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Dr Nick

@drnickyoung.bsky.social
22 followers 34 following 130 posts

A web developer & trainer, experienced FE/HE Teacher/Lecturer (PGCE) in Computer Science & Electronic Engineering, First Aider (& instructor), Thatcham historian & author. (PhD not MD). More at nickbits.co.uk.

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Reposted by Dr Nick
Society of Genealogists @sogorg.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
All About That Place 2026 starts with Getting Started! Day 1 is packed with speakers ready to help you start your family or local history research, explore a new place and get fresh ideas. Speaking on Day 1? Tag yourself and tell us what you’re talking about! sog.org.uk/welcome-to-a...
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
For the @sogorg.bsky.social #AllAboutThatPlace talks I have used it as an opportunity to learn new tools. For "Thatcham: What's in a name?" -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U9jYQTqwjE - I learnt Davinci Resolve (www.blackmagicdesign.com/uk/products/...)
sog.org.uk
Welcome to All About That Place - Society of Genealogists
What is All About That Place? A unique free learning event brought to you by the Society of Genealogists, and supported by the Society for One Place Studies, A Few Forgotten Women, British Association...
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Been busy few months on work and #Thatcham #history talks. Spoke about notables of Thatcham yesterday, not famous people but people who should be noted such as first known charitable donation, Alice Bye in 1413, Sir Nicholas Fuller, John Barfield, Lilly Hughes-Jones, etc.
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Reposted by Dr Nick
Society for One-Place Studies @oneplacestudies.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The Register of British Slave-traders, launched today ahead of a new BBC TV series Finding Britain’s Slave Traders with David Olusoga, will be of interest to #OnePlaceStudy researchers, but sparse information on the places to which those included were connected will limit its usefulness. [1/2]
britishslavetraders.org
The Register of British Slave-Traders
The Register of British Slave-traders compiles and presents information on all known slave-traders in Britain who invested in the trafficking of captive Africans from 1563 to 1807.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Details of the 2026 #Thatcham Festival by @thatchamtc.bsky.social are now available at thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk/thatcham-fes... - see if you can spot any local history talks or CPR sessions!
thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Thatcham Festival
Thatcham Town Council Thatcham Festival Page
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
I am still researching the pubs of #Thatcham, historically speaking. got several named back to the early 1600s, inc. New Inn (attached). In 1577 we know there are 2 inns and 5 alehouses, I believe the King's Arms might have been one, and possibly redeveloped into what became the Kings Head.
The former New Inn (Prancing Horse), Thatcham. The middle section is the original part.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
I was asked when I gave a history talk a week or so ago how I organise my notes. Long answer. Initially it has been chaos, adhoc, etc. Taken a long time but few years back I adopted Obsidian ( @obsidian.md ) and Zotero ( @zotero.org ). 1/2
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Reposted by Dr Nick
Society for One-Place Studies @oneplacestudies.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Welcome to #OnePlaceWednesday! Use the hashtag to share news, views, blog posts, pics, ideas or questions about #OnePlaceStudies, the brilliant blend of #FamilyHistory and #LocalHistory that we celebrate every Wednesday! About Us | What is a one-place study? | Registered Studies | Join Us
#OnePlaceWednesday. 
Image: Photo of the view looking down over gently sloping, grassy fields sotted with mature Oak trees, to a sprawling country house (Fawsley Hall) in the middle distance, and more fields (pastoral and arable) and trees on undulating ground rising to the horizon beyond. 
One-Place Studies, where family history and local history unite.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Finally getting back to finishing the revamp @nickbits.bsky.social website & podcast. Will have new history posts as well as more on my electronic & computing projects. Have got a new logo too to replace the unique @fiverr.bsky.social one I had done a few years back that turned out not to be unique!
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Final check of the video, audio and CC files for the fantastic @sogorg.bsky.social #AATP26 event before submitting later today. Can't wait to see all the presentations.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Just been made aware of "England’s Oldest Town? The Archaeology of Abingdon" by Roger Thomas which I will have to have a read of. However remember #Thatcham has evidence from the Palaeolithic to the present - nickbits.co.uk/blog/2018/03...
nickbits.co.uk
Is Thatcham Britain’s oldest inhabited settlement?
