tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7416796907606922932024-03-14T07:57:21.637+13:00Hunting Ancestors"How do you know who you are, if you don't know where you have come from . . . ?"genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-31699655680547854222019-09-03T15:51:00.005+12:002019-09-03T16:03:16.895+12:00Six years between blogs . . . . Its been a very long time since I've blogged dear reader (if I have any apart from myself).<br />
<br />
Time has marched on, and a new tool has entered the genealogy field. I say new - as it has been around for a while, and is only "new" to my blog.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genealogical_DNA_test" target="_blank">DNA testing</a> has created a huge learning curve and also an awesome opportunity to find out new information about your family. It is helping people validate their paper/traditional research. It is bringing up surprises as well as shocks for many.<br />
<br />
The type of DNA testing most effective for finding family, is the autosomal test - or atDNA. Most DNA companies do this test. Other tests include the mitochondrial (mtDNA) or the YDNA. YDNA is effective for deep testing along the male line (DNA inherited and passed solely from father to son). mtDNA is from the X chromosome and can be inherited only from the mother - but both son and daughter receive a copy.<br />
<br />
The test myself, my father and mother and my cousin have had done, is the atDNA through Ancestry. No shocks or surprises as yet, but it has yielded some measure of success already, in that I have successfully discovered a first cousin for my Scottish mother. A younger cousin lost to the mists of time and memory, from when my mother moved from Aberdeen to Edinburgh. Its nice as they are in correspondence via email now, and swapping family stories and memories.<br />
<br />
I also found a second cousin from my father's Newfoundland line who has happily shared family photos. I do have some family mysteries to solve . . .<br />
<br />
I've also been assisting customers at work, who don't know what to do when they get their tests results back, explaining how it all works, and generally just getting them started.<br />
<br />
So far this has been me dipping my toes in - and learning as I go. And watching YouTube videos and reading . . .<br />
<br />
Happy hunting<br />
<br />genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-26627654746424549062013-04-13T21:45:00.004+12:002013-04-13T22:01:18.999+12:00In memory of Private James Daniel BOOTHER d1914My father reconnected with a second cousin of his recently, so I've been spending time on my own personal research for a change. Its been a while. The cousin is a Catchpole, and his grandfather married into our Boother line, by marrying my great-grandmother's sister.<br />
<br />
I needed to collect the information from our Catchpole relative, and also go through some information sent to me by another distant Boother relative sometime ago, as we wanted to know more about the Catchpoles and he wanted to know more about the Boothers. <br />
<br />
While going through my lines, checking and updating with the new information, and verifying the information sent by our Boother relative, I noticed a young man who'd died in 1914: James Daniel BOOTHER.<br />
<br />
He is my great-great-uncle, younger brother of my great-grandmother Jessie WARD (nee BOOTHER). Apart from that, birth year and death year, I knew nothing else about him.<br />
<br />
Mostly I tend to concentrate on my direct line back - unless I have a brickwall, and need to do sibling research to get passed it. <br />
<br />
As he had died at 28, early on in the First World War, I decided to focus on him, and see what I could find out. Especially since I am concentrating on the annual <a href="http://kintalkfamilyhistory.blogspot.co.nz/2013/03/2013-trans-tasman-anzac-day-blog.html" target="_blank"><i><b>Trans Tasman Anzac Day Blog Challenge </b></i></a>that I do for work.<br />
<br />
Using the <a href="http://www.findmypast.co.uk/" target="_blank"><i><b>FindMyPast</b></i></a> website, I found him in the <i>1891 UK Census</i> as a five year old, with his parents George and Margaret BOOTHER, and his five siblings. They were living in Sittingbourne in Kent, and his father was working as a bricklayer.<br />
<br />
In the <i>1901 UK Census</i>, James was 16 and working as a "Trade Boy". The family was living in Sheerness, now with only four of his siblings - his baby brother George (a twin) had died shortly after the previous census. Their father was working as a general labourer.<br />
<br />
I have not been able to find our James in the <i>1911 UK Census</i> in <a href="http://www.findmypast.co.uk/" target="_blank"><i><b>FindMyPast</b></i></a>, so as any researcher would do, I switched to looking him up in <i><b><a href="http://home.ancestry.com.au/" target="_blank">Ancestry</a> </b></i>in the <i>1911 Census</i>.<br />
<br />
I found him. In India. In the Army. <br />
<br />
According to the <i>1911 Census</i> on <i><b><a href="http://home.ancestry.com.au/" target="_blank">Ancestry</a></b></i> I discovered that he was Private James Daniel BOOTHER 2/Royal West Kent Battalion.<br />
<br />
Looking at the transcription index on <i><b><a href="http://home.ancestry.com.au/" target="_blank">Ancestry</a></b></i> of the <i>UK Soldiers Died in the Great War, 1914-1919</i>, it listed James BOOTHER as Private, number L/7860, 1st Battalion Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), killed in action in France and Flanders in the Western European Theatre of War.<br />
<br />
Checking for the same information on <a href="http://www.findmypast.co.uk/" target="_blank"><i><b>FindMyPast</b></i></a>, gave me additional information that he was in the 13th Brigade, 5th Division and his regiment had been deployed to the Front from where they had been stationed in Dublin. It gave further movements of where his brigade was deployed, but of course he was no longer with them at that point. Although landing at Le Havre on 15 August 1914, sadly James was recorded as killed in action on 23 September 1914.<br />
<br />
<i><b><a href="http://home.ancestry.com.au/" target="_blank">Ancestry</a></b></i> had given me the tip to check the <i>UK, De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, 1914-1924</i>, (which <i><b><a href="http://www.findmypast.co.uk/" target="_blank"><i><b>FindMyPast</b></i></a> </b></i>also has) and I discovered another listing for him there. Unfortunately, it didn't have a photo of him - I would have liked that.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
BOOTHER, JAMES Private No. 7860, 1stBattn. Royal West Kent Rgt., s. of George Boother, of 25 Short Street, Sheerness; served with the Expeditionary Force; killed in action 23 Sept 1914.</blockquote>
<br />
Searching <a href="http://www.findmypast.co.uk/" target="_blank"><i><b>FindMyPast</b></i></a>'s death indexes found James on the <i>Index to War Deaths 1914-1921 Army and other ranks (GRO War Death Army Other Ranks (1914-1921)</i>. This gave no new information, but confirmed what I had already found. It does however, provide me with the reference numbers to obtain a death certificate, if I wish to do so.<br />
<br />
At this point, I wanted to know where he was buried, so I turned to the <a href="http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead.aspx?cpage=1" target="_blank"><i><b>Commonwealth Graves Commission website (CGCW)</b></i></a> and searched for James there. I found a listing for him on the <i>La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial</i>. Opening the spreadsheet for this listing, confirmed information I already knew, plus informed me that he was the son of Margaret Boother living at 3 Kent Street, Blue Town, Sheerness and <u>the late George William Boother</u> (??).<br />
<br />
This raised questions, as I have information of George William Boother dying in 1917, and it seems strange the parents aren't the same address. However, I decided that this is probably a red herring - the memorial was no doubt created after 1917 when George Snr had already passed away, and his wife was living in a new address.<br />
<br />
I searched the <i><b>CGCW</b></i> website for the memorial in question, and discovered that its in a small town 66kms to the east of Paris. It commemorates 3740 officers and men of the British Expeditionary Forces who had fallen during the battles of Mons, Le Cateau, the Marne and the Aisne, between the end of August and early October in 1914.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/79100/LA%20FERTE-SOUS-JOUARRE%20MEMORIAL" target="_blank">The website says:</a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The Battle of the Marne, referred to in the French press as the ‘Miracle
of the Marne’, halted the month-long advance of the German forces
toward Paris and decisively ended the possibility of an early German
victory. The battle also marked the beginning of trench warfare as
Allied and German forces entrenched during and after the Battle of the
Aisne in mid-September. By November battle lines had been drawn that
would remain virtually unchanged for almost four years. The British
Expeditionary Force suffered almost 13,000 casualties during the Battle
of the Marne, of whom some 7,000 had been killed.
</blockquote>
Which sounds pretty much like the British Expeditionary Force saved Paris (for the time being) at very heavy cost.<br />
<br />
The website also explains that the memorial wasn't created till 1928, which confirms the red herring. (Be careful when researching, not to add two and two together and make five!).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOJp0huzkWU/UWko5jXLyTI/AAAAAAAACBM/CR0jYEIT6_U/s1600/CEM46770518_121538165886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOJp0huzkWU/UWko5jXLyTI/AAAAAAAACBM/CR0jYEIT6_U/s320/CEM46770518_121538165886.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="plus1"><b>La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial</b></span><br />
<span class="plus1"><b><i>Courtesy of FindAGrave</i> </b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i><b><a href="http://home.ancestry.com.au/" target="_blank">Ancestry</a></b></i> had suggested I go and look for more information about James at the <i><b><a href="http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Boother&GSfn=James&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GScntry=7&GSob=n&GRid=56239326&df=all&" target="_blank">FindAGrave</a> </b></i>website. It confirms information I already have, but also adds the information that his final resting place is not known. It gives a very good description and a lovely photo of the memorial from different angles.<br />
<br />
It also says that the almost 4000 men lost during the <i>First Battle of Marne</i> are commemorated all have no known grave.<br />
<br />
Back at <i><b><a href="http://home.ancestry.com.au/" target="_blank">Ancestry</a></b></i> I discovered a medal card for him, from the <i>British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920</i> dataset. James had been given The Victory Medal, The British War Medal, the 1914 Star and the clasp to the 1914 Star.<br />
<br />
I have ordered more information from the <i><b><a href="http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/" target="_blank">National Archives in UK</a></b></i>, Documents Online, through the <a href="http://www.genealogy.org.nz/" target="_blank"><i><b>New Zealand Society of Genealogist'</b></i>s</a> free research service, as I am a member!<br />
<br />
As James had enlisted in the Army by the <i>1911 UK Census</i>, he was obviously a career soldier, having served in India and Ireland (and possibly other places) before serving in France. I doubt that anything would have prepared him for the realities of WWI, the battles in France and Flanders and the trenches.<br />
<br />
My 2x-great-uncle is not an ANZAC, but this year I will remember him at the ANZAC Day service and wear my poppy for him, as this is the day that New Zealanders commemorate their fallen. My family in the UK may choose to do the same on Armistice Day in November.<br />
<br />
<h2 class="title" itemprop="name">
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<b>In Flanders Field</b></span></span></b></h2>
<div style="margin-top: 20px; min-height: 570px;">
<div class="KonaBody">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fF818-C-wuQ/UWkk_EOWcKI/AAAAAAAACA8/3SmYIdYzYrA/s1600/La+Ferte+CWGC_8565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fF818-C-wuQ/UWkk_EOWcKI/AAAAAAAACA8/3SmYIdYzYrA/s320/La+Ferte+CWGC_8565.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div id="slideshow-nav">
</div>
LA FERTE-SOUS-JOUARRE MEMORIAL </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In Flanders fields the poppies blow<br />
Between the crosses, row on row,<br />
That mark our place; and in the sky<br />
The larks, still bravely singing, fly<br />
Scarce heard amid the guns below.<br />
<br />
We are the Dead. Short days ago<br />
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,<br />
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,<br />
In Flanders fields.<br />
<br />
Take up our quarrel with the foe:<br />
To you from failing hands we throw<br />
The torch; be yours to hold it high.<br />
If ye break faith with us who die<br />
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow<br />
In Flanders fields.
