Remembrance Day Photo Collage - Part Two

As promised on my earlier post, which you can read HERE, I am sharing my photo collages. This time round, I have created two, one for each week of the "festival".In this post I am sharing the collage for week 2.

Every day from 4th November I will talk about one of the photographs. You can view the collage for week one HERE

Week 2 ~ 11th - 17th November 2013

Remembrance Day Photo Collage - Part One

As promised on my earlier post, which you can read HERE, I am sharing my photo collages. This time round, I have created two, one for each week of the "festival".In this post I am sharing the collage for week 1.

Every day from 4th November I will talk about one of the photographs.

Week 1 ~ 4th - 10th November 2013

Hanging out Down Under!

What an eventful morning! I have just spent and enjoyable hour or so in the first Geniaus' Hangout on Air. What a wonderful treat that was. Many of the panel were new to this wonderful extension of being online and some, like Dear Myrt and Cousin Russ were experienced and familiar with the wonders & opportunities that Google provides.

The whole concept of being able to explore, discuss and chat informally with fellow genealogists despite the many time zones and miles between us is truly wonderful and anyone who has not embraced this is surely missing out on a real treat.

I know from personal experience that the first hangout is always a huge hurdle in terms of nerves and questions - what if it all goes wrong?  - nothing did go wrong and Jill is planning to host another in a few weeks. This, hopefully will become a regular feature on the genealogical online hangout calendar.

Over the course of an hour this morning we chatted and mentioned some great online resources and whilst I didn't note all of them down, here are a few I can remember - great resources to everyone researching their ancestry, or local history - listed in no particular order

• Trove - A fantastic newspaper resource run by the National Library of Australia
• Society for One-Place Studies - A great new 21st Century Society embracing online facilities
• Family History Across the Seas - Pauleen mentioned the value of Valuation Rolls
• State Library of Victoria was mentioned by Anne of Ballarat!
• Old Bailey Online
• Genies Down Under - Podcasts with an Aussie flavour!
• Biographical Database of Australia was mentioned by both Jill and Sharon
• Family Search Wiki

The wonder of these hangouts is not just interaction with others that share an interest. It is about the sharing of resources. Creating friendships and steering the path on collaboration. Even if these resources was known to you it was absolutely worth a mention because sometime we forget what we know, because there is so much material and resources "out there".

It was a true joy to be invited by my Aussie geneablogging mate to take part.

If you missed the hangout - you can watch it at Jill's YouTube Channel, but here it is embedded, for your viewing pleasure and enjoyment.

Congratulations to Jill for taking the bull by the horns and launching Geniaus On Air!

If you want to be kept in the loop about when the next Aussie Hangout will take place add Jill to your Google Circle and you never need miss a hangout again!

As you guys down under would say - Good on ya Jill!

Battening Down the Hatches!

The weather forecast for England has been for heavy rain and severe gale force winds, the prediction is for the worse since 1987.

In 1987, I was living inland and in Surrey and can recall the devastation those heavy winds caused.

This morning as I looked out of our bedroom window towards the sea, I could see several tankers, with heavy loads, moored awaiting to dock at Teignmouth Docks. I sure do not envy those guys on those vessels.

The weather has been somewhat dubious all day. Teignmouth is on the coast and is between the second and third named place on the map; in the red bit!

By mid afternoon the wind was starting to pick up and by early evening the rain had started to fall. Now, just approaching midnight, the rain is falling very heavily and the winds are pretty severe. The prediction is for the worse to occur at around 3am.

Meanwhile, hubby has gone to bed, I am just finishing my bedtime tea and then I shall be away to bed, listening to the wind as it rages. So very glad that I am not out on the sea tonight.

"See"  you all on the other side!

Book of Me, Written by You, Prompt 9

Today is week 9 of what is going to be a 15 month project. Each Saturday, at around 12.30am UK time I will release the prompt for that week's Book of Me, Written by You.

If you are new here, welcome! The details, background flyer and Face Book link to the Book of Me can be found HERE. 

This week’s prompt is Halloween

Have you ever participated in a Halloween event?

When was it?
Where was it?

What did you dress as?

Trick or treat?

The video at over at the YouTube Channel

GeniAus Hangout on Air

The first email I spotted this morning as I started work on my inbox was from Jill at Geniaus, who has I am delighted to say, has taken the plunge and is hosting what I believe will be a regular in the Genealogy Google Hangout calender.

