Author and historian Trevor Harking kindly donated some photographs of victims of the Coventry Blitz who went to Bablake School. If you are researching Farren, Fraser or Worrod family trees then these may be relevant to you.
Trevor has a new book out about the April 1941 air raids on Coventry. I have always been impressed with Trevor's work, and would encourage anyone interested in WW2 or local history to seek out a copy.
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Sunday, 8 May 2011
Family Tree News 08 May 2011
This week sees some promising news about the possible restoration of Coventry Old Grammar School, a magnificent building and part of Coventry’s heritage which is currently suffering from years of neglect. The Church of England has announced the setting up of a trust fund for this purpose. You can read more about this historical building in my Disappearing Coventry section.
I stopped by the Coventry History Centre (a.k.a. Coventry Archives) this week to check on progress. Busy workmen were to be seen, and the floor looked better than last time. Still no definite opening date though.
I have added new research data to my website regarding the Coventry Blitz. If you are tracing local Hockton, Singer, Shaw, Sims, Sharrocks, Scannell or Sharratt family trees then you may find useful data in the Blitz Victims section of my Coventry Blitz Resource Centre.
I stopped by the Coventry History Centre (a.k.a. Coventry Archives) this week to check on progress. Busy workmen were to be seen, and the floor looked better than last time. Still no definite opening date though.
I have added new research data to my website regarding the Coventry Blitz. If you are tracing local Hockton, Singer, Shaw, Sims, Sharrocks, Scannell or Sharratt family trees then you may find useful data in the Blitz Victims section of my Coventry Blitz Resource Centre.
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Family Tree News 01 May 2011
I would like to give a big thank you to everyone for the supportive comments and nice feedback about our new ebook, the Dictionary of Old Occupations. The kindle version has been most popular so far, but that may change now that Smashwords, who provide the eBook in all other digital formats, have reviewed / quality assessed the book and accepted it into their premium catalogue. This means that it will soon be more widely distributed by organisations such as Barnes and Noble.
Recent family tree research has had me tracing Scottish ancestors back to the early to the early 1800s so far in the Lanarkshire and Ross and Cromarty areas. I have also been tracing English family trees, including one focussing on the Lancashire area which I have managed to research back to 1745. Whilst I have uncovered lots of agricultural workers, my favourite occupation discovered this week was a chap born in 1823 who according to a series of census records spent decades working as a travelling wine and spirit merchant before settling down as a distiller when he got older. You never know what you will uncover when you trace your family tree!
Recent family tree research has had me tracing Scottish ancestors back to the early to the early 1800s so far in the Lanarkshire and Ross and Cromarty areas. I have also been tracing English family trees, including one focussing on the Lancashire area which I have managed to research back to 1745. Whilst I have uncovered lots of agricultural workers, my favourite occupation discovered this week was a chap born in 1823 who according to a series of census records spent decades working as a travelling wine and spirit merchant before settling down as a distiller when he got older. You never know what you will uncover when you trace your family tree!
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Family Tree News 17 April 2011
Some great news this week. My Dictionary of Old Occupations is now available to purchase for your ebook reader!
Don’t worry, you can still access the full dictionary online free of charge, only from www.familyresearcher.co.uk. However, for those of you who want to be able to download the dictionary onto your ebook reader to access offline you can now do so legally and cheaply.
You can buy a low cost my Dictionary of Old Occupations from Amazon to use on your Kindle, and it is also available DRM-free from Smashwords in a variety of ebook formats . Enjoy!
Don’t worry, you can still access the full dictionary online free of charge, only from www.familyresearcher.co.uk. However, for those of you who want to be able to download the dictionary onto your ebook reader to access offline you can now do so legally and cheaply.
You can buy a low cost my Dictionary of Old Occupations from Amazon to use on your Kindle, and it is also available DRM-free from Smashwords in a variety of ebook formats . Enjoy!
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Family Tree News 12 April 2011
Been busy working on my Dictionary of Old Occupations this week. Am delighted to announce that I have added in occupational definitions for trades etc. beginning with M and J. That means that the whole alphabet is covered, finally. A huge amount of time and effort has gone into making this free resource, hope you find it useful! I would like to recognise and thank my husband Paul for all his unpaid work on this project too.
The Dictionary of Old Occupations is not finished though. We have hopes and plans to enhance it further. Check in later to see how this progresses!
Stopped by the Coventry Archives yesterday to see how work is progressing on the repairs. It was good to see work actually taking place. We also took the opportunity to visit the Egypt exhibition at the Herbert gallery, well worth stopping by if you are in the area.
All the best, and have a great Easter.
Jane
The Dictionary of Old Occupations is not finished though. We have hopes and plans to enhance it further. Check in later to see how this progresses!
Stopped by the Coventry Archives yesterday to see how work is progressing on the repairs. It was good to see work actually taking place. We also took the opportunity to visit the Egypt exhibition at the Herbert gallery, well worth stopping by if you are in the area.
All the best, and have a great Easter.
Jane
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Family Tree News 3 April 2011
I have some good news about the Coventry History Centre. It looks as though, after a lot of waiting, repairs may be about to commence! The good staff at the Herbert told us that building repair work is due to start any day this week.
While there is no definitive timescale, the building work is anticipated to take 3-4 weeks. After that is complete the furniture and equipment will need to be installed, this will take another week or two. Fingers crossed we might have access to our local archives in a couple more months.
Special thanks to Ami at the Herbert for updating us on the state of play.
While there is no definitive timescale, the building work is anticipated to take 3-4 weeks. After that is complete the furniture and equipment will need to be installed, this will take another week or two. Fingers crossed we might have access to our local archives in a couple more months.
Special thanks to Ami at the Herbert for updating us on the state of play.
Sunday, 27 March 2011
Family Tree News 27 March 2011
Today is Census Day, so we all have to fill out huge census forms. Some people have valid concerns about the intrusiveness of some questions this time around. As a genealogy enthusiast I hope you can see the value in recording all this personal information which will benefit our descendents when they are researching their own ancestral roots.
The 1911 Scottish Census will be made available to us the public on April 5th this year. Not long to go now, great news for anyone with Scottish ancestry.
Family tree research continues at full pace as always. My spare time this week was spent performing a long overdue housekeeping exercise on the earliest pages I wrote for old occupations beginning with A and B. I am pleased to have updated all 12 of these web pages with additional information to existing definitions, some amendments and clarifications, and to have added several more old occupational titles and their definitions to the dictionary.
The Herbert website still says that the Coventry History Centre (a.k.a. the archives) will reopen in April, but says that the opening date is still unknown. We contacted them for an update, and I will try to stop by to the centre itself to check for notices on the premises. Given the council cutbacks in Coventry we can only hope that they will reopen the archives soon to give us access to records about our heritage. We have been without this facility for several months now.
If you have been trying to contact the Herbert to query the Coventry History Centre reopening then watch out for the broken link on their web page. When you click on the email address it chops off the last few letters so they will not receive your email. You can get around it by copying and pasting the address into an email instead. My husband reported the problem to them today, so hopefully the good people at the Herbert will be able to fix it soon.
The 1911 Scottish Census will be made available to us the public on April 5th this year. Not long to go now, great news for anyone with Scottish ancestry.
Family tree research continues at full pace as always. My spare time this week was spent performing a long overdue housekeeping exercise on the earliest pages I wrote for old occupations beginning with A and B. I am pleased to have updated all 12 of these web pages with additional information to existing definitions, some amendments and clarifications, and to have added several more old occupational titles and their definitions to the dictionary.