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="poet" itemprop="author">
</div>
<div class="poet" itemprop="author">
<i><b>John McCrae</b></i></div>
</div>
genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-44806116117570633622013-01-30T11:37:00.002+13:002013-01-30T11:37:49.697+13:00Random acts of kindness: George Henry HarveyLast year, I updated my original <a href="http://huntingancestors.blogspot.co.nz/2011/01/tombstone-tuesday-in-memory-of-able.html" target="_blank">Tombstone Tuesday tribute post</a> about my Uncle George after my cousin <a href="http://huntingancestors.blogspot.co.nz/2012/05/able-seaman-george-henry-harvey.html" target="_blank">Mary sent me some further information.</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izI1p2moYmM/T6TI4r2cMFI/AAAAAAAAAbg/pSptrcTaoiI/s1600/george+harvey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izI1p2moYmM/T6TI4r2cMFI/AAAAAAAAAbg/pSptrcTaoiI/s200/george+harvey.jpg" height="200" width="125" /></a></div>
<br />
Recently, a kindly researcher, Brian, found my blog, and sent me a photo of the machine gunboat that my Uncle was on when he was killed. On the back of the photo is a crew list, in the crewmen's own handwriting - which includes my Uncle George.<br />
<br />
Can you imagine my delight?<br />
<br />
Brian's initial email said:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I live in Southwest England, in a village called Galmpton near Brixham in
Devon, a village on the banks of the River Dart which saw a lot of Naval
and Military activity in the 2nd WW both in defence of the Country in
the English Channel and particularly on the build up to D Day. This
village like many others had/has boatyards which is where my contact
with you has just materialised in some research.
My village pub, The Manor Inn, has just come into possession of an old
wartime photo of a HMMGB (with its ID number blanked out under wartime
censorship) and a separate brass plate stating <span class="il">612</span>,
HALLS, 1942
The HALLS are a well established local family who amongst other
interests were owners of the boatyard down the road,It is widely known
that this yard were building these vessels for the war effort (as were
numerous others along the South Coast) I have just 'googled' HMMGB <span class="il">612</span>
and found your research. I have no idea as to the provenance of the
photo (which appears to be a photo of a photo but is clearly a genuine
photo of a MGB) or if the plaque actually belongs to it but I do know
the fact is these boats were built in this village and the Hall family
were boatyard owners - I'm 60 yrs old and know there are one or two older
people in the village with a family history that will be able to recall
the wartime years and Halls boatyard if not specific events about the
vessels built.
If you Google Earth us you will see the area and if I've got this
right, the origins of the vessel <span class="il">612</span> !
Let me know if I have contacted the right family and if I can help further.</i></blockquote>
After my grateful first response to him, Brian replied back:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I live on the River Dart in the village of Galmpton which two had
boatyards assisting the war effort in assembling these vessels, the Dart
itself was a major 'harbour' for naval vessels in the preparations and
launch of Operation Overlord - the D Day landings but a less known
operation was Tiger - a rehearsal for the invasion which ended in
considerable loss of life when a German MTB came across the convoy
training on Slapton Beach in Start Bay just a mile down the coast from
Dartmouth, the disaster was kept secret for years and historians are
still uncovering details - well worth a read given the history of your
knowledge of these famous craft. Did I mention that one of the original
Fairmile boats still works as a passenger ferry out of Dartmouth? </i></blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FgL2e0sqv1M/UQcoxS_b6aI/AAAAAAAABcg/OAShKqNJaLc/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FgL2e0sqv1M/UQcoxS_b6aI/AAAAAAAABcg/OAShKqNJaLc/s320/Image+1.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rYEqSr03qVE/UQco6RqbCjI/AAAAAAAABco/nkHsH_fuak0/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rYEqSr03qVE/UQco6RqbCjI/AAAAAAAABco/nkHsH_fuak0/s320/Image.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Isn't this fabulous? Truly amazing!<br />
<br />
Since beginning my own research, I have been amazed at the kindness of fellow researchers.<br />
<br />
My father and I would like to say a sincere thanks to Brian for making contact, and for allowing me to share this photo above, and excerpts from his emails.<br />
<br />
Happy hunting<br />
<br />
<i><b>Seonaid</b></i>genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-63063372122989801722012-07-08T21:23:00.000+12:002012-07-08T21:30:17.010+12:00The cost of genealogical research - and potential data loss!<br />
<div class="p1">
Revisiting my research and sorting it into order has given me a new perspective.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I had started to get my research into control, starting to scan documents into folders. Making electronic backups. This process has been very slow, as I work fulltime, have a family and also study.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Then my husband had a fall while carrying the laptop, and it broke.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Our laptop had our life on it – not just the typical household stuff, photos etc – but my husband’s work portfolio and all my family history research.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Data retrieval cost a pretty penny, but was necessary to do. As cheap as external storage drives now are, we simply hadn’t had the money to purchase sufficient storage to back everything up.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Fortunately, I had my family tree uploaded to <b><i><a href="http://harveylittle.tribalpages.com/" target="_blank">Tribal Pages</a></i></b>. I’ve always subscribed to the belief that I do not own my ancestors, so freely share my research with people who can prove a family connection. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I know some people out there think that because they did the research, and paid for the website subscriptions and the BDM certificates that they don’t have to share. From my own experience, I do appreciate that the costs aren’t insignificant (both in terms of time and money), but to each their own, its just not a belief I subscribe to.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I have had some qualms however, when my sharing has meant that my research has been taken and grafted on to someone else’s tree without so much as the courtesy of asking my permission, nor even citing me as a source. It grates even more, when they’ve made numerous mistakes, so obviously don’t have the same research standards as me. But you can’t avoid plagarists, nor “name collectors” in this field unfortunately.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Anyway, I also had some family history research documents on another computer, and some were stored also on <b><i><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/" target="_blank">DropBox</a></i></b> (cloud storage is fabulous!). And I also had my hard copy research. So I could have reassembled most of my research eventually, with only a little loss – but that would have taken time.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
This disaster made me think. If we had a fire or similar disaster, what would I do? How much would it cost to replace everything I had? No doubt, the family history research would be the least of my priorities, but eventually, it would rise to the top.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The info stored on <b><i><a href="http://harveylittle.tribalpages.com/" target="_blank">TribalPages</a></i></b> would be ok. However, this website (714 names) contains only the results of my research. Its not the research, nor is it the evidence. The info contained here, is just the results of more than 12 years research, and collaborations with other family branches. And family history research is much more than just gathering names and dates.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
In today’s prices it would cost me £9 to replace every certificate I have got. At today’s exchange rate, that is $NZ18 per certificate. For each name verified during research, that’s a minimum of two certificates per name (sometimes three). Obviously, I’ve not been able to get a certificate for everyone on my tree – mainly just the direct line ancestors, but I have had to get some “sibling” certificates to support my research sometimes. And this for the four branches of my maternal line, and four branches of my paternal line – at least six generations back each! I haven’t done the maths, but I imagine the cost is not insignificant.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In addition to my certificates, I also have my labour and time. True it’s a labour of love. But I hate to think how much time I have spent. Sometimes information is quick to find, other times you can spend years and years off and on, looking for one small piece of information.</div>
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<br /></div>
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In my early days, I had to do the hard slog, looking through registers in public records offices. Visiting LDS <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_History_Center_(LDS_Church)" target="_blank">Family History Libraries</a>, looking through reels and reels of microfilms. Ordering microfilms on interloan from some other <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_History_Center_(LDS_Church)" target="_blank">LDS Family History Library</a> – can’t remember the cost per reel in those days.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
More and more has become available online now, and I did subscribe to <a href="http://www.ancestry.com/" target="_blank"><b><i>Ancestry</i></b></a> to help with my research – a couple of hundred dollars per year, I think, at the time. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Then I’ve also had subscriptions to websites to allow me to share the information with family in as user-friendly a manner as possible. The current one, on <b><i><a href="http://harveylittle.tribalpages.com/" target="_blank">TribalPages</a></i></b>, costs me about $45 per year. There are most probably better ones out there, but this is the most cost effective, affordable one for me. <b><i><a href="http://harveylittle.tribalpages.com/" target="_blank">TribalPages</a></i></b> allows collaboration as mentioned previously, but it also offers the ability for people to create their own family tree graphic. Family have chipped in a couple of times.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
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Now, due to my job, I have free access to <b><i><a href="http://www.ancestry.com/" target="_blank">Ancestry</a></i></b> and <b><i><a href="http://www.findmypast.co.uk/" target="_blank">FindMyPast</a></i></b> at work. However, to do the research for free, I’d need to stay behind after work – which I do, from time to time. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Also, I can find some of my English information for free on the LDS’s <b><i><a href="https://www.familysearch.org/" target="_blank">FamilySearch</a></i></b> site, which helps.</div>
<div class="p1">
However, most of the information on these sites, are just indexes. Its not true to say its all online, because its not. Still have to order those expensive certificates. These websites just save you the cost of an airfare to the local public records office.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Unfortunately, the Scottish government now has a firm commercial grip on the information for my Scottish lines. I find <b><i><a href="http://scotlandspeople.gov.uk/" target="_blank">ScotlandsPeople</a></i></b> horrendously expensive, and it doesn’t allow libraries outside of Scotland to subscribe. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<a href="http://scotlandspeople.gov.uk/" target="_blank"><b><i>ScotlandsPeople</i></b> </a>charge just to view the indexes, then you also have to pay to view the documents. So I’ve been unable to do any Scottish research for a long time because it is currently not in my budget.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
One of my father’s branches is from Newfoundland. Happily the<b><i> <a href="http://ngb.chebucto.org/" target="_blank">Grand Banks</a> </i></b>website for Newfoundland has a huge team of enthusiastic researchers, who are indexing and providing information for <b><span style="color: red;">FREE</span></b>. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<b style="background-color: white;"><i><a href="https://www.familysearch.org/" target="_blank">FamilySearch</a></i></b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span>have also scanned parish registers for Newfoundland, and also provide them for free. As they are not yet indexed, this does cost a time commitment however – as I need to go through each individual image and check for “my” names.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