Image courtesy of Google & Geniaus

The event will take place on Wednesday 30th October. Jill has created an event at Google which you can access HERE.

By clicking on Yes to attend or maybe the item will appear in your Google stream so that you don't miss the event.

As someone who has started hosting hangouts with the Book of Me, they appear to be daunting, but don't let that put you off.

It is easy to participate and I really recommend getting involved. All you need is -

1. A Google Account which allows you to access the event
2. Headphones and a microphone - I personally have a Microsoft Life Chat LX 300 (remember to tell your computer you are using a headset!)
3. Google operates by allowing 10 people to be inside the hangout - or in the room, or active participants. The hangout once live will record at YouTube where you can 
1. Watch live
2. Water later 

You can view Jill's YouTube Channel HERE & check your time zone by using World Time Buddy

The Internet and Google are really allowing us to interact and collaborate with fellow genealogists, from the comfort of our homes. Isn't technology wonderful?

So, what are you waiting for? Will we see you on Wednesday?

The Book of Me, Written by You - Catch up & Hangouts

Just 8 weeks in and I have to say the support and interest in the Book of Me has been breathtaking.

The Facebook group has been a true source of amazement and engagement. It is wonderfully refreshing to see a group of relative strangers come together, across the many miles and time zones to share their stories, listen to stories and be part of something very thought provoking.

On the back of the Facebook group I decided to undertake a couple of trials.

1. A video to accompany the prompts, which started with week 3. I was asked if I could produce one each week and so far I have, either in the format of me talking or a presentation style, which I think is my preference, as it means that I can prepare them in my pajamas!
2. A fortnightly hangout on air. - These have been fairly well supported.

Mr Google is my new best friend, well after several fellow genealogists, who did some hand holding - you know who you are, so thank you! Through Google we can tap into the facilities of Communities and YouTube.

• The Google+ Community is HERE
• This is where you can join the event live and leave comments in the Google+ stream
• The YouTube Channel is HERE
• This is where you can watch live or view later when it is convenient.
• This is where the weekly short presentations are of the prompts (from week 3)

The hangouts are going to be a regular feature - every fortnight. 

• Week 1 - live for the UK & Australasia time zones
• Week 2 - live for the UK & US time zones

Depending on my schedule the day may vary, but I quite like Tuesday's!

The next hangout is set for Tuesday 29th October at 4pm London time

Use World Time Buddy to see the time in your region. 

The URL will be listed on both the Google Community & Facebook Group

(Also listed on GeneaWebinar's Blog)

Time Capsules

The latest prompt in the Book of Me Series, is about Time Capsules. You can read the details of the this prompt HERE.

Image from Google Images

Over the last year or so, I have written about previously about time capsules and in 2000 created one which we have planted in the loft of our home for future residents.



I thought that it might be useful to share those earlier posts here, before I share with you my current plans for prompt 8.

• What would you put ina Time Capsule – 17^th March 2012
• Jubilee Time Capsule - 30th May 2012
• Jubilee Time Capsule –KivaProject - 31^st May 2012
• Jubilee Time Capsule –Experience of a Life Time – 31^st May 2012

Tuesday Tips - Family Search

When I first started my genealogical research the IGI (International Genealogical Index) was only available via microfiche. There were the various LDS search rooms including the one in Hyde Park London, which had drawers and drawers of parish records on film. It was a complete treasure trove of data.

With the formation of the internet, the genealogical community has developed and developed. It is easy to see what is available now and be grateful that the information exists, but I believe that sometimes we love the progression and availability and yet we forget the journey the various genealogical information resources have been on.

Family Search, has been on quite a journey and I think on occasions we forget the wonderful resource it provides.

• Search - this facility is essentially the IGI. Whereas in those early days of my research the local studies department had the County in which I lived (Surrey) and part of the neighbouring County (Hampshire) other counties were accessed by visiting the London LDS library. The search facility is where you search for people.
• Wiki - this is the knowledge bank. There are currently over 75,000 articles about a whole host of genealogical material and places. This is where you search for places. You can see an example of a wiki entry HERE. This relates to one of my One-Place Studies
• Source Box - this is a relatively new facility and is one of my favourites. This is a similar facility to the Shoebox that is provided by Ancestry. Here you can create folders and save material you have downloaded from the site so that you can locate the material again or process later, when convenient.
• Photographs  - You can add your photographs to the site
• Documents - You can add your documents to the site
• Trees - You can add your family tree to the site
• Indexes - You can give back to the genealogy community by getting involved in an indexing & transcription program.
• ......and much more

When did you last review the Family Search site? Perhaps you might revisit after reading this post and look at the site with a fresh pair of eyes, as if you were new to researching (or perhaps you are!). Sometimes the most obvious resource is the one we overlook.

