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Family Regret for Half of Brits

As we enter the home run towards Christmas, new research has revealed that over half (54%) of people are going though life regretting not spending enough time with their older relatives.
Lifestyle - 20 December 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
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  News Hooks:

As we head towards Christmas, a new study’s revealed how over half (54%) of people are going through life regretting not spending more time with their grandparents whilst they were alive - with a quarter (24%) wishing they made the most of their knowledge and experience by asking more questions

For 10 % of Brits, December 25th is the only time of year they get together with the whole family, despite 6 out of 10 people saying they’d like to see their elderly relatives more; that’s especially prevalent amongst the younger generation where the figure for 18-34 year olds is seven in ten, compared to just a third of over 55 year olds.

‘Start Your Family Tree Week’ begins this Boxing Day and encourages people to learn more about their past and family history. With Christmas around the corner, this is the perfect time for many to catch up with family and unearth those long forgotten family memories.

. Introduction:

The tree is up in the living room with presents nestled underneath, a log fire is crackling in the grate and your grandma is asleep in the corner after having one too many sherries – Christmas is a time when families come together to celebrate, but new research has suggested that the majority of us wish we could spend more time with our older relatives, but don’t know what to talk to them about. Start Your Family Tree Week begins on Boxing Day, and this Christmas could provide the perfect opportunity to get chatting to your relatives and unearth your long lost family secrets.

So, what should we be asking our older relatives this Christmas, and where do you we start when it comes to unearthing your family tree?

Joining us to discuss this further is Debra Chatfield, a family history expert from findmypast.co.uk

. Suggested Questions:

What does the research reveal about spending time with your family in our area?

Why is Christmas such a good time to begin to uncover your family tree?

What are the top five questions you should be asking your older relatives this Christmas?

Tell us a bit about 'Start Your Family Tree Week' - what's it all about?

What advice do you have for anyone who wants to begin researching their family tree this Christmas?

Where can we find out more information?