Anglers Rest

Origins Blogfest - When did your writing dream begin? - 13th February 2012

2012-02-13T09:01:00.004Z

Where did your writing dreams begin?
What prompted you to start your blog?
Who was your inspiration?
Who first noticed your writing?

When I was at my senior school doing my O-levels I ended up doing a childcare qualification. The reason was that there was a huge time table clash and it was either childcare, music or art, none of which my choice. So, I opted for childcare as I am tone deaf and a three year can probably draw better than me! As part of that course we had to write a children's book. That was in the mid 1980s and I passed the O-level and confined the book to the box of paraphernalia that I have from those days. A few weeks ago I came across the book that I had written and passed a small pondering on should I do anything with it? I haven't decided and we shall have to wait and see.

This blog started ten years ago. In those early days I really wasn't too sure what I should do with it. Over the last 10 years it has evolved and it really has taken off more in the last few years. The feel of the blog is really all the details and things that reflect me as a person - my interests and obsessions, mainly reading and genealogy. There are mentions of lots of ancestors and some family members. My closer family occurs slightly as does our dog, a rather enthusiastic Border Terrier called Alfie. There is only a passing glimpse of my day job and that is the way I like it!

I am not sure that I have a writing dream. I have been working on a writing project for about the last 3 years, and I am not sure if it will ever be published. I started writing this for my benefit, mainly as a get off the chest all the frustrations around a specific issue. If I decide to publish it, in some format then it would need tweaking and perhaps amending. Otherwise, I am working on a few genealogical type writing projects and they may well be published.

Anything that I do publish is likely to be self published. I would though, perhaps like to join a small writing and publishing group like Goldenford.

Postcard Friendship Friday - Guildford Bandstand circa 1915

2012-02-10T23:30:00.008Z

Part of my Guildford & District Collection

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

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy - Week 5 - Life Experiences

2012-02-10T16:41:00.000Z

Week 5- Life Experiences - Sometimes the changes in life provide the best learning experiences. Can you find examples of this in your own family history? Which brick wall ancestor are you most thankfully for, and how did that person shape your family history experience?

Challenge from Sunday 29th January 2012 - Saturday 3rd February 2012

I grew up knowing that my Mum had a cousin that had gone to Australia at the end of the Second World War and had never returned to England. It broke my Great Aunt's heart. So, when I decided in my early twenties to go to Australia and travel it seemed that I really should look him up and say hello.

A friend and fellow genealogist helped me and wrote on my behalf and I followed with a letter. What I was presented with, was simply amazing and I am very, very fortunate to have met him and his family and developed a real sense of friendship and love with his family.

Whilst I was curious of his life down under, his children and grandchildren were equally as curious of their ancestors and relatives here in England. Since then almost 20 years has passed and I shall never forget the kindness shown to me, a virtual stranger despite our blood connections. We have come to mean a great deal to each other despite the many, many miles.

The Wedding Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini

2012-02-10T16:28:00.001Z

Continuing with the Elm Creek Series. This book is set around 20 years later. In the last book I read Sarah was eagerly awaiting the birth of her twins. In this book the twins are in their mid 20s and Sarah's daughter is about to get married.

The twins are Caroline and James. Caroline is the twin about to marry and her brother is also working at Elm Creek Manor. There are flashes back to past times in the series and we discover, not unsurprisingly, that Sylvia had passed away 12 years before. We learn some of the details of that, but Sylvia left Elm Creek Manor to Sarah to continue to love and develop.

The Wedding Quilt is a series of squares each signed by those who attend the special day. We don't read of Sarah presenting the quilt, we do know that it will be presented after the honeymoon! Before Sylvia died she left with Sarah two packages for the twins with the instructions that the packages be presented to them on the occasion of the first wedding or 30th birthday, whichever comes first. Each package is accompanied by a note and is written with the love that is felt amongst the whole series. Caroline, inherits the Wedding Quilt which was from an earlier book and part of Sylvia's family. James inherits a book of Sylvia's memoirs.

I love the tenderness and love that features throughout, not only this book but the series. In picking up this book it was rather like greeting an old friend and I settled down to devour it within a few hours. Jennifer Chiaverini does a wonderful job of bringing to life friendships and I am always amazed that she manages to cope with the changes to the characters, whilst still retaining older characters.

I have recently heard that Jennifer Chiaverini has signed another 3 book deal with the series which is excellent news. The website that accompanies the series is HERE

Gone, A Photographic Plea for Preservation by Shelby Foote & Nell Dickerson

2012-02-10T15:45:00.001Z

I received my copy of this last year as part of the Library Thing Early Reviewers Programme.

I was intrigued about the storyline,the history and words behind the photographs, which displayed an abandonment of the history of the United States. Essentially the book is the short story, titled the Pillar of Fire by Shelby Foote. To accompany the short story there are some truly breathtaking photographs taken by Nell Dickerson. There is some misalignment between the storyline and the accompanying photograph, but that did not detract from what the book is trying to achieve.

The photographs show a derelict buildings each in poor condition, desperately affected by the elements. Each of those building played a part in the pre and post life of the Civil War and as such they deserve to be preserved for future generations.

Whilst I read this as a PDF version I was able to read easily on iPad,PC and Laptop. I have since ordered this book in the hard back version so that I can enjoy the photographs further.

NaBloPoMo - February 2012 - Relative! - Day 6

2012-02-08T19:26:00.000Z

All those genealogical loose end drive me potty! How do we keep track of them all?

I have a note book, which is much out of date. I also have a sort of a mind-map set out my individuals. I also have my regular note books which focus on various snippets of information which are jotted down as I think of them, or perhaps when I am reading.

One this morning was PIM family to Russia - Paper mill - check file. I wrote this in my journal, but then I have done that before! I was reminded of the details from an article I read. There is nothing new here with the information, but a renewal of the thought process that I need to research this line further. Each time you retrace your genealogical steps, either literally or through a paper trail, another thought occurs and is added to the list.

On looking at the data that I have already - here is the details in bullet point format.

Pim, Elstone and Warren links to paper making - Sussex & Hampshire
These three family names also have links to Devon & Paper making - are these the same families?
Pim line to Russia - establishing a paper mill
Elstone line to Canada 1854 - paper mill business
Warren line to Australia - circa 1850
Basic details of the specific businesses & paper mills
Is there a link to the Pim MP?

All these are lines of research about relatives, not matter how distant or long ago. All these questions.........but how many answers?

Guest Post at Catholic Gene

2012-02-07T19:52:00.000Z

I am delighted to have been asked to be a guest poster at the very interesting blog, Catholic Gene.

You can read my guest post HERE

NaBloPoMo - February 2012 - Relative! - Day 5

2012-02-07T17:13:00.000Z

I focused earlier on which ancestors I would invite to dinner. Well, this got the little grey cells working and I wondered which ancestors I would visit in true "Back to the Future" style.

I would head back to the 17th Century and wander through the village of Puttenham in Surrey where many of my 3 x Great Grandmother, Prudence Budd's family came from. I would want to see how they lived, the food they ate and how they coped with their hard existence.

I would travel across the border into Hampshire and see my Elstone ancestors working in their paper mill. I would cross the border into Sussex and see how my Pim ancestors made their fortune with their paper mill. Was there really a link to the early Parliamentarian?

I would like to hear about John Hunt Butcher from Hascombe planning his migration to Tasmania, was this because of tales he heard from his brother in law? Also my Elstone ancestors who migrated to Canada and Australia.

Wouldn't it be lovely just to wander into their world and experience it first hand. Would we look like each other? Either facially or with mannerisms?

Beyond the Internet Week 5: Off to Schools

2012-02-07T16:35:00.000Z

I can remember starting school, just before my 5th birthday and knowing how to write my name and read. I was greatly encouraged by my Mum and my Grandmother. I have wonderful memories of sitting on my Grandmother's knee and her reading to me.

I went to the same primary school as my Mum. We were even taught by the same teacher. My Grandmother went to a church school. One of the things on my to do list is to seek the school records and see what I can establish. One of the things my Grandmother told me that that her Mother had a cousin who was a school inspector. He would call and say "Mrs Matthews, I am here to discuss....." My Great Grandmother would always apparently interject and say "What have my boys been up to now....."

On reflection, I don't know I have waited so long to find the school records, and now on remembering this I really ought to try and establish just who this cousin was.

Inspired by Family History Across the Seas

Tech Tuesday - Blog to Book

2012-02-07T07:49:00.002Z

I read an interesting post on the JLog blog last week and that got me thinking about this blog and the fact that over the last few weeks I have been focusing on my Family History Writing Challenge posts and my plans for them.

I went off to explore the site BookFabrik. This site specialises in turning your blog quite literally into a book, either a real copy with paper or a PDF version. You can request a proof in PDF and see what it looks like. This blog came out at over 1500 pages, but it is 10 years old! That is all published posts and those that I have written and scheduled to post. The proof was interesting, and some adjustments would need to be made. Further exploring of the site and there are options to restrict some posts and tweak what you want to appear in your book. There is no blanket upload of your material, it can be as specific or general as the author wants, using the tags from your blog. There also the ability to change the writing layout of the book cover, in both terms of photographic design and author. I also set the parameters to use every blog post on a separate page. There is the option of printing in order of posting - newest or oldest first, the date span.

This is certainly food for thought. I have yet to explore if there are other companies or facilities that are offering the same, I suspect that there are. At the point where you can download your PDF proof, there is also the option to purchase the actual book in both PDF and paper version. The costs are displayed in Euros - but for this blog the costs were around 80 Euros for the paper version and 5 Euros for the PDF. Which actually seems reasonable to me, given the work load that would be involved otherwise.

Further consideration is that if I decide to use this company, I shall go back through all my posts and ensure that the correct tags are added to the posts. I will then print the book to include all those with that tag. I am sure that those without tags are not included, but I would need to investigate further.

Cropped picture showing the book details and a link to this blog

I picture above is a photograph of the screen showing the first page - with the details of the book and a link back to this blog. The details on the right are the description for this blog which you can see above.

Guest Post - Ann Summerville

2012-02-06T00:38:00.003Z

Tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in London and lived in Cornwall for about ten years before moving to the U.S.

What do you miss most about England?

When I lived and worked in London I loved wandering around the backstreets and researching history. I read any book I could get my hands on by Jean Plaidy and Anya Seton and tried to find places mentioned in those books. (There isn’t anything very old here in Texas.) Moving from the city to a small village on the coast of England was a big adjustment. Everyone moved at a much slower pace. We lived in a cottage on the cliffs overlooking a beach that had three miles of sand when the tide went out. Village life is so different. Everyone has a connection and there is such a sense of camaraderie. I used my experiences moving from London to Cornwall in my book A Graceful Death, which is the first book in the Lowenna series. (Lowenna means joy in Cornish).

In one sentence, how would you describe your latest book, The Berton Hotel, to someone who knows nothing about it?

The Berton Hotel delves into the mystery of a woman, who disappeared in the 1930s from a prominent Texas hotel, and her great-granddaughter’s quest to find out what happened to her.

Where can we find out more about your book?

Website - www.annsummerville.com

Blog - www.cozyintexas.blogspot.com

The book is available on:

Amazon (USA) in paperback

Amazon (USA) for Kindle

Amazon (UK) in paperback

Amazon (UK) for Kindle

Other e-reader formats are on Smashwords

What is your favourite character in The Berton Hotel?

I grew attached to all the characters, but I think Truitt is my favourite because despite the changes around him, he stays constant and neither tries to impress anyone, nor change to fit in. He is confident without being conceited and who doesn’t love a cowboy?

Excerpt from The Berton Hotel:

Welcome to Crystal Wells. Lily glanced at the sign, wondering if her great grandmother, Ermenia, had passed here before leaving and if she’d thought about the young daughter she’d left behind. Vanished, without a trace, disappeared into thin air. Lily conjured up all the phrases used when her great grandmother was mentioned.

She’d had three days of driving to think about her decision. But what was the force pushing her toward this desolate town? To solve the mystery of Ermenia’s disappearance, to get away from a disastrous relationship, to advance her career? Lily was still unsure.

The Darth Vadar theme blasted from her bag, and with one hand on the wheel, she fumbled between the lipstick case, receipts, antibacterial gel and credit cards before feeling the smooth mobile phone.

“Stop calling,” Lily yelled into the phone without connecting to the call. She snapped it shut with a finality she did not feel.

As far as she was concerned there were two types of men. Deserters like her father and control freaks like Eric. Lily tossed her phone and it fell amongst the jumble in her bag.

What’s new for 2012?

I’m currently working on the third book in the Lowenna Series, Gwinnel Gardens. It’s about overgrown gardens in Cornwall that the villagers are uncovering and of course there will be a murder that Gia and her friend Holly will be involved in solving.

Thank you, for inviting me today, I look forward to dropping by your blog frequently to see what you’re up to.

Beyond the Internet Week 4: Donations and Subscriptions

2012-02-04T23:52:00.000Z

I can not recall where I have found any evidence that my family made a donation to a public subscription. So I shall use a modern example.

A few years ago, I found on line a reference made to an ancestor - William Arthur West. William had been in the Army and was stationed in what was known at the time as Zulu land. His wife accompanied him. While in South Africa his wife passed away and is the only white female buried in the cemetery.

The reference I found on line was in relation to the Rotary Club for the town where William lived in England with his second wife after he left the army. The Rotary Club had links to the town in South Africa where William's first wife was buried. As you might expect, modern provisions and schooling in the local area is not brilliant. I had reciprocated the details with the Rotary Club about William and when I sent off the CD of data for their archives enclosed a cheque in memory of William and his first wife. The Rotary Club has strong links with the local community and has provided financial assistance in relation to the school and running water.

