Writing and Researching ‘The Trials of Billy Freeman’

Name: Writing and Researching ‘The Trials of Billy Freeman’
Start: 2025-08-06T13:00:00+09:30
End: 2025-08-06T13:00:00+09:30
Location: Genealogy SA

Join us for August’s Wednesdays @ 1 presentation, as we welcome author Alan Atkinson to speak about the research, writing and checking for his book, 'The Trials of Billy Freeman', a recently discovered ancestor

Online via Zoom and in the library on Unley Road. Genealogy SA members: FREE! Non-members: $20 online, $30 in person (includes full-day access to our library resources with volunteer assistance).

Billy Freeman was a child convict who came to NSW, gained freedom and travelled to Adelaide with Charles Sturt to become a small farmer. He had a colourful life and lived under the “stain” of convictism. In this presenation, Alan will describe his research process: from checking historical records – in person and online – in the UK and Australia, to libraries in SA and interstate, to meeting relatives of Billy. He tells of the problems, pitfalls and the joys of research – and the critical checking and editing process before publication.

Alan Atkinson is a journalist, author, editor who has long lived in South Australia. He began his journalist career on The Scotsman in Edinburgh, followed by the Guardian in London. In Australia he wrote for the Advertiser before joining the ABC in Perth and then becoming a senior producer in Adelaide. He is now a freelance author and editor. His previous non-fiction book was called Three Weeks in Bali, an eye-witness account of the 2002 terror attacks in Kuta (he was there on holiday at the time). His work has brought several awards, including a Walkley nomination and Journalist of Year in SA.

Please note, this session will be recorded, and all registrants will receive a link to the recording after the event.

Registrations close Wednesday 6 August, 9:00 am.