Focus on family history

August is New Zealand Family History month and the Porirua branch of the New Zealand Society of Geneologists has some special celebrations in store.

Guest speaker Lynda Fordyce of Titahi Bay will speak about her book, The History of Titahi Bay, at the branch’s monthly meeting on August 14.

The Porirua branch meets in the Helen Smith Room, Pataka Museum, at 7.25pm.

Branch convener Helen Swiney said she believed Family History Month played a vital role in high- lighting family history and encouraging others to share the interest.

‘‘We want to bring family history alive by sharing what we do at our branch meetings,’’ she said.

‘‘We know a lot of people in Porirua City have a real interest in genealogy.

‘‘Our meetings give them the opportunity to celebrate their family history, bringing it to life with stories and preserving it for future generations.’’