A second modern example is The Families for Genealogists Project organised by Judy Webster. I joined the team back in October and knew that I wanted to contribute, but I also wanted my contributions to mean something. My first loan was made in December in memory of my Grandmother's 99th Birthday and I plan to commemorate various family events during the year. To join the project click HERE.

100 Word Challenge - Week 29

2012-02-04T20:05:00.000Z

Joining the weekly 100 words challenge for Grown ups. This week the prompt is to use the following with no more than 100 words.

........Wednesday.....

Wearing her favourite aquamarine hat with a purple coat and red stilettos she entered the restaurant. She asked for a bottle of her favourite red wine. After an half an hour her lunch engagement had not shown up.

Reaching for her diary she spotted the name and number of her contact under Wednesday. Her eye caught that of the waiter and he came over.

Excuse me, what day is it? She asked, her voice every so slightly slurred.

Tuesday, he replied. Embarrassed, she made her way to the desk to pay her bill. She would come again tomorrow.

Taking part in the 100 word Challenge for Grown Ups – Week #29

NaBloPoMo - February 2012 - Relative! - Day 4

2012-02-04T19:24:00.000Z

Imagine. A dining table laid for guests. The table set with the best china, sparkling wine glasses and the very best cutlery. Who could be coming for dinner?

What if you could invite a series of your ancestors to dinner? People that had lived and died long before you had been born? Who would you invite?

I would invite my 6 x Great Grandfather - Henry Budd (born circa 1700). Please confirm that you were born in Shackleford. I can't check as the original records have not survived!
I would invite both of my Grand parents - Lilian Butcher nee Matthews (1912-1995) & George Butcher (1908 - 1974) Just to have one more conversation with them.
I would invite my 5 x Great Grandfather John Elstone (1737 - 1799) because I want to understand more of the Paper making business he owned.
I would invite my Great Great Grandfather John Matthews (1848 - 1927) - I have a few questions.....
I would invite my Great x 3 Grandmother Emaline Luff (1797 - 1856) - Why did you say you were born in Bramshot? I did eventually find you in Lurgershall Sussex

Hopefully, we would have a lovely dinner - probably roast turkey as this would be a celebration and turkey would have been expensive during their lifetimes (exception here would be my Grandparents). We would hopefully chat and I would be able to ask them all the questions that I would like to. I wonder what they would make of me and my home, with running water, electricity and all the modern technology.......

Family History Writing Challenge 2012 - Day 3

2012-02-04T19:11:00.001Z

I kept thinking of John Matthews and is death caused by "senile decay". Death certificates often indicate senile decay where death occurs as a result of old age. Do I really believe that?

My Grandmother said many times that her Grandfather was a "dirty old man" - he would often forget to wash and would wet himself. She recalled this from her early childhood, when he would have been late 60s or perhaps early 70s. I wanted to explore the potential options that perhaps he had what we now know be Alzheimers or dementia.

Both are known to occur in families - driven by the essential facts of Chromosomes which are inherited. We each generally have 23 pairs inheriting half from our mother and half from our father.

My Great Aunt, John's Grand daughter developed Alzheimers. She died in the early 1980s and had always been very much like my Grandmother. Fun loving and very affectionate. When she was in her mid 70s she started to forget things, the usual sorts of things - after all she was elderly! She then started forgetting more serious things, such as forgetting to turn the gas off and would leave the front door open. Eventually she forgot who she was and every one else. It was truly soul destroying. I was an teenager at the time and didn't really notice an awful lot. Reflecting now I realise just how dreadfully sad things were.

In the mid 1990s my Grandmother developed something similar. Whilst her family history made her more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimers, she had in fact a brain tumour, which is fairly common in patients that have had a primary cancer. It would though have been quite easy to have made an assumption, based upon the family history. The doctor in this case explored all options open to them at the time, which would have been a lot more than in 1927!

Whilst the death certificate is absolute, sometimes we need to look at the history surrounding the cause of death. Establishing what it means and try to understand it. After all, we seek to explore all the data of our ancestors and their death is the final fact.

Word count - 369

Beyond the Internet Week 3: Houses wrapped in red tape.

2012-02-04T17:44:00.000Z

I stood in the archives building, in the days of when Surrey Archives were divided between Guildford and Kingston. I had called for a document - I can't even recall what it was. I waited, not exactly patiently. You know how it is, you get a thought flowing and the document has to be NOW! While I was waiting, I went over to the huge index cabinet. A lovely wooden unit, within each draw a metal rod which held the index cards.

I flicked through to the surname of Butcher and meandered through the forenames. I got to John and read the card. I am sure my heart stopped beating. On the card in front of me read "John Butcher 1877 house documents". The archivist returned with my request. I saw the look of irritation as I said, do you think I could order this please? and presented him with a request slip. He placed the archive I had originally requested on the table and took the slip from me.

I read through the document in front of me and made various notes. When he returned with my new found treasure I ordered a copy of the original document and started looking and absorbing the new document. In front of me was the details of my 3 x Great Grandfather John Butcher (1795 - 1877).

The document was actually a series of papers. Held together by a dark pink ribbon. The ribbon and documents had a musty smell and were faintly dusty, but I didn't care. I undid the ribbon and read the note that accompanied the documents. The details it revealed was that the documents had been found at Wonersh post office and had been submitted to the museum for general keeping. Interesting. I wonder why?

The documents revealed John's will including the original envelope.

Envelope containing the will of John Butcher
Surrey Archives PSH/WON/20/19

It identified that the house that had been left to him by his father would in turn pass to son Henry. I descended from John's son Charles. It also revealed what I had already established. John had been illegitimate. Born to James Butcher and Sarah Woolgar in 1795. In 1801 James and Sarah would marry and in 1802 they had another son Thomas. Thomas was recognised as James legitimate heir to his father's estate. John inherited a cottage in Wonersh Street and a few hundred pounds.

There were a series of other documents - I ordered copies of the lot. There was a strange sentence within the documents - "A son born of blood". An indication that John was indeed the son of James Butcher. His birth is recorded as John Woolgar, but he spent the rest of his life, as was indeed his right as John Butcher. It does seems sad, that until the end, despite his parents marrying he was in fact illegitimate.

Inspired by Family History Across the Seas

NaBloPoMo - February 2012 - Relative! - Day 3

2012-02-03T23:48:00.000Z

I had not looked at the prompts so far, but thought that today I would. The creative juices are just not flowing! Today's prompt is about siblings. I thought that I would focus on those of my Husband. I am always fairly envious that he has a series of siblings. I know that sounds odd, but both his parents had been previously married and both had children from those marriages.

The reality is that my husband has 4 siblings - a sister, a half brother and sister from one parent's first marriage and a half sister from the other parent's first marriage. They all for a time lived together, so you would think that they have some form of emotional attachment to one another. Alas no. Not even a glimpse of emotional attachment or even friendship.

I find it rather sad that none of them value one of the most fundamental things - Family. Of course, sometimes things are said and done that actually you reach a point of no return and that is where we are now. To some, family is disposable and I wonder when they will realise exactly what they have lost....

Postcard Friendship Friday - Coronation Souvenir 1953

2012-02-03T23:32:00.000Z

Part of my Guildford & District Collection

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

Family History Writing Challenge 2012 - Day 2

2012-02-03T12:50:00.000Z

As I wrote the post for Day 1 of this challenge I created a very basic mind map. I usually create these types of things in my journal, but this one started life on a piece of paper and is pinned to my study notice board, and has been transferred to my journal.

The reason I created it is two fold. I wanted to have a spring board for other thoughts and research, which encompasses the additional research I am going to undertake to bring John Matthew's existence to life. Starting with these -

Coke manufacture & distribution in the late Victorian period
"Senile decay" - definition at the time, definition now and links to now known conditions.

I wondered about the man he was. The heartache he felt, widowed twice, firstly in 1880 and then again in 1896. He also endured, like so many parents of the time, burying one of his children. His eldest daughter Mary Anne (1872 - 1898). I wrote about Mary Anne for last year's Writing Challenge, but again have considered some further facts upon re-reading that post (you can read it HERE). How did John cope with all that life threw at him?

As you will see from that post Mary Anne had a son. Although I have traced his existence to some degree in the parish and found a headstone in the cemetery, what happened to that son? Who looked after him and raised him and taught him the basics - brushing his teeth, writing and reading, where did he go to school? So many, many questions and mysteries and all of them in "recent times" which really sounds out how many missed opportunities there have been. Did this child know his Grandfather John Matthews? Did he know his Aunt Edith and Uncle John (my Great Grandfather). Research shows that he did not live with either of Mary Anne's siblings. Edith herself died young and there is no mention of him in my Grandmother's immediate family.

Word count - 335

21st Century Organised Family Historian - Week 5 - Take Inventory

2012-02-03T08:48:00.000Z

Continuing the weekly thread organised by Michelle at The Turning of Generations.

A few years ago, my Grandfather's first cousin lent me a series of photographs, about 30 in all. My first plan was to arrange for a negative to be made and a copy. Having collected the negatives and copies we sat together over a pot of tea and Ivy went through all the details of who the individuals were. Each photo had a small sticker replaced on the reverse of the photo with the details of Ivy's initials and the number of the photograph - IS01 - IS31. I then created a spreadsheet with the details of the photographs taken from the notes I made of our conversation together. The photographs themselves are in a separate album.

The photo here shows the reverse of photo IS12 and the front of IS13.

Now we are in a far superior digital age, I have had the photographs digitalised and they retain the same number. Over the last few years I have scanned all our family photos and given each a reference based upon who have the source is and a reference number. Thus, those with from my father in law have the reference of DG followed by a number. I should add that in the spreadsheet there is a reference as to who DG and IS were, sadly both are now deceased. Photos that came through my own family - either Mum or Grandparents are simply numbers from 01 upwards.

I also do something similar for copies of documents sent to me by fellow genealogists or those documents and books I have purchased. The only exception is that instead of a sticker being added I insert a piece of paper into the front of the book and write in small archive pencil a reference. That reference is then transferred to my spreadsheet. For documents I small note in pencil on the reverse and then added to the spreadsheet.

Blogging A-Z - April Challenge 2012

2012-02-02T23:13:00.008Z

Hosted by Tossing It Out this looks to be a great challenge.

Here are the details

Write a post on something every day in April except for Sundays (unless 1st April falls on a Sunday) and upload to your blog. By the end of April there will be 26 blog posts - one for each letter of the alphabet. Each day you will theme your post according to a letter of the alphabet.

"You will only be limited by your own imagination in this challenge. There is an unlimited universe of possibilities. You can post essays, short pieces of fiction, poetry, recipes, travel sketches, or anything else you would like to write about. You don't have to be a writer to do this. You can post photos, including samples of your own art or craftwork. Everyone who blogs can post from A to Z.

Interested? The head over to the sign up form located on the Tossing it out blog

NaBloPoMo - February 2012 - Relative! - Day 2

2012-02-02T13:32:00.000Z

Today, the Anglers Rest Blog is 10 years old - Happy Birthday!

Over the last 10 years the feel of this blog has changed. I still read a lot and post reviews, but there seems to be a change in the depth of those reviews and other posts which I make.

Back in 2002 Blogging, at least to me, did not seem to be as popular as it is now. On a personal note, I wasn't really sure what to do with a blog. I knew the purpose of one, but how much personal data did I want to put "out there"? I had all these considerations. In reality, Anglers Rest has really come into its own in the last couple of years.

The key to hosting a successful blog is to be true to yourself and to write honestly. I rarely divulge personal information - things I would not share with a stranger at a bus stop! It is easy to get carried away when writing, especially forgetting, that when I sit alone in my study writing and eventually hit send that the results are certainly seen by those who read my blog by email or reader, or perhaps follow my tweets. Google also tracks the posts and they can be read by everyone.

The catalyst for this was a change a in my professional life. Anglers Rest became somewhere that I could escape into and write whenever, about whatever I chose to, without any constraints apart from legal ones and the ones I placed upon myself. Anglers Rest remains a place where I can write about all the things Relative to me - my interests and obsessions. The subjects are mainly genealogy or book related, but sometimes there is a post relating to health or social aspects, or perhaps our holidays. Occasionally my living family appear in - my Husband and our dog Alfie and my Mum. There is rarely a mention of the day job and that is the way I like it!

Family History Writing Challenge 2012 - Day 1

2012-02-01T23:43:00.001Z

I do not believe that I have ever read a genealogical document, even those I have read before or those that I knew existed, and thought "Okay!" I have always finished reading and pretty much immediately thought of a question that perhaps I need to ask or explore. Then the mind starts to race and we are off on another journey of discovery.

Sometimes, the road to discovery is simply a path of research and we follow one document or fact after another and it perhaps leads us to where we thought it would. Perhaps, no, not perhaps, it probably leads us to another question or thought. Sometimes that path makes unexpected twists and turns and we find ourselves completely out of our research comfort zone, or perhaps somewhere we we did not expect to; maybe migration to a Country not yet explored. Maybe an occupation that is mind blowing, in terms of skill or process. Not just how something was done, but how that something was done in say the 18th Century.

The journey we each make with our ancestors is full of the paper trail - names, dates and places. births, marriage and death records, census returns. These are the back bone of our research, but what about the other bits of research. How was something done, where was it done? Perhaps why was it done? Even, who was it done with.

My Great Great Grandfather, my Grandmother's Grandfather, was called John Matthews. He was a coke dealer. Yup, that black stuff that is mined. Not the illegal drug we know of today. He had a business in Rugby Warwickshire, was married and raised a family of three children. A small family for the 1870s; small because his wife died. He did remarry, but there were no children to that marriage. He also moved from Warwickshire to Surrey. Immediately I want to know why did he relocate, what happened to his business. Where did the coke come from and where did he sell it too? Did he employ men and they knock on doors and deliver coke?