The Herbert website still says that the Coventry History Centre (a.k.a. the archives) will reopen in April, but says that the opening date is still unknown. We contacted them for an update, and I will try to stop by to the centre itself to check for notices on the premises. Given the council cutbacks in Coventry we can only hope that they will reopen the archives soon to give us access to records about our heritage. We have been without this facility for several months now.
If you have been trying to contact the Herbert to query the Coventry History Centre reopening then watch out for the broken link on their web page. When you click on the email address it chops off the last few letters so they will not receive your email. You can get around it by copying and pasting the address into an email instead. My husband reported the problem to them today, so hopefully the good people at the Herbert will be able to fix it soon.
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Family Tree News 13 March 2011
Have just completed one of my Silver Family Tree packages for a particularly interesting family with a member in the British army serving in India in the late 1860s (a little after the mutiny), and I was able to unravel the mystery of their family legend linking ancestors to a major player in the old cotton trade.
I would like to thank the person who sent me information about blitz victim W T Upham, I have checked the details and added the information to the website.
This week my husband stumbled upon a website belonging to a genealogist elsewhere in the UK who appears to have outrageously copied 90% or more of his website content directly from my Family Researcher site, pasted it into his own website page after page, then replaced my name and other details with his own. The site appears to have been running since 2009 and the content looked so much like my site that one independent person commented he thought the sites were related.
One can only speculate as to the quality and originality of family tree research one might receive. My husband was in the early stages of initiating legal proceedings as recommended by the US hosting company when the person in question took down their site. He did so after his hosting company contacted him. For this reason I will not ‘name and shame’ him or the site.
Finally this week, I am delighted to report that I have completed another major update to the Dictionary of Old Occupations. Approx 160 old occupations, trades, professions etc. beginning with the letter T have been added to my site, bringing the dictionary total close to 2000 definitions. This project has taken me years of work in my spare time, so it is great to see how near completion it is.
I would like to thank the person who sent me information about blitz victim W T Upham, I have checked the details and added the information to the website.
This week my husband stumbled upon a website belonging to a genealogist elsewhere in the UK who appears to have outrageously copied 90% or more of his website content directly from my Family Researcher site, pasted it into his own website page after page, then replaced my name and other details with his own. The site appears to have been running since 2009 and the content looked so much like my site that one independent person commented he thought the sites were related.
One can only speculate as to the quality and originality of family tree research one might receive. My husband was in the early stages of initiating legal proceedings as recommended by the US hosting company when the person in question took down their site. He did so after his hosting company contacted him. For this reason I will not ‘name and shame’ him or the site.
Finally this week, I am delighted to report that I have completed another major update to the Dictionary of Old Occupations. Approx 160 old occupations, trades, professions etc. beginning with the letter T have been added to my site, bringing the dictionary total close to 2000 definitions. This project has taken me years of work in my spare time, so it is great to see how near completion it is.
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Family Tree News 27 February 2011
My professional family tree research work has certainly been keeping me busy, but I have made time in the evenings over the last week or so to work on the Dictionary of Old Occupations.
Years ago, when I started typing up my notes on old occupation definitions, there were lots more jobs beginning with the letter C than other letters. I recall starting on these, getting as far as publishing three pages of C prefixed them on my website, before deciding to move on to other letters of the alphabet in order to speed up the overall process.
I am delighted to have revisited the mountain of jobs beginning with C, organised my notes and published the definitions online yesterday. 190+ jobs beginning with C have been added to those previously published. This takes the estimate number of definitions in the entire dictionary to over 1500!
If you know the definitions of old or archaic jobs titles, trades etc. beginning with C that are not on the list then please get in touch with me via http://www.familyresearcher.co.uk/.. Lots of people are sharing my free dictionary now, it would be great to expand the dictionary even further to help fellow family tree enthusiasts.
Years ago, when I started typing up my notes on old occupation definitions, there were lots more jobs beginning with the letter C than other letters. I recall starting on these, getting as far as publishing three pages of C prefixed them on my website, before deciding to move on to other letters of the alphabet in order to speed up the overall process.
I am delighted to have revisited the mountain of jobs beginning with C, organised my notes and published the definitions online yesterday. 190+ jobs beginning with C have been added to those previously published. This takes the estimate number of definitions in the entire dictionary to over 1500!
If you know the definitions of old or archaic jobs titles, trades etc. beginning with C that are not on the list then please get in touch with me via http://www.familyresearcher.co.uk/.. Lots of people are sharing my free dictionary now, it would be great to expand the dictionary even further to help fellow family tree enthusiasts.
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Family Tree News 20 February 2011
The last few weeks have been busy ones where family tree research work has been concerned.
In my spare time I have made several updates to the website:
The Dictionary of Old Occupations has proven popular with fellow family tree researchers. I would like to acknowledge the various people who have been in touch regarding old definitions for occupations such as Hind, Vestry Messenger, Intelligence Office and Bondsmen. Some of these were queries from people asking for help with their own ancestors, other were kindly supplying additional info to share on the site.
I would especially like to thank Ibrahim Leadley for generously providing two photographs related to his ancestor Hannah Harrison Lowe, who is reputed to be descended from royalty. An interesting story, from which I typed up a few research notes of my own and added a new page to the familyresearcher website to share these alongside the photographs.
All the best
Jane Hewitt
In my spare time I have made several updates to the website:
The Dictionary of Old Occupations has proven popular with fellow family tree researchers. I would like to acknowledge the various people who have been in touch regarding old definitions for occupations such as Hind, Vestry Messenger, Intelligence Office and Bondsmen. Some of these were queries from people asking for help with their own ancestors, other were kindly supplying additional info to share on the site.
I would especially like to thank Ibrahim Leadley for generously providing two photographs related to his ancestor Hannah Harrison Lowe, who is reputed to be descended from royalty. An interesting story, from which I typed up a few research notes of my own and added a new page to the familyresearcher website to share these alongside the photographs.
All the best
Jane Hewitt
Sunday, 30 January 2011
Family Tree News 30 January 2011
If you are waiting for the archives at Coventry to reopen so you can research local history then I am afraid I have bad news. Despite the Council website presently estimating that the History Centre will reopen around now ("late January") the Herbert website says that the History Centre is closed until further notice, which seems a bit vague.
I have been along to the premises to find out more. The floor is still stripped right back, and repairs seem to be progressing much slower than we hoped. Signage on the premises indicates that it will be around April before the History Centre reopens. Sadly it looks like we will be without access to our heritage records for twice as long as we originally believed!
I would like to thank Sue B this week, who got in touch to tell me about a book called "The Fateful Battle Line" which is full of information about the 1/7th Territorial Battalion and what befell them during the war. The book ties in with the Coventry At War section of the site, particularly the war diary of Sgt Edward Brookes.
I am also grateful to Colin and Carol, who provided me with more old job definitions to add to the Dictionary of Old Occupations. I have updated the site this week, and added them in as promised. Carol – In addition to the other occupations you sent me I have added a paragraph about Day Labourers to the site, and will add Junky to the Dictionary along with all the jobs beginning with J as soon as I am able. I only have a few letters of the alphabet to check and transcribe onto the old occupations A-Z lists, but it’s a time consuming job!
I have been along to the premises to find out more. The floor is still stripped right back, and repairs seem to be progressing much slower than we hoped. Signage on the premises indicates that it will be around April before the History Centre reopens. Sadly it looks like we will be without access to our heritage records for twice as long as we originally believed!
