Sunday Salon - Comments from an Armchair!

For those of you who read the Sunday Salon from last week, which was posted slightly late will know that I am currently out of kilter with Sciatica. I phoned the NHS Physiotherapy department last Monday to be told there are no appointments until December, so I made contact with a private one and had an appointment on Friday. This particular physio practices acupuncture and I do not like needles, no matter how big or small there are. Running out of the room was not option, so I was a brave girl! I left the room an hour later with a real sense of exhaustion and some exercises to do at home. I find release in sitting or laying down, and find walking and stairs tricky, really that should be very tricky, as this house has lots of stairs and is over by  3 levels.

I have spent the last week reading though a pile of papers in my study, I have read a bit and watched some television. I am not a fan of day time television and find that I get a bit bored with it all. I have made a few notes for some book reviews that I need to post. To be quite honest, I feel very out of sorts and want to get back to normality, nothing seems to be holding my attention. The one thing I seem to have done with any real enthusiasm is sleep.

Book reviews to post are

1. Jersey Evacuees Remember Edited by Peter Tabb
2. Tracing Your Channel Island Ancestors by Marie-Louise Backhurst (review for Federation of Family History Societies)
3. Husbands May Come and Go, But Friends Are Forever by Judith Marshall (review for Adopt an Indie Month) (ebook)

I also picked up from the library last week 

1. The Sense of An Ending by Julian Barnes
2. The Generation Game by Sophie Duffy (Inspired by an article in the local paper; the author is local)

Until next week....

Sunday Stamps - Australia, New Zealand and Antarctic

Welcome, to the latest Sunday Stamps posting.

Antarctic

This was posted a few weeks ago, but is the only one of the region that I have. Dated circa 1971.

Australia

New Zealand

Sorry, it looks like I got a little carried away this week!

Submitted as Sunday Stamps hosted by Viridian's Postcard Blog

Sorting Saturday - Twitter Catch Up

I usually mark tweets that I want to read again or those that list a website as a favourite and then do a sort of those posts at the end of the month. Well, I have been slack and I have not done such as post since the end of April.  Here is the round up of those tweets that I found of particular interest.

1. Word Central - An Exeter based writing group
2. Exeter Writers Short Stories Competition - closing date 31st March 2012
3. Bristol Short Story Prize - closing date 31st March 2012
4. 221B Magazine
5. History Carnival  - The November carnival will be hosted at The Renaissance Mathematicus
6. Thinking of writing to Santa?
7. UK Disability History Month - Celebrating our struggle for Equality 22nd Nov - 22nd Dec 2011
8. Book - The Polio Paradox
9. Join a Facebook Research Community
10. Jersey Heritage Archive Names Search
11. Share History & a remarkable 19th Century Recipe Book
12. History in an Hour - Guernsey Evacuees to Northern England during WWII-  Part One and Part Two
13. History in an Hour - Submissions
14. Book - The Recipe Club by Andrea Israel & Nancy Garfinkel
15. Guernsey Evacuee Diary
16. Book - Post Polio Syndrome - A Guide for Survivors & their Families by Dr Julie K Silver
17. The British Army in North Africa in 1942 - Imperial War Museum
18. Book - The Apothecary's Daughter by Charlotte Betts
19. Genealogy Blogs Organised by Type - courtesy of Geneabloggers
20. Botany Bay Conference September 2012
21. The Quilt Index
22. Australian Historical Association
23. Bletchley Park Roll of Honour
24. English Handwriting 1500 - 1700 an online course
25. Daily Telegraph  - Readers Memories of WWII
26. Great War Hero Weblog
27. Author's Licensing & Collecting Society
28. Letters & Journals
29. Good Mail Day
30. How to download material from Facebook courtesy of The Armchair Genealogist

Weekend Cooking - Expensive Biscuit!

Most of us throw away old stale biscuits. Well here is one that wasn't!

This news article was found in the Junior Newshound section of the  local paper - The Herald Express which covers Torbay in Devon England 13th October 2011.

Quite remarkable!

Linking to Weekend Cooking hosted by BethFishReads

Postcard Friendship Friday - C W S Soap Works Irlam

Regular readers of Anglers Rest may remember this post about some tea spoons that I wrote earlier in the summer. So, when I spotted this postcard, which mentions the same factory it was a must purchase!

Submitted as part of Postcard Friendship Friday hosted by The Best Hearts are Crunchy

Carnival Of Genealogy 111 - Autumn Weddings

The 4th November represents the 72nd anniversary of my beloved Grandparents, Lilian Edith Matthews to George Butcher.