My Grandmother told me that her Grandfather lived with her when she was a child, but he died when she was small. So, based upon that fact I searched for the death record from 1912 when my Grandmother was born. John in fact died in 1927. What made my Grandmother think he had died when she was a child? From information that was also shared was that he was a "dirty man" - what did that mean? He would not wash, and would wet himself. He could not longer remain living with his son, daughter in law and 11 Grandchildren. Where did he go? Looking at the death certificate revealed the perhaps the reason. He died of senile decay. - in 1927 conditions such as Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia were not known to have existed.

Is that so very different to some 80 year old individuals now? The address where he passed away is not known to the family. There was a brief mention of Redhill, but no family member lived at that address. More research is needed on that point. The address in Guildford is known. It is where my Grandmother lived as a child. The person who registered the death is not known to the family. Did he then die alone?

There were lots of questions to start with, but seeing the original document, so many more come to mind.

Word count - 584

NaBloPoMo - February 2012 - Relative! - Day One

2012-02-01T14:38:00.008Z

As I commenced to write my first post I wondered what is relative? A quick look at the definition in the dictionary revealed this:

rel·a·tive

adj.

1. Having pertinence or relevance; connected or related.

2. Considered in comparison with something else: the relative quiet of the suburbs.

3. Dependent on or interconnected with something else; not absolute. See Synonyms at dependent.

4. Grammar Referring to or qualifying an antecedent, as the pronoun who in the man who was on TV or that in the dictionary that I use.

5. Music Having the same key signature. Used of major and minor scales and keys: A minor is the relative minor of C major.

1. One related by kinship, common origin, or marriage.

2. Something having a relation or connection to something else.

3. Grammar A relative pronoun.

As a genealogist, the word relative is generally used when we can not or do not want to be specific. Nothing sinister, but how can you explain that your 15th Cousin twice removed on your mother's side is standing next to you? So you either say this is my cousin and remove the specifics or this is a relative of mine which case you remove even the cousin link. By using the word relative it may imply that you believe you are related, but how is anyone's guess.

Through the course of research, you meet in person, on line or perhaps by post an individual or perhaps two, who have a family connection in some way. Not necessarily a close connection by blood, but one that you share a link of interest with perhaps someone who lived 200 years ago. I have many of those cousins. Some of whom reside in another part of the world, some have been and visited us and lived with us for a time, others I have never met, yet we share emails filled with the incidentals of our lives coupled with genealogical material.

Many of us grew up with Aunts and Uncles who were not, in the true meaning of the words, Aunts and Uncles, but held some other connection to the family. The term usually used as a mark of respect. I had such an Aunt and Uncle. They held no relation to me at all.

Aunt was simply a former evacuee of my Grandmother's during the Second World War. That sentence implies a simple fact. It does not indicate any form of emotional attachment; and there was emotional attachment. My Mum was given the evacuee's name as a middle forename. We exchanged Christmas gifts. Once their children were adults, my Grandmother would still send a £1 coin to "the boys". Whilst the value of the gift was small, the meaning and attachment was huge and as important as ever. Over the years I would meet the various family members of the evacuee, and her husband, and that relationship remains with us to this very day. So out of the passage of War came something of immense value, and something that as two families we treasure.

Family History Writing Challenge 2012 - Getting Ready

2012-01-31T23:45:00.001Z

I have spent much of the last week re reading the posts from last year and wondering whether to create a theme to my writing, and focus on particular individuals, or whether to follow last year's patten and start and with a Grandparents and my way back steadily wove across the generations and contemplations. Or perhaps to use the notebooks I mentioned in the introduction to last year's challenge. Even at the point of writing this, I am still undecided.

I have always planned to publish the data of my research in book form. In my reflections post last week I indicated that I was intending to use the 28 posts from February 2011 and a selection of other genealogical posts as the focal point for that book. I may well include the posts from 2012 in the book, it will depend on the length from the selection made.

Whatever I decide to focus on, I will be aided by the photographs, personal recollection from myself. My Mum very often adds interesting snippets and of course more than 25 years of research. These photographs are just some of that data.

365 Project - January 2012

2012-01-31T19:15:00.003Z

View the complete month at 2012 - A Year in Photographs

Tech Tuesday - iPad - Consuming versus Producing....

2012-01-31T17:53:00.010Z

An interesting question via the iPad mailing list hosted at Yahoo.

Consuming versus Producing - Do you spend time merely dealing with emails, social media or producing whilst using your iPad?
Is there likely to be a difference between what you use your iPad for today compared to the future.

I have had my iPad since about April. I had pondered for quite a while before buying. Unsure whether I could really justify the expense. Would I use it enough? What size should I get? All the usual thoughts that whizz through our minds as we contemplate a large or expensive purchase.

I made the decision eventually that if I was going to spend that kind of money then I should get the most that I could and went for the 3G + WiFi version and 64GB. It arrived. I spent a few hours organising and setting it out as I wanted it - preloaded applications, social media, books and reading applications, games, genealogy, blog applications and miscellaneous. I am not especially a gamer, but I do like scrabble type games!

Initially, I didn't really use it that much and wondered whether I had not made the right decision, but find that now that I am using for emails mainly and browsing. I am not overly sure about posting to my blog using the iPad, and need to experiment a bit more with this. I do tend to use the notes facility quite a lot, posting ideas or thoughts and then I tweak with my laptop later, after a climb to the third floor of the house where my study is.

Next purchase is a WiFi printer, scanner and copier that we can print from our iPads. So, currently I am in the browsing and social media phase, but as I get more use to it and we purchase the new printer I am sure that I will produce more. I also use my iPad to read Kindle books. I do have a Kindle, but sometimes find the iPad easier if the book has photos or pictures in the case of cookbooks.

Currently, I use my iPad and laptop 50:50. Having seen my iPad, my husband purchased his own and we share a keyboard, which was a useful purchase. My husband uses his iPad a great deal more than me for everything, so his ratio is around 70:30.

With a big overseas trip coming up later in the year I am sure that the iPad will come into its own. If anyone has any tips, please share! One thing I do find especially irritating is the browser - Safari has an irritating habit of closing suddenly. Debate on the iPad mailing list seemed to think that this was indicating the clearing of the history and cookies, but I am not so sure. If anyone has any thoughts please let me know!

Carnival Of Genealogy 114: Creative Gene's iGene Awards for 2011!

2012-01-31T07:59:00.001Z

This is the first year I have taken part in the iGene awards. I hope you enjoy revisiting these posts, which are a selection from 2011.

Best Comedy

There is not especially lots of humour at Anglers Rest blog. Hopefully, not because I am grumpy, but just because that is the way it is. It might seem odd to select a post about Disasters, which appeared as the post for week 10 of 52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy. There is a wonderful story which is about my Grandmother - completely oblivious to the potential chaos! Read that post HERE

Best Biography

The nomination for this is probably the lengthy post I wrote about Henry Rhodes Hindle, who is a relative of my husband's. Henry was born in England in 1904 and migrated as a baby in 1905. A fascinating history and I really enjoyed piecing together Henry and his parent's life. You can read the full post HERE

Best Documentary

This is awarded to the post I submitted to commemorate Australia Day 2011. It reflects the trials and tribulations of George Bridges Bellasis and his wife Esther, nee King. Esther was truly a remarkable women. She made her mark in history. You can read that post HERE

Best Screen Play

Now, this is not cheating, but for this I am also going to nominate the post I submitted for Australia Day 2011. Where Esther was a remarkable women, her husband was a bit of a scamp! and I think his story would make a fabulous screen play! That post is HERE

Best Picture

The award for this goes to one of my favourite family photographs.

The photograph shows my Great Great Grandmother, Caroline Harris nee Ellis and four of her daughters, My Great Grandmother is the lady on the far left. You can read the post that I submitted to Fearless Females HERE

Carnival of Genealogy is hosted by Jasia at CreativeGene

Tea Cup Tuesday - Millennium Mug 2000

2012-01-31T00:10:00.002Z

Following on from last week's Tea Cup Tuesday mug. Made from the same pottery and probably purchased from the same shop locally. This is a lovely addition to my Millennium collection.

As I am sure there was the world over, there was much hype about the year 2000. Would our computers still work? Was it really the Millennium or was that the following year? Actually, I wasn't bothered. I had made plans and I kept to them!

For the year 2000 I kept a scrapbook. I wrote all sorts of things. I described the house, who we were and where we were from. I detailed our holiday and kept a few basics, such as things from the local newspaper, a till receipt showing the cost of groceries and petrol. I also made two time capsules. One of which I placed in the loft, the other was placed with my scrapbook and will be passed on to the poor individual who will one day inherit all my obsessions!

Taking part in Tea Cup Tuesday hosted by Artful Affirmations & Martha's Favourites

Guest Post by Terri Giulano Long - An Ode to Bloggers

2012-01-30T00:01:00.000Z

Last May, a month or so after I began marketing my novel, In Leah’s Wake, a former agent told me that I would never sell 500 books. A rookie, I had no idea what to expect. When I published the novel, I’d dreamed of selling a 3,000 – 5,000 books, hoping healthy sales numbers would attract the attention of an agent or traditional publishing house for my next novel.

The agent had left New York, but she’d been in the business for a long time, and her words stung. I hung up the phone, heartbroken, depressed. Had I not been in the midst of my first blog tour, I might have pulled my novel off the market that day.

Determined to see the tour through, I soldiered on. On the tour, I met wonderful, caring people, book bloggers, whose kindness buoyed and sustained me.

Over the next few months, In Leah’s Wake appeared on hundreds of blogs. Bloggers opened their hearts and spread the word about this quiet literary novel. In August, In Leah’s Wake hit the Barnes & Noble and Amazon charts. Now, seven months after my talk with that agent, the book has been in the Amazon top 200 for over five months, and we’ve sold just shy of 80,000 copies.

Book bloggers rock! I don’t know how to say it any better. Book bloggers are the fairy godmothers and godfathers of the literary world. They invest their talent, their energy, and their time into reviewing and promoting books – and keeping dreams alive.

Even today, traditional media refuse to recognize or review indie books. In this very real sense, book bloggers are the heart and soul of the indie revolution. Their vision, their energy, and their determination have enabled this amazing populist movement to take hold.

Today, we have the great good fortune of hearing the funny, poignant, intelligent voices of new authors from around the world - voices that, just a few years ago, might have been silenced by the gatekeepers of the old guard. These voices reach into hearts and minds, forging connections, uniting us in a community of readers and writers, searching for and finding, through words, the better part of ourselves. Because, truly, at heart, this is what reading and writing is all about.

Here’s to you, book bloggers! You are and always will be my heroes!

AUTHOR BIO
Terri Giuliano Long is the bestselling author of the award-winning novel In Leah’s Wake. Her life outside of books is devoted to her family. In her free time, she enjoys walking, traveling, and listening to music. True to her Italian-American heritage, she’s an enthusiastic cook. In an alternate reality, she might be an international food writer. She lives with her family on the East Coast and teaches at Boston College. In Leah’s Wake is her debut novel.

Website: www.tglong.com
Blog: www.tglong.com/blog
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tglong
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tglongwrites

This week, Terri and Inspired Quill Press (paperback edition), launch a newly edited edition of In Leah’s Wake. The newly edited novel features a new chapter and several new scenes, adding new connections and insights, and tightens the book, cutting 60 pages – all while maintaining the integrity of the original edition.

For more information, please visit her website or any of these retailer sales. (Your local library or bookstore can also order the book through major distribution channels.)

Amazon Kindle (US)
Amazon Paperback (US)
Amazon Kindle (UK)
Amazon Paperback (UK)
Barnes & Noble
Indie Bound:

BOOK INFORMATION

IN LEAH’S WAKE
Terri Giuliano Long
Pages: 368
Format: Paperback, Kindle
ISBN: 1456310542
Publisher: CreateSpace/Inspired Quill Press
Website: www.tglong.com

***Newly edited by Sara-Jayne Slack, Inspired Quill Press***

The Tylers have a perfect life—beautiful home, established careers, two sweet and talented daughters. Their eldest daughter, Leah, an exceptional soccer player, is on track for a prestigious scholarship. Their youngest, Justine—more responsible than seems possible for her 12 years—just wants her sister’s approval. With Leah nearing the end of high school and Justine a seemingly “together” kid, the parents are set to enjoy a peaceful life…until everything goes wrong. Can this family survive in Leah’s wake?

Margot Livesey, award-winning author of Banishing Verona, calls In Leah's Wake "a beautifully written and absorbing novel."

When happens when love just isn't enough?

Recipient of the CTRR Award for excellence
2011 Book Bundlz Book Pick
Book Bundlz 2011 Favorites, First Place

Praise for In Leah’s Wake

"Sometimes scary, sometimes sad, and always tender."

Susan Straight, National Book Award finalist, author Take One Candle Light A Room

"In Leah's Wake is a beautifully written and absorbing novel."

Margot Livesey, Award-winning author of Banishing Verona

“Pulled me right along as I continued to make comparisons to my own life.”

Jennifer Donovan, 5 Minutes for Books, Top 50 Book Blog

“An incredibly strong debut, this book is fantastic on many fronts.”

Naomi Blackburn, Founder Sisterhood of the Traveling Book

Thyroid Literary Challenge - Words of Encouragement

2012-01-29T17:44:00.001Z

Understanding, Knowledge, Share and Experience

When I was first diagnosed with a thyroid condition 20 years ago I wanted to gain as much knowledge as I could. Knowledge that would develop my understanding about the condition and enable me to share what I had learnt.