I would like to thank Sue B this week, who got in touch to tell me about a book called "The Fateful Battle Line" which is full of information about the 1/7th Territorial Battalion and what befell them during the war. The book ties in with the Coventry At War section of the site, particularly the war diary of Sgt Edward Brookes.
I am also grateful to Colin and Carol, who provided me with more old job definitions to add to the Dictionary of Old Occupations. I have updated the site this week, and added them in as promised. Carol – In addition to the other occupations you sent me I have added a paragraph about Day Labourers to the site, and will add Junky to the Dictionary along with all the jobs beginning with J as soon as I am able. I only have a few letters of the alphabet to check and transcribe onto the old occupations A-Z lists, but it’s a time consuming job!
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Family Tree News 23 January 2011
This week I have added another 112 old job definitions to the Dictionary of Old Occs. Having spotted too late someone on an online genealogy forum seeking an explanation what a Higgler was, and finding that the answer was in my to-do list, I decided to focus on transcribing my notes about jobs beginning with the letter H and make them available FOC on my familyresearcher website.
So if you discover anything from a Haberdasher to a Huxter in your family tree and are unsure what the job actually was then you may find the answer here.
Jane Hewitt 23 January 2011
So if you discover anything from a Haberdasher to a Huxter in your family tree and are unsure what the job actually was then you may find the answer here.
Jane Hewitt 23 January 2011
Sunday, 16 January 2011
Family Tree News 16 January 2011
My family tree website has been updated this week. I have added new information about members of the McKnight, Pointer and White families who were killed in the Coventry Blitz. You can find them in the alphabetical lists in the Coventry Blitz Resource Centre. I have also added a new definition to the Dictionary of Old Occupations for a Watch Case Joint Finisher.
Sunday, 9 January 2011
Family Tree News 9 January 2011
As pleasant as it was to take a week off over the holiday period, I am thoroughly enjoying getting stuck back into family tree projects. The December post was particularly slow this year, but did not stop me completing all family tree Christmas presents and sending out the presentation packs to arrive on time (despite the postal service having an interesting definition of ‘next day delivery’!)
This month Computer Shopper magazine reviewed the latest version of Family Tree Maker, which came out very well indeed. It really is an excellent package and is surprisingly cheap. It is listed on my family tree software page, along with other good packages.
Over the holidays I found time to go through more of my notes about old job and trade definitions. I picked on jobs beginning with the letter F this time. This week I added these to the website, they amounted to six new web pages containing details of 165 definitions. From Faber to Fuyster, you can find these on my Dictionary of Old Occupations, available free of charge to help you understand census records when you research your family tree.
Sadly Coventry Council has yet to announce the reopening of the Coventry Archives after the pre-Christmas flood. Their website page appears to have not been updated since December. It still says that the History Centre is unlikely to reopen before late January, but it also says this is because of the approaching bank holidays. I still recommend you check if the History Centre is open before planning a visit. The number is 024 7683 4060.
This month Computer Shopper magazine reviewed the latest version of Family Tree Maker, which came out very well indeed. It really is an excellent package and is surprisingly cheap. It is listed on my family tree software page, along with other good packages.
Over the holidays I found time to go through more of my notes about old job and trade definitions. I picked on jobs beginning with the letter F this time. This week I added these to the website, they amounted to six new web pages containing details of 165 definitions. From Faber to Fuyster, you can find these on my Dictionary of Old Occupations, available free of charge to help you understand census records when you research your family tree.
Sadly Coventry Council has yet to announce the reopening of the Coventry Archives after the pre-Christmas flood. Their website page appears to have not been updated since December. It still says that the History Centre is unlikely to reopen before late January, but it also says this is because of the approaching bank holidays. I still recommend you check if the History Centre is open before planning a visit. The number is 024 7683 4060.
Sunday, 5 December 2010
Family Tree News 5 December 2010
Thanks to Anita for the beautiful plant which arrived yesterday, it was very kind of you. Hope your family enjoys the presentation packs.
Thanks also to Michael Watson for the photograph and extra Blitz information on the Ager family. This has been added to the site.
Finally, some sad news this week. The cold weather has caused a water pipe to burst at Coventry Archives. Fortunately the records have survived intact, but the Archives will be closed for a few weeks while all is put back in order. If you were planning a trip to the Archives any time soon I would suggest phoning ahead to check they are open before setting out.
Thanks also to Michael Watson for the photograph and extra Blitz information on the Ager family. This has been added to the site.
Finally, some sad news this week. The cold weather has caused a water pipe to burst at Coventry Archives. Fortunately the records have survived intact, but the Archives will be closed for a few weeks while all is put back in order. If you were planning a trip to the Archives any time soon I would suggest phoning ahead to check they are open before setting out.
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Family Tree News 28 November 2010
Christmas is approaching, and I have been busy researching family history for those of you who ordered a family tree project as a Christmas gift for loved ones. Work is progressing on schedule, and some family projects have already been completed and shipped.
We attended the Blitz memorial service at Coventry Cathedral on November 14th, exactly 70 years after that dreadful night. The service ended with the sounding of an air raid siren, mini spotlights circling the old cathedral ruins and the peals of cathedrals bells. Despite having had a long day which started with me arriving pre-dawn at London Road Cemetery for my spot on BBC Radio 5, the commemoration service was an historic event which was thought provoking and well worth attending.
You may be interested in a new website which launched recently. Coventry Memories presents a timeline of Coventry history where people can look up the memories people had of living in Coventry during the last century, and share their own recollections. Go have a look!
I would like to give my thanks to Ruth Kennedy, Mary, and Iris Griffiths for sharing your family stories and photographs about the Coventry Blitz. A new page has been added to the Coventry Blitz Resource Centre telling the stories of Denis and Edward Brown, and Gilbert John Griffiths.
We attended the Blitz memorial service at Coventry Cathedral on November 14th, exactly 70 years after that dreadful night. The service ended with the sounding of an air raid siren, mini spotlights circling the old cathedral ruins and the peals of cathedrals bells. Despite having had a long day which started with me arriving pre-dawn at London Road Cemetery for my spot on BBC Radio 5, the commemoration service was an historic event which was thought provoking and well worth attending.
You may be interested in a new website which launched recently. Coventry Memories presents a timeline of Coventry history where people can look up the memories people had of living in Coventry during the last century, and share their own recollections. Go have a look!
I would like to give my thanks to Ruth Kennedy, Mary, and Iris Griffiths for sharing your family stories and photographs about the Coventry Blitz. A new page has been added to the Coventry Blitz Resource Centre telling the stories of Denis and Edward Brown, and Gilbert John Griffiths.
Saturday, 13 November 2010
Family Tree News 13 November 2010
If you are up early tomorrow morning, you can catch me speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live. The Weekend Breakfast show will be interviewing me about the Coventry Blitz and will be on air at 06:20 am. So, early night then!
Aside from local history, I am working hard producing Family Tree Christmas presents, which are all on schedule.
Aside from local history, I am working hard producing Family Tree Christmas presents, which are all on schedule.
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Family Tree News 31 October 2010
I have spent my evenings this week revamping the index page for the Dictionary of Old Occupations. It is now much easier to find the job you are looking for because the Index now shows all jobs currently listed and each title is a working hyperlink to the relevant page and job definition. With over a thousand hyperlinks on the page this was no small task. I still have several pages of notes to type up for the last few letters of the index, but it was worthwhile taking time out to make the index page friendlier to use.