The Family Search site is a great site and completely free of change to everyone, regardless of your religion or location. Absolutely free to everyone everywhere! 

Book of Me, Written by You, Prompt 8

Today is week 8 of what is going to be a 15 month project. Each Saturday, at around 12.30am UK time I will release the prompt for that week's Book of Me, Written by You.

If you are new here, welcome! The details, background flyer and Face Book link to the Book of Me can be found HERE. 

This week’s prompt is in two parts and you have several choices.

The prompt is Time Capsule

1.      You can choose who to create the time capsule for as that will influence what you put (or would put into your time capsule)

2.      The creation of a time capsule

a.       you can do this in the literal sense or

b.      you can simply write what you would place into your time capsule and why. It is much more fun to create though!

• You may choose to create a time capsule for your children, or a niece/nephew, for grandchildren – A physical item that you will give to a named person.
• Why have you chosen that person and when do you intend for them to have it?
• You may choose to create a time capsule of your home and leave it for someone in the future to find.
• You may want to create a time capsule relating to an actual event or anniversary
• If you create a physical time capsule, what did you choose to use as your capsule and why?

This week's video is available at the YouTube Channel

Remembrance Day Photo Collage Festival

Following the success of the February photo collage festival. You can read my round up post HERE.

Here in the UK we celebrate Remembrance Day on 11th November. I thought that it might be quite nice to have a collage with a military theme. Instead of running the whole month, the challenge would run for 2 weeks from Monday 4th November until Sunday 17th November. 

The purpose is to share whatever military picture you have in your family, not exclusively the First World War. This way we can share earlier and later military folk, whose commitment to their Country and the cause can be, and should be recognised.

To see my photo collage made easy post click HERE.

I plan to post my Remembrance Day collage on 31st October and then each day from 4th November for 2 weeks I will discuss one of the photos.

If you would like to play along please complete the linky below and please spread the word!

Where it all started....

This morning, whilst working on something else, I had cause to pull out this Census image. It was this very image that made me really pursue my interest in my maternal family history. 

Image courtesy of Ancestry - RG11/780/6 Puttenham Surrey

When I started researching in the late 1980's the latest Census for the United Kingdom was the one from 1881. 

This particular record shows the family of my Great Grandmother as a little girl, aged just one. That very same Great Grandmother who cuddled up to me as an elderly lady. Smelling of talcum powder and lavender. Who had the firmest, yet gentlest cuddle of all. She would wrap me in her arms and tickle me and I would wriggle with excitement. I can almost feel that cuddle as I write this and all of a sudden I miss this elderly lady, who loved her family passionately and yet despite her frailness, always gave me one of those lovely safe and reassuring cuddles.

Annie Prudence Butcher nee Harris
1879 - 1972

The In-Depth Genealogist - Digital Magazine - Issue 9 - OUT NOW!

The next issue of the free digital magazine is available NOW!

You can read my Introduction post HERE and you can follow the column by visiting The In-Depth Genealogist website and subscribing via email or via twitter and Facebook.

This is a great addition to the genealogy market and I am very proud to be a part of it. This month's Across the Pond column is about researching before 1837. I have also made a response via the Ask Ephraim page. Turn to page 55 to read the response to a fascinating quandary!

Happy reading & researching!

Book of Me, Written by You, Prompt 7

Today is week 7 of what is going to be a 15 month project. Each Saturday, at around 12.30am UK time I will release the prompt for that week's Book of Me, Written by You.

If you are new here, welcome! The details, background flyer and Face Book link to the Book of Me can be found HERE. 

The prompt for week 7 is Grandparents

What were their names?

Where were they from?

Were they related? – Cousins perhaps

Where were they born, another Country or state/area

Photos

What did they do?

Did you know them?

What was your relationship with them?
If you didn't know them have you researched about them?

The Video for this week is at the YouTube Channel

Genealogy Questionnaire

Chris, who blogs at As they were posed a few questions about genealogy. I took a few moments to answer those questions, despite having a woefully inefficient internet access.

QUESTIONNAIRE

1. What is the most important detail you want to find about your ancestors?

Whatever data I can find that has survived the test of time.

2. Do you buy certificates?

Yes, for direct lines and also for those individuals where I have a hunch I want to prove or disprove.