The experience of being diagnosed, the experience of knowing that some doctors and consultants believed only the blood results rather than the patient in front of them. Trying to explain to others why I felt so ill and yet not knowing in what way. Coping with the feeling of despair that I had felt in those early days.

Having gained the knowledge and understanding it gave me the courage to share my experiences. More importantly, it gave me the strength to challenge and question. This is my life and I can only live it once.

Taking part in the DearThyroid Literary Challenge.

NaBloPoMo - February 2012 Getting Ready - Relative!

2012-01-28T16:01:00.002Z

The February theme for NaBloPoMo is the word RELATIVE. Now that is a word a genealogist can hardly ignore. Shame it is February though, as I am already taking part in a challenge; The Family History Writing Challenge. However, I can see a possible opportunity here and so, for as long as my energy and brain power holds up, I am going to contribute to this as well.

You can sign up HERE (by 5th Feb if you want to be included in the blog roll).

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy - Week 4 - Free Offline Genealogy Tools

2012-01-28T15:41:00.001Z

Week 4- Free Offline Genealogy Tools - Which free offline genealogy tools are you most thankful for? How has it helped your family history experience? How did you find this tool and how has it benefited your genealogy? Describe to others how to access this tool and spread the genealogy love.

Challenge from Sunday 22nd January 2012 - Saturday 29th January 2012

The simple answer to this is I don't know.

I started researching my family before the power of the Internet. In the days when joining a family history society was the norm and you submitted your research interests into the quarterly journal and hoped someone wrote you a letter. That is right, a letter, involving paper, ink and stamps. 20 odd years later and I still have every single letter written to me about a family history line.

Sometimes we hit the jackpot and a connection was made, other times there was no connection made and on some occasions there was no genealogical connection, but a friendship formed. Some of those early friendships I still have and treasure.

So I am thankful for two things here - the friendships that formed, in some cases across many miles. I am also thankfully that I learnt to research the old fashioned way by heading to archives and looking at original documents. There is something truly wonderful about seeing the name of a relative in print, on a old piece of parchment or alike and knowing that this was written when probably my ancestor was standing as close to the paper as I am now

I can reminisce of going to St Catherine's House in London and pulling the huge indexes containing the birth, marriage and death books from the shelves. Fighting for space as you searched for the reference you were looking for. Hearing the odd should of "I've got him!" They were different research times to now. In comparison the internet has reduced the size of the world to a matchbox and letters which plopped through the letterbox having travelled many miles over days can be in an inbox in seconds.

I am thankful to my family, many since deceased who shared their knowledge with me as I explored their past and probed away asking question after question. I loved to visit my Great Aunts. I had grown up doing it, so as an adult I continued. They shared so much with me quite without question. Leaving me to explore our family. A life long obsession.

Weekend Cooking - Beef Casserole

2012-01-28T08:09:00.002Z

Last weekend, I had some cubed casserole steak in the fridge. I hadn't made any plans on what to cook and then had a vision of warm, thickish gravy!

I cut up two carrots and a few mushrooms added them to a pan with only a smidge of Olive oil and on a high heat to get some juices flowing! I could have added onion, but gave it a miss as it seems to upset my digestive system!

I then added the steak. What I had bought was already cubed, but I cut up into smaller chunks and added it to the pan. I left the heat high to brown and get some extra juices.

Then I added some gravy granules - about a tablespoonful, mixed in and turned the heat down to a number 2 (electric). I added about two fluid ounces of water.

Served with mashed, buttery potato. Cooking time was about an hour on the hob on a low heat.

Weekend Cooking is hosted by BethFishReads

100 Word Challenge - Week 28

2012-01-27T17:42:00.001Z

Joining the weekly 100 words challenge for Grown ups. This week the prompt is to use the following with no more than 100 words

.......you bought her what.....

Fuming, she stood in the departure lounge awaiting confirmation of her flight. She pulled out her well used phone and made the call.

After a few pleasantries, she asked what did you buy her? Then, the almost screech as she said, loudly, you bought her what?

Her face turned a funny colour of anger, a mixture of white and red. Would the dreadful passenger explode wondered the airport staff?

Why on earth did you buy her that was the response?

How ridiculous...

How could you buy something so frivolous?

What do you mean, because she wanted it…..

We’ll see about that

Taking part in the 100 word Challenge for Grown Ups – Week #28

Sepia Saturday 110 - In the Movies.....

2012-01-27T17:09:00.000Z

This story and the photograph have a tentative connection to the theatre.

Second lady from the left is Lesley Ramage with her father John.
Lady on the far right is Nehru's sister.
Taken Bombay 1957. Lady on the far left is called Jane.

The original of the photograph is with my mother in law. Almost 20 years ago my father in law showed us a huge set of photographs. At the time we videoed them. Then in the Autumn of 2010 I transferred the video to DVD. The transfer appeared to have been successful and in further experimentation mode I played the DVD on my laptop and took a photo from the screen. This is one of those photographs.

Lesley Ramage is the first cousin of my late father in law. She had a career as an actress. I have no further details on her career or her stage name.

Taking part in Sepia Saturday

Beyond the Internet Week 2: Ancestral homes and their history

2012-01-27T15:55:00.001Z

One part of my family owned a great deal of property. Some was passed down through lines of direct descent, others through childless Aunts and Uncles. Nonetheless, the family had property and that means that somewhere there will be some documentary evidence, which is good news for a researcher.

The Butcher family were well known in Surrey. My several times Great Grandfather Daniel Butcher owned with his brother Richard a property in Guildford High Street that traded as a pub called The Nags Head. The building still exists, no longer a pub, but trades as a retail shop. There is much more research to be done on this part of the family and specifically the building that was owned by the family. Other documentation reveals that a branch of the family owned a farm called Scotlands which is in the village of Bramley, about 5 miles from Guildford. Ironically, about 20 years ago I knew the lady who owned and farmed at the same farm. Whilst I knew her, I didn't like to be too familiar and ask her to look a the deeds. With hindsight, I wish I had!

Moving onto more recent times. My Grandmother was born in a specific road in Guildford. After her parents died my Grandmother went to live with her older sister. After she married in 1939 her and my Grandfather rented a property in Guildford and in 1940 they returned to the road of my Grandmother's birth where they spent the rest of their lives. I have the rent books from 1940 up until the mid 1990s. This particular road has been a source of interest to me and I now have a small archive of documents relating to it.

About 16 years ago my husband and I met up with a distant Australian cousin of mine. She and her husband were on a research and holiday to the UK and naturally she wanted to visit the rural parish were out Ellis family originated. My branch of the family moved two miles to Puttenham, the village that is the subject of my One Place Study, and her family migrated in the mid 1850s to Geelong Victoria. We managed to locate the address of Church Street and was standing outside the house that her family had lived in. We decided to ring the bell and speak to the occupier. Now, there is nothing like having an accent and asking to take photos, its a bit like it okay to say hello to strangers if you are walking a dog, if there is no dog and you say hello it seems odd! So, we rang the bell and waited. We had just thought that no one was home when the door was answered by a very elderly lady. We explained who we were and our quest and mentioned the photo. Next thing the door was opened and we were invited in. The lady had lived there with her husband and was at the time widowed, of course, I expect that she has since passed away, but she allowed us to take photos of the inside and outside of her house and we snapped away, including one of the then occupant. I do have a photo or two of the events of that day, but they are tucked away in the study and a rather large box of files - a result of the filing process of another blog post and I can not reach them!

In the absence of having photographs taken at the time of our ancestral links to a particular parish, the next best thing is postcards produced at the time. Over the last 20 odd years I have collated an archive of the parishes around the Guildford area that perhaps have specific reference to my ancestry. I launched a small project, for my own amusement last October, whereby I share a postcard a day. You can see them HERE

This postcard is one of my favourites. It shows the Church where I was christened, as was my Mother and maternal Grandmother. This same Church is also where several of my Aunts married in the 1930s.

Postcard from my Guildford and District Collection

Blog theme Inspired by Family History Across the Sea

Postcard Friendship Friday - Shere, Surrey

2012-01-27T11:36:00.011Z

Shere is located in Surrey England and is a very pretty (and expensive) location. Well known for appearing in several films. A branch of my own family resided in the village, although that was about 250 years before this postcard was produced.

Features as part of my Guildford and District Collection

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

Australia Day 2012 – Wealth for Toil

2012-01-25T13:57:00.001Z

26th January 2012

The Australia Day post is once again coordinated by Twigs of Yore. For details on how to participate click HERE.

John Hunt Butcher was born in Hascombe in rural Surrey in 1781. In 1808 in London, he married Sarah Burchell and they raised a family of four children, one daughter Sarah born in 1805 died in 1810. I had never pursued this line specifically, as I descended from the brother of John's Grandfather, Daniel Butcher. The name of Butcher is fairly common in my bit of Surrey and the family lines complex with wills and property. At some point there is a falling out between Daniel and his brother Richard from whom John Hunt Butcher descends. I knew at some point I would come back to John and for a little more than 15 years I didn't focus on this line. That is until two things happened....

The first was I went search The National Archive catalogue on line for the name of John Butcher. Quite without thinking I typed John Hunt Butcher. I was just about to hit the delete button when I glanced at the screen and saw a reference to Australia. I am sure that everything stopped around me. It was one of those moments when I had to pinch yourself to be sure of what you were reading. All researchers know that feeling....don't you?

So I shelved the research for John Butcher and focused on this John Hunt Butcher. What I read, made my head spin. The Butcher family had always held property and land. There are numerous documents in the Surrey Records Centre for property being purchased jointly between Richard Butcher and my several times Great Grandfather Daniel Butcher. Sometimes they sold the property, sometimes they sold to each other. It all gets very complicated. Some of the names I was reading both in terms of names of individuals and names of property were known to me. This was definitely my family, although not my direct line of descent. The documents in question seem to provide details of property and money between various people who descended from the Butcher family. I made a note of the extra details, even from the catalogue it provided some extra data, but there is still a need for the original documents to be sighted and copies purchased. I sat and wrote a long list.

I then turned to the biggest statement and question, followed by another question and then another. John Hunt Butcher migrated to Australia, where, when, why. My brain thought it was going to explode, and my poor hand could not write fast enough. The documents directed me to Lowlands near Richmond Van Dieman's Land (Tasmania). A search of The State Library of Tasmania directed me to a painting of Lowlands by Mary Allport (Allport Collection).

There was something very peaceful about the picture. It reminded me of early pictures that I had seen of the family home in Hascombe, called Park Hatch. How did he acquire the land?

The Colonial Secretary index revealed that the data had been transcribed as William Butcher, but does indicated that John Hunt Butcher was given 2,000 acres on 16th June 1824. Which probably explains where Lowlands was built; and it was probably built with a reminiscence of his home in Hascombe.

The second thing that happened, did so just before Christmas. I saw a posting on one of the Australian Rootsweb mailing lists. Did anyone descend from John Hunt Butcher? I emailed the enquirer. Whilst they did not descend from the line, there was an association between the researcher's family and wife of John Hunt Butcher, Sarah Burchell, who it would appear was the sister of William John Burchell, a well known Botanist. A further glance at the family tree reminded me that John Hunt's sister, Suskey had married a George Matthew Burchell who in turn was Sarah's brother. Was the Burchell's the reason for John Hunt applying for a land grant? It would appear that another brother of George Burchell's, Charles had applied for one in 1821, but had stopped in South Africa en route to see his brother William John and decided to stay there.

My research for this line is continuing and is very much a work in progress. I want to have a real understanding as to why John left England. What happened to his family once he was in Australia? From early research it appears that John himself was a Magistrate and at some point a branch of his family moves across to Western Australia. I am a long way, both in terms of understanding and research and in geographical terms. My quest is to get as much basic research done prior to my Australia trip later this year.

Guest Post at Cozy in Texas

2012-01-24T16:06:00.002Z

Anne at Cozy in Texas invited me to be a guest on her blog today.
You can read my Guest Post HERE

Tea Cup Tuesday - Total Eclipse August 1999

2012-01-24T00:09:00.000Z

In my kitchen breakfast room I have a couple of beams. I can't recall exactly when, but at some point in the past we had hooks placed into the beams and then I have hung mugs and cups from them. So, over the coming weeks I will share with you those mugs.

The following is a commemorative mug, made locally to celebrate the Total Eclipse in August 1999. I can't remember where I purchased this, probably a local shop, long since closed. I do remember that I had had surgery about two weeks before and I had been very ill afterwards. I was trying very hard to be well enough to be discharged in order that I could view the Eclipse. As it happened I was discharged the day before. Hubby had to be encouraged to drive me to the sea front where we did manage to grab a reasonable spot and view. It was quite a peculiar feeling. The entire town became, almost a deathly quiet as everyone waited with anticipation of the sky getting darker and darker and darker. Then almost in a flash, started to get lighter and lighter. Quiet remarkable.

Taking part in Tea Cup Tuesday hosted by Artful Affirmations & Martha's Favourites

21st Century Organised Family Historian - Week 4 - Set up a Work Area

2012-01-22T20:04:00.000Z

Continuing the weekly theme organised by Michelle at The Turning of Generations.

I am very lucky. I have a whole room designated to my obsessions! The 4th bedroom in the house is at the top of the house. From this room we can access the attic area. The only problem is that there is not a huge amount of natural light, due to the design of the house.

This room houses all my genealogical material, photograph archive and most of my books, although I do actually have books in pretty much all the rooms, with the exception of the room my Mum uses when she comes to stay. There are also two huge filing cabinets, which contain most of the genealogical material, although the table which sits in front of the window in my study currently has a series of folders that I am currently clearing through. Incidentally, the table was my Grandmother's so I quite like to sit there and work.