The 70th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz is looming. Many events are scheduled to take place to mark this major event in the history of Coventry. I have added a bit more information to the details of the blitz victims, my thanks to family members for getting in touch. Please keep these pieces of family history coming, they make valuable additions to the site to preserve local history and educate future generations.
A list of events taking place to mark the 70th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz can be found on the Coventry Blitz Resource Centre page. If you are running an event which is not listed and wish me to add it then please drop me a line.
The 70th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz is looming. Many events are scheduled to take place to mark this major event in the history of Coventry. I have added a bit more information to the details of the blitz victims, my thanks to family members for getting in touch. Please keep these pieces of family history coming, they make valuable additions to the site to preserve local history and educate future generations.
A list of events taking place to mark the 70th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz can be found on the Coventry Blitz Resource Centre page. If you are running an event which is not listed and wish me to add it then please drop me a line.
Sunday, 24 October 2010
Family Tree News 24 October 2010
Conscious that it has been some time since I added any more historical job definitions to the Dictionary of Old Occupations, I have today published a large update. Over 200 descriptions of old trades and occupations have been added, all beginning with the letter P.
That makes definitions for 21 letters of the alphabet complete, with 5 to go. Hope you are finding the dictionary a useful resource when researching your ancestors and interpreting census records!
That makes definitions for 21 letters of the alphabet complete, with 5 to go. Hope you are finding the dictionary a useful resource when researching your ancestors and interpreting census records!
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Family Tree News 17 October 2010
The new and improved 2011 versions of Family Tree Maker Platinum and Family Tree Maker Deluxe have just been released. Both contain a useful selection of new features and handy enhancements to existing facilities. Definitely worth checking out. If you are still using an aging verion of Family Tree Maker then the new features may well make you want to upgrade.
Christmas is starting to appear on the horizon already, so now is the time to get in touch if you would like me to research a family tree as a present for a friend or loved one. My family tree packages make for a delightful and original present, and can become family heirlooms to pass down through the generations. Look as the fantastic letter I received earlier this week, transcribed below.
All the best,
Jane Hewitt
11.10.2010
Dear Jane
Thank you so much for the package you sent on my family tree. I am really, really delighted with it, at 85 years I have time to spend and am so happy with all the information you have uncovered.
As you will know, I am one of five siblings, they in turn have children and although it was my granddaughter who paid for this for my birthday it has turned out a present for all the family who are delighted as well.
Thank you so much.
Yours sincerely
Pamela A.
Christmas is starting to appear on the horizon already, so now is the time to get in touch if you would like me to research a family tree as a present for a friend or loved one. My family tree packages make for a delightful and original present, and can become family heirlooms to pass down through the generations. Look as the fantastic letter I received earlier this week, transcribed below.
All the best,
Jane Hewitt
11.10.2010
Dear Jane
Thank you so much for the package you sent on my family tree. I am really, really delighted with it, at 85 years I have time to spend and am so happy with all the information you have uncovered.
As you will know, I am one of five siblings, they in turn have children and although it was my granddaughter who paid for this for my birthday it has turned out a present for all the family who are delighted as well.
Thank you so much.
Yours sincerely
Pamela A.
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Family Tree News 26 September 2010
Recently I visited the archives to check the apprentice records for a Watch Making family and a family of Saddle Collar & Harness Makers. Checking these records showed that the first Watch Jeweller was apprenticed by his father, a Carpenter and the Saddler, by his widowed mother. This enabled me to trace this family back to their original home in Stretton on Dunsmore, Warwickshire.
I have also been tracing an interesting family of Canal Boatmen from the Cheshire and Derbyshire areas the census returns gave some fascinating information including in one instance the name of the boat. Other trees are progressing nicely.
In local news, it is good to hear that the council have decided to sound the air raid siren at Coventry Cathedral to mark the 70th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz this November. Also, Coventry Market plan to hold a special event to remember the spirit of the Blitz, with an opportunity for Coventrians to record their Blitz memories.
More info about the Coventry Blitz
I have also been tracing an interesting family of Canal Boatmen from the Cheshire and Derbyshire areas the census returns gave some fascinating information including in one instance the name of the boat. Other trees are progressing nicely.
In local news, it is good to hear that the council have decided to sound the air raid siren at Coventry Cathedral to mark the 70th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz this November. Also, Coventry Market plan to hold a special event to remember the spirit of the Blitz, with an opportunity for Coventrians to record their Blitz memories.
More info about the Coventry Blitz
Sunday, 12 September 2010
Family Tree News 12 September 2010
Earlier this week BBC local radio interviewed me at London Road Cemetery again. This time I was able to attend in person, where we discussed the neglected state of the Blitz memorial. We hope that something will be done to clean up the green stonework back to white and replace the missing tree. It would be nice if the surrounding bushes were pruned back so that visitors can sit on the bench again!
Coventry and the surrounding area held their annual Heritage Open Days this weekend. It was great to see the local historic buildings opened up to the public for a friendly, educational day out for adults and children. Draper’s Hall was looking in need of maintenance, with peeling paint on its wonderful ceilings. The Coventry Watch Museum was opened up, with some interesting displays about the local watchmaking industry of yesteryear. The Coventry family History Society stand was very popular, with lots of useful resources for sale. I picked up a couple of good data CDs for my collection! We saw the wool dying demo at the old Weaver’s House, Black Swan Terrace and admired their Tudor garden.
Far too many things were going on to list here – suffice to say that if you missed it this year then keep an eye out this time next year.
Coventry and the surrounding area held their annual Heritage Open Days this weekend. It was great to see the local historic buildings opened up to the public for a friendly, educational day out for adults and children. Draper’s Hall was looking in need of maintenance, with peeling paint on its wonderful ceilings. The Coventry Watch Museum was opened up, with some interesting displays about the local watchmaking industry of yesteryear. The Coventry family History Society stand was very popular, with lots of useful resources for sale. I picked up a couple of good data CDs for my collection! We saw the wool dying demo at the old Weaver’s House, Black Swan Terrace and admired their Tudor garden.
Far too many things were going on to list here – suffice to say that if you missed it this year then keep an eye out this time next year.
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Family Tree News 5 September 2010
Some additional blitz details have been added to the site this week, this time for the Currie and Reeves families, including a photograph kindly supplied by Jean Hodes.
I would also like to thank Anita for the lovely flowers she sent me as a ‘thank you’ for a family tree research project I did for her. The flowers have been brightening up my home since they arrived, and are much appreciated. I hope your mother enjoyed the family tree presentation pack on her birthday - Jane.
I would also like to thank Anita for the lovely flowers she sent me as a ‘thank you’ for a family tree research project I did for her. The flowers have been brightening up my home since they arrived, and are much appreciated. I hope your mother enjoyed the family tree presentation pack on her birthday - Jane.
Monday, 30 August 2010
Family Tree News 30 August 2010
There seems to be a debate going on in Coventry at the moment as to whether the air raid siren should be sounded to mark the 70th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz. Needless to say, I am in favour of honouring the memory of this important part of Coventry’s past.
Genealogy is keeping me very busy at the moment, but I have found time to transcribe a very interesting text about the Coventry Blitz written and donated by Paul W. Currie. It is an extract from a larger document entitled One Man: One Day, and recounts his father, Sam Currie’s days in Coventry during the blitzes of 1940 and 1941. I encourage you to have a read, it is a very personal account of a family’s experiences during the horror of the blitz. You can find it on my site under Coventry Blitz Memories. Many thanks to Paul for contributing this valuable document to the site.