3. Do you belong to a paid subscription site, if so, which one/s?

Probably too many. I have worldwide subscriptions to both FindMyPast and Ancestry. I also have had subscriptions to The Genealogist and Origins, when I have wanted to access specific record groups – such as Non-Conformist records. I also belong to some Societies that have datasets on line

4. What has been your 'best' find?

I don’t think I have a best find; I am always amazed at what documentation has survived.

5. Who is your favourite ancestor and why?

I have answered this before in the various Gene Meme and I do not want to repeat myself, but there are so many interesting characters in my family and wider genealogy. It does not matter if they had done remarkable things or were basic and down to earth people, they all have their place.

6. What are you looking for on a regular basis?

Consistently well documented research, including that done by me! - I seek whatever data I can,that will enable me to flesh out the lives of my ancestors.

7. Do you belong to any genealogy group, or family history society?

Oh yes, to many really. I am a founder member of the Anglo Italian FHS, I have belonged to the West Surrey, Hampshire Genealogical Society and Sussex Family History Group for many years. I also belong to the Families in British India Society and the Society of Genealogists. I am a member of the Guild of One-Name Studies and I am a founder member and secretary of the newly formed Society for One-Place Studies.

8. Do you belong to any Facebook or other social media genealogy groups? Would you join if there was one available?

Yes, I belong to several and find that this new generation of family history groups has in part overtaken the Rootsweb mailing lists.

9. Have you ever volunteered to transcribe, index etc.? Would you be interested in doing so?

Over the years I have volunteers in various capacities for various Societies. My first stint as a volunteer was checking monumental inscription transcripts for the West Surrey FHS. Since then I was Vice Chair to the Anglo Italian FHS and am Currently Secretary for the Society for One-Place Studies. I am also a member of the marketing sub-committee for the Guild of One Name Studies.

10. What is your personal reason for being involved with genealogy/family history?

To understand the path taken by my ancestors to shape me into the person I have become.

The Prodigal Son (Graham Saga Book 3) by Anna Belfrage

This third installment in the trilogy finds Matthew returned from the plantations. Back in Scotland the relationship with his brother continues to rage in an unhealthy manner, alas that is not the only consideration.

This book is set in the period where we see Charles II restored to the throne and the Country embarking of a period of social, economical and political unrest.

Meanwhile, Alex is frightened as to what the future holds for them and finally issues Matthew with an ultimatum. What will he do?

Reflecting over the trilogy, this book, as with second in the series can be read as standalone books, although the background is entwined within the story line of this book.

Anna has a delightful website where you can read about the series and download the few chapter in a PDF file.

About the Author

I was raised abroad, on a pungent mix of Latin American culture, English history and Swedish traditions. As a result I’m multilingual and most of my reading is historical – both non-fiction and fiction.

I was always going to be a writer – or a historian, preferably both. Instead I ended up with a degree in Business and Finance, with very little time to spare for my most favourite pursuit. Still, one does as one must, and in between juggling a challenging career I raised my four children on a potent combination of invented stories, historical debates and masses of good food and homemade cakes. They seem to thrive … Nowadays I spend most of my spare time at my writing desk. The children are half grown, the house is at times eerily silent and I slip away into my imaginary world, with my imaginary characters. Every now and then the one and only man in my life pops his head in to ensure I’m still there. I like that – just as I like how he makes me laugh so often I’ll probably live to well over a hundred.

I was always going to be a writer. Now I am – I have achieved my dream.

For more information, please visit Anna Belfrage’s WEBSITE.



See others participating in the Book Tour HERE

Book of Me, Written by You, Prompt 6

Today is week 6 of what is going to be a 15 month project. Each Saturday, at around 12.30am UK time I will release the prompt for that week's Book of Me, Written by You.

If you are new here, welcome! The details, background flyer and Face Book link to the Book of Me can be found HERE. 

The prompt for week 6 is Journals and Diaries

Do you keep a journal or diary?

How far back do they go? What do you record?

Where do you keep them?

Do you always buy the same one or vary them?

Have you inherited any?

Do you intend to pass along your journals or destroy them?

Pictures

Do you have a favourite?

What do you use to write with – biro, pencil, ink or fountain pen?

This week's video is on the YouTube Channel

Like Chaff in the Wind (Graham Saga Book 2) by Anna Belfrage

Having read and reviewed book one in the series; you can read that review HERE.