In my room there are two main work areas. My desk is actually a large table and houses my main desktop, our printer, scanner and copier and usually my laptop and telephone. Grandmother's table which is in front of the window I tend to use for my iPad with keyboard, or perhaps laptop if I don't need to be connected to the power source, or I can clear the table completely and use it for sorting, filing and being creative.

I would post a photograph or two, but not until I have reduced the chaos of books, files and papers to a more organised feature! A former boss once told me that there were filer's and piler's. Guess what I am!

Sunday Salon - Just a few books....

2012-01-22T19:30:00.000Z

I think this is the first Sunday Salon I have taken part in since Christmas. Where does the time go?

Santa, also known as my beloved bought me a Kindle for Christmas. Which is pretty good for a man who refuses categorically to buy me books! So, I have been exploring the wonders and depths of Amazon and Smashwords for their e-books and in particular the free e-books. I have been alerted to some real wonders and new authors.

I spotted a new series by Barbara Sullivan. Unravelling Ada: A Quilted Mystery Novel, reviewed HERE and a second book in the series, Ripping Abigail, which is my current e-book read. I do hope there is going to be a third book.

I have also reviewed two very different books - First this e-book Crime Fiction for Beginners by Gervase Shorter reviewed HERE and paperback - Masters: Art Quilts Volume 2 narrated by Martha Sielman; that review is HERE

I also caught up on a much over due review for the Federation of Family History Society's book club - Tracing Your Channel Island Ancestors. This was an informative read, not just in terms of genealogical information, but also the complexities of the administration of the Islands.

I have also delved into cookery e-books. Some are best viewed on my iPad, but that is about my preference as a reader. First up was Master Chef Tom's Burns Night by Tom Bridge. Burns night is of course just a few days away.

Just after Christmas stumbled across a rather interesting collection of Japanese Ukiyo prints by Daniel and Denise Ankele. Mainly prints of flowers, but there are a few views. A fascinating collection and of course best viewed on a colour viewer such as PC or iPad or alike.

Well, that it is it for another week. I am hoping this week to complete my current e-book read and crack on with a few reviews that I have agreed to do. So many books, so little time!

Weekend Cooking - Burns Night!

2012-01-21T16:46:00.002Z

As this is the last Weekend before 25th January, I thought that I would write about Burns Night. Last year I wrote a guest post over at Geneabloggers last year about Burns Night, explaining how it is celebrated, the poems and with what foods. I have also mentioned previously about a typical meal, in which the essential ingredients are Haggis, Potato and Suede or as they call it north of the border neep!

Haggis can be found in most super markets here in the UK. They are usually found on the fresh meat counters and can be frozen. I routinely have at least two in the freezer. They do need defrosting before cooking.

Haggis can be cooked on the hob, in a pan of boiled water. As soon as the water boils reduce the heat and add the Haggis, with the water simmering it takes around an hour. Haggis can also be cooked in the oven, remove from the plastic casing and wrap in tin foil. Place the Haggis into an oven proof dish with a little water and cook, usually for around an hour. If you cook via the microwave, I usually remove the outer plastic and skin, and don't forget the metal clips at the ends! Cut the Haggis into small segments and cook on full power. Length of time will vary depending on your microwave.

Picture of ready cooked Haggis.

Haggis Pie

Cook Suede and Potatoes

Haggis cooked for about 3 minutes in the microwave (mine is 900w)

Cut Haggis into sections and place in bottom of a dish, I use a Lasagna dish

Mash Suede and place on top of Haggis

Mash potato and place on top of Suede.

Place in Oven for (mine is fan assisted) so 20 minutes until nice and brown.

Wee Beestie!

Cook Haggis and break into bits with a fork.

Serve on a bed of mashed potato and mashed suede (neep)

cover with cheese sauce and a light dusting of black pepper to taste

A nice, informative and easy to read book about a Burns Night Supper is Master Chef Tom's Burns Night

Robert Burns 1759 - 1796

And just to finish off, here is a picture of the man himself!

Weekend Cooking is hosted by BethFishReads

Master Chef Tom's Burns Night by Tom Bridge

2012-01-21T16:43:00.000Z

A great and easy to read book. It starts off with some details of the very first Burns Supper in 1801. Over the following 200 years the celebration of Burns Night is known the world over.

The book explains that Haggis is a cooked product and simply needs to be reheated, which can be done by steaming, boiling, oven heat and microwave.

Also provided is a traditional Burns Supper menu, which is hyper linked to photos or the recipe. There is some brief history to background of the dishes, the ingredients, the cooking method and chef's tips.

The book then finishes with a typical Burns Supper programme. Starting with Grace, Entrance of the Haggis, The Immortal Memory address, Toast to the Lassies and the subsequent reply, Tam O'Shanter, Music, Songs and Poems and then the closing address.

All in all, a nice little book with a mixture of the history of the event, recipes with photos and proceedings.

Sepia Saturday 109 - Dolls!

2012-01-21T12:39:00.003Z

I thought I might struggle to find a suitable photo in the collection of photographs I have here, but as luck would have it!

This is a photo of my Mum's 1st Cousin Janet Downes taken in Guildford Surrey circa 1945

My Mum has a wonderful bridesmaid doll which she was given as a present for Christmas when she was 10 years old. There are no old photos of the doll and I have managed to get a recent photograph taken. You can read about the doll HERE

Taking part in Sepia Saturday

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy - Week 3 - Free Online Genealogy Tools

2012-01-20T15:58:00.002Z

Week 3- Free Online Genealogy Tools - Free online genealogy tools are like gifts from above. Which one are you most thankful for? How has it helped your family history experience?

Challenge from Sunday 15th January 2012 - Saturday 21st January 2012

There are so many free on line genealogical tools, all provided by some very generous people within the genealogical community. Here are several of my favourite ones.

Find A Grave
India Office Family History Search
Families in British India Society - Initial free access database with an option to join the Society and access extra details and facilities.
Family Search
Geelong and District Database - Over a million records! and the Blog

The Geelong and District Database is simply phenomenal. Over a million records, all provided free by fellow researchers. A real genealogical treasure, especially when I reside across the pond. Even if you do not have ancestors in the area go and have a look at the facilities.It is nothing short of fantastic!

Postcard Friendship Friday - Old Tangley, Wonersh Circa 1908

2012-01-20T11:32:00.002Z

Part of my Guildford & District Collection

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

Family History Writing Challenge - Reflections on the 2011 Challenge

2012-01-19T11:37:00.000Z

I did take the 28 days pledge, the one that made last February the month for the Family History Writing Challenge. When I wrote the introductory post I talked about a set of notebooks that I had written over the last 20 years, written from visits to my Great Aunts and other relatives.

It occurs to me that I have not once looked at the notebooks that I mentioned in my 2011 introduction. The posts that have been written have been done so from my memory, recollections and my computer programme. I could not possibly remember all those dates!

The posts were made in an almost logical fashion. I started with my Grandmother and steadily worked backwards. There were the odd deviation and separate posting, written as the fancy took me!

By being able to write several thousand words without the notebooks makes me wonder what else there is to post. Actually the word count sits at 11,557 excluding the introductory post, which was 253 words and this post of somewhere in the region of 200 words. There are lots and lots and lots....you get the picture? What information do we each store in our memories? Things that will overtime be lost. Even my own Mum failed to remember something that she herself told me a few years ago.

I have an idea of what to do with the data collected and written about during February 2011. I also plan to add to those initial 28 a selection of other posts written during the year. I then plan to publish. Depending on how and what I write for the challenge this year they may, or may not be included.

What are your plans for the contents of the 2011 writing challenge?

Family History Writing Challenge 2012

2012-01-19T10:49:00.003Z

Lynn Palermo over at The Armchair Genealogist blog has issued the Family History Writing Challenge and I've decided to accept. Here's the details from Lyn's page.

The Family History Writing Challenge

Feb 1^st-29^th

A 29-Day Commitment to Writing Your Family History

The What, When, Where and How of it All

Why should I sign up?

To actively participate in an opportunity to write your family history, without having to worry about quality. The key to writing is to write. Stop procrastinating; finally commit pen to paper or fingers to key board. Those family facts, finally assemble them into a format someone will read.

Whom Do I Write About?

A single ancestor, a surname, a branch of your tree, you pick.

You select the ancestor or ancestors, the timeframe, just keep in mind who you feel most prepared to write about in terms of research and interest.

How Much Do I Need to Write?

You pick the amount 250, 500, 1000 words a day whatever you can work into your schedule.

Do the math.

250 words x 28 days = 7000 words, you would be well on your way!

500 words x 28 days = 14,000 words, this would be an incredible start!

1000 words x 28 days = 28,000 words, you would be a hero!

Where Do I Write?

Write on your computer, ipad, typewriter, longhand (tough to do word count). Write in your office, at the kitchen table, the local coffee shop, the lawn chair (if your someplace sunny- lucky you), or beside a roaring fire (that would be me).

What If It’s Not Good Enough?

This exercise is not about quality. Very few of us can sit down and shoot out a masterpiece on the first draft. Newsbreak..... most of us take a half dozen passes at it before it is worthy of anyone else’s eyes. This is about making a start. There will be plenty of time to edit your masterpiece later, committing to the word count is a huge step to making it happen.

When Does it Begin?

The Family History Writing Challenge begins Feb 1st to February 29^th. I am asking you to commit 29 days of writing your family history, in the hopes that you will get a running start and you will never look back.

Where Do I Sign Up?

Right here, leave your pledge in comments or link to your own blog post, no goal is official until you have written it down and shared it. Once you verbalize, you become more committed. If you prefer to keep it to yourself that's ok too. However, keep checking back or sign up through email, throughout the month, I will offer numerous posts to help keep you focused, offer you some tips for your writing and help you stay on track and reach your goals. At the end of the month, you can share how you did again here, or on your own blog.

What is stopping you from starting your writing? Let me know, and I will try to help you overcome those obstacles. Meanwhile, you have the next 2 days to get yourself organized to start writing.

Write your family history in 29 days, are you ready to take the challenge?

I've signed up again this year. The commitment is to again write 250 words each day because even though many of my posts run longer than that, 250 words is easy enough to do and doesn't put too much pressure on me. So, where to start? I am going to reflect over the posts for 2011, and see if there is anything that I would especially like to follow. Otherwise, I may be a bit more random this year. Who knows!

How about you? Take the challenge! It might be the impetus you need to get some of that family history written that you've wanted to start!

Follow The Family History Writing Challenge Blog HERE and to take part sign up HERE

Twitter tag - #FHWC

Wordless Wednesday - Across the Morning Sky....

2012-01-18T06:34:00.001Z

Taking part in Wordless Wednesday

Tea Cup Tuesday - Santa's Around the World

2012-01-17T16:16:00.001Z

A few weeks ago I wrote my collection of Spode Santa mugs. You can read about that HERE. As I said in that post I was missing two from the set; Santa's of Germany and Russia. I was delighted then to see for sale, via a well known site a lovely example of the German mug. So made my bid and awaited, fingers crossed for the auction to finish.

Last week the mug made it across the Atlantic. Isn't it lovely?

Just need to locate a Russian Santa, and I will have a full set!

Taking part in Tea Cup Tuesday hosted by Artful Affirmations & Martha's Favourites

21st Century Organised Family Historian - Week 3 - Process Photos & Files

2012-01-16T08:20:00.000Z

Continuing the weekly thread organised by Michelle at The Turning of Generations

Being of slightly obsessive disposition, I do keep numerous backups and updates. The reason for this obsession is that I learn't the hard way!

As soon as I have taken a series of photos they are backed up to my external hard drive, each with a clear named folder. They are then added to Flickr, with again clear titles. Any photos that I want to remain private are flagged accordingly. I also make a CD of specific photographs - such as holidays or trips away.
Photos taken with my iPhone are imported into my laptop and the folder marked with the date and a one word description for example - 2011-13-07 - Jersey. At the end of every month I back up the months files to my external hard drive and then start the whole process again.

Going forward, I plan to remain making a back up via external hard drive, CD and Flickr. What I do need to do is to start going back through the external hard drive moving the genealogical photos into the surname folders. I do have a master folder on the external hard drive of all our old family photos.

I also need to continue digitalising the photographs we have. We currently have three huge plastic crates in the loft area. Each paper envelope is named (either my initials or hubby) and a date, especially the ones that relate to our lives before we married. For example I have loads of my time in Australia in the early 1990s and hubby has lots from his time in the Navy. I also have rather a lot of cemetery photographs. Some for individuals that are known to be related, others taken because they might be!

I do have a scanner, but am seriously considering purchasing a Flip Pal Scanner, which is not readily available here in the UK. Even Amazon directs the search to their US site.

Masters: Art Quilts, Vol. 2 Curated by Martha Sielman

2012-01-15T13:34:00.002Z

Published by Lark Crafts September 2011. ISBN - 978-1-60059-599-8. Curated by Martha Sielman.

This is a beautiful collection of photographs illustrating the amazing talent by 40 creators across the globe. As I sat and viewed each picture I had to really remind myself that this was not simply a painting that had been photographed for the purpose of the publication. Each one was a quilt that had been made to produce the overall effect. This is truly a collection of works by some very talented individuals.

Each chapter starts with some details of the artist involved. The pages that follow are filled with wonderful examples of that individuals work. Beneath each illustration is the sizes of the original, along with the materials used to create what can only be described as a work of art.

The collections within the book are truly inspirational.

Small print - I received a copy from the publisher. I was not paid for the review and the review is my genuine opinion of the book.

Weekend Cooking - Bread

2012-01-15T12:31:00.001Z

I have a bread maker, although it rarely sees the light of day and lives in the kitchen in a rather over crowded cupboard. Before Christmas you may remember I wrote about a programme called The Big Bread Experiment. Inspired by the programme, I made a conscious effort to make some bread using the said machine.