Some readers may have heard me being interviewed on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire Radio last week. They were running a story about the history of the Blitz memorial at London Road Cemetery. It was a pleasure to contribute.
All the best,
Jane Hewitt
Genealogy is keeping me very busy at the moment, but I have found time to transcribe a very interesting text about the Coventry Blitz written and donated by Paul W. Currie. It is an extract from a larger document entitled One Man: One Day, and recounts his father, Sam Currie’s days in Coventry during the blitzes of 1940 and 1941. I encourage you to have a read, it is a very personal account of a family’s experiences during the horror of the blitz. You can find it on my site under Coventry Blitz Memories. Many thanks to Paul for contributing this valuable document to the site.
Some readers may have heard me being interviewed on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire Radio last week. They were running a story about the history of the Blitz memorial at London Road Cemetery. It was a pleasure to contribute.
All the best,
Jane Hewitt
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Family Tree News 12 August 2010
Well, having returned from a short summer holiday I am back at the helm. A stack of assorted birth, marriage and death certificates have arrived over the last week, enabling various family tree projects to continue now.
Although busy processing the new certificates, I have found time to update the Coventry Blitz pages with details for several families including the Holt, Miles, Neale, Neville, Newson, Nichol, Walters and Watkins familes. I also added some notes about a member of the Langshaw family to the World War 2 burials page.
Finally, I have signed up with House of Names, who sell a wide variety of merchandise bearing family crests of your choosing. These are great present ideas, and a good complement to a family tree project.
Although busy processing the new certificates, I have found time to update the Coventry Blitz pages with details for several families including the Holt, Miles, Neale, Neville, Newson, Nichol, Walters and Watkins familes. I also added some notes about a member of the Langshaw family to the World War 2 burials page.
Finally, I have signed up with House of Names, who sell a wide variety of merchandise bearing family crests of your choosing. These are great present ideas, and a good complement to a family tree project.
Sunday, 18 July 2010
Family Tree News 18 July 2010
I have updated the Coventry At War section of my website with extra details and other amendments. Many thanks to Susie, senior journalist from the BBC who got in touch regarding the Royal Engineers, 9th Bomb Disposal Company. After checking burial records and the Midland Daily Telegraph from October 1941 I have updated the relevant pages on my site for Ernest Arthur Stote.
Recent research projects include the Parish records for Avon Dassett and Tanworth in Arden. Also, I have tracked down records for an early 20th century bigamist who jumped ship during WW1, been tracing a chap who was in the Metropolitan Police from 1884 and an ancestor who was in the Royal Navy through the National Archives.
Recent research projects include the Parish records for Avon Dassett and Tanworth in Arden. Also, I have tracked down records for an early 20th century bigamist who jumped ship during WW1, been tracing a chap who was in the Metropolitan Police from 1884 and an ancestor who was in the Royal Navy through the National Archives.
Sunday, 27 June 2010
Family Tree News 27 June 2010
I had the pleasure of attending an award ceremony at St. Mary's Guildhall, Coventry where one of my family received an award for fiction writing in a competition organised by Coventy Council and the local newspaper. Whilst there I was able to take some photographs of the plaque by the doorway commemorating the local firemen who gave their lives during the Coventry blitz. I intend to add these details to the Coventry Blitz Resource Centre soon.
Other than that, family tree research continues at full pace. Website updates have been sparse in June because I always prioritise family tree research so that projects are completed in time for birthdays and special occasions!
Other than that, family tree research continues at full pace. Website updates have been sparse in June because I always prioritise family tree research so that projects are completed in time for birthdays and special occasions!
Sunday, 6 June 2010
Family Tree News 06 June 2010
I would like to thank Mrs Hope for sending me her family story about the Coventry Blitz. It is published under the Coventry Blitz Resource Centre pages, along with a wonderful wartime photo of the Auxilliary Fire Service. Mrs Hope also supplied additional info and a photo of another Blitz victim, Violet Hickling nee Ludlam. These too have been added to the Resource Centre.
I have made time this week to do some website housekeeping. In addition to several many minor changes and corrections, I have archived the 2009 family tree news updates, which helps keep the main family tree news page at a reasonable length.
I have made time this week to do some website housekeeping. In addition to several many minor changes and corrections, I have archived the 2009 family tree news updates, which helps keep the main family tree news page at a reasonable length.
Sunday, 30 May 2010
Family Tree News 30 May 2010
I have created a new web page for poems about the Coventry Blitz. Starting this off is a poem written by John J. Rattigan when he returned to Coventry in November 1940 whilst on leave from the army.
Whilst searching through the Parish Registers for St Michaels (Coventry’s old Cathedral) I found the following, which illustrates the fascinating snippets of history to be found in Parish records: John Life of St Michael’s parish buried 23rd October 1829 Aged 48. Lost his life in a fray with the military while standing peacefully at the shop of his employers Moss and Goodacres, Grocers. He was wilfully cut or stabbed with a sword.
Whilst searching through the Parish Registers for St Michaels (Coventry’s old Cathedral) I found the following, which illustrates the fascinating snippets of history to be found in Parish records: John Life of St Michael’s parish buried 23rd October 1829 Aged 48. Lost his life in a fray with the military while standing peacefully at the shop of his employers Moss and Goodacres, Grocers. He was wilfully cut or stabbed with a sword.
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Family Tree News 16 May 2010
I am delighted that Maurice Rattigan has provided me with a thoroughly researched and informative document full of Coventry Blitz facts and figures. Maurice compiled this information many years ago and has kindly given me permission to reproduce it online. Follow the link to read his work, it is very informative. There are also some sketches and a plan of bomb sites which Maurice drew as a teenager, some of which have been included in an exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery in Coventry. Many thanks to Maurice for sharing his excellent work.
2010 marks the 70th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz. Maurice got in touch after seeing my request for information in the Coventry Telegraph. If you have any Blitz information, be it simply family anecotes of the bombings or research you have undertaken yourself, then please get in touch if you are willing to share. I created the Coventry Blitz Resource Centre as a free place to preserve and share information about this significant part of Coventry's history. Scans of old photos of Coventry after the Blitz would be especially welcome.
2010 marks the 70th anniversary of the Coventry Blitz. Maurice got in touch after seeing my request for information in the Coventry Telegraph. If you have any Blitz information, be it simply family anecotes of the bombings or research you have undertaken yourself, then please get in touch if you are willing to share. I created the Coventry Blitz Resource Centre as a free place to preserve and share information about this significant part of Coventry's history. Scans of old photos of Coventry after the Blitz would be especially welcome.
Monday, 3 May 2010
Free Family Tree Research
A new page about free family tree research info is available on my main website.
Hope it helps you researching your own family tree.
Jane Hewitt
3 May 2010
Hope it helps you researching your own family tree.
Jane Hewitt
3 May 2010
Sunday, 25 April 2010
Family Tree News - 25 April 2010
I have made several updates to my website this week. My online Family Tree Shop has had a bit of a facelift, and is well worth a look if you are seeking family tree books and software, local Coventry information or military history books and DVDs including the Blitz.
At the archives this week I was able to find evidence from an 1836 copy of the Coventry Herald and Observer newspaper showing details of the trial and conviction of a customer’s ancestor showing why the ancestor had been transported to Australia.
I will finish on a cautionary note. I have been contacted by a chap who wanted to check up on a letter his elderly mother-in-law received. Someone wrote to her claiming to be a genealogist / researcher and requesting private, personal data from her about her family. The letter alleged that this is in relation to a ‘family entitlement’.