I would love to be able to illustrate this post with a photograph of the happy couple, but sadly I can not, as no photographs of the event were either taken or have survived. I do not believe that any were taken, based upon several factors. My Grandmother hated having her photograph taken and all those family members who were present at the time have been asked if they have any photographs of the event. No one had, and in the majority of cases no one even remembers a photograph or having a camera. How I long to see a photograph of this event.

My Grandfather, George Butcher was born in 1908 in Wanborough Surrey to Charles Butcher and Annie Prudence nee Harris. At the time of his marriage he was 31 years old and both his parents were still living. My Grandmother, Lillian Edith Matthews was born in 1912 in Guildford Surrey to John Matthews and Mary Elizabeth nee Elstone and at the time of her marriage neither of her parents were alive and she was aged 26 years.

The marriage took place at the Registry Office at Guildford and I wish I had asked my Grandmother about her wedding preparations, what was the weather like, did she have names of all the guests. Why did they choose a registry office wedding? So many questions. By the time of the marriage the United Kingdom had been at war with Germany for a little of over two months. Did the war have any impact on their wedding plans?

My Grandfather's family worked on the land, originally at Wanborough where he was born and by 1930 had moved across to Manor Farm at Onslow Village Guildford. The cottages occupied by the farm hands were lived in by my Grandfather's older brothers Arthur and Harry and their families and his older sister Rose and her husband Ernest Marshall. At some point my Grandfather went to live with another sister Ellen and her husband Edward Ayling in Shackleford, a village only a few miles away. At the time of his marriage my Grandfather was living at Manor Farm, but was working at the diary in Guildford on the bottling machines.

My Grandmother was living at Paynters Close in Guildford with her sister Elsie and her husband Bill Downes. The witnesses were Ellen and Jack Pummell, who were friends and who were to be future neighbours in Walnut Tree Close where my Grandparents lived from 1940.

Initially after their marriage my Grandparents rented a house at Bright Hill Guildford. In 1940 they moved to Walnut Tree Close where my family remained until 1996. Walnut Tree Close featured heavily in my Grandmother's life, as she was born at number 114 and spent the majority of her life at number 17, with only about a year or two away from the road.

My Grandfather joined the Army in 1940 and my Grandmother, in doing her bit for the war effort worked at the laundry in Guildford where they washed and ironed various bits of military clothes and linens. My Grandfather spent time in Africa and Europe and during the War years spent very little time with his new bride. My Grandmother also took in evacuees during this period and in one particular case this formed a friendship between families which remains to this day.

My Grandfather was demobbed in 1946 and settled back into civilian life and returned to his job at the diary. My Grandmother, like many women of the time returned to domesticity and they had eventually had my Mum in February 1947. My Grandfather passed away in July 1974 aged just 66 years and my Grandmother in 1995 aged 82 years. They enjoyed 35 years together.

Taken circa 1950 Southend Essex

Taking part in the Carnival of Genealogy, hosted by Jasia

Tea Cup Tuesday - Tea for One!

This morning while resting my painful sciatica I was presented with delightful site. A simple pleasure from hubby.

The tea cup, saucer and teapot purchased from the Whittard's shop at Gretna Green in South West Scotland, a few years ago. The little milk jug, purchased from a garden centre.

Submitted as part of Tea Cups Tuesday hosted by Artful Affirmations & Martha's Favourites

Sunday Salon - Grumblings within the sound of the bells

I love listening to the sound of the bells at the local church being rung. Monday, yes, I am late writing my Sunday Salon post, is bell ringing night. Such a peaceful sound. I am fed up and grumpy. I have just had two weeks on holiday. On the second week I managed to finally fall to the niggling back pain and sciatica of the last 6 months. So, on a week when I could have read lots and lots, I spent the time laying or sitting on the settee and watching an endless supply of recorded programs courtesy of Sky+.

This morning faring no better I was off to the Doctors, who diagnosed, assisted me onto and off the examination couch, and presented me with a prescription, a physiotherapist referral note and a medical certificate along with the instructions of "plenty of rest". So, I am fairly fed up. The pain killers make me groggy and tetchy. Meanwhile, the old grey cells are whirling with work related chores which tends to lead to frustration which in turn makes me turn into a female Victor Meldrew. (I do miss One Foot in the Grave!)

Anyway, our holiday was lovely. The Autumn heatwave that hit England during the month of September with promise of lasting until October didn't quite last until my holiday and my repeat visit to Jersey. I don't know why I thought it would, but I did live in hope and packed few clothes which covered all eventualities, wet, windy, cold and sunny. Impressive, for someone who wasn't a girl guide.

We had a great week in Jersey, visited a few Jersey Heritage sites, did a little shopping, took in some scenery and I celebrated another birthday. We stumbled across an interesting park in Jersey and I even purchased a few books. I shall continue writing about Jersey on the blog over the coming weeks.