I limped around Sainsburys and purchased some yeast and a few bags of strong white flour. Then one day while Stuart was working, I decided to make some bread. Now, I am not able to stand or sit for huge periods of time due to my sciatica. The bread maker was the perfect assistant. It took about 10 minutes to read the recipe, gather the ingredients and a further 10 minutes to add the ingredients to the machine and set the timer.

After a couple of hours I heard the timer and descended the stairs, excited to see the bread. Well, all I will say is that England could have used the bread for the next test match. It was absolutely and completely rock hard. I checked the recipe. All was OK there. I then spotted the bread flour, recently purchased for the event completely unopened. What had I used? I checked the cupboard and finally the bin and there spotted an empty bag of flour that I have meant to throw away, as I had had it a few years. I checked the expiry date. I am embarrassed to confess the expiry was August 2000. As you may deduce, I don't make much bread.

I have not baked any bread since, but have stumbled across a couple of eBooks via Amazon on baking bread.

Old Fashion bread recipes by Philip Holbrook - A small book with about 10 recipes in of different breads. Written for the American market going by the terminology - "A cake of yeast?" The book focuses on traditional bread making methods
30 Easy Flavoured bread popular recipes by Tellme More - Contains both recipes for traditional methods of baking and using a bread maker. Included a Gluten Free sun dried tomato bread. Each recipe presented in an easy to read format - indicating level of making difficulty, preparation and cooking time, ingredient, method in a detailed step by step format, Tip for recipe.
Easy, fabulous bread making - A Collection of quick, no knead home made bread recipes by Barbara Mack - This is my favourite book out of the three. It is clear to follow, easily presented and some very interesting bread recipes. All made with a minimum of fuss!

Weekend Cooking is hosted by BethFishReads

21st Century Organised Family Historian - Week 2 - Develop a Digital Organizational Scheme

2012-01-14T19:34:00.002Z

Continuing the weekly thread organised by Michelle at The Turning of Generations.

I knew last week that this was going to be a bit of an ordeal. My Maternal ancestry had lived in the area of the Surrey, Sussex and Hampshire borders for around 300 years. It is therefore hardly surprising that I have a duplications of surnames. Not surprising, but very frustrating. In some cases the lines are not know to be connected and in other cases there is an overlap of families. My own Grandparents were 6th Cousins, although they did not know it during there lifetimes. I often wonder what they would have made of that fact.

My rather ageing genealogical programme is Family Origins 10. There will be an upgrade later this year I am sure. The name of my database MainFile. It starts with me and works back across my own ancestry and then goes sideways into my marriage and then heads back through my husband's ancestry.

I have a series of ring binders that reflect the computer database of MainFile. In theory, if the details exist in my database then a paper copy exists in my paper file. My filing cabinet has a file for each of my surnames running A-Z. If there is a great deal on a particular individual they have their own file inside that.

Meanwhile, my external hard drive is in deep, deep need of being organised. The plan that I have thought about over the last week is hopefully going to work. It will look like this:

External Hard Drive
- Genealogy
--JDG (me)
---Surnames (showing a few examples)
----Ayling
----Butcher
------John Hunt Butcher
----Budd
----Bellasis
----Bowring

Within each surname folder is a series of folders like this -
--Butcher
---Census
---Migration
---Photographs (all named and dated)

This structure, repeated for my husband's ancestry.

That is my vision for the project. Fingers crossed it will work and will make a huge difference to the current organisation.

Orlando Cherry Brandy

2012-01-14T18:45:00.000Z

The story behind these little pots is quite interesting.

I inherited a plate from my Grandmother with a very similar patten on it. The design was by the artist, Wattau.

So, in my search to see if there were any other similar plates I came across one of these little pots. On the back is the details of Orlando Cherry Brandy, Aidee liqueurs, Torquay. Interesting, as the name of Orlando appears in my Italian ancestry, I simply had to buy the little pot. Then I bought another, and another.....
I actually do not live too far from Torquay, so I set about to research a little about the business, that closed long ago.

Sepia Saturday 108 - Hats!

2012-01-14T08:52:00.002Z

The moment I saw the photo prompt I knew the photograph I wanted to use. It was just a shame that I could not lay my hands on it! Instead, I came across the following two photos which really show the character of my Grandfather.

Taken at Peel Avenue, Shoeburyness when my Grandfather was visiting his sister and her husband and was taken during the period of 1952-1957

On this second photo clearly there was no hats available!

We have had trouble dating the photo. Mum thinks it is prior to her being born in 1947. This is a sepia photograph compared to the one above which is black and white. Others that are also sepia show my Grandparents in the garden of the house that they lived in from 1940. My Grandfather didn't join the Army until the Autumn of 1940. Of course post 1939 the beaches on the South coast were heavily defended. I think this is just pre war. Is this the Summer of 1939? which would make this just before they married, (they married in November 1939). The venue is possibly Shoeburyness. Whilst Brighton was a favourite seaside venue the beach is too pebbly!

Taking part in Sepia Saturday

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy - Week 2 - Paid Online Genealogy Tools

2012-01-13T22:44:00.000Z

Week Two - Which paid genealogical tool do you appreciate the most? What special features put it at the top of your list? How can it help others with their genealogical research?

Challenge open Sunday 8th January to Saturday 14th January 2012

I have several paid genealogical subscriptions. The one I probably value the most is my World Membership to Ancestry - probably seen by some as expensive at £155 a year, it enables to me to research an abundance of genealogical records across the world. I have research in Australia, USA, Canada, India, Italy and New Zealand. Whilst some of those Countries have limited access at the moment - such as Italy, I more than make up for the lack of use in that area in other areas, such as the US material.

Not to mention the value for money in reduced transportation costs. The latest quote for a flight to Sydney for example is around £950, where as this way I can at least do some research on line. There is a trade off. I would rather go to the archive and look at the original document with my own eyes. However, that is not always an option, in terms of costs, time and domestics.

Out of interest, a fellow researcher in the US tells me that she routinely renews her Ancestry subscription using the UK site because of the exchange rate.

I also have a paid subscription to the following UK:

FindmyPast - currently use the credits system - may upgrade to a subscription
Scotlandspeople - currently use the credits system
GenesReunited. - Renewed each year for £9.95

I also belong to a few Family History Societies. Some have placed huge amounts of data at the disposal of their members - these are the one that do, that I am a member of

I also have used Footnote, now Fold3. Mainly on a pay as you go system, when I want a specific document. One of which was a Naturalisation Record for my husband's Great Grandmother. Another site that offers data on line for purchase is The National Archives. I have had some real success with purchasing military records and early wills.

They key thing is that the majority of these sites offer different things. Each researcher will require something a little different based upon how they research their ancestral roots. Do they simply go backwards or do they perhaps research the families of their ancestry backwards and sideways and research siblings of ancestors.

What is clear, is that however and whoever we research, we will all have our favourite sites, those what we feel we get the most value for money from. I guess it is a case of one size does not fit all!

Postcard Friendship Friday - Rowley Bristow Orthopedic Hospital Surrey

2012-01-13T18:05:00.003Z

Here is Rowley Bristow Orthopedic Hospital at Pyrford. This card is from July 1954, which was the same time my Mum was a patient there.

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

Unraveling Ada, a Quilted Mystery novel by Barbara Sullivan

2012-01-12T14:04:00.003Z

I was delighted when I spotted via Amazon just before Christmas. I had high hopes for the book and I wasn't disappointed. In fact I was only about a third of the way through the book when I checked if there was another in the series, which there was!

The series, opens with the introduction of the narrator Rachel, who with her husband Matt run a private investigator business. Rachel has a background in libraries and is a quilter looking for a regular American style quilting bee. Matt is an former military man. They are pretty much the business, although they do have a small team of employee who help them complete the various contracts.

Having looked for a quilting bee without success, the participants in one contact Rachel and invite her to join. Rachel does and is somewhat bewildered with the other members. Each one seems to have a story to tell and one to hide. By the end of the first evening, a member of the group ask Rachel if they can employer her to do some investigations. Rachel, agrees and leaves the quilting be clutching a diary,quilt, a family tree and lots and lots of questions....

The story that unfolds is not complex, but it is a story with lots of strands, much like the strands holding a quilt together. The strands come together, which culminates with Rachel being threatened. Her investigations are getting close to the truth......and generations of secrets are about to be told.

I loved this book. It has everything that I love, characters that felt like they were having a conversation with me, a good storyline and a complex genealogy.

I am currently reading the second book in the series and I hope there is more in the series to come.

Tracing Your Channel Island Ancestors by Marie-Louise Backhurst

2012-01-12T09:35:00.001Z

Published as part of the, Tracing Your Ancestor Series. This volume contains a wealth of information within its 186 pages. Written in a clear, easy to read format with photographic illustrations and a concise index. The book itself is divided into 5 chapters.

Chapter one Internet resources and sources located outside of the Islands. Chapter two covers Jersey. Chapter three covers Guernsey, Herm and the less well known island of Jethou. Chapter four covers Alderney, and chapter five Sark. There is also a listing of Family History Societies, libraries and archives for the Islands.

Each chapter commences with a general discription of the georgraphy, history and the administration of the relevant Island. Followed by, a comprehensive look at the civil records, Church Registers and Surnames and Cemeteries. Also covered are property and other official records, military and migration, education, employment and crime.

I recommend this as a valuable text to anyone researching their Channel Island ancestry. It would make a useful addition to a genealogical library or for anyone who has an interest in the Islands.

Book Review for Federation of Family History Societies book club November 2011

Japanese Ukiyo-e Floral Prints by Daniel & Denise Ankele

2012-01-12T09:07:00.000Z

This is an eBook that I spotted via Amazon just after Christmas. I downloaded to my iPad and Kindle and viewed on my iPad as the Kindle is not in colour. At the time I downloaded, this was a free book.

This is a beautiful collection of floral prints from 1868 - 1912. The collection does contain a few landscapes, but in the main most are of flowers. This is a purely visual experience.

The Hibiscus by Mrs Bellasis circa 1802

One of the things that did intrigue me was the picture of the Hibiscus plant - a lovely vibrant picture.

As readers may recall I came across a picture in the Mitchell Library, State Library for New South Wales that was drawn by my ancestor - Mrs Bellasis circa 1802 - 1803. You can read about that HERE

This made me wonder, just how the flower came to be in Australia? Or was it something that Mrs Bellasis drew from an early book?

100 Word Challenge - Week 26

2012-01-10T15:47:00.002Z

Joining the weekly 100 words challenge for Grown ups. This week the prompt is to use the following five words in a paragraph of no more than 105 words.
Aghast Aquamarine Aeroplane Acted After

The women, was wearing a ghastly aquamarine hat with a purple coat and red stilettos. She made quite an impression as she stood at the departure gate. She listened as the airport staff informed her that the departure gate was closed. In fact she was aghast. She simply had to get on that aeroplane. How could they refuse? She had acted in some very important films. They would be sorry after she had finished with them, they would only be fit to clean the planes with a toothbrush. Wearing her most wicked expression she told them so. Nonetheless, the departure gate was still closed.

Taking part in the 100 word Challenge for Grown Ups – Week #26

Tea Cup Tuesday - Royal Commemoratives

2012-01-10T04:37:00.001Z

There is not a lot I can tell you about this commemorative. It was produced for the reign of King George V and Queen Mary 1910 - 1935. There are no marking on the bottom. The only patten there is, is the one above. Nothing is printed on the reverse. The little cup, probably a coffee cup is in good order, with a small chip on the top rim.

The china itself has a Austrian feel to it that is replicated in some slightly earlier pieces that I have. Based upon those details and the feel of the china I would date this circa 1910 and suggest that it is a Coronation piece rather than a Jubilee example.

Taking part in Tea Cup Tuesday hosted by Artful Affirmations & Martha's Favourites

Beyond the Internet Week 1: Church interiors

2012-01-09T23:32:00.002Z

On the very first visit I made to Puttenham in Surrey I just knew I belonged. There was a feeling of completeness.

I walked up the main isle of the church towards the alter and stopped and sat down at one of the pews. Had my ancestors sat in that very spot?

I walked along towards the windows and looked at the stained glass. So vibrant with the sunlight bursting through.

I then looked at the various plaques littered indiscriminately on the walls.

Upon the plaques were the names of people that I had seen in the Parish Records and upon the Census. I remember being so excited I could have burst!

I then walked up to the font. How many ancestors had been Baptised at this very font? I could, time and fingers allowing have worked it out. My earliest known ancestor was Baptised at this font in 1724. This photograph was taken in 2004 - 280 years after that first Baptism.

What struck me as I stood at that font was the powerfulness of it. In years gone by parents would have struggled from their meagre earnings to have the money to pay for their child to be Baptised. There would have been no hesitation. The money would have been found.

So on that day in 2004 I remember telling Stuart exactly how I felt on that very first visit. The feelings of excitement, wonder, completeness. He didn't exactly say I was obsessed, but he did show me a particular look just before his eyes glazed over.

My fascination of the Village has not gone away. I host a One Place Study for the Village and during 2012 the Puttenham Archives that I hold will be placed upon their very own blog. I also need to up date the photographs including taking some of the stained glass windows.

Inspired from Family History Across the Seas.

Quote for today

2012-01-09T22:55:00.004Z

“Reading is a means of thinking with another person’s mind; it forces you to stretch your own.”

By Charles Scribner

21 Resources for Organizing the Family Archive

2012-01-09T19:19:00.000Z

Continuing the weekly thread organised by Michelle at The Turning of Generations.