As proof of authenticity, the letter writer claimed that he has written articles for my Family Researcher website. For the record, I have no knowledge of any such researcher. I would advise anyone receiving similar correspondence to thoroughly check the authenticity of the sender before releasing any personal information.
At the archives this week I was able to find evidence from an 1836 copy of the Coventry Herald and Observer newspaper showing details of the trial and conviction of a customer’s ancestor showing why the ancestor had been transported to Australia.
I will finish on a cautionary note. I have been contacted by a chap who wanted to check up on a letter his elderly mother-in-law received. Someone wrote to her claiming to be a genealogist / researcher and requesting private, personal data from her about her family. The letter alleged that this is in relation to a ‘family entitlement’.
As proof of authenticity, the letter writer claimed that he has written articles for my Family Researcher website. For the record, I have no knowledge of any such researcher. I would advise anyone receiving similar correspondence to thoroughly check the authenticity of the sender before releasing any personal information.
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Sunday, 18 April 2010
Family Tree News - 18 April 2010
This week’s family tree news is brought to you by the letters Q and L.
Just kidding! I have found time this week to add four more pages of definitions to the Dictionary of Old Occupations, so check out the occupations lists Q and L if you want to know exactly what that old occupation listed on your ancestor’s census record means.
Also this week I was able to provide details from local records to the son of a Coventry Blitz victim.
The highlight of my week was one particular family research project. I was delighted to hear that the information provided has reunited siblings who had lost touch with one another.
Just kidding! I have found time this week to add four more pages of definitions to the Dictionary of Old Occupations, so check out the occupations lists Q and L if you want to know exactly what that old occupation listed on your ancestor’s census record means.
Also this week I was able to provide details from local records to the son of a Coventry Blitz victim.
The highlight of my week was one particular family research project. I was delighted to hear that the information provided has reunited siblings who had lost touch with one another.
Saturday, 10 April 2010
Family Tree News - 10 April 2010
Amongst the interesting projects I have on the go at the moment, I have been helping an ex-Coventry resident discover the details of how his old school friend died in World War 2. Turned out the chap was an Ex-Daimler employee who was killed in action in 1945. I was able to track down the grave reference details; he was buried in the Netherlands.
I have been spending a lot of time at the Archives over the last couple of weeks. Sad to report that they have reduced their opening hours, so I was kept hanging around outside last week waiting for them to open up! When I finally got in out of the rain I was able to research the Parish records for Avon Dassett and local directories for records on a Coventry Coal Dealer from approx 80-90 years ago.
I have added another 100 job descriptions to the dictionary of old occupations, so if you are interested in information about old jobs beginning with the letter D then take a look.
I have been spending a lot of time at the Archives over the last couple of weeks. Sad to report that they have reduced their opening hours, so I was kept hanging around outside last week waiting for them to open up! When I finally got in out of the rain I was able to research the Parish records for Avon Dassett and local directories for records on a Coventry Coal Dealer from approx 80-90 years ago.
I have added another 100 job descriptions to the dictionary of old occupations, so if you are interested in information about old jobs beginning with the letter D then take a look.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
Family Tree News - 21 March 2010
My family tree presentation packs have been especially popular recently. I am becoming a familiar face at the post office, having just posted another ten packs. Looks like I will need to visit the stationers again, to stock up on supplies!
I recently visited the archives to search the Parish Registers for St Lawrence Foleshill and for Haseley village. I found out some useful information about baptisms and marriages for two of the projects I am working on at the moment. Also, I have been researching various London Parish Records including St Nicholas Deptford and St George in the East.
It was interesting to dig up some family history about two brothers working in the watchmaking industry. One was a guilder, the other a jeweller. The local 18th century Apprentice Enrolment records are a useful source of information. These records tell us the name and occupation of the apprentice’s father, which certainly helps when researching your family tree. I am always happy to look up such local records for people with ancestors from Coventry and the surrounding area.
My family researcher website has had several minor updates, including some of the latest family tree software recommendations for those of you who are researching your own trees. The new 2010 version of Family Tree Maker is very good, and well worth checking out.
I recently visited the archives to search the Parish Registers for St Lawrence Foleshill and for Haseley village. I found out some useful information about baptisms and marriages for two of the projects I am working on at the moment. Also, I have been researching various London Parish Records including St Nicholas Deptford and St George in the East.
It was interesting to dig up some family history about two brothers working in the watchmaking industry. One was a guilder, the other a jeweller. The local 18th century Apprentice Enrolment records are a useful source of information. These records tell us the name and occupation of the apprentice’s father, which certainly helps when researching your family tree. I am always happy to look up such local records for people with ancestors from Coventry and the surrounding area.
My family researcher website has had several minor updates, including some of the latest family tree software recommendations for those of you who are researching your own trees. The new 2010 version of Family Tree Maker is very good, and well worth checking out.
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Family Tree News - 07 March 2010
I have been putting together several copies of one of my completed Gold Presentation Packages. Acting as go between I introduced an adopted child to their birth family (a delicate process but can be very rewarding).
I visited the archives and looked at the Parish registers for Foleshill, Stretton on Dunsmore and Leek Wooton. I also checked copies of the Midland Daily Telegraph for obituaries and searched Spennell’s Coventry list of Residents (this is a great way to find the addresses for relations in the 1920s as it includes most residents not just those with trades). I am now putting the finishing touches to a birthday presentation pack which will be sent special delivery to ensure its safe arrival.
I have also found time to type up another 80+ jobs for the Dictionary of Old Occupations. These begin with G, featuring glassewryghts, assorted gun makers, several textile and mining industry job definitions and many more.
I visited the archives and looked at the Parish registers for Foleshill, Stretton on Dunsmore and Leek Wooton. I also checked copies of the Midland Daily Telegraph for obituaries and searched Spennell’s Coventry list of Residents (this is a great way to find the addresses for relations in the 1920s as it includes most residents not just those with trades). I am now putting the finishing touches to a birthday presentation pack which will be sent special delivery to ensure its safe arrival.
I have also found time to type up another 80+ jobs for the Dictionary of Old Occupations. These begin with G, featuring glassewryghts, assorted gun makers, several textile and mining industry job definitions and many more.
Sunday, 21 February 2010
Family Tree News - 21 February 2010
More snow... this winter reminds me of the 1970s! It has not been affecting my work though; I have been able to get to the archives despite Coventry’s roads falling apart with frost damage and potholes.
I have been quietly working away on some more job definitions for the dictionary of old occupations, mostly working on the letter G for the moment. Hope to have these ready to publish in the next couple of weeks.
Also been doing some web design for a potential new site about London Road Cemetery. The new prototype is looking rather nice, and is currently awaiting feedback on the layout, and also some draft content. I will be pleased if this project goes through to completion, as it has been a few months now since I met with a nice chap from the Friends of London Road Cemetery to discuss creating a new site for their group.
I have been quietly working away on some more job definitions for the dictionary of old occupations, mostly working on the letter G for the moment. Hope to have these ready to publish in the next couple of weeks.
Also been doing some web design for a potential new site about London Road Cemetery. The new prototype is looking rather nice, and is currently awaiting feedback on the layout, and also some draft content. I will be pleased if this project goes through to completion, as it has been a few months now since I met with a nice chap from the Friends of London Road Cemetery to discuss creating a new site for their group.
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Family Tree News - 7 February 2010
This week I have been researching a number of families with Scottish roots. I was also contacted by a member of the Goons (Guild of one-name studies) about a World War One soldier from Coventry. I was able to recommend a search of the Coventry Graphic at the local archives, which I can help with. This wonderful paper gives information about many Coventry citizens who served in the armed forces during the First World War, often including photos.