So all this thinking has really pressed home to me, I really need to digitize and ensure I backup adequately – in a coherent manner, so that if the worst happens, I don’t have to waste precious time reassembling my research.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I also need to succession plan. Who to pass the sum of my research on to, in the event of my death? I’d hate to think of future generations having to start again from scratch.</div>
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<br /></div>genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-31610867673925318392012-05-05T19:00:00.002+12:002012-05-05T19:20:26.583+12:00Able Seaman George Henry Harvey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izI1p2moYmM/T6TI4r2cMFI/AAAAAAAAAbg/pSptrcTaoiI/s1600/george+harvey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-izI1p2moYmM/T6TI4r2cMFI/AAAAAAAAAbg/pSptrcTaoiI/s200/george+harvey.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
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Last year, I wrote a <a href="http://huntingancestors.blogspot.co.nz/2011/01/tombstone-tuesday-in-memory-of-able.html" target="_blank">"Tombtone Tuesday" post about the uncle </a>I have never met, after I discovered a picture of his headstone on Flickr.</div>
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A couple of months ago, my cousin Mary, sent me a document she found amongst her parents papers. Her father Jim, was George and my father's brother.</div>
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Hsving written the review of the <a href="http://kintalkfamilyhistory.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Anzac Blog Challenge on my work blog Kintalk</a>, I decided to write an update post.<br />
<br />
George died intestate, which is unusual in my experience for a serving
man, being sent into action. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Transcription says: </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVEu5Z6_ci0/T6TOVHgmU2I/AAAAAAAAAcc/nLf_LN1mEmw/s1600/harveylittle_4301518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVEu5Z6_ci0/T6TOVHgmU2I/AAAAAAAAAcc/nLf_LN1mEmw/s320/harveylittle_4301518.jpg" width="237" /></a><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I hereby certify that
the applicant of Mr James Edward HARVEY, residing at 4 Dorlington Drive,
Minster, Sheerness, Kent, claiming as the lawful attorney, duly
appointed of Hedley HARVEY, the lawful Father and the only person
entitled to the Estate and to the legal representation of George Henry
HARVEY an Able Seaman Royal Navy ON C/VX 314419 the unadministered
effects of the said George Henry HARVEY who died intestate a bachelor on
the 20th September 1943, has been duly verified and attested as
proscribed by the ORDER in COUNCIL and the statements therein appearing
to be true that the said CLAIMANT is entitled to receive the amount to
the credit of the deceased in the BOOKS of the ADMIRALTY (it not
exceeding ONE HUNDRED POUNDS) in order to administer the same according
to LAW. On behalf of the said Hedley HARVEY.</span></i><br />
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Naval Prize Money 4.4.= N.P.O. 2556 of 20 Oct 1952.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C0xmsA1hhxM/T6TOqwuWDZI/AAAAAAAAAck/Piw1u9g9uhE/s1600/harveylittle_4301536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C0xmsA1hhxM/T6TOqwuWDZI/AAAAAAAAAck/Piw1u9g9uhE/s320/harveylittle_4301536.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQWs1wIXl8I/T6TPCGJKrTI/AAAAAAAAAcs/wYCQo9ar4bY/s1600/AB+George+H+Harvey+1923-1943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQWs1wIXl8I/T6TPCGJKrTI/AAAAAAAAAcs/wYCQo9ar4bY/s200/AB+George+H+Harvey+1923-1943.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
So my grandfather was paid the princely sum of £4 4s "prize money" for the loss of his son, and had to wait nine years before being granted it.</div>
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Seems a small amount of money, to be paid for your life. So sad.</div>
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<br /></div>genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-28089037501530121912012-02-25T21:56:00.002+13:002012-02-25T21:56:38.520+13:00On bravery and other thingsReading back through my last posts, I realise just how brave it can be - professionally and personally - to admit to making mistakes.<br /><br />When I started tracing genealogy, no one I knew was also doing it. Libraries and archives were still "hush hush" affairs (i.e.- you avoided talking at all costs). No one showed me what to do. The internet didn't really exist, and I just did the best I knew how.<br /><br />When I walked into libraries, archives and LDS family history centres, people just got on with what they were doing. If you wanted something you asked at the counter. No one offered you any assistance. Everyone seemed to assume you knew what you were doing. <br /><br />No one ever asked me if I needed anything more substantial in the way of assistance.<br /><br />
Was I unlucky?<br />
<br />
I made heaps of mistakes in the beginning - and have learned by them along the way.<br /><br />As a librarian, I'd hate to think that we do the same thing these days?<br /><br />genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-64869027979756707652012-01-30T15:40:00.001+13:002012-01-30T15:40:36.657+13:00Reviewing my databaseI've been busy sorting out my electronic files, and putting them into the correct folders, continuing on from my last post.<br />
<br />
Next objective is to use these records and review each against the information input into my genealogical database. I use <a href="http://leisterpro.com/" target="_blank">LeisterPro's</a> Reunion for Mac.<br />
<br />
I've only just started, and I can see what a big job its going to be going through the whole lot (800 names). I made some classic beginner's mistakes in the early days.<br />
<br />
One was merging other researchers information into my own file, without first ensuring it was consistent with my own. For example, these contributors had a variety of ways of citing sources:- from the very vague, to the very exact. Some had chosen to use "free form" citation sources rather than set field ones.<br />
<br />
Also, the other researchers that contributed appear to have also used
free-form citations. Ben Sayer from the MacGenealogist explains the
dangers of using free-form here <a href="http://genealogytools.com/the-dangers-of-reunion-freeform-citations/" target="_blank">GenealogyTools.</a><br />
<br />I had also been a bit haphazard with my citations in the early days. Improving as I went along, but not stopping to go back to rectify anything until now. Having further appreciated the importance of citations, due to my academic work towards a library degree, I realise the importance now of correctly citing sources to confirm the value of your research.<br /><br />Source citation is a huge area of contention by some in the genealogy field. I don't want to debate it here, other than to say that I feel that citing sources is hugely desirable, however any research done is better than none at all. Some don't treat their research as seriously as I now do (or realise the significance), and I can respect that. However, I would treat any research without reliably cited sources in the same way I as I do anecdotal information. A useful starting point, but I'd verify every "fact" along the way.<br /><br />One load of records I had never input was Census records. Looking at the field types available in Reunion for Census source citations, I can see why. None of the fields appear to match up with the ones you'd need to accurately cite the Census record.<a href="http://genealogytools.com/the-dangers-of-reunion-freeform-citations/" target="_blank"></a><br /><br />Ben Sayer has another video clip which explains how to move all your sources safely from free-form to field defined. Which looks great and easy to use, if a bit time-consuming. However, the one video I need to see is the one that which he explains how to convert the existing fields in the Census source to user friendly ones that we require. You have to have membership to watch this video, and at the moment I don't have this.<br /><br />However, reading the reviews on his site, make me wonder if I should convert to Family Tree Maker for Mac 2 instead? If I were to do it, now would be a good time. Or shall I wait and see if a Reunion 10 comes out soon?<br /><br />Do you use a Mac? What software do you use? Have you had my experience with Reunion?<br /><br />Anyway, I have a lot more work to do, and a decision to make before I can progress any further.<br />
<br />
<br />genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-43029201190666389222012-01-10T14:20:00.000+13:002012-01-10T14:25:59.993+13:00Sorting out my electronic filingThe best way to review your research I think, is to review your "assets", organise and re-organise.<br />
<br />
Where to start with my re-organisation? Such a big job. Something I got better at, as the years went by. However, I had no idea it would get so big - nor accumulate so many bits of paper and so many files! I also have a lot of duplication, due to not realising I already had something.<br />
<br />
I am a computer-person, so decided to start organising my electronic world, then base my paper filing on it.<br />
<br />
I also decided to research how other people organised their filing too, to see if I could learn something new or different.<br />
<br />
Funnily enough, a tweet came through on Twitter from <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/LisaCooke" target="_blank">@LisaCooke</a> of <a href="http://genealogygems.tv/" target="_blank">GenealogyGems</a>, about a YouTube clip she'd made for <a href="http://familytreemagazine.com/" target="_blank">Family Tree magazine</a>.<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/oWFDITBusPM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
It seemed methodical, so I thought I would follow it.<br />
<br />
After following it through step by step, I decided that the instructions were very clear and concise and easy to follow. <br />
<br />
I made some minor changes and additions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKi-qbRiyKQ/TwuKBILnztI/AAAAAAAAAFA/1adcV70A64M/s1600/Folder+structure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKi-qbRiyKQ/TwuKBILnztI/AAAAAAAAAFA/1adcV70A64M/s400/Folder+structure.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I added a folder "Research Notes", which will keep any files I create while researching, as well as anecdotal information I have or will collect in the future.<br />
<br />
I like things to be easily found. So I've asterisked my maternal-line surname folders, so that they will stay together at the top of the MY TREE folder.<br />
<br />
<br />
I've also colour-coded the surname folders. Unfortunately, the Mac only has a choice of seven label colours including boring grey. So I decided to give my grandmothers line on both sides blue, and my grandfathers line on both sides red. When it comes to stationery (lever arch folders etc), I might try and differentiate the same colours by using shades. Light blue and dark blue for example.<br />
<br />
I figure that these surname folders should probably be copied into other folders as well, such as Photos.<br />
<br />
I am pretty happy with my start at the electronic tidy up.<br />
<br />
Now I just need to fish out all the existing electronic files and put them in the correct place. And then scan the ones I haven't done yet, and file those ones correctly.<br />
<br />
Might take me a while, as I will be doing this methodically, and may have to check backup drives to ensure I have them all!<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I have enjoyed taking the approach of starting from scratch and doing the rebuild from the ground up. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b> </b><br />
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<b><br /></b>genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-56031928739634571492012-01-08T13:30:00.000+13:002012-01-08T13:30:00.966+13:00Surname Sunday - MacKenzie of Applecross<br />
<br />
Oral family history says that our McKenzies of Aberdeen were descended from Mackenzie of Applecross, who reputedly sheltered Bonnie Prince Charlie prior to Culloden.<br />
<br />
To date, I've not managed to verify this story (a good researcher always looks for evidence to back up the anecdotal information). I have another couple of generations to go, to get back to that period; and will revisit it once I've revisited and reviewed my paternal line.<br />
<br />
The research into the Mackenzies of Applecross, says that they are descended from Alexander Mackenzie (died 1650) who was the illegitimate son of Colin Carn Mackenzie of Kintail. Colin was a favourite of Mary, Queen of Scots and also her son King James. <br />
<br />