The second book in the series set out with Matthew in Edinburgh. There has been bad feeling between him and his brother and much damage has been done to their relationship, to the point of no return.

In Edinburgh, things take a turn for the worse, as Matthew is captured and sold off as an indentured servant to spend his days on the plantations of the Colonies.

Alex is desperate to be reunited with her husband, but does she manage it? As I turned each page I was really caught up with the story line. Does Alex become reunited with her beloved Matthew?  - you will have to read the book to find out!

Again, a well laid out plot which has received much research. I just wondered as I read the sentence that explains the indentured ship crossing the Atlantic, when did the ocean receive it's name? There were a few scenes that made me question the plot, but I decided that it was important to not look at the events of the 1600's with a 21st Century mind. I really enjoyed this book and am very glad that I did decide to read them in the published order and am looking forward to reading and reviewing the finale in the series.

Anna has a delightful website where you can read about the series and download the few chapter in a PDF file.

About the Author

I was raised abroad, on a pungent mix of Latin American culture, English history and Swedish traditions. As a result I’m multilingual and most of my reading is historical – both non-fiction and fiction.

I was always going to be a writer – or a historian, preferably both. Instead I ended up with a degree in Business and Finance, with very little time to spare for my most favourite pursuit. Still, one does as one must, and in between juggling a challenging career I raised my four children on a potent combination of invented stories, historical debates and masses of good food and homemade cakes. They seem to thrive … Nowadays I spend most of my spare time at my writing desk. The children are half grown, the house is at times eerily silent and I slip away into my imaginary world, with my imaginary characters. Every now and then the one and only man in my life pops his head in to ensure I’m still there. I like that – just as I like how he makes me laugh so often I’ll probably live to well over a hundred.

I was always going to be a writer. Now I am – I have achieved my dream.

For more information, please visit Anna Belfrage’s WEBSITE.

I shall be back next week with the review of the final book in the series as part of the book tour for book three.

See others participating in the Book Tour HERE

Disclaimer- I was provided with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

A Rip in the Veil (Graham Saga Book 1) by Anna Belfrage

A little while ago I was given the opportunity to review the 3rd book in the Graham Sage by Anna Belfrage. As I read the synopsis I discovered a problem; I had not read the first books in the series. So my response was I would love to read the third book, but I would also read and review the first two in the series.

After a few days the books arrived and I started to read. Lately I have been in a reading slump. Over the years I have periodically stopped reading, recharged my batteries and started again. This time my recommencement in reading coincided with the arrival of these three books and I was hooked from the start.

There was something very readable about this book. From the first sentence I was hooked, and that enthusiasm for a book, or in this case three books has not happened for a while, a very long while and even my favourite authors had not reinvigorated my reading.

We start the scene with Alex, driving along when she is caught up in a severe thunder storm. As the storm rages Alex is thrown together with the second central character of the book, Matthew. The problem is that Alex and Matthew both exist, but 300 years apart.

Set in both Scotland and America, Alex is a modern woman living in a past time where outspoken women were not encouraged, and women were meek, mild and knew their place. Matthew on the other hand knows that Alex is trouble, she is outspoken and he believes a woman before her time, if only he knew!

There is a similarities between this series and the popular series by Diana Gabaldon; that is not a negative. Anna has researched thoroughly and delivered a wonderful themed story that simply drives you to keep reading and move across to the following books in the series.

Anna has a delightful website where you can read about the series and download the first chapter in a PDF file.

About the Author

I was raised abroad, on a pungent mix of Latin American culture, English history and Swedish traditions. As a result I’m multilingual and most of my reading is historical – both non-fiction and fiction.

I was always going to be a writer – or a historian, preferably both. Instead I ended up with a degree in Business and Finance, with very little time to spare for my most favourite pursuit. Still, one does as one must, and in between juggling a challenging career I raised my four children on a potent combination of invented stories, historical debates and masses of good food and homemade cakes. They seem to thrive … Nowadays I spend most of my spare time at my writing desk. The children are half grown, the house is at times eerily silent and I slip away into my imaginary world, with my imaginary characters. Every now and then the one and only man in my life pops his head in to ensure I’m still there. I like that – just as I like how he makes me laugh so often I’ll probably live to well over a hundred.

I was always going to be a writer. Now I am – I have achieved my dream.

For more information, please visit Anna Belfrage’s WEBSITE.

I shall be back a little later in the week with the review of the second book in the series before joining the book tour for book three.

See others participating in the Book Tour HERE

Disclaimer- I was provided with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.