Robert C. Davison, M.A.P.G.I.

Enquireland

Ballynester House,

1A Cardy Road,

Greyabbey,

Newtownards,

Co. Down BT22 2LS

Northern Ireland.

Tel: (+ 44-28) 427 88386

       From Republic (048) 427 88386
Fax: (+ 44-28) 427 88986

E Mail: enquireland@tiscali.co.uk

Areas of research: All of Ireland.

Special interests: Adoption and Probate.

Although Robert Davison is of English origin, his 'roots' are in Ireland, as his father came from Belfast. On retirement, Robert moved to the Ards Peninsula in Co. Down and determined to research his Irish ancestors. On joining the North of Ireland Family History Society (NIFHS) twelve years ago, he was able to acquire the necessary expertise in research. His interests expanded and, realising the cross-fertilisation between 'local' and 'family' history, he joined the Upper Ards Historical Society, based in Portaferry. He is currently Editor of the Journal of that Society. He is particularly interested in the links between Scotland and Ulster.

Having carried out genealogical, probate and adoption research on a professional basis for six years, Robert applied for membership of APGI in 2003 and was admitted. In June 2003 he joined the team of APGI members who provide the Genealogy Advisory Service at the National Library and National Archives in Dublin. For preference and expediency, his professional research tends to cover the province of Ulster as he regularly researches in the Belfast record repositories. However, he has undertaken many probate, adoption and genealogical enquiries that have connections in other parts of Ireland and further afield. Consequently, he is familiar with the main repositories in Dublin and London. He represents APGI on the PRONI (Public Record Office of Northern Ireland) Forum and the Belfast GRO (General Register Office) Users Group.

Like most professional genealogists, much of his time is spent on voluntary work in the family history area. He is currently NIFHS representative for the Federation of Family History Societies and one of the two NIFHS representatives on the Council of Irish Genealogical Organisations (CIGO). He served as CIGO Chairman from 2002 to 2003 and is currently CIGO's Executive Liaison Officer for Northern Ireland.

 

After serving a year on the APGI Council, Robert was appointed Honorary Secretary for APGI at the 2005 AGM in Dublin. He continues to serve in this post having been re-appointed at the 2006 AGM in Belfast.

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