Alexander's mother was also a Mackenzie: Margaret, daughter of Roderick Mackenzie of Davochmaluag.<br />
<br />
As well as founding the Mackenzies of Applecross, Alexander also founded the Mackenzies of Coul.<br />
<br />
On a peninsula only accessible by boat (in those days), the Applecross estate was originally 70,000 acres and stayed in Mackenzie hands almost continuously until the mid-1800s when it was sold to the Duke of Leeds. Briefly, the Mackenzies lost the Applecross lands between 1715 and 1725 in retribution for their part in the 1715 uprising.<br />
<br />
Applecross is an anglicised corruption of the Pictish word Aporcrosan (confluence of the river Crossan).<br />
<br />
Alexander is a very popular name in our branch of the McKenzies, and crops up repeatedly. There would have been plenty of McKenzies in the Applecross area at the time, and I've not found any proof (yet) that a McKenzie sheltered Charles Stuart.<br />
<br />
And although a significant part of the McKenzie clan supported the Stuart cause, there were other McKenzies that fought on the other side. War so often splits families . . . so I do wonder which side my McKenzies fought on.<br />
<br />
My mother has memories of being told her great-grandfather coming from a long line of soldiers who fought in a Highland regiment, she thinks the Seaforth. This of course, is entirely possible as well.<br />
<br />
Sites I plan to revisit when I'm ready:<br />
<br />
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Mackenzie<br />
http://www.clan-mackenzie.org.uk/index.html<br />
http://sites.google.com/site/culduie/applecrosschronology<br />
<br />
I'll use this page as a parking spot for any other links I find on the subject - so feel free to add any within comments, if you find any.genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com0New Zealand-40.900557 174.885971-53.186806 154.6711275 -28.614308 -164.8991855tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-74028144028952915352012-01-05T19:58:00.000+13:002012-01-07T17:22:51.882+13:00Setting goals - looking forward to 2012New Year's Resolutions always remind me of the many many times I tried to quit smoking or lose weight. So that term has slightly negative connotations for me. <br />
I did eventually give up smoking (13 years ago), and have lost weight several times :-) <br />
– but not as a result of any New Year's Resolution.<br />
<br />
So these aren't New Year's Resolutions. Just as other geneabloggers are doing, I am calling this "goal-setting." <br />
<br />
So what are my genealogical goals for 2012? I plan on just one, as I have to still juggle study, work and family commitments. I want to avoid biting off more than I can chew, and getting as stressed as I was feeling at the end of 2011.<br />
<br />
<b>So what is my goal? - Review and revisit my own family history</b><br />
This is something that family historians should do on a regular basis anyway. Revisiting your research allows you to spot any discrepancies, highlights any gaps or weaknesses, notice clues you'd missed before.<br />
<br />
My own research has been sitting gathering dust since I started studying five years ago. I've never had the time to revisit, choosing to use what precious time I have available to try and add to my research. This could be a false "economy" where my time is concerned. Who knows what I will spot now, especially with my current experience, and my research from the early days when I really had no idea what I was doing? My growth in experience 15 years on could help me see something I really missed, and I most probably will find errors (although hopefully they will be minor).<br />
<br />
My filing needs sorting out. I had no idea that my research would gather so much information when I started down this road. I had promised to do this last year, but didn't get to it.<br />
<br />
So I don't feel guilty about this taking me away from my living family, I am going to chose to think of this as professional development rather than my hobby. This may mean less time being involved in social media, or maybe mean using my time differently.<br />
<br />
I hope to blog as I go through this process. Highlight anything I may do differently.<br />
<br />
I'm really excited that I've been asked to give a paper at a conference in June based on my personal research. This will be my first formal paper. My speaking till now, has been more informal: basically just a presentation, talking to a Powerpoint datashow. And its always based on my professional work. So I am thrilled to be asked to talk about my own work for a change.<br />
<br />
And of course the conference gives me even more reason to revisit and review my own family history.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-51869341304113461222012-01-03T16:40:00.002+13:002012-01-03T16:40:29.902+13:00Awards and CertificatesI watched with pride, my twin daughters receiving their "graduation" certificate from primary school. They move on to "intermediate" school 2012, to prepare them for high school.<br />
<br />
Its been a good year for them. Megan was house leader, Amy class captain. Amy was a peer mediator and a road patroller. Both were school librarians. Their netball team came second in the league (a very close nail-biting second). And accordingly, they collected certificates for their contributions.<br />
<br />
As human beings rewards of whatever nature they take on are esteemed and held in high regard. Course people often don't set out to do things because they are seeking awards.<br />
<br />
At our end of the year, we had our first all-libraries Christmas Party since our libraries amalgamated.<br />
<br />
During the event, I watched while dozens of my colleagues throughout the region, were awarded certificates for their outstanding service above and beyond the call of duty. Its been an immensely busy period, and a period of adjustment for us all, with us settling into the amalgamation.<br />
<br />
Its always a fabulous gratifying thing when people's hard work is recognised and rewarded by employers and colleagues. You know that your work hasn't go unnoticed and that your efforts are truly valued.<br />
<br />
Some companies I've worked for in the past, have had a different culture - they consider that being paid is a reward in itself. And of course that is true too, especially in such lean times when there are alot of people out of work. Other companies may offer bonus schemes.<br />
<br />
On a much grander scale, the <a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10775793" target="_blank">New Year's Honours List</a> was recently published in the New Zealand Herald and other publications around the world (see also the <a href="http://www.dpmc.govt.nz/node/992" target="_blank">Government's website</a>). <br />
<br />
The genealogy community was very excited to see that Jan Gow, owner of <a href="http://www.beehivebooks.co.nz/" target="_blank">Beehive Books</a>, <a href="http://hookedongenealogytours.com/" target="_blank">Hooked on Genealogy Tours</a> and stalwart of the <a href="http://www.genealogy.org.nz/" target="_blank">New Zealand Society of Genealogists</a>, had been awarded the Queens Service Awards (QSM) for services to genealogical research.<br />
<br />
For us, this is exciting on many levels. We're so pleased for Jan for her own sake. She's given so much of herself to the genealogical community, and helped so many people with their family history research. And she has given much assistance and support to professionals like myself as well!<br />
<br />
She's speaking at the upcoming <a href="http://www.congress2012.org.au/html/speakers.htm" target="_blank">13th Australasian Congress of Genealogy and Heraldry</a> in Adelaide run by AFFHO (Australasian Federation of Family History Organisations).<br />
<br />
Jan's speaker's profile gives you a snapshot (tip of the iceberg) of her service to date:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Jan Gow has been a genealogist, tutor, author and lecturer at local,
national and international levels (and cruise ships) since 1985. She has
served on the APG Board and the New Zealand Society of Genealogists as
treasurer and president. Owner of Beehive Books (since 1987) and Hooked
on Genealogy Tours (since 1992), each year preparing and escorting
genealogists to Salt Lake City and the UK. Awarded the AFFHO
(Australasian Federation of Family History Organisations) Award for
Meritorious Service to Family History in 2006. </blockquote>
Jan's QSM is also exciting to the genealogical community for the community's sake. Don't know if genealogy has ever appeared in the New Year's Honours List before, but it means a validation of what has always been thought of as a hobby, and a coming-of-age.<br />
<br />
Elsewhere in the world, genealogy is being seen as a valid career and many educational and tertiary institutions have qualifications that can be studied for:- ranging from certificates through to degrees, and Phds etc.<br />
<br />
This hasn't happened in New Zealand as yet, but hopefully will soon.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, we all want to congratulate Jan. She's worked hard at her passion for many many years. This award is so deserving!<br />
<br />
From the primary school certificates and awards, right through to the QSM and higher - we all need to celebrate our successes (other people's as well as our own!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-43883472945541576822011-12-30T20:32:00.001+13:002012-01-02T16:52:48.891+13:00My year in review - 2011Happy New Year to you all!<br />
<br />
Those of you valiant people who are still subscribing to <b><i>Hunting Ancestors</i></b>, will no doubt fall off your chairs "My goodness, Genebrarian has posted a blog!" No doubt, you've probably forgotten that you even subscribe, since you've not had a feed to your Google Reader (or however you choose to subscribe).<br />
<br />
I've not blogged here since March. I have three blogs in draft format unfinished.<br />
<br />
I had to abandon the <a href="http://www.geneabloggers.com/tag/52-weeks-of-personal-genealogy-history/" target="_blank"><b><i>52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy and History</i></b></a> blogging challenge after only eight weeks.<br />
<br />
I also had to abandon the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/dailyimage2011/" target="_blank"><b><i>Daily Image 2011</i></b></a> that I'd joined up for on Flickr. This was a group of mainly librarians, who were posting a photo/drawing/video with themselves in it somewhere, every day (a photo blog).<br />
<br />
I enjoy blogging. I do. I just kept running out of time to do so. My work blog <a href="http://www.aucklandcitylibraries.com/blog/kintalkfamilyhistoryblog.aspx" target="_blank"><b><i>Kintalk</i></b></a> suffered too, with me posting minimally to it in the last year. My colleagues often helping me out when the gaps between blogs got too big.<br />
<br />
I (only) managed to complete one of the tertiary papers I signed up to do
this year, but had to defer the other; which means a delay in completing
my Diploma in Records Management.<br />
<br />
This year has been somewhat fraught. Family-work-study juggling act has resulted in too many balls in the air at the same time. <br />
<br />
On the personal front, my husband was hospitalised twice, mother twice, father once. Fortunately, all three seem ok now (touch wood), although they all had me terribly worried for a while.<br />
<br />On the positive side: I ran a couple of successful blog challenges in 2011. One of them focussed on Waitangi Day, through this blog. The other a <a href="http://www.aucklandcitylibraries.com/blog/kintalkfamilyhistoryblog/March-2011.aspx" target="_blank">trans-Tasman ANZAC-Day focused challenge</a> with our Australian friends, in partnership with <a href="http://twigsofyore.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Shelley of TwigsofYore</a>. Wrap up of this blog challenge can be <a href="http://www.aucklandcitylibraries.com/blog/kintalkfamilyhistoryblog/May-2011/Review-of-the-TransTasman-Anzac-Day-Blog-Challenge.aspx" target="_blank">read here</a>.<br />
<br />
I rolled out a training programme to approximately 200 staff in the new 55 libraries group, during July and September, which meant a raised awareness of family history resources within the library group (specifically my Research Centre) and also hands-on experience of how to use our Family History eResources and databases.<br />
<br />
As well as my regular chatty updates in the<a href="http://www.genealogy.org.nz/" target="_blank"><i><b> New Zealand Society of Genealogists (NZSG)</b></i></a> magazine <i>The Genealogist</i>, I managed to get a Rugby World Cup themed article published in the August edition of the UK <a href="http://family-tree.co.uk/2011/08/498/" target="_blank"><b><i>Family Tree</i></b> magazine</a>.<br />
<br />
August was Family History Month, and I "roadshowed" around approx 28 libraries during the month, showcasing our family history pages on our website, and our Family History eResources - this time to customers.<br />
<br />
