About Me

Hello welcome to Anglers Rest!

My name is Julie Goucher and this blog is my personal space to explore my interests, mainly genealogy and books, plus my ramblings and obsessions.

I am a Surrey girl, who is very proud of her roots, which go back almost 300 years in Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire. I currently live in the North of England following a move from the South West after more than 22 years,  but Surrey is always home! I am also half Italian and thus have an interest in Italian culture and genealogy.

I have been actively researching my Family History since 1986 and that of my husband since 1993; my obsession was fed by a series of elderly relatives who loved to share our family history. In many ways the genealogy aspects of this blog is dedicated to them.

After a career in pharmacy management spanning more than 20 years, I made the decision to look at my options as to where my professional life was heading. I wanted to expand my work portfolio within the training and writing arena; to utilise my historical and research skills along with other qualifications and years of experience. I have a BA (Hons) in History and an Advanced Diploma in Local History and I am passionate about life long learning and self development. You can read more on that HERE.

I am a member and supporter of various family history or historical groups and was one of the leading family historians in the formation of the Anglo Italian Family History Society in 2002, holding the post of Vice Chair for about 6 years. I was also part of a team who formed the Society for One-Place Studies and held the post of Secretary for 14 months. I remain a member of both of these organisations.

In addition I am a member of a number of other genealogical Societies & Organisations – The Society of Genealogists, West Surrey Family History Society, Northumberland and Durham Family History Society, Families in British India Society, Sussex Family History Group and a few others.

I am a member of the Guild of One-Name Studies which I joined in 2002 and I immediately registered the Italian surname of Orlando. I registered the surname of Butcher in 2016. I am a Trustee of the Guild, and have been so since 2015.

I was awarded the Guild of Master Craftsman in 2019 in recognition to my supporting the organisation in addition to my contribution & work in educating about the concept of a One-Name Study.

In 2019 I was awarded the Certificate of Recognition by the Society of Genealogists for exceptional services to genealogy and one-name studies, promoting methodology, aims, processes and strategies.

I am currently a tutor for Pharos Tutors, teaching the suite of One-Name Courses offered:

• Introduction to One-Name Studies course (901)
• Practicalities of a One-Name Study course  (903)
• Advanced One-Name Studies course (902)
• Researching Ancestors in Continental Europe (750)

I have also lectured on an International scale; with the Australian Society of Genealogists, Society of Genealogists here in England and a number of groups in the United States. I have also given a number of webinars for Legacy Family Tree Webinars, and these can be found HERE. I lecture on a number of subjects and these can be found HERE.

I created The Book of Me, Written by You back in the Autumn of 2012. Which threads together the focus of my interests and qualifications. Enabling me to encourage others to think beyond the obvious as we analyse our own lives and those of our close family members.

The views & opinions expressed on this blog are mine. From time to time I am approached to undertake book reviews and I try not to refuse. I will also state in the review if I have been asked to undertake a review and I do not receive financial reward for any reviews.

By far my biggest obsessions are books, stationary, notebooks and genealogy, and not necessarily in that particular order! – I have been reading from an early age and have fabulous memories of selecting a book a week as I was growing up.

I regularly write for a number of family history publications including Family Tree Magazine (UK) and Who Do You Think You Are Magazine; and previously for the now defunct In-Depth Genealogist.

Thanks for stopping by.
Julie

Updated 12 June 2023