I also came home to a book for review.

So, that is that in a nutshell. I have turned into a laying down, reading grump who is spending time drinking tea and watching too much television. I promise to at least try to be more cheerful for next week!

World Polio Day - 24th October 2011

Remember those Polio drops that the school nurse popped onto your tongue? Well I do, and for me they worked. Since those days I have visited areas that you can still contract Polio, so I paid up and had the relevant vaccinations and took all reasonable precautions. The vaccine probably hurt, but only for a short time. 

For future generations we must, must prevent Polio from being allowed to destroy the lives of future generations. These generations are in the main, living in the Third World, where vaccination against Polio is not routine and where there is limited knowledge of dealing with outbreaks.

In the Western World, Polio has in the main been eradicated. 

Polio is a infectious disease caused by three polioviruses. It is spread by person to person contact via the nose, mouth or infected faeces. After the initial contact the virus is shed intermittently in faeces and is then unknowingly spread through communities.

Upon entering the body the virus multiplies in the throat and intestines. It then heads to the Central Nervous System, where it can destroy or damage the nerve cells that control muscle movement. Sadly, this can lead to muscle paralysis of any part of the body and even in some cases death.

The majority of people develop flu like symptoms and in some cases those infected do not even realise that they have polio. For some it will get into the Central Nervous System and will cause inflammation around the brain, spinal cord, and brain tissue. This is known as Non-Paralytic Polio.

Polio can invade the motor neurons causing weakness, paralysis, muscle cramps and pain. This is known as Paralytic Polio. Sometimes Polio affects the brain stem causing problems with breathing and swallowing, cardiovascular problems and facial problems. This is called Bulbar Polio.

Those who contracted Polio may be left with varying degrees of weakness, paralysis, fatigue and muscle pain. Some have breathing or Orthopaedic problems. Some have made what looks on the face of it a full recovery and sadly some never recover. It is estimated that there are around 120,000 people who have had polio.

Regardless of geography, Polio has set the wheels in motion for a further event. 

Post Polio Syndrome.

Post Polio Syndrome is a neurological condition suffered by those some 30 or 40 years after the initial diagnosis of Polio. 

After being stable or without any effects for many years, muscle weakness further develops in muscles not previously affected, there is increased or new fatigue,  muscle and joint pain. Post Polio usually being slowly, although there can be rapid onset following a trigger action, such as falls or surgery. 

Post Polio occurs regardless of age or Non-Paralytic or Paralytic Polio. As each symptom develops then this must be managed appropriately. 

There is no cure for Post Polio Syndrome.

So, now knowing what can happen once Polio is contracted, we need to be drawing together to eradicate such a disease. We can not stand by and do nothing. Please sign the Petition

Thankfully, I have never had Polio. My Mum was not so lucky, She contracted polio in 1952 aged 5. She received a diagnosis of Post Polio Syndrome in 1996.

Help to eradicate Polio now.

Further Links

The British Polio Fellowship 

British Polio Heritage Project

Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland (use hashtag #rotaryendpolio) or via Facebook

Disclaimer - The information provided here should not be taken as medical advice.

52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History - Wk 43 - Worse subject in School

Week 43. Worse School Subject. What was your worst or least favorite subject in school and why?

This challenge runs from Saturday, October 22nd, 2011 through Friday, October 28, 2011.

As I approached age 14, Mum was invited to the school to parent evening. There she was given details on the subjects that I should be encouraged to take as part of my options for my exams. Mum was advised to seriously discourage me from taking the following subjects:

• Music as I am apparently tone deaf and have no ability - they were absolutely right!
• Physical Exercise as I am constantly reading and would suffer dreadful injuries of being separated from my reading material. (Absolutely right!, although I loved hockey!) I was rubbish at netball as I could never remember where I was suppose to stand or the boundaries for my position. I would often hear "oh Julie" and instantly know that I had got it wrong.....again!
• Physics - There was a bit of an incident in the lab. Thankfully the school remained standing, as did I!

Weekend Cooking - Tennerfest

We recently returned from our second trip to Jersey. Boy, I love the island! As we checked into our hotel, incidentally,the same as the last trip, we were advised it was TennerFest.

So what is Tennerfest? It is an opportunity for hotels and restaurants to show off their food, premises and delights by offering a cheaper set priced menu. Initially the price was £10, but we found that those restaurants that took part offered a two course meal for £12.50 and a three course meal for £15.00.

We visited several restaurants that were taking part in the event, including The Candlelight Restaurant at the Revere Hotel where we were staying. The food was delicious and the service excellent and was in no way compromised by the cheaper price of the menu. Everything was exactly as it was when we ate there back in July.