I attended the NZSG Conference in Dunedin in June; and spoke twice at the <a href="http://www.nzfamilyhistoryfair.org.nz/" target="_blank"><b><i>2011 New Zealand Family History Fair</i></b></a> in August. One presentation went really well, the other not so well, as it was to do with genealogy for medical reasons and was a bit too close to my own family circumstances at the time.<br />
<br />
I assisted in organising the <a href="http://www.unlockthepast.com.au/" target="_blank">UnlockthePast</a> shore-based <a href="http://www.unlockthepast.com.au/events/history-and-genealogy-cruise-november-2011-scottish-irish-theme/cruise-shore-seminars" target="_blank">Auckland seminars</a>, prior to their <a href="http://www.unlockthepast.com.au/events/history-and-genealogy-cruise-november-2011-scottish-irish-theme" target="_blank">Scottish-Irish History and Genealogy Cruise</a> in November, in partnership with the NZSG and UnlockthePast.<br />
<br />
We also had some amazing speakers, both local and international. Our normal family history lunchtime sessions were a success, but we also had extra ones too. <br />
<br />
I was out and about during work time, and in the evenings and at weekends speaking throughout the Auckland region for libraries and other community groups such as SeniorNet etc.<br />
<br />
These conferences, exhibitions and events I have attended has
allowed me to network and meet many people in the genealogy/family
history community. I've made some fabulous friendships which I treasure. Wonderful to have personal and professional relationships with people who share my passion.<br />
<br />
Of course, although my blogging was scarce, I still made measured use of social media tools and forums to promote all our events, and that in itself takes a whole heap of time!<br />
<br />
And to round off the year, I have planned next year's events up till the end of July. Keep an eye on t<a href="http://www.aucklandcitylibraries.com/whatson/familyhistory/familyhistoryseries.aspx?occurrence=5" target="_blank">his page of our website</a>, for upcoming events.<br />
<br />
When I return to work at the beginning of February, I will have another Family History month (August) to organise, and the remainder of the year! <br />
<br />
So having written this blog now, starting out feeling bad about neglecting it, and bad about the things I didn't manage to do - I don't feel so bad now. <br />
<br />
Its been great to write this, and realise that I did achieve quite a bit after all. Must remember to celebrate the successes! And make sure I don't try and bite off more than I can chew!<br />
<br />
<br />genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-21821596089009713492011-03-04T18:02:00.001+13:002011-03-04T18:39:03.843+13:0052 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History:- Week 8, Technology<span class="event-description">The earthquake in Christchurch distracted all New Zealanders, and many many people worldwide, from the day-to-day activities that we would otherwise have been part of. Nothing else seemed more important to us, than what was occurring in Christchurch. It was difficult to focus on anything else.<br />
<br />
My family were nice and safe up here in Auckland. I have friends in Christchurch, who are also safe (although their homes aren't). However, hundreds of lives have been lost, thousands of lives have been impacted. A city will never be the same again.<br />
<br />
Somehow I didn't have the heart to blog about technology, when people had lost their lives or that of their loved ones, when they had lost their homes and businesses and way of life, when they had lost their City. <br />
<br />
When they had no toilets, let alone technology. When many had no power, no water, no phones, no way of watching TV. All the things we take for granted in today's technology-driven world.<br />
<br />
The pictures and the stories reminded me of what technology we take for granted. A Christchurch blogger Moata Tamaira can give you a much better run-down on what life is like down there than I - she's living it, I am watching it from the comfort of my Auckland-based sofa. She's better writer than I, managing to be witty and poignant all at the same time. Read <b><a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/blogs/moatas-blog-idle/4700246/Everything-has-shifted">Moata's Blog Idle</a></b> if you want to know more. Its well worth the read.<br />
<br />
But in the meantime, life goes on as it must. So as I write this reflecting on technology, I will be remembering my fellow Kiwis in Christchurch, some of whom are still going without their computers, as the electricity company struggles to get their power back on.</span><br />
<blockquote><span class="event-description" style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><b>Week 8: Technology.</b> What are some of the technological advances that happened during your childhood? What types of technology to you enjoy using today, and which do you avoid? </span></blockquote><span class="event-description"></span>As a child growing up, life was so simple. Wasn't really aware of technology as such, on a day to day basis. Not like today's children.<span class="event-description"><br />
<br />
When I was really young, I remember we got a home telephone. It was on a "party-line", which was shared with the neighbours. I remember times when my mother had to wait for the neighbour to get off the line before making her call. I also remember getting "crossed lines", when you could hear someone else's conversation, while having your own. Eventually, every home got their own phone line.</span><span class="event-description"><br />
<br />
Nowadays, everyone has a home phone and most people also have a cellphone. Added to that you can now Skype each other using your computer - and see the person you are speaking to, even if they are over the other side of the world!<br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ERy5sp3-jf0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><span class="event-description">My Dad was in the Navy, and when he was away at sea we used to send him recordings on an old reel-to-reel tape recorder. I remember, singing "Sailor" to send to him once. </span><span class="event-description"><br />
<br />
I vaguely remember us getting a black and white TV. I remember watching Andy Pandy on it. As I got older I remember us getting a colour TV a while after they came out. They were horrendously expensive and I know Mum and Dad got it on a rent-to-buy basis. Too expensive for us to buy outright at the time, but it had the bonus of allowing us to update our TV when the later models came out. Eventually colour TVs came down in price, and we started to buy outright. We have gone from one channel, to two - and then to four, all free to view. <br />
<br />
Then SkyTV came to New Zealand, giving us a multitude of channels to pay for if we wish. I avoid Sky at the moment. I experienced repeated poor customer service from them, so when we decided we needed to economise, Sky was the first thing to go. Not saying it wouldn't have anyway, but it was an easy decision to make after all the hassles we'd had. Miss the History channel though . . . <br />
<br />
We now have LCD or Plasma screens for better picture quality, and our TV signals are being digitised. The advent of digital TV means that we now have up to 19 free-to-view channels available. I'll leave it to you to decide which channels are worth watching though . . . <br />
<br />
I'd left home I think by the time my parents bought a video recorder - but these days we have gone on to DVDs and recording TV programmes straight to hard-drive. We have a TiVo box, which we really love.<br />
<br />
While I was at high school, the typing classes got increasingly lighter manual typewriters, then eventually electric typewriters. By the time I left school, electronic typewriters had started to make an appearance. When I started working, one of my first purchases was an electronic typewriter with a memory and a marching display.<br />
<br />
I've always been an early-ish adopter of new technology, and there are no technologies which I avoid as such. There's plenty I can't afford though! :-)<br />
<br />
I'll just close by saying that I wish the people of Canterbury, their families and friends the very best. I send you my condolences - for your losses. You are in my thoughts all the time. My heart goes out to you. I wish you well in your rebuild.<br />
<br />
Kia Kaha Canterbury.<br />
</span>genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-31188279067087754322011-02-14T20:11:00.003+13:002011-02-14T20:27:09.779+13:0052 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History:- Week 7, ToysThis week's blog challenge:<br />
<ul style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><li><b>Week 7: Toys. </b>What was your favourite childhood toy? Is it still being made in some form today?</li>
</ul>I was a real bookworm as a child. In fact, I use to read so much, curled up in my room, or on the sofa in the lounge, that my Dad used to often tell me to go outside and play.<br />
<br />
Dad often brought toys back from his trips at sea - often from the States. Toys that we couldn't get in NZ. I remember when I was very young, Dad brought home a walking talking doll that was as big as me! She had curly hair, and I remember the first time I saw her walking: Dad had set her off, and she came walking into my bedroom crying "Ma-Ma, Ma-Ma". Well, I freaked out . . . she terrified me!<br />
<br />
As I said in the previous week, I was given a mechanical Dalek - which I thought really cool. Didn't last for long, as it broke. I played with my various Barbie dolls of course. Loving the ones with bendy knees. I use to role play, and act stories out with them; later I was to get good marks at school for my creative writing.<br />
<br />
My Dad brought a lime green bike back from a trip, it had ape hangers and a banana seat, with "Dill Pickle" painted across its crossbar.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwQVGCGBcSI/TVjUdvAF3oI/AAAAAAAAACs/P4Lbq63atH0/s1600/skater+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwQVGCGBcSI/TVjUdvAF3oI/AAAAAAAAACs/P4Lbq63atH0/s200/skater+girl.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><br />
I remember a space hopper and a pogo stick at one point. And roller skates - I loved my roller skates. They were adjustable, strap on kind. We had a rink nearby that played disco music. I loved to dance (still do) and roller skating to music was just so much fun!<br />
<br />
I played tennis, badminton and netball. So got a tennis racquet, badminton set and a netball at various stages of my life.<br />
<br />
If I can't choose books, then I guess my favourite "toy" from when I was a young child, was probably my Barbie dolls (if I couldn't read books, then I could make stories up).<br />
<br />
And when I was a young teen, it would have been my roller skates. <br />
<br />
My daughters have had Barbie dolls of all sorts (including the Disney ones), and they have had roller blades - the boot expandable types.genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-72188900000737850762011-02-12T20:28:00.001+13:002011-02-12T20:30:36.653+13:0052 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History - Radio & TelevisionThis week's challenge:<br />
<blockquote style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><b>Week 6: Radio and Television</b>. What was your favorite radio or television show from your childhood? What was the program about and who was in it?</blockquote>When I was still at primary school, my parents used to give me Dad's "wireless" radio to listen to on Sunday mornings. My "treat" was that I was allowed to lie in bed and listen to the morning stories. Stories such as <i>Molly Woppy, Sparky and the Talking Train, Diana and the Golden Apple, Little Toot</i>, and songs such as <i>Flick the Fire Engine</i> etc.<br />
<br />
I thought it was a fabulous treat . . . of course it was a ploy to keep me in bed longer! And it worked!<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_735423523"></span><span id="goog_735423524"></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r9swS-fmQEk/TVY2Sw3IVbI/AAAAAAAAACY/Rxr0vhLVSZc/s1600/200px-Third_Doctor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r9swS-fmQEk/TVY2Sw3IVbI/AAAAAAAAACY/Rxr0vhLVSZc/s1600/200px-Third_Doctor.jpg" /></a>TV: I was a big <i>Doctor Who</i> fan growing up. "My" Doctor was Jon Pertwee. The Daleks and the Cybernauts were my favourite baddies. I used to hide behind the couch when they came on (as nearly ever child my age did no doubt). I remember being given a toy Dalek, which another child broke (I never broke my own toys, others always did it for me). It was never quite the same for me when Tom Baker took over.<br />
<br />
I also loved <i>Follyfoot Farm</i>. I love all animals, and I was a huge horse fan. Used to spend hours drawing horses. Reading horse books. Watching any programmes that had horses in it. <br />
<br />
I also loved <i>Lassie</i> (dogs), <i>Daktari</i> (lions), <i>Flipper</i> (dolphins), and <i>Skippy</i> (the bush kangaroo).<br />
<br />
<br />
I rarely missed an episode of the <i>Tomorrow People</i>. They use to "jaunt" everywhere - hold on to their belts and disappear from one place and reappear in another. I remember the shaggy 70s haircuts and bell bottom.<i><br />