I wrote an article for a local magazine and town guide a few years back on the general history of Thatcham. Here is the updated version. Not everyone who lives or works in Thatcham knows that this…
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
And despite having auto updates turned off, it has blooming updated itself to the latest version. Not happy. Want that image source functionality back...
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Have reverted Obsidian to v1.12.7. Why? In live preview in v1.13 when I move text cursor over an image it is no longer showing the code for that image. Forum thread spotted on the issue - forum.obsidian.md/t/add-option... - hope it gets an option added. @obsidian.md
forum.obsidian.md
Add option to disable the new image system (show full screen, change resize, view image code)
Once you are done reading, please delete the above notes Use case or problem I working with images a lot and new image system have… Problems. There’re exist few comm plugins like Image Toolkit that m...
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Finishing off a 20th century estates development map then I think we may be almost ready for the video and audio mixing of my talk for the fantastic @sogorg.bsky.social #AATP26 event.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
So the first recorded charity/charitable donation in #Thatcham dates to 1413 where Alice Bye gave a Burgage Tenement for charitable use. I have now narrowed the property down to the South side of what was then Weststreete (West Street), today the High street and & of Bath Road
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Part way through organising my #AATP26 talk, hope to have planning/slides/animation/etc finished this weekend ready to record next weekend. Looking forward to seeing all the talks from what I know will be another excellent event.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Taking a sidestep, sort of, from #Thatcham history research, looking at the "Old Street Way" or trying to that ran from Wantage dow and pass Thatcham.
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Reposted by Dr Nick
Society for One-Place Studies @oneplacestudies.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
For info about this year’s free #AllAboutThatPlace event (7 to 16 October) – and four related paid talks in September – visit Welcome to All About That Place on the @sogorg.bsky.social website. Make sure sure you Subscribe while there, to be kept up to date with #AATP26 news! #OnePlaceWednesday
The word 'Subscribe' in white on a purple background. Images: A representation of an old pocket watch, and an image of a quill pen in a pot of ink (probably AI-generated, but just this once I'll allow it).
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Want to know more about the Friends of London Road (Thatcham) Cemetery and the history of the Chapel, the Cemetery and some of those buried there? When did it open? Who was the first person to buried? How many CWGC are there? Join @thatchamtc.bsky.social & myself on 18th July to find out more.
History tour poster
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Being an alumni of @uniofbath.bsky.social and living with a heart condition, got to say I am impressed with their Team Bath Heart group and the fantastic research they are doing - stories.bath.ac.uk/ba2-33/featu...
stories.bath.ac.uk
The beat goes on
How breakthrough biomedical engineering developments at Bath are laying the groundwork for the future of cardiac devices
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
It is getting a tad hot out there. Remember to watch out for Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke - See NHS ( www.nhs.uk/conditions/h... ) and BBC ( www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... ) articles. And remember this can happen to anyone, not just those with medical conditions.
nhs.uk
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Find out about heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can happen if you get too hot during hot weather.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Am looking to run online local (#Thatcham / #Newbury) talks over the summer, will firm up dates after 3rd July. Looking at: - A brief history of Thatcham - Archaeology of the District - A history of Thatcham Pubs - Newbury & Thatcham, historic comparison Will be raising funds for charities.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Have you submitted your All About That Place idea?
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Want to help decide on the next blue plaque for Thatcham, then head over to thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Continuing with #Thatcham pub research looks like John Bush (1810's) was indeed an inn keeper (publican) just not sure where, possibly in the High Street.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Early CPR and defibrillation can more than double the chance of cardiac arrest survival , yet simple issues like flat batteries or expired pads can stop a defib from working and making a difference when it matters most.
Check Your Defib Week (15-21 June) poster
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
After a few years of not much #history research, starting to delve into Roman #Thatcham again ( nickbits.co.uk/blog/2019/05... ) and kicking my Dunston House/Park ( nickbits.co.uk/blog/2023/10... ) research back into action.