Local author Iain Soden has written a new book about a significant and famous figure from Coventry's history - Ranulf de Blondeville. Follow the link to read more about the book.
Lifelong Coventry resident Bill Brookes has written an interesting essay about the Coventry Blitz, and its significance on the war effort and the lives of ordinary civilians in Coventry. Follow the link to read the thought-provoking article.
Local author Iain Soden has written a new book about a significant and famous figure from Coventry's history - Ranulf de Blondeville. Follow the link to read more about the book.
Lifelong Coventry resident Bill Brookes has written an interesting essay about the Coventry Blitz, and its significance on the war effort and the lives of ordinary civilians in Coventry. Follow the link to read the thought-provoking article.
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Family Tree News - 31 January 2010
This week I have been busy researching several family trees. Highlights for me include a family with a strong Naval background going back to the mid 19th century, various railway and colliery workers, and a Lord Mayor.
Thanks to Mr I Elliott, who got in touch this week with further information regarding one of his family members who died in the Coventry Blitz. I have updated the listing on the Coventry Blitz Resource Centre with the new information kindly supplied.
In my spare time I have finished transcribing the definitions and notes for just over 240 old job titles. These ones begin with the letter S, ranging from Sacristans to Sword Slippers. I have published these to my Dictionary of Old Occupations; they amount to ten new web pages! Last weekend I was so engrossed with this project that I ran out of time to publish a family tree news update. Hope you find the dictionary useful when you are researching your family tree.
All the best,
Jane Hewitt
Thanks to Mr I Elliott, who got in touch this week with further information regarding one of his family members who died in the Coventry Blitz. I have updated the listing on the Coventry Blitz Resource Centre with the new information kindly supplied.
In my spare time I have finished transcribing the definitions and notes for just over 240 old job titles. These ones begin with the letter S, ranging from Sacristans to Sword Slippers. I have published these to my Dictionary of Old Occupations; they amount to ten new web pages! Last weekend I was so engrossed with this project that I ran out of time to publish a family tree news update. Hope you find the dictionary useful when you are researching your family tree.
All the best,
Jane Hewitt
Sunday, 17 January 2010
Family Tree News - 17 January 2010
Among the family history I have been researching this week, I have been tracing the ancestors of a couple who were both officers in the Salvation Army in the early 20th century. So far I have traced one side back to 1806, and the other 1847. There is scope to investigate further back, into the 1700’s.
I have also been looking into families with very interesting first names recently, such as Aquilla (which according to a bible dictionary means ‘eagle’), and Maze, Maise, Mayze, Mays, or Maize etc. Lots of spelling variations to search for on this one! I am wondering if the name comes from a maternal surname of Mays.
- Jane
I have also been looking into families with very interesting first names recently, such as Aquilla (which according to a bible dictionary means ‘eagle’), and Maze, Maise, Mayze, Mays, or Maize etc. Lots of spelling variations to search for on this one! I am wondering if the name comes from a maternal surname of Mays.
- Jane
Sunday, 10 January 2010
Family Tree News - 10 January 2010
Just a short note this week - I have begun work on the next update to the Dictionary of Old Occupations. Should have another 100 or so extra definitions to add to the dictionary soon.
The bad weather has not affected ongoing family tree research, I am soldiering on as normal, even though trips to the archives have been fun due to the snow and ice!
The bad weather has not affected ongoing family tree research, I am soldiering on as normal, even though trips to the archives have been fun due to the snow and ice!
Sunday, 3 January 2010
Family Tree News - 3 January 2010
2010 is upon us already! After a welcome holiday, family tree research carries on apace into the New Year.
This week I have added additional information to the Coventry Blitz Resource Center for the following family surnames: Roper, Feltham, Fear, Fielding, Florence, Franks, and Fraser.
Special thanks this week to Carol Weale for sending me a photo and details of her uncle, Bill Roper, who was killed in the Coventry Blitz whilst working the late shift at the Armstong Siddeley factory in Parkside. These have now been published to the website as promised.
Finally, I would like to wish you all a happy and prosperous 2010.
Jane Hewitt
This week I have added additional information to the Coventry Blitz Resource Center for the following family surnames: Roper, Feltham, Fear, Fielding, Florence, Franks, and Fraser.
Special thanks this week to Carol Weale for sending me a photo and details of her uncle, Bill Roper, who was killed in the Coventry Blitz whilst working the late shift at the Armstong Siddeley factory in Parkside. These have now been published to the website as promised.
Finally, I would like to wish you all a happy and prosperous 2010.
Jane Hewitt
Sunday, 20 December 2009
Family Tree News - 20 December 2009
Christmas is almost upon us already, doesn't it come around quickly? The final Christmas family tree presentation packs full of research findings are all on schedule to arrive in time for Christmas, so there will be some delighted people out there opening their presents on Christmas Day. Always a pleasure to make customers happy.
I have squeezed in some time to add additional Blitz Victim information to the Coventry Blitz Resource Centre this week. I have added my research findings for the following family names: Farr, Faulkner, Farren, Dingley, Dennis, Dalton, Daines. As promised, I have uploaded the information kindly supplied by David Barron from Ontario about the Magson family, including an excellent photo of his grandfather Reg. Many thanks for sending these David.
This week I received a lovely letter from a customer I helped earlier this year, who has finally been reunited with her brother and sister after 70+ years. While I do love helping people research their family trees, I have to say that the most rewarding part of my job is when my work helps people get back in touch with long lost family members. It gives me immense pleasure to help people in this way. I will share the letter with you below, with only names and addresses redacted for privacy - it is a heart-warming letter to read.
It just remains for me to wish all my readers, customers and fellow genealogy enthusiasts a wonderful Christmas / Holiday Season, and a happy and prosperous New Year to you all.
Jane Hewitt 20 December 2009
Dear Jane
My family and I would like to thank you for the help you gave us in the summer when I was trying to find three of my siblings.
You provided information which helped the adoption team trace two of my siblings: F, who is 82 and my brother J who is 76. I have not met F yet, but I have spoken to her several times on the phone, and she is overjoyed to be in contact with the family again.
My brother J has been to visit me and will be spending Christmas with me and my family. It has been very emotional for J as this has been his first contact with anyone in the family for 73 years.
We now have only one member of the family missing, our brother HK of whom there is no trace. My older siblings do not even remember him as a baby at home. He would be 75 now and there is no record of his death. My adoptive mother suggested he had gone to Canada so next year we will be following a new line of enquiry.
I thought you would like to know how much your enquiries had helped us, and how much we appreciated your help.
Best wishes for Christmas and the coming year.
JR
I have squeezed in some time to add additional Blitz Victim information to the Coventry Blitz Resource Centre this week. I have added my research findings for the following family names: Farr, Faulkner, Farren, Dingley, Dennis, Dalton, Daines. As promised, I have uploaded the information kindly supplied by David Barron from Ontario about the Magson family, including an excellent photo of his grandfather Reg. Many thanks for sending these David.
This week I received a lovely letter from a customer I helped earlier this year, who has finally been reunited with her brother and sister after 70+ years. While I do love helping people research their family trees, I have to say that the most rewarding part of my job is when my work helps people get back in touch with long lost family members. It gives me immense pleasure to help people in this way. I will share the letter with you below, with only names and addresses redacted for privacy - it is a heart-warming letter to read.