<br />
Star Trek, Space 1999</i> were also huge. Not sure if I was a SciFi fan as such, or if it was just people had such a fascination with space due to the Moon landings, that those are the programmes that were made. Interestingly, my husband's father was an electrician who did "special effects" on <i>Space 1999</i>, (he also did <i>Alien</i> - which is another story).<br />
<br />
Then there was an Australian convict drama I used to love called <i>Against the Wind</i>, it starred Jon English and he also sung the theme song "Six Ribbons". I was a teen then, and had a wee crush on Jon. Loved his moody eyes etc.<br />
<br />
Wow - walk down memory street or what?genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-89491851708439925232011-02-12T17:59:00.003+13:002011-02-12T18:06:54.142+13:00Waitangi Day Blog Challenge - Your earliest known New Zealand ancestorI set this challenge, after seeing the huge success of the similar Australian blog challenge set by <a href="http://twigsofyore.blogspot.com/2011/01/suggestion-genealogy-blog-topic-for.html">Shelley of Twigs of Yore</a>, I thought I'd better contribute myself. I'm terribly embarrassed that this is so late, but had a very sick husband to contend with.<br />
<br />
The challenge was to write a blog about your earliest NZ ancestor:<br />
<ul><li>How different is our life from that of your early NZ ancestors? (settler or Maori)</li>
<li>What stories can you tell us about their lives? </li>
</ul>or<span class="messageBody"> </span><br />
<ul><li><span class="messageBody">If you are first generation New Zealander or maybe a new Kiwi, perhaps you might like to tell us of your first impressions of New Zealand, and your experiences of settling in here; and how Kiwi traditions and culture differs from your own.</span></li>
</ul><span class="messageBody">I wasn't born here, but definitely consider myself a Kiwi. I was born in Plymouth in England, and we emigrated to New Zealand when I was about four years old.<br />
<br />
Dad was in the Royal Navy, and had had various postings around the UK and world. We had a spell in Bahrain when I was about two. Returning to England, I was plagued with chronic chest infections, tonsilitis etc. The advice was to emigrate to a warmer climate.<br />
<br />
Dad wanted Canada, as we had relatives there. Mum fancied New Zealand. She knew of people that had been there. So New Zealand it was. Dad transferred to the New Zealand Navy. More sensible idea probably - New Zealand's climate is more temperate, especially the North Island.<br />
<br />
It was the late (19)60s, so we were hardly early settlers, but nevertheless moving to the other side of the world away from your family and starting again, in those days was still pretty admirable.<br />
<br />
I don't really remember life much prior to arriving in New Zealand. Vague snatches of memory, that might not be true memories - could be implanted memories through hearing so many stories.<br />
<br />
We lived in Devonport, Auckland. My early memories in New Zealand, are of beaches, and hot sunny summers. Freedom climbing trees.<br />
<br />
We went back to the UK when I was eight. My sister had been born by then (a true Kiwi), and my mother was in the early stages of pregnancy. We were returning as "married accompanied".<br />
<br />
Dad was one of the crew taking the HMNZS Blackpool back to the UK to be decommissioned; and would be returning later with the newly commissioned HMNZS Canterbury.<br />
<br />
My memories of the UK then, are of being cold and damp. Snow, rain and greyness. <br />
<br />
I also have memories of family. This trip enabled me to meet family again but this time, I would be able to remember them as I was older. <br />
<br />
We spent time with my paternal grandfather Hedley, and my godfather who was also my great-uncle Jim. My Aunty Eve, and my Great-Aunty Maggie; and a variety of cousins.<br />
<br />
Dad was again stationed at various places around the UK:- Portsmouth and Gosport are the two I remember the best in England; and Edinburgh in Scotland.<br />
<br />
In Scotland, I got to spend time with my mother's parents. I lived with my maternal grandparents for a while, when my parents wanted to ensure I had settled schooling for a period. My grandparents lived in Corstorphine, and I was very proud of my school uniform which was a grey pinafore with white blouse and a tie. I got to meet my Scots Uncle and Aunty, and my cousins too.<br />
<br />
My brother and sister were born in Edinburgh - my mother unexpectedly had twins! These were pre-scan days, and so they were a real surprise. The twins were the first babies born to a crew member that were christened on board HMNZS Canterbury. Not the first babies sadly, a non-crew member bet us to it. All their names are engraved on the ships bell, which is now in the naval museum.<br />
<br />
Returning to New Zealand, I remember being very ill. I had a tummy upset, which I blamed at the time on the fact that I was made to eat pease pudding, which I hated. Turned out to be a bug though.<br />
<br />
Dad sailed back with the Canterbury of course; so my poor mother had a (sick) eight year old, a two year old, and twins who were only a few months old, to cope with on the very long flights home!<br />
<br />
Arriving back in New Zealand was confusing. We drove to the "Navy Pool House" that we would be living in, and found some kind soul had unpacked it for us and put everything away. I remember seeing my sister's Elephant Ride-On and saying "I thought Dumbo was in New Zealand".<br />
<br />
Being back in New Zealand again evokes memories of sunshine, beaches and freedom. Again, we were in Auckland.<br />
<br />
However, we soon moved to Wellington, when Dad arrived back, and lived there for a number of years. Wellington was cooler and damper, but still had glorious summers.<br />
<br />
I remember Mum telling stories of little faux pas, that were made in the early days. In England, you would buy corned beef. When Mum bought the equivalent here, she found it very tough and salty. In the UK, she'd have slow roasted it in the oven. Course here, its corned silverside, and its slowly pot roasted (preferably in a crockpot).<br />
<br />
Then there is the confusing "bring a plate" instruction, when coming to someone's house. Even more confusing is the "bring a bottle". Fortunately, with more frequent international travel and the influence of TV, these instructions are not so confusing these days.<br />
<br />
I went back to the UK again, when I was 26. Felt my roots calling me, wanted to visit family, and wanted to travel.<br />
<br />
First sensation, getting off a tube in Victoria Station, was the panicked feeling of claustrophobia. Too many people, feeling crushed. People seemed shorter. The streets were dirty, dusty. But I also felt awestruck - gorgeous heritage buildings, so much history.<br />
<br />
I was in the UK for 11 years. During that time, I met my husband, and brought him back to New Zealand for a few visits. I saw New Zealand through the eyes of a tourist. Beautiful country, clean, green, gorgeous scenery. Friendly people.<br />
<br />
When our girls were born, we realised what NZ had to offer for families. Its a family-friendly country. Parks are clean and free of litter and dog pooh (no syringes, cigarette butts or condoms either). We could let our girls down to play. The malls and shops all had decent parent and baby rooms. (I remember trying to breastfeed the girls in Debenhams in Kingston upon Thames, in a mother and baby room which was little more than a window-less cupboard with a chair in it).<br />
<br />
That trip was the decider for us. I was coming home, and bringing my family with me. <br />
<br />
– My "One large and two small souvenirs of my big OE"!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Auckland-Research-Centre/110496925664674#%21/topic.php?uid=110496925664674&topic=229">See other Waitangi Day Blogs on Facebook.</a><br />
<br />
</span>genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-8381173805705681962011-02-04T23:32:00.000+13:002011-02-04T23:32:44.898+13:0052 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History:- Week 5, Favourite FoodThis week's blog challenge:<br />
<blockquote style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">Week 5: <b>Favorite Food</b>. What was your favorite food from childhood? If it was homemade, who made it? What was in this dish, and why was it your favorite? What is your favorite dish now?</blockquote>Food was largely plain when I was growing up. New Zealand in the 1970s didn't have lot of choices in the shops. Cooking was largely bland, with few people experimenting. Our home wasn't that different, I expect.<br />
<br />
However, one thing my mum cooked that I loved, was a sweet curry. True, it was a tamed down version of curry, but curry it was nonetheless.<br />
<br />
She used to make it with chicken, and put sultanas, apples, pears, bananas - oh whatever she got her hands on, in it. I loved it. Mum had learned to cook it when Dad was stationed in Bahrain, in the Persian Gulf (when he was still in the Royal Navy). We lived there for a couple of years from when I was about two.<br />
<br />
The weather was very hot there of course, and the idea was to eat hot spicy food to bring your internal body temperature up to your external body temperature.<br />
<br />
I still love sweet currys (although spicier than when I was a child). I love the fact that you can get so many different ingredients, and eat food from so many different ethnicities.<br />
<br />
My favourite food of choice though, is Italian food. Not so much the pastas and pizzas, but the other Italian dishes. I just love the mix of herbs, spices - the sauces etc.<br />
<br />
I do cook a mean lasagne actually, so I am told by anyone who has it. I usually cook a beef lasagne, although I have been known to whip up a vegetable lasagne when we have a vegetarian come over for dinner.<br />
<br />
I love the Kiwi barbecue. My husband, who is English, has a Kiwi soul. And even before I'd brought him back to NZ for a visit, he could cook a barbecue better than most people I know. We like meats with marinades, yummy potato salads, and I do a green salad that has so many different ingredients in it: sweetcorn kernels, egg, cheese, tomatoes, beetroot, cucumber, peppers, grated carrot - and lettuce (mesculin preferably).<br />
<br />
Now its 11.30pm and all this talk of food has made my tummy rumble . . . I'm hungry!genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-28281622783149446582011-01-28T19:39:00.000+13:002011-01-28T19:39:29.948+13:00Waitangi Day Blog ChallengeYour earliest known New Zealand ancestor<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Recently our Australian cousins have all been encouraged to blog about their earliest piece of research about an Australian ancestor in celebration of Australia Day (see Shelley’s blog at <a href="http://twigsofyore.blogspot.com/2011/01/suggestion-genealogy-blog-topic-for.html"><b>Twigs of Yore</b>)</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0cm;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00XbA7GdidY/TUJjJRHYX0I/AAAAAAAAACI/iNAJrz3hKOA/s1600/kiwi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00XbA7GdidY/TUJjJRHYX0I/AAAAAAAAACI/iNAJrz3hKOA/s200/kiwi.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
We think this is a terrific idea and have noticed that it has provoked participation from loads of people.<br />
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Waitangi Day, on February 6, is our national day. <br />
<span id="goog_17623101"></span><span id="goog_17623102"></span><br />
Its intent is to celebrate a bringing together of the peoples of New Zealand and its usually a family day. Often we spend it on the beach, or maybe have a barbecue with family and friends.<br />
<br />
We'd like to invite you to write a blog - post the link to your blog in the discussion board on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/board.php?uid=110496925664674&status=512#%21/topic.php?uid=110496925664674&topic=229"><b>Facebook page</b></a>.<br />
<br />
If you don't have a blog, perhaps post your story itself within this discussion board instead. Just click reply.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
Write about:<br />
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* How different is our life from that of your early NZ ancestors? (settler or Maori)<br />
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* What stories can you tell us about their lives? <br />
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or<br />
<br />