Here is my list of 21 resources -

Printer Scanner Copier - my faithful machine is a Hewlett Packard
Laptop - Mine is a Toshiba.
iPad - This was a purchase I really didn't know if I would enjoy it and make the most of - I definitely do!
iPhone - This was the start of my affair with Apple - I love it!
External hard drive - mine is an Omega 250 GB which is used for all back ups. I also have a smaller one for when travelling.
Microfiche Reader - yes, I still have some fiche!
Camera - Ours is a Panasonic Lumix TZ20
4 Drawer filing cabinet - we actually have 2 -hubby gets 2 drawers out of a possible 9! The plan is to always reduce the paper mountain to a manageable heap!
MS Office on my laptop - especially Word and Excel
Family Origins 10 - I know it has been superseded by other software. A potential replacement during 2012.
Flickr - Here I host ALL my photographs. The beauty with Flickr is that you can share with Twitter and Face book. There is also a Flickr iPhone Application. You can also make photographs private as a private, personal archive. You can create sets and collections. A Collection could be Genealogy then a set for each family name. Shame I don't follow my own advice! I have a Pro account well worth the £16 a year.
Dropbox - To access files on the move
Evernote - Need to explore a lot more and I suspect that I am under using
MS One Note - Need to explore a lot more.
The Genealogist Internet by Peter Christian - My favourite book as it helps very often when I am organising my thought process, where to look next - to assist is organised and structured research via the internet.
Scrapbook Storytelling by Joanna Campbell Slan - A great book helping the reader to be creative.
Crafting your own Heritage Album by Bev Kirschner Braun
Journals - Since I started researching in the late 1980s, I have always had a note book recording what information I have found, what I need to look at next, perhaps a note simply to act as a prompt for further thought. Over the years my journals have expanded. I carry one with me for everything - recipes, books to read, research, my to do list and much, much more. The only thing not covered is my work - that has a separate book. I probably use on average one book every 8 or 9 months. Each book is numbered and each has on the inside the dates of starting and finishing. I am currently on journal 36 and my work journal is 6W. The organisational aspect of the journal is not just to record information it prevents that mass of post it notes across your desk, well in theory it does. Every now and again I have a post it note clear up!
Billion Graves - iPhone Application - This looks to be a great application in order to record photos of gravestones. I need to experiment more with this.
Grave Encounters - This is my own blog; created to help me gain control of the endless supply of photographs of Grave and memorials. In addition to getting organised it enables me to share with the wider genealogical population.
Genealogy Gem Podcasts - Endless podcasts available via iTunes to assist in organising your research.

Crime Fiction for Beginners by Gervase Shorter

2012-01-07T19:17:00.003Z

This was a gentle and quick read, devoured in a morning accompanied by a cup of tea!

We enter the story with the murder already committed. The body identified by a fellow colleague. Readers are then taken along a journey of establishing what kind of character the deceased was, potential suspects, motive and then finally evidence.

Having established that the author works within the publishing business we are then presented with a series of strands. Strands that are represented as writings by would be authors and the reasons those would be authors would perhaps have for wanting this man dead. We get to know through various snippets the lives of the would be author's and with each snippet, just perhaps their individual motive builds......

I won't share more with you of the who done it, to find the answers you need to read it for yourselves! Except to say this. The strands that build up the storyline are good ones, the entrance from a character that I shall call Mr X was a very clever twist to the storyline.

The characters of the potential suspects I felt were real and I liked the depth given to them through there would be writing and the details of their domestics. The character of the victim shone through, and it was clear to see just what kind of individual he was. The characters who represented the police - Jim and Harriet, who set about solving the murder are felt to be solid and I think these characters have the potential to be developed further into a series involving the two police investigators.

All in all, I enjoyed the book and do hope the author develops the characters of Harriet and Jim.

Small print - I received an eBook copy from the author. I was not paid for the review and the review is my genuine opinion of the book.

The author's website is HERE. Available to purchase from Amazon & Smashwords

Sepia Saturday 107 - Under Arrest

2012-01-07T15:48:00.000Z

This photograph seemed rather fitting, given that we have the Diamond Jubilee this year.

Taken in June 1953 for the Coronation Parade. The rear of the photo has the handwriting of my Great Aunt Dorothy May nee Butcher (1915-2010). She calls this "Under Arrest". The man on the right of the photo was my Great Uncle, Percy Butcher (known as Dick). The location of the photograph is unknown, but probably Godalming,Puttenham or Guildford area, although my Uncle Dick lived in Horley Surrey. He died circa 1970.

Taking part in Sepia Saturday

21st Century Organised Family Historian - Week 1 - Christmas Cards

2012-01-07T15:00:00.001Z

Being the baa-humbug of the house all matters relating to the Christmas tree are dealt with by my husband. Our tree decorations and Christmas paraphernalia live in one of the three eves cupboards we have in the roof of our three storey, with access from my study. So, it is enviable, that the tranquil world of my study is plunged into upheaval each December as the tree goes up and then again in January as the tree goes down. As removal of the tree is done with less interest and panache than going up, the Christmas cards we receive are usually plunged into a paper bag and then plonked into the decorations box.

This year we have taken our tree down later than usual and as I expected the decorations box, a huge non de-script box that we used when we moved house 16 years ago, held an assortment of cards. I say an assortment as it also holds various birthday cards sent to my husband, whose birthday is on 21st December.

Yesterday I sat quietly, whilst Stuart dismantled the tree, and sorted through the variety of Christmas cards. The pile was sorted into those that we would keep and those we would not. I should point out that as cards arrive, some with letters and photos, others with notes on the inside, they are read, digested, and any loose additions removed for safe keeping. Those that have notes written inside perhaps less digested as they are more likely to be added to the box!

It was a trip down memory lane, of perhaps the last few years certainly. I had obviously been through the box at some point as I discovered an Anniversary card for our 13th Wedding anniversary. Just why that was in the box I can not fathom, as our anniversary is in July. There were cards and in a variety of paper bags, each with the year added to the outside - which was rather helpful. I went through the various bags, extracting cards that I did want to keep and writing the year on the reverse. Those I opted not to keep have been added to the recycling bag.

Having gone through the cards I located a box in my study that holds other bits and pieces that I want to hold on to. The cards will be added to the box. At some point they will be scanned or perhaps photographed and some may well appear on a blog post of the future.

As we are talking of Christmas cards, I though that I would share this one, that lives with our family history photographs. The photo is of my Great Grandmother Annie Prudence Butcher nee Harris, or as she is affectionately known in my research notes as APH. The card was the Christmas card she sent in 1950.

Introducing The 21st Century Organized Family Historian

2012-01-06T19:15:00.000Z

Inspired by my fellow family historian and blogger, Michelle at The Turning of Generations. I shall be participating in Michelle's venture of Organising my family history. My goodness, it does need some organisation. My study, filing cabinets and desk are over run with it. So this seems the perfect venture.

To read the initial post click HERE.

Postcard Friendship Friday - Boer War Memorial Aldershot Hampshire circa 1905

2012-01-06T19:00:00.003Z

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

Wapperwell Lake

2012-01-05T19:49:00.000Z

The weather here in the South West of England has been dreadful, some really heavy rain and very, very strong winds. For Christmas I bought for Stuart a season ticket to the local fishing association and he has been itching to not only go fishing (very big yawn!) but also to have a wander around the various lakes covered by the membership.

So, we decided to take Alfie and have a drive out the 6 miles or so to Chudleigh to Wapperwell Lake. Alfie was on the lead the whole time and armed with a small supply of poop bags (just in case!) we, well actually, I, limped around the lake. It was lovely, despite the very strong winds.

Alfie full of Expectation. Do I have to jump or are you going to carry me?

Alfie having a mid walk rest with Stuart.

It was dreadfully cold with the wind chill, and we were not there long, just once around the lake and a few photos. It looks a nice spot. Perhaps Stuart can fish and I can sit in a chair with a book or two and a flask of tea, only if the sun is out and it is not too hot!

Wordless Wednesday - Early Christmas Eve

2012-01-04T13:28:00.001Z

The view of the sun rising from our bedroom window on Christmas Eve. With a gentle glimmering across the sea. You can just see the roof of the local church.

Taking part in Wordless Wednesday

Tea Cup Tuesday - Commemorative for the Future

2012-01-03T15:55:00.005Z

During the lead up to Christmas I took part in the Virtual Advent Tour hosted by Marg of Intrepid Reader. I loved taking part and am still reading the posts others submitted - with all these great blogs and posts it is a wonder we have time for books or anything else! Anyway, I wrote for two events 18th December, which was selected because it would have been my Grandmother's 99th Birthday. I chose to make the remembrance different using Kiva. I plan to commorate other specific family events using Kiva during 2012. The other post was on 21st December and was written to commemorate my husband's special birthday. As part of his special present I purchased this personalised mug for him from Emma Bridgewater

A lovely commemorative for the future.

Taking part in Tea Cup Tuesday hosted by Artful Affirmations & Martha's Favourites

52 Weeks of Abundant Genealogy - Week 1 - Blogs

2012-01-01T07:41:00.009Z

Week 1 – Blogs: Blogging is a great way for genealogists to share information with family members, potential cousins and each other. For which blog are you most thankful? Is it one of the earliest blogs you read, or a current one? What is special about the blog and why should others read it?

Challenge from Sunday 1st January 2012 - Saturday 7th January 2012

I can't remember the first genealogy blog I read. I started this blog in a very naive form in 2002, which makes me in the blog world nearly 10 years old!

Blogging is so very easy to start, find a platform, and start writing, connecting with others and making comments. Of course, because there are so many blogs and so many great blogs, it really is hard to choose a particular blog. There are so many personal genealogies to read, genealogical processes and thoughts read that can be used as a springboard for others to use. With there being so many blogs it is easy to miss a great one - Twitter helps with that for me. That said, the biggest blog resource I use is Geneabloggers.

Just look through the Geneabloggers site. Thomas produces a daily post every day of every week. All free of charge. The site is a spring board of positivity, contemplation and blog prompts. If ever you wanted to write a blog post and didn't know what to write stop by Geneabloggers to read a list of prompts. It is also an information gateway, a host to other bloggers. If it is possible to have a Genealogical Blogging Encyclopedia then Geneabloggers is it!

Turning now to my own blog. What I am most grateful for is the facility to be able to write and share with a whole host of people over a host of things. The focus of my blog is quite simply me and everything that makes up me - my hobbies and obsessions, my ancestry, holidays, thoughts, photographs and much more. What there is rarely a mention of is the day job and I guess that says it all!

I take part in various meme's across the week - Tea Cup Tuesday which means that I get to share tea cups and alike that I inherited. I also post fairly regularly to Postcard Friendly Friday and share my postcard collection. I am planning a more focused post for Sunday Stamps using my childhood collection of stamps before they travel across the Pacific in the Autumn to the next generation of my extended family. I also like to take part in Sepia Saturday which enables me to share my photographs of past generations and occasionally I include a more recent one. I tend to follow my other obsession of books with a bookish post at the Sunday Salon, although I have been slack of late. Almost finally, I often post about Weekend Cooking, where I perhaps share a book review of a cook book or program or in the past a smart phone cookery app and perhaps a recipe or two!

In addition to these I take part in various prompts provided by Geneabloggers and have just almost completed the 52 weeks of personal genealogy. I usually take part in the Carnival of Genealogy hosted by Jasia.

I host a blog called Grave Encounters as part of the Graveyard Rabbits and have been invited to write in their international slot during 2012.

During the latter part of 2011, I started a year long project of sharing my Guildford and District Collection of postcards, again I decided to post these to a separate blog.

I also have a blog called George's War, which has been quiet over the last few years which is about my Grandfather's time in the Army during the Second World War.

The plan during 2012 is to share my One Place Study on Puttenham, a rural village in Surrey England using a separate blog.

The absolute beauty of a blog is that, whilst perhaps isolated writing in our homes or other venues we can share our research, thoughts and much more with a mixture of known and unknown world wide web population. The search engines tend to record posts for prosperity and I am always aware that once a thought or comment is committed to the blogosphere it can be read by ALL, so I use the rule of thumb, if I wouldn't tell someone a specific at a bus stop then I won't share via my blog!

A blog can grow and develop with you. This blog has. It has grown as I have become more confident, taken part in more posting activity and received more comments from others. What I am grateful for is the on line friendships that it brings. The people that we "meet" along the way as we read other blogs, post to our own blogs and leave and receive comments. There is a real sense of community, both within the blogging world and the genealogical world.

What is quite remarkable is that the world has a landmass of 13,056 million hectares, yet the world wide web has reduced it in a virtual way to the size of a matchbox! We live in a remarkable world and have an enormous amount of technology and information at our disposal, the blogging world helps to make that possible.

Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T07:00:00.002Z

Yesterday while I was sitting having my lunch I turned on the news at 1pm UK time and watched the tremendous firework display that occurred over Sydney as Australia saw in the New Year. My thoughts turning to my family who are down under!

Here are the tremendous fireworks - the fireworks start at around 2 minutes in! which makes the film just under 15 minutes. According to Sky News the cost was around 4 million pounds.

Eleven hours later, I watched the news again, as we saw the New Year in, here in the UK. In my hand a small glass of something fizzy! Fireworks to the sounds Big Ben striking, over the Houses of Parliament, River Thames and the Millennium Wheel. 2012 looks to be a promising and busy year in the UK, as we host the Olympics and celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee.

Christmas Day!

2011-12-31T15:52:00.001Z

Before we head into 2012 I had best quickly post about our Christmas. Alf's is HERE.

We had a quiet one, with hubby working over Christmas. Not sure if it was lucky or not, but he worked nights so spent most of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day in bed.

We had a hearty breakfast about 9.30 on Christmas morning, which gave hubby a few hours sleep before eating. We then opened the presents - here is a quick photo of mine!