Dunston House from a painting dated c.1798.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Even when out doing non-history things, i.e. work, I still can't help but notice things, here we have the River Enborne separating West Berkshire (on the right) from Hampshire (on the left). Sadly no boundary marker, that I can find at this point, but there is one not too far away.
River Enborne separating West Berkshire (on the right) from Hampshire (on the left)
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Tonights, Monday 18th May 2026, Thatcham Historical Society speaker meeting will be joined by Heather Walkling for a talk on Sandham Memorial Chapel - all welcome, for details see www.thatchamhistoricalsociety.org.uk/events/2026/....
thatchamhistoricalsociety.org.uk
Sandham Memorial Chapel
Join Heather Walkling for a talk on Sandham Memorial Chapel.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Thank you to Thatcham Town Mayor, I love my local history, sharing it and supporting the chosen mayors charities, as well as several others, and being able to combine them even better - thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk/news/news-ar...
thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Mayor Recognises Three Local Champions and Presents Over £3,000 Between Chosen Charities at Civic Reception
The Mayor's Civic Reception saw special recognition given to three Mayor's Award winners and over £3,000 of donations presented across the Mayor's three chosen charities!
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Reposted by Dr Nick
Society for One-Place Studies @oneplacestudies.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
A #OnePlaceWednesday reminder. Can you share your expertise on the role of place in #FamilyHistory research, through a ten minute live or recorded presentation? #AATP26 #Genealogy #GenHour #AncestryHour #OnePlaceStudies
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Can't wait for #AATP26, the last two have been fantastic. Thinking about which idea I might put forward for a talk this year: - Thatcham: Fact, Folklore, and Curiosities - Telling the Story: Sharing History with the Public - How One Place Took Over My Research Life - A Place Through Maps
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
The evolving name of #Thatcham, sounds simple but far from and not at all like what has been publicised in many local history books or stories. My research so far on my blog nickbits.co.uk/blog/2022/05... - still a work in progress.
nickbits.co.uk
A history of the name Thatcham, Thatcham History
Thatcham history continues with the Saxons when Thatcham was known as þæcham. But how did it evolve to Thatcham? And when did the modern spelling first appear?
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
The excellent @sogorg.bsky.social All About That Place event is back - details at sog.org.uk/all-about-th.... Take a look the past talks - www.youtube.com/@SocietyofGe... . 1/3
youtube.com
Society of Genealogists
A charity with the unique purpose of helping people to discover their place in history. Preserving the records of everyday lives and promoting family histories. Join us today!
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Have been doing a bit more work on refreshing my website, got a few news posts to go, just need to finish the podcast section off - things are progressing. In mean time continuing research on Dunston House, #Thatcham - see nickbits.co.uk/blog/2023/10... 1/2
A painting of Dunston House from c.1798.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Been using Obsidian, @obsidian.md, for two years now (I think), taking over from OneNote and Evernote prior to that. And I love it, have moved personal notes, journal, etc. over but biggest transformation is to my #history notes. 1/2
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
Just read a 1910 newspaper article noting the the Thatcham Fruit and Flower Farm / School, (i.e. French Gardens) was established in 1909. It was not, I have Lilly Hugh-Jones and Miss Mary Peers in August 1906 with the school and I am not done researching yet. Much more to the women and school...
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 07/03/2026
Working on the refreshed nickbits.co.uk site over next few weeks with section for my podcast (coming soonish). Not only be adding history articles, got hiking bits to add & maybe some electronics/computing tutorials too - may even make them into course, youtube, but thats further down the road!
nickbits.co.uk
Nickbits- Website of Dr Nick
A website dedicated to local history (Thatcham history and Newbury history) along with Nick’s electronic and computer tinkerings.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
I have been a shoe size 12 (UK) for 20+ years. Purchased Hi-Tec and Merrell last year size 12. Now suddenly this year Merrell and Decathlon size 12 are too big and measured they are about 1cm difference to my old pairs. What is going on!?