If you are first generation New Zealander or maybe a new Kiwi, perhaps you might like to tell us of your first impressions of New Zealand, and your experiences, of settling in here; and how Kiwi traditions and culture differs from your own. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">If you are on Twitter, you can follow the hashtag <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23waitangiblog">#waitangiblog</a> for updates and alerts.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Please join us, we’d be interested in hearing your stories!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-31655180196191280712011-01-27T11:05:00.051+13:002011-01-27T19:39:25.926+13:0052 Weeks of Personal History & Genealogy: - Home<div style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: black;"><a href="http://www.geneabloggers.com/tag/52-weeks-of-personal-genealogy-history/" target="_blank" title="52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History">52 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History</a> by <a href="http://wetree.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amy Coffin</a> is a series of weekly blogging prompts (one for each week of 2011) that invite genealogists and others to record memories and insights about their own lives for future descendants. <i>You do not have to be a blogger to participate</i>. If you do not have a genealogy blog, write down your memories on your computer, or simply record them on paper and keep them with your files. <br />
<br />
A new challenge wil be listed each Saturday which should be completed by the following Friday. This week's challenge:</div><blockquote style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: red;"><b>Week 4: <i>Home.</i> </b>Describe the house in which you grew up. Was it big or small? What made it unique? Is it still there today?</blockquote><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00XbA7GdidY/TUESBm8U4DI/AAAAAAAAACE/okSRFMEmCTU/s1600/-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_00XbA7GdidY/TUESBm8U4DI/AAAAAAAAACE/okSRFMEmCTU/s320/-3.jpg" width="320" /></a> My childhood was spent in loads of different places, with my father being in the Navy. <br />
<br />
However, the home I remember most as being the family home, was the house we lived in, when we were in Lower Hutt, Wellington - 49 Chapman Crescent.<br />
<br />
It was basically a two-bedroom with sunroom home, average size lounge, and a combined kitchen diner. I shared the sunroom with one of my sisters.<br />
<br />
Looking back, it now seems quite small, for a family of six:- two adults and four children. Finding somewhere for peace and quiet was always difficult. I remember struggling to concentrate on my homework frequently: my siblings were quite a bit younger than me, and didn't yet have the pressure of homework, study, exams etc.<br />
<br />
However, it was most probably the norm for those days, and it didn't feel small to me then. Houses were smaller, families did live in close proximity, and there was no such thing as "personal space". If you search further back in your family history, most will see that families had even less space.<br />
<br />
As each generation has passed, the need for space seems to have grown. Affluence and expectations have changed. Where once, whole families or even just children were packed in six or more to a bed in one room, now we all get our own bed, and often even our own rooms.<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to the home in question: <br />
<br />
My bedroom had windows on three sides. It was the sunroom, so jutted out from the front of my house slightly (the room with the venetian blinds in the picture). It had a concrete patio attached to it. There was just enough room in the bedroom for a single bed down each side of the room, and a chest of drawers between the beds. You accessed my bedroom through a sliding door off the lounge.<br />
<br />
The lounge was a good size with many nights with us sitting there as a family watching TV. My parents and I used to often play cards, scrabble or Monopoly in there too. Good fun.<br />
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The house had a large back garden. Dad had a vege plot down the back, and grew a wide variety of vegetables such as carrots, pumpkins, marrows, lettuce, cauli, radishes, and tomatoes. Dad loved radishes especially and would eat them straight from the soil.<br />
<br />
We had a small Para Rubber swimming pool, that was a real bonus in the summer. Great for keeping cool. I lived in the house from about 12 to 17 years old. It was by the far, the house I lived in the longest till I left home. In fact, to this day, I don't think I have lived longer than that in any house - even as an adult!<br />
<br />
I took my daughters to Wellington for a holiday two years ago. I had a lovely time, showing them where I went to school, the playground I used to play on (Avalon), and man-made lake I learned to kayak on, and the house in Chapman Cres I used to live in. Would love to have gone inside, to see if it had changed!<br />
<br />
It had been painted (of course) and the patio had been changed. But still brought back that nostalgic feeling you have when you revisit the home of your childhood!genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-78243646912563424052011-01-25T10:00:00.001+13:002011-01-25T10:00:03.485+13:00Tombstone Tuesday - in memory of Able Seaman George HarveyMy father was the youngest of seven children. The nearest sibling to him in age was eight years older. The oldest sibling was a whole 20 years older than him.<br />
<br />
Grandad, and Dad's two oldest brothers and his sister all served in the Second World War. All in the Royal Navy.<br />
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Like many families, our family lost someone in the War. My Uncle George, Dad's second oldest brother, died during an enemy engagement in 1943. My Dad was a toddler at the time.<br />
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We'd always been told that Uncle George was buried in Hull, and as a consequence, my father had never had the opportunity to visit his grave.<br />
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A chance Google search, led me to an entry on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36928008@N08/4243566933/">Flickr</a>, and we discovered he was buried in Great Yarmouth - not that far from Kent where my father grew up. And in fact, I had visited Great Yarmouth myself a couple of times.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00XbA7GdidY/TTlDXvojpMI/AAAAAAAAACA/voRpvJFOl2A/s1600/AB+George+H+Harvey+1923-1943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_00XbA7GdidY/TTlDXvojpMI/AAAAAAAAACA/voRpvJFOl2A/s320/AB+George+H+Harvey+1923-1943.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<b>George Henry Harvey</b>, Able Seaman, Royal Navy<br />
<div id="meta"><div class="photo-desc" id="description_div4243566933"><br />
G. H. Harvey<br />
Able Seaman R.N. C/JX.317419<br />
H.M.M.G.B. 612<br />
19th September 1943 Age 19<br />
"Thy Will Be Done"<br />
<br />
Son of Hedley and Edith Mary Harvey, of Sheerness, Kent.<br />
<br />
For many years Great Yarmouth was a naval base, containing a Royal Naval Hospital and there are three naval plots in the burial ground at Great Yarmouth (Caister) Cemetery which contains war graves of both World Wars, as well as other Naval graves dating from 1906 onwards. Some of the 1914-1918 graves are in groups to the west of the entrance, while others are scattered. After the 1914-1918 War, a Cross of Sacrifice was erected near the mortuary chapel. During the early months of the 1939-1945 War, ground in plot M in the eastern part of the cemetery, north-east of the mortuary chapel, was set aside for service war graves, and this is now the War Graves Plot. It was used for Army, Air Force, Merchant Navy and Allied casualties, and the Naval plot A was used for Royal Naval casualties and for some of the Merchant Navy men; but there are a number of scattered war graves in the cemetery. There are now 168 Commonwealth burials of the 1914-1918 war and 115 of the 1939-1945 war commemorated in this site. Of these, 13 from the 1939-1945 War are unidentified. There are also 3 Foreign National war burials there.<br />
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<i>(Special thanks to UK taphopile "Claire" from Flickr, and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission).</i></div></div><br />
I went online to do further research, to see if I could find out any information about the gunboat and the action George died in. I was fortunate enough to find naval researcher, Ted Else <a href="http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8488">online - World Naval Ships forum - </a>, who provided me with the following info:<br />
<blockquote>According to Leonard Reynolds book “<i>Dog Boats at War</i>” (ISBN 0 7509 1817 9) MGB 612 was hit during a surface action with M class German vessels (not aircraft).<br />
<br />
On the night of 19th/20th September 1943 an offensive unit of 6 “D” boats made up from the 17th and 31st Flotilla’s led by Lt Bradford RNR, Senior Officer of the 31st aboard MTB 617 (MTB 624 had returned to base - HMS Bee Yarmouth with engine problems) leaving the unit as - MTBs 617, 621, 652from the 31st Flotilla, with MGBs 606, 612 and 610 of the 17th Flotilla .<br />
<br />
The action is graphically described in the above book which is certainly recommended. There were 2 fatal casualties on that night :-<br />
<br />
MGB.610 ROBSON, Eric, Leading Motor Mechanic, P/MX 503089, killed<br />
MGB.612 HARVEY, George H, Able Seaman, C/JX 317419, killed<br />
(source Naval-History.Net)<br />
<br />
MGB 612’s Commanding Officer was Lt P Wilkinson RNVR.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">RIP Uncle George</span></b></div><br />
</blockquote>genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-73207603029746532872011-01-23T10:00:00.009+13:002011-01-23T13:05:24.658+13:00Surname SundayI've collated the raw information from my husband's family, but not had a chance to verify any of the information given so far.<br />
<br />
His family does have a family researcher doing the Lewis side, so I have quite a lot of her research.<br />
<br />
Anyway, we're interested in hearing from other family researchers, and hearing from descendants, and also about ancestors of course.<br />
<blockquote>• LEWIS, Caernarvon, Wales<br />
• JONES, Caernarvon, Wales<br />
• FIPKIN, London, England<br />
• ANDERSON, London, England<b><br />
<br />
Specific persons of interest:</b><br />
• Richard Evans LEWIS b1888 Caernarvon, who m1913<br />
• Catherine Grace JONES b1892<br />
• Their children: Elizabeth Martha, Myfanwy, Gracie, Gertrude, Richard, Hugh, Robert, Beryl, Morfudd, Eric<br />
<br />
• Hugh William JONES b1861, who m<br />
• Elizabeth ROBERTS <br />
• Their children: Grace Catherine, ?any others?<br />
<br />
• John LEWIS b1862 m Martha ??<br />
• Their children: Richard Evans, (any others?)<br />
<br />
• Richard LEWIS b 1833 Banger, m? Martha ??<br />
• Their children: John, William, Richard</blockquote>The LEWIS and JONES family seem to have come from mainly round Caernarvon. Banger, Llanddeiniolen, Llanbeblig, Llandwrog are mentioned. <br />
<blockquote>• Thomas FIPKIN b? London who m?<br />
• Alice Martha ANDERSON b? London?<br />
• Their children: James, William, Katherine, Reginald, Violet Margaret</blockquote>The FIPKINS come largely from the East End of London. Notably Holborn. We know nothing as yet, about the ANDERSONS.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lewisfipkin.tribalpages.com/"><b>http://lewisfipkin.tribalpages.com/</b></a></div>genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-12540825605892297662011-01-21T11:12:00.006+13:002011-01-21T21:55:46.520+13:00The Info and Library Industry Tweet-Up:- aka the power of social mediaA few of us on Twitter: myself (<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/genebrarian">@genebrarian</a>), <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/seanfish">@seanfish</a> , <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/catatonichic">@catatonichic</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/KowhaiAnne">@kowhaiAnne </a>, had been discussing the possibility of a bit of a Tweet-Up, just to chat about the exciting changes in our professional lives, brainstorm new ways of using social media, and oh a whole heap of things we were excited about.<br />
<br />
This idea has grown to a general more inclusive, but much broader invite to all who might be interested. <br />
<blockquote><b>Event:</b> Tweetup / MeetUp / We’re not eliteup<br />
<b>Venue:</b> Auckland Domain, near the Band Rotunda. See <a href="http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/site_resources/library/Kids__Family/Star_Attractions/Family_Trails/The_Domain_Walk.pdf">number 24 on this map: </a><br />
<b>Date: </b>Waitangi Day, Sunday, February 6<br />
<b>Time:</b> 12 noon<br />
<b>Bring:</b> yourselves, a picnic, a blanket, a musical instrument (if you are keen to join the jam session) . Its a family day, so partners and kids also welcome<br />
<b>Enquiries to:</b> <span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="mailto:aucklibstweetup@gmail.com">aucklibstweetup@gmail.com</a> or follow <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1762914835">#</a></span><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23aucklibtweetup">aucklibtweetup</a> on Twitter<br />
<b>Agenda:</b> Fun, socialising, (food?), a bit of "shop-talk", music - and a group visit to the Museum about 2pm for those interested</span></blockquote><br />
