, has been trying to condense their amazing collection of naval material into a seven-minute presentation.
There are millions and millions of records here at The National Archives. Our naval collections are amongst the most popular here at TNA. For example, we have 1,177 volumes of Royal Navy Ratings register of services, including the service details of every rating who served in the First World War. This is in addition to the officer’s service records, the royal marine’s service records and our Merchant Navy material. So, this begs the question - how does one talk about this rich and detailed body of sources in less than 7 minutes!?
At first, you cry. Then you try and figure out how to get out of it. Once the initial fear passes, and you cajole your colleague to present the history of the WRENs in less than 7 minutes as well, everything seems slightly better. Slightly.
So, Louise and myself have spent the last few weeks speaking really quickly to try and get used to the pace required to deliver all this information in less than 7 minutes. The fact we are both Scottish has meant that none of our colleagues have been able to communicate with us during this time.
Our presentations being written (this took longer than 7 minutes) we have started to practice them. Unfortunately the conference rooms here at TNA are glass and people can see us rolling around laughing at our inability to be concise. Questions have been asked…
Needless to say, with preparation, dedication, and no little perspiration, we are nearly ready to give a whistle-stop tour of the Women’s Royal Naval Service, and are slightly less ready to explain how to trace your Naval Ancestors using sources at TNA. One thing is certain: it will be fun!
See if they manage to meet the seven-minute deadline at A Sailor's Life for Me Late