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
First fundraiser of the year complete, 100 mile Walk for Hearts for @thebhf.bsky.social. My next event tonight, 2nd March 2023, thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk/event/thatch..., raising funds for Thatcham Town Mayors charities - Swings & Smiles, Home-Start West Berkshire, Bridge for Young People
Charity event poster - Thatcham history talk raising funds for Thatcham Mayors charities - Swings & Smiles, Home-Start West Berkshire, Bridge for Young PeopleMe having completed 101.5 miles of the Walk for Hearts for the BHF. And yes I did carry a defibrillator on parts to help raise awareness, get people talking. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/TeamDeeds-2026-WalkForHearts
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
And that is the 100 miles completed, 101.5 miles actually for @thebhf.bsky.social Walk for Hearts challenge. A huge thank you to everyone that has donated. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/...
Almost there, todays walk the defibrillator came with me.Rough location of Burys Bank on Greenham CommonThe boundary between Greenham and Crookham
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
Today for @thebhf.bsky.social Walk for Hearts I have already walked part of the modern #Thatcham parish boundary, walked part of the turnpike road (A4) spotting milestones on the way, and more. You can still help me raise funds for vital life saving research www.justgiving.com/fundraising/...
Part of the modern parish boundary, this one at Henwick.A new estate, names suggested by me, after three pioneering women of the early 20th century.One of the milestones along the A4.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Day 16 of @thebhf.bsky.social Walk for Hearts:- Down to 44 miles left to go. Been to Greenham & Crookham Commons, blue plaques around #Thatcham, local historical landmarks including The Chapel of the Borough (The Old Bluecoat School nickbits.co.uk/blog/2019/03... ). justgiving.com/fundraising/...
The Old Bluecoat School, Thatcham.44 miles left to go, right side shows part of Greenham Common.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Have just updated my list of #Thatcham (and a few #Newbury) history talks I do - see nickbits.co.uk/about/mytalks/ . The view below is of Broad Street, Thatcham as it was c.1900, and yes at the time it was a village and not a town - nickbits.co.uk/blog/2024/08...
The Broad Street (Broadway) in Thatcham looking North around 1900.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Continuing the @thebhf.bsky.social #WalkForHearts today between jobs, walk crossing from Hampshire to West Berkshire, Headley to Crookham to Greenham. Finding history and defibrillators along the way. Got about 66 miles left to complete.
The Fireplane at former RAF Greenham Common.The RAF Greenham Common Control tower, nice cafe too!Having placed directly 60 public access defibrillators myself I love finding more.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
The latest Blue Plaque for #Thatcham at the old deopt site. Will do a blog post soon with more information.
G45 depot in Thatcham.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
I like my walking, I like my history, so love combining the two. Just a few of the walks from various places visited, Theale, Wallingford, Barnstaple, Bath, Lyme Regis, Charmouth, various BBOWT wildlife walks - what better way to get active, relax and learn!
A selection of history walks collected so far.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
A brief history of "Thatcham Twinned with Nideggen" now on my blog - nickbits.co.uk/blog/2026/01...
A sign going into Thatcham reading "Thatcham Twinned with Nideggen"
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Backpack from Blacks, first aid kit restocked, waterproofs ready, @thebhf.bsky.social tshirt, thats me ready to start #WalkForHearts. Grateful all donations via @justgiving.bsky.social - www.justgiving.com/fundraising/... . The AED/defibrillator will be coming on some of walks to raise awareness.
Some of the gear, top, backpack, AED, that will be on my walks with me.
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Dr Nick @drnickyoung.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Following on from my Walk For Hearts for the BHF ( www.justgiving.com/fundraising/... ) I will be giving a #Thatcham history talk for the Mayor of Thatcham in aid of Home-Start West Berkshire, Swings & Smiles and Bridge for Young People - details at thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk/event/thatch...
Thatcham in old Photographs, a charity fundraiser. Details at https://thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk/event/thatcham-in-old-photographs/
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