Hubby headed off back to bed until 4pm when I woke him for lunch. We usually eat about 1.30pm on Christmas Day, so the whole day felt a bit odd to me. Hubby had of course snoozed the majority of the day away which was a shame, but I did get to operate the remote control for the television, it is simply a shame that I can not get the sound through the Blu Ray player system. Whatever happened to just using the television speakers?....

I did watch The Queen's Speech, which was broadcast for the first year on Sky News, my favourite news channel.

One of my wonderful packages contained a Kindle and I see from Amazon that the manuscripts of the Queen's Christmas Message for 1952-2010 and 2011 has been released, free of charge, by The Monarchy.

There was some wonderful books in the other packages, courtesy of my Mum, as hubby I think gets pretty fed up with my head in a book, of course by buying a Kindle he has simply swapped one reading medium for another! Perhaps there are some fishing books for Kindle I can tempt him with?

Sunday Salon - 2011 into 2012

2011-12-31T09:16:00.002Z

I started writing this on Christmas Eve here in the UK and am completing it on New Years Eve, where did that week go?

Over the course of the last couple of months I have been laid up with sciatica and feeling pretty miserable about being unable to continue with my normal routine. During that time I have read a few books, not as many as you might think, written a few blog posts and watched a few programmes on the television. I also seriously considered getting a Kindle.

I set about reading posts of those who had blogged about their Kindle, and in the end decided upon the Kindle Keyboard as this allows free 3G access and we are planning a trip to Australia in 2012, this sounded just the ticket. All being well, there is one wrapped and under the tree, or at least there looks to be a Kindle shaped box under the tree. Sadly, I can not bend down to pick up it and have a prod and shake! - update, there was one under the tree and I am delighted with it! Thanks Santa, sorry, I mean hubby!

While I was researching I discovered a few web pages and alike that give access to Kindle books including those that are free, or free for a limited amount of time.

There are just so many wonderful books out there, OK, there are some dreadful ones too, but....the ebook and the free ebook at that, does allow the reader to explore perhaps unknown authors, or for authors to test the water. I truly didn't think that I would become so interested in e-books. I love the feel of books, the smell of old books and looking at bookshelves. E-books can bring us reading at a different level and with ease. It was the obvious solution to the question of how was I going to choose books for a month in Australia? I would have to take books with me that perhaps I could leave there. This is the perfect solution and my Kindle model has the 3G capacity at no extra charge, so I might be able to explore email too!

I have a few book review to post, a few is actually about 10 - two of them are e-books, one is a review book for an organisation and another two are reviews for authors. The rest are my reading over the last few months.

A recent, enjoyable and easy read, via e-book, which I read via iPad, was the Book Bloggers Cook Book for 2011. You can read my review HERE

The plan for 2012 is to get the reviews caught up. Plan my trip to Oz and make a serious dent in the mountain of books that I still need to read. I have signed up for a selection of reading challenges. About 6 of them, in the main I have opted for the smallest contribution for each challenge, which is easily manageable and will allow for extra reading and overlap.

I am also planning to complete the 30 day book meme that I started in November, but with my back and Christmas I fell behind, so aim to complete that during January. For those interested the list of prompts is HERE.

For Christmas I did receive some books. Mum is pretty much the only person to buy me books - so this was wonderful. More on that in a later post.

During the lead up to Christmas I took part in the Virtual Advent Tour hosted by Marg of Intrepid Reader. I loved taking part and am still reading the posts others submitted - with all these great blogs and posts it is a wonder we have time for books! Anyway, I wanted to share with you in particular one of the two posts that I wrote for the event 18th December. The 18th December was selected because it would have been my Grandmother's 99th Birthday. I chose to make the remembrance different using Kiva. I plan to commorate other specific family events using Kiva during 2012.The other post was on 21st December and was written to commemorate my husband's special birthday.

Well that is is, all that is left to say on this final Sunday Salon for 2011 is Happy New Year! and to share with you a New Year Postcard sent from the Battle Fields of the First World War. This card was sent in 1916. If you are interested in the people behind the card click HERE

Sepia Saturday 106 - Happy New Year from the Front - 1916

2011-12-31T00:01:00.008Z

Purchased for my Guildford & District Collection

So, Who was Fred?.....

A search of the Marriages for a B Turner in Guildford 1916+ to a Fred revealed one such entry. The marriage of Bertha A Turner to Frederick W Wait in the September Quarter of 1917 at Guildford. (Ref 2a, 201).

Working backwards to the 1911 Census. Did that reveal more of Bertha? The index revealed one entry for a Bertha E Turner. I took a chance and looked at the data. It didn't pay off, and revealed a Bertha Elizabeth Turner residing at 144 Walnut Tree Close Guildford, a stones through of my Grandmother at 114. Isn't research curious?.

Anyway, A quick look through the First World War records didn't prove obviously helpful, neither did the Commonwealth War Graves website. So I still didn't know who Fred was. A quick search of the 1911 Census for him and I was surprised. It revealed one entry; just one.

Frederick William Wait, Single and Aged 20 years born 1891 Guildford. On overseas military duty and recorded as in the 7th Dragoon Guards and stationed at Hislop Barracks, Trimulgherry, Duccan, India.

That I had not expected. This is still not conclusive that the Fred in India is the Fred in France. Were regiments pulled from various bits of the Empire in order to fight in Europe. Quite possibly.

Taking part in Sepia Saturday

Postcard Friendship Friday - Happy New Year From the Front 1916

2011-12-30T06:30:00.049Z

Purchased for my Guildford & District Collection

So, Who was Fred?.....

A search of the Marriages for a B Turner in Guildford 1916+ to a Fred revealed one such entry. The marriage of Bertha A Turner to Frederick W Wait in the September Quarter of 1917 at Guildford. (Ref 2a, 201).

Working backwards to the 1911 Census. Did that reveal more of Bertha? The index revealed one entry for a Bertha E Turner. I took a chance and looked at the data. It didn't pay off, and revealed a Bertha Elizabeth Turner residing at 144 Walnut Tree Close Guildford, a stones through of my Grandmother at 114. Isn't research curious?.

Anyway, A quick look through the First World War records didn't prove obviously helpful, neither did the Commonwealth War Graves website. So I still didn't know who Fred was. A quick search of the 1911 Census for him and I was surprised. It revealed one entry; just one.

Frederick William Wait, Single and Aged 20 years born 1891 Guildford. On overseas military duty and recorded as in the 7th Dragoon Guards and stationed at Hislop Barracks, Trimulgherry, Duccan, India.

That I had not expected. This is still not conclusive that the Fred in India is the Fred in France. Were regiments pulled from various bits of the Empire in order to fight in Europe. Quite possibly.

Hosted by The Best Hearts are Crunchy

Tea Cup Tuesday - Tri-Handled Cup

2011-12-27T18:26:00.001Z

This little beauty is a fairly recent purchased to accompany my Guildford and District collection. This first photograph shows the front of the cup complete with the coat of arms for my home town. Guildford is in Surrey England.

The china is delicate and has beautiful little flowers on a pale green back ground.

The bottom show that this piece was produced somewhere within the British Empire - I would date this circa 1910.

Taking part in Tea Cup Tuesday hosted by Artful Affirmations & Martha's Favourites

Joining the 2012 European Reading Challenge

2011-12-27T17:02:00.003Z

Hosted by Read City Reader Click HERE to sign up. The Challenge runs from 1st January 2012 until 31st January 2013.

I am committing to reading five books known as Deluxe Entourage. The commitment is to read five books across five different European Countries or written by five different European authors. There is flexibility within the challenge in that I could specialise in foodie books - Agritourisimo. Overlapping with other books challenges is allowed, which is excellent news!

Here are my books -

The Scottish - Irish Pub & Hearth Cookbook by Kay Shaw Nelson (United Kingdom)
TBC
TBC
TBC
TBC

Alfie's Christmas!

2011-12-26T15:13:00.001Z

Alfie, who does make fairly regular appearances on this blog had a wonderful Christmas. Under the tree were two presents for him.

As any dog owner will know, a dog has an acute sense of smell, so Alf was quite aware that what was under the tree was edible. He is such a good little chap, that most days he would simply sniff his gifts, which was pretty much like hubby having a small prod and feel at any additions under the tree!

Anyway, they were edible and Alf on Christmas morning was quick to investigate, after having some assistance with the wrapping!

After a small play and in preparation for a small Christmas lunch, yes, even with a few vegetables, Alf snoozed the morning away! Whoever said it was a dog's life was absolutely right!

Christmas Wishes

2011-12-24T17:06:00.000Z

"Remembrance, like a candle,

Shines brightest

at Christmastime"

Charles Dickens

Birthday Cake

2011-12-21T13:57:00.000Z

My dear friend dropped in this morning the birthday cake I ordered for Stuart's birthday. Made by Carole's Cupcakes. Isn't it wonderful?

You can read a bit more about Stuart's special day HERE

Virtual Advent Tour - A Very Special Day!

2011-12-21T00:01:00.017Z

I am again delighted to take part in the 2011 Virtual Advent Tour hosted by Marg & Kelly. This is my first year of taking part and I am hoping that it won't be the last. It is a wonderful way to meet other bloggers and spread festive cheer! When I decided to take part I selected two special dates - this is the second of those two dates.You can read the first post, 18th December HERE.

Today is my husband's birthday. The sort that end in a zero! Buying a gift is always tricky, just a few days before Christmas all the suitable ideas have usually become Christmas presents. I wanted to mark the occasion in a special way. So, being incapacitated at the moment, wandering around the shops was not an option.

I was then delighted to see an advert for a distillery that produces and decants whisky, a favourite tipple, (although not too often!) into bottles with a nice personalised label. Now, I do not know the first thing about whisky, but a quick search of Google revealed that this was a well known company with a long history. So, I went ahead and ordered the bottle. It arrived in a superb presentation box.

I also ordered from another company here in the UK, a personalised mug. With the name on the front and on the bottom the dates. Which I think are a lovely way to commemorate a special day in hubby's life. I usually purchase his birthday card much earlier in the year. I find that regular cards are reduced in stock to make way for the rows and rows of Christmas cards. So, earlier in the year I ordered and paid for a personalised card which should arrive in good time. A former colleague made me a lovely cake which was delivered early this morning.

As some readers will know, my husband grew up in the Scottish border town of Lockerbie. I remember when we first met and he told me where his parents lived, the first thing I said was ah, the town of the air disaster.

On the 21st December 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was the victim of terrorist activity and as a result, all on board lost their lives. What is often forgotten is that as the plane crashed to the ground, some locals were also killed. A road and several houses were completely demolished. Now a park resides on that spot. The main fuselage landed just outside the small hamlet of Bankshill. This small hamlet is where my husband's family lived at the time. Thankfully, none of them were hurt. The local parish church at Tundergarth has a memorial room and a book of remembrance. Just on the outskirts of Lockerbie, at the local cemetery is a full memorial. It names each of the passengers and crew on the plane and there is a further memorial that names the locals, which included a friend of my husband.

Such an event rocked the entire World, and as one would expect the events of that day dominated the news and newspapers for several weeks, and of course in recent years there has been further mention of the event and the links to the politics of the Countries involved.

Whenever, we head to Lockerbie, we always visit the memorial and pay our silent respects and this plaque says it all - that even in tragedy we can be united.

For those interested further, photographs of the various plaques connected to the disaster at Lockerbie can be seen at Grave Encounters.

Whilst, I end on a rather sad note, there is joy as this is the festive season and for a very special man, today is his very special day. Happy Birthday Stuart!

The Book Bloggers Cookbook 2011

2011-12-20T19:00:00.002Z

I recently became aware that this was available for the Kindle. My Kindle isn't available until after Santa brings it! but I downloaded the book and was able to read it via the iPad app made available by Amazon.

What a fantastic idea; I so wish I had thought of it!

The layout is clear and simple. Starting with a photograph of the book cover with the name of the author, then followed by a synopsis of the book. Next comes the recipe with photograph, inspired by the book and lastly a small list of what several bloggers said about the book with click able links to their respective blogs, which hosts their full reviews.

There are indexes of books, authors, contributing blogs and recipes which is great, as so many books of this sort don't bother with indexes and that is a pet hate of mine!

I have a couple of favourites - Rosemary and Lemon Roasted Chicken, which accompanies the book, Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. I also spotted a rather fun cozy mystery called Lemon Tart by Josi S Kilpack. Not too surprisingly, the accompanying recipe is for To Die For Lemon Tart!

This such a simple idea, yet a really enjoyable read, full of recipes to try, books to read and blogs to explore. Exactly what a book blogging cook needs! I loved this book and have signed up to take part in the 2012 edition.

My advice is sit with a cup of your favourite drink, a note pad and pencil and jot down the names of those books, recipes and blogs to visit.....I did!

Available to purchase and download via Amazon

Tea Cup Tuesday - Santa's Around the World

2011-12-20T09:41:00.008Z

A few years ago, I stumbled across a rather nice set of mugs made by Spode. Each Christmas, from 1998 until 2004, Spode released one mug featuring a Santa from a different Country.

Here they are in more detail -

In 1998 the First of the series was the British Santa

In 1999 Spode released the German Santa, which is one of the two I have missing and am still seeking.

In 2000 Bishop of Myra was released.

Then in 2001, The Russian Santa was release, the second one that I am missing from the set.

In 2002 The Norwegian Santa made an appearance

In 2003, The French Santa was released

And finally, in 2004 to complete the series, the American Santa was released.

I think of all the set that I currently have my favourite is the American Santa, because of the vibrant, festive colours. Which one is your favourite?

Taking part in Tea Cup Tuesday hosted by Artful Affirmations & Martha's Favourites