The meal that I ate at the Revere was Leek and Potato soup for a starter, which was wonderful and a favourite of mine. Hubby had a huge bowl of mussels and everyone who walked passed the table could not resist a peek! For the main course I had a very tender Lamb Shank with onion mash potato and vegetables. Hubby had a medallion of steak with saute potato and vegetables. I missed desert, but had coffee, hubby had desert - Eton Mess with fresh berry compote. No pictures I am afraid, but it was delicious!

On the day we checked in it was my birthday. We had unpacked and headed off for the day. When we returned to our room was a wonderful surprise.

Isn't that lovely?

Linking to Weekend Cooking hosted by BethFishReads

52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History - Wk 42 - Favourite School Subject

Week 42. Favorite School Subject. What was your favorite subject in school and why? Was it also your best subject?

This challenge runs from Saturday, October 15, 2011 through Friday, October 21, 2011.

The subjects we often excel at are usually because we have a genuine interest in them and are inspired by people around us.

There is probably no great surprise that I loved English Literature and History. Both were subjects that I had a genuine interest in and the particular teachers that I had for those subjects inspired me greatly. 

The school that I attended was a comprehensive, but had previously been a Grammar School and had maintained many of the old and traditional ways. The number of students in each year was around 120. There was a Head Master a rather formidable chap called Mr Smith. He had a Deputy Head called Mrs Davies and a Senior Master called Mr Tanner. As you entered the school from middle school, so aged 12 years there was a head of year, another Mr Smith and then there was a set of form tutors. Those you saw probably twice a day, unless they also taught you during the day. As you progressed through the school you kept your form tutor, so there was a degree of relationship and bonding between the tutor and students. 

My form teacher at Senior school was a Miss Russell. She was a rather buxom spinster who had dedicated her life to teaching. Miss Russell also taught me history, and was my additional inspiration. Miss Russell retired the year that we took our final exams. At the end of year 5. I know it seems odd, because we started at year 2! - Then after exams you decided if you were to stay on and undertake A levels before University or would attend college for a course there or A levels. 

Our uniform was navy blue skirts and apple green shirts with a navy blue jumper or blazer. The hockey kit was navy blue skirt, white sports top and bright red knee high socks. The school tradition was, as you left school, that everyone wrote on the blouse or shirt you wore that day; both pupils and teachers. I still have mine in the loft with every one's name and message. I also have the badge that I detached from my school blazer. 

We had one year photo taken during my time at Guildford County School. This is from 1983, and sadly Miss Russell is not in it!

Postcard Friendship Friday - Guildford Holy Trinity 1918

Submitted as part of Postcard Friendship Friday hosted by The Best Hearts are Crunchy

Day One - 10th October 2011 - Part One - Interesting Marker - Rozel Bay Jersey

Having arrived at Rozel Bay at lunchtime we enjoyed a sandwich and coffee and a tea shop. As we walked back in the direction of the car I spotted a marker situated outside the pathway to one of the houses. I snapped a quick picture planning to ponder on the purpose of such a marker.

A little later on in the week we visited a Jersey Heritage site and there I saw an explanation for similar markers.

Typically, These markers shows the owner of the property and the date and the details of all those who had rights of passage. What I find interesting about this marker is the word of conn..ble (4th row down). I believe the word actually says constable and is this in keeping with other odd markers spotted on the island. Very often there would simply be a stone with the engraved name of an individual, a date and the word constable.

I therefore think that this marker is in reference to the parish constable and those officials who had right of access to the parish or the parish building. The date is clearly shown as 1838.

As I have a curious nature I may well investigate further!

Cross posted to Grave Encounters

Day One - Returning to Jersey - 10th October 2011

Whilst, it may not be particularly obvious, we have just returned from a 5 day break in Jersey. We stayed at the same hotel, The Revere, as our holiday in July. The hotel, service and island was so lovely that we thought we would repeat the experience!

We arrived to Jersey airport, and in true form as we got off the plane it was raining. Thankfully, this time we hired a car with the plan of exploring the island more fully.

Having unpacked, we headed off to the northern coast area of Rozel Bay. On the way there, we shared the road with.....

and was observed as we waited for the geese to cross by ......

Yes, the famous Jersey cow!

Wordless Wednesday - Views across Rozel Bay Jersey

Taking part in Wordless Wednesday

Tea Cup Tuesday - Royal Commemoratives 1911

Welcome to the latest offering for Tea Cup Tuesday.

This week, another commemorative mug. This time from the Coronation in 1911.

I love the colourings and the crest of the reverse of the mug and made by Royal Doulton. There are no cracks or faults with the mug, simply a little of crazing which happens to mugs of this age!

Submitted as part of Tea Cups Tuesday hosted by Artful Affirmations & Martha's Favourites