It just remains for me to wish all my readers, customers and fellow genealogy enthusiasts a wonderful Christmas / Holiday Season, and a happy and prosperous New Year to you all.
Jane Hewitt 20 December 2009
Dear Jane
My family and I would like to thank you for the help you gave us in the summer when I was trying to find three of my siblings.
You provided information which helped the adoption team trace two of my siblings: F, who is 82 and my brother J who is 76. I have not met F yet, but I have spoken to her several times on the phone, and she is overjoyed to be in contact with the family again.
My brother J has been to visit me and will be spending Christmas with me and my family. It has been very emotional for J as this has been his first contact with anyone in the family for 73 years.
We now have only one member of the family missing, our brother HK of whom there is no trace. My older siblings do not even remember him as a baby at home. He would be 75 now and there is no record of his death. My adoptive mother suggested he had gone to Canada so next year we will be following a new line of enquiry.
I thought you would like to know how much your enquiries had helped us, and how much we appreciated your help.
Best wishes for Christmas and the coming year.
JR
Sunday, 13 December 2009
Family Tree News - 13 December 2009
Delighted to have published a new web page about the rebuilding of Coventry Cathedral following the devastation of the Blitz. The black and white photographs are taken from my family archive. Dating back to the 1950s, they depict the construction of Coventry Cathedral as it rose phoenix-like from the ashes of destruction as a symbol of peace reconciliation.
If you own any old photographs of the Cathedral taken after the Blitz, and wish to share them, I would be interested in hearing from you.
Thanks also to Mr D Barron who kindly sent me a photo of his relative who was sadly killed during the air raids on Coventry, and some additional data for the website. I hope to publish this in my next website update.
If you own any old photographs of the Cathedral taken after the Blitz, and wish to share them, I would be interested in hearing from you.
Thanks also to Mr D Barron who kindly sent me a photo of his relative who was sadly killed during the air raids on Coventry, and some additional data for the website. I hope to publish this in my next website update.
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Amazing old photos of Coventry rising from the ashes of the Blitz - coming soon!
Family Tree News - 6 December 2009
Just a quick news update this week - research is going ahead full steam as Christmas approaches!
I have found time this week only for making a few minor tweaks and updates to the website. However, browsing through my collection of family history photos, I found a set of amazing old photos taken throughout the 1950s. They show Coventry as it was being rebuilt following the devastation of the Blitz. I am spending my leisure time converting these old photographs to electronic format. They show Coventry rising from the ashes of destruction, and it is fascinating to see familiar city landmarks being built. Not to mention all the old cars!
I will pick out some of these archive photos from my collection to publish to the website. I am thinking about putting a page together on Coventry Cathedral, and another photo gallery showing Coventry City Centre - e.g. Broadgate and Coventry Precint - being constructed. Check out www.familyresearcher.co.uk in a week or two, as I hope to have something worth uploading soon. All the best, Jane.
Just a quick news update this week - research is going ahead full steam as Christmas approaches!
I have found time this week only for making a few minor tweaks and updates to the website. However, browsing through my collection of family history photos, I found a set of amazing old photos taken throughout the 1950s. They show Coventry as it was being rebuilt following the devastation of the Blitz. I am spending my leisure time converting these old photographs to electronic format. They show Coventry rising from the ashes of destruction, and it is fascinating to see familiar city landmarks being built. Not to mention all the old cars!
I will pick out some of these archive photos from my collection to publish to the website. I am thinking about putting a page together on Coventry Cathedral, and another photo gallery showing Coventry City Centre - e.g. Broadgate and Coventry Precint - being constructed. Check out www.familyresearcher.co.uk in a week or two, as I hope to have something worth uploading soon. All the best, Jane.
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Family Tree News - 29 November 2009
I have caught up with the backlog of Blitz victim updates for the website. If you are looking for info on Blitz victims in these families: Clarke, Edmond, Edwards, Egginton, Kenney, Logan, Moffitt, Needle, Perrot or Yates families then the data is now available on the Cov Blitz Resource Centre.
This week I spent some time researching a fascinating family descended from a Native American who immigrated to the UK circa the 1860s. The gentleman concerned was converted to Christianity by the US Salvation Army and was a sailor who settled here.
I also found time to update the Dictionary of Old Occupations with another two pages of job definitions beginning with the letter R. These are now available online free of charge.
This week I spent some time researching a fascinating family descended from a Native American who immigrated to the UK circa the 1860s. The gentleman concerned was converted to Christianity by the US Salvation Army and was a sailor who settled here.
I also found time to update the Dictionary of Old Occupations with another two pages of job definitions beginning with the letter R. These are now available online free of charge.
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Family Tree News - 22 November 2009
Family Tree News - 22 November 2009
Website updates have been slower than usual this week due to extra requests for family tree research for Christmas gifts. I have found time to add more details to the Blitz pages regarding the Bedford, Bradley and Dodd families. I still have three more pages of additional notes to type up and publish, I shall endeavour to do so asap.
Family Tree News - 15 November 2009
Yesterday's anniversary of the Coventry Blitz has lead to several people getting in touch to ask for info about their relatives killed in the Blitz. As always I am happy to help with these enquiries. As a result, I have been able to add more information to the Coventry Blitz Resource Centre pages on my site.
Website updates have been slower than usual this week due to extra requests for family tree research for Christmas gifts. I have found time to add more details to the Blitz pages regarding the Bedford, Bradley and Dodd families. I still have three more pages of additional notes to type up and publish, I shall endeavour to do so asap.
Family Tree News - 15 November 2009
Yesterday's anniversary of the Coventry Blitz has lead to several people getting in touch to ask for info about their relatives killed in the Blitz. As always I am happy to help with these enquiries. As a result, I have been able to add more information to the Coventry Blitz Resource Centre pages on my site.
Sunday, 8 November 2009
Family Tree News 08/11/2009
A big 'thank you' to eagle-eyed author / historian Trevor Harkin who spotted two names on the Unlisted Blitz Victims list which are listed right at the end on the Memorial, out of alphabetical order and under 'unidentifed'. I have updated the web site to match the memorial. Thanks also to Mr Kite for sending me updated information for his family Blitz story.
This week I also added / updated data for an additional 23 victims of the Coventry Blitz, and published these under the Blitz Resource Centre.Mr West sent me a short Blitz story about his grandparents, which has now been added to the site. Thanks to everyone for their contributions. Sitting here on the afternoon of memorial Sunday 2009, updating details about WW2 victims seem particularly poignant, and I do so with respect to honour and remember those who lost their lives during WW2.
This week I also added / updated data for an additional 23 victims of the Coventry Blitz, and published these under the Blitz Resource Centre.Mr West sent me a short Blitz story about his grandparents, which has now been added to the site. Thanks to everyone for their contributions. Sitting here on the afternoon of memorial Sunday 2009, updating details about WW2 victims seem particularly poignant, and I do so with respect to honour and remember those who lost their lives during WW2.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Family Tree News 01/11/2009
Found some time this week to add approx 50 more jobs to the dictionary of old occupations. I am maybe a quarter of the way through the job definitions now, if that. Told you it is a big job! Additionally, I have been researching through passenger lists from the 1920s to the 1940s for soldier's families returning from India to England via Southampton. It was interesting to have tracked down the birth certificate for a soldier's daughter born in Bangalore.
My regular research work carries apace on as usual. If you are thinking of ordering a family tree for Christmas, now is the time to get in touch.
My regular research work carries apace on as usual. If you are thinking of ordering a family tree for Christmas, now is the time to get in touch.
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