The only requirement for attendance is an interest in the information and library sector. You don't even have to be an Aucklander, just be able to get to Auckland Domain on that day. You don't even have to have had an official invitation, just see the event publicised somewhere.<br />
<br />
What I find interesting about this process, is that each of the organisers have been using their own individual streams of social media to send the word out.<br />
<br />
It started on Twitter: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1762914851"><span class="text_exposed_show"></span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1762914835">#</a><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23aucklibtweetup">aucklibtweetup</a></span><span class="text_exposed_show"> and is being re-tweeted.<br />
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More info is available on @seanfish's blog here: <a href="http://banjosinthestacks.wordpress.com/aucklibtweetup/">http://banjosinthestacks.wordpress.com/aucklibtweetup/</a></span> and its being blogged here -and I've seen it being re-blogged elsewhere already!<br />
<br />
A <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119832328088173#%21/event.php?eid=119832328088173&notif_t=event_wall#wall_posts">Facebook invitation</a> has been sent out, with the idea that people being invited, "pay it forward" to others already not invited that are in their circle of FB friends. The FB invite also links to <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/seanfish">@seanfish</a>'s blog.<br />
<br />
And its been announced on LinkedIn on<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/feed?id=24566349&goback=.nmp_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1"> my profile page </a>with links to the Facebook invite.<br />
<br />
Hopefully, it will be a good day - with an opportunity to meet loads of my social media "friends" IRL (in real life).<br />
<br />
I am looking forward to it!genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-5760074361299413302011-01-20T21:23:00.000+13:002011-01-20T21:23:32.458+13:0052 Weeks of Personal Genealogy & History: Week 3 - Cars<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">This week's genealogy and history challenge:</span></div><blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">Week #3 – Cars. </span></b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"> What was your first car? Describe the make, model and color, but also any memories you have of the vehicle. You can also expand on this topic and describe the car(s) your parents drove and any childhood memories attached to it. This challenge runs from Saturday, January 15, [...]</span></div></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">Our family's first car was a Mini, then we had a few Ford Cortinas, and I seem to remember an Austin Maxi. <br />
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I used to get horribly carsick as a child. Especially when we had reason to travel from our home in Lower Hutt, over the Rimutaka Hills. My parents put a rubber strip trailing from the back of the car to the ground, allegedly designed to "earth" the car to the ground to help prevent carsickness. I don't think it made much difference.<br />
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My first car was purchased with my then-boyfriend. It was a red 1963 Hillman SuperMinx. I was living in Hastings by then, and we spent many a weekend, either travelling down to Featherstone to visit his father, or going further over the Rimutaka Hills (the other way) to visit my parents in Lower Hutt.<br />
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We had a series of Humbers and Hillmans, and also a Holden Stationwagon at one stage.<br />
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By the time we moved to Auckland we were the proud owners of a chocolate Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback. I inherited the car when we split, and it became my first real car that I owned all by myself.<br />
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I loved that car. I drove it all over Auckland, and up and back to Hastings on a regular basis, to visit my old friends, Even drove it all the way to Wellington a time or two.<br />
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I affectionately called the car "Mitsy" (of course), and was gutted when I had to part with her to travel overseas to the UK. I left her in good hands though . . . she was sold at a car fair to a couple of Scottish nurses that were planning on travelling around New Zealand. Made perfect synergy to me!<br />
<br />
When I was in London my English husband bought this horrible a black Vauxhall Cavalier. I hated it on sight. Hated it even worse, when a few weeks later, someone hit the front passenger door and we ended up buying a red door from a wreckers. Only really used the car at weekends, as we used the Tube or a train to get from A to B.<br />
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Next car we had was a red Peugeot 405 sedan. I loved that car. We did a lot of travelling around in it. Often taking off for long weekends out to quaint country villages.<br />
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When I got pregnant with the twins, we realised we probably needed something a bit bigger. My husband had a son from his previous relationship, and we needed something that would fit us all, including two car seats, a double buggy and luggage. We bought a Ford Galaxy, an MPV. Another vehicle we loved.<br />
<br />
Now in New Zealand we have a Honda Odyssey that we really love. A seven-seater, it is really adaptable, and can be a van, or a stationwagon as well as an MPV. We have a dog (Sasha, big labrador), so we can fit her in along with everything else. Its easy to drive and doesn't feel like a van.<br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-89135034782931791452011-01-18T14:34:00.003+13:002011-01-18T20:53:14.713+13:00Tombstone TuesdayToday I'm writing a "<b>Tombstone Tuesday</b>" blog, in honour of the paternal great-grandparents that I never knew.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00XbA7GdidY/TTToMRpOhWI/AAAAAAAAAB4/cOPowI_kSO8/s1600/James%2526Evelyn_grave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_00XbA7GdidY/TTToMRpOhWI/AAAAAAAAAB4/cOPowI_kSO8/s320/James%2526Evelyn_grave.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>James Edward HARVEY</b> and <b>Evelyn Julia POTTLE</b> were my father's Newfoundland grandparents. He also never knew them, as his father ran away from Newfoundland at age 15, to join the Royal Navy and sign up for WWI.<br />
<br />
James was born in Freshwater, near Carbonear, Newfoundland in 1851. He married Evelyn Julia POTTLE in 1895. Evelyn was born in the next door village of Flatrock in 1872. They had 10 children including my grandfather. <br />
<br />
James was a fisherman who went to sea on extended fishing trips up the coast of Labrador for months at a time. The family were from "planter" stock - that is settlers who were settled near the coast, and had "fishing rooms" and land. From what I have read about early Newfoundland, it seemed like it was an incredibly hard life.<br />
<br />
The little we knew about my great-grandfather was that he died young, while at sea and had been pickled in rum to preserve him and buried much later. Terrible waste of rum I thought.<br />
<br />
I found out later, he was actually packed in ice and buried three months later. His youngest child Julia, was born three months after he died.<br />
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I was relatively new to family history research when I found out about James and Evelyn. I had posted my interests in researching my grandfather Hedley HARVEY from Freshwater, Newfoundland on a Newfoundland genealogy site (<b><a href="http://ngb.chebucto.org/">Newfoundland Grand Banks</a></b>), and got a message through from a Fred HARVEY. Fred (now in his 80s) turned out to be a distant relative. His great-grandfather John and mine (James) were brothers.<br />
<br />
So he sent me the above picture of my great-grandparents tombstone. Up till then, I wasn't even sure of what my grandfather's parents names were. Fred was able to give me all his research, which I have incorporated into mine (correctly cited of course), and he has also been kind enough to send me what photos he had, and also any copies of certificates I might be interested in. Fred had been unaware of my grandfather's children and grandchildren.<br />
<br />
This was sufficient information to really get me started on researching my father's family tree. <br />
<br />
Sadly, I don't have any photos of James and Evelyn - apart from this one of their tombstone.<br />
<br />
Maybe one day.<br />
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And I am still trying to find out about Evelyn's POTTLE family. I have been told that they owned the general store in Flatrock, but have yet to verify it.<br />
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Anyway, RIP to my great-grandparents James and Evelyn. Wish I could have conducted an oral history with you, I'm sure there are lots of great stories that you could have told.genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-741679690760692293.post-55445405142235361062011-01-11T20:15:00.000+13:002011-01-11T20:15:49.280+13:00Using Social MediaWhy do you use social media? (you are here, so you do - whether you realise it or not!) People use social media for all sorts of different reasons.<br />
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Some use it to converse and interact with people that they know very well. Either professionally or socially.<br />
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Some people use it to network with mere acquaintances. Some with people they do not know at all. Sometimes peoples motives for using social media aren't apparent.<br />
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The reasons I use social media are wide and varied. I use my personal Facebook account to converse and share with family and friends. I also use it to create Groups pages for my personal family history interests. I've had quite a few previously unknown family members and/or fellow researchers contact me as a result.<br />
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I manage a professional Facebook account (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Auckland-Research-Centre/110496925664674">Auckland Research Centre</a>) I use to promote my specialist subject and collection (family history) and my library.<br />
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My personal Facebook account has strict security controls, so that I can control who sees what exactly. The professional account has very few security controls - I want as many people to find and interact with us as possible.<br />
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I use my Twitter account (<a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/genebrarian">@genebrarian</a>) for the widest reasons: to converse with friends and colleagues, network with professionals, to promote my library and collection and for my learning. There's an amazing amount to be learned by clicking on someone's link. I also follow people "for the hell of it". Their "Tweets" interest and inspire me.<br />
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I manage and write for the <b>Kintalk</b> blog for work, and I've just started this blog.<br />
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<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=24566349&trk=tab_pro">LinkedIn</a> is still relatively new for me, I'm dabbling to see what I can get out of it. <br />
I suspect I can learn alot from it, as well as network.<br />
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My personal and professional interests are not just family history and libraries, <br />
they are also graphic design and print (my old career), marketing, digital preservation/digitisation, internet and the web, and yes social media. So I hook up with as many contacts on there as I can. <br />
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I also use <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">delicious</a> to store the many hundreds of useful bookmarks I find when trawling the internet. They are portable, I can access them from any computer any time, and I can share them with people - I can "follow" others with similar interests as me, so I can share their bookmarks too. <br />
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Its great how you can link with people from one Social Media account to another. Someone you follow on Twitter, you feel you get to know them, so you then feel you can follow them on LinkedIn etc.<br />
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I think the Social Media explosion is definitely a boon for us family historians - as evidenced by the amount of blogging (and microblogging) being done out there!genebrarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15268359924733017009noreply@blogger.com7