In Pains and Gains, Malcolm shared news of family history connections renewed and information gained while on a two-week family research focused trip to South Australia, while Sue described the gains she has made since joining the class in February. Barry had also sent in a rich list of Pains and Gains.
In ‘Unlocking a Puzzle’, her story in response to May’s topic ‘The clue or evidence that opened up my family story’ Deb described how taking another look at a Marriage Record, noticing the word ‘Park’ at the end of the line and wondering about its significance opened up a family story for which the Beatles song ‘Mull of Kintyre’ could well have been the soundtrack.
There was also time for Deb to share her research on the Earl Grey Scheme for Irish Orphans, among them her ancestor, Bridget Cain. By all accounts, the group had a great afternoon.
The topics for May’s ‘Family Stories’ can be carried over to June if you were away but would still like to present your story - either
The clue or evidence that opened up my family story,,, Describe a piece of evidence which, when found, resolved a problem or enabled your family research to move on or consolidated it in some way. If you can remember the details, share your process in doing so with us and the avenues it opened up.
“Out of my usual comfort zone…” Write about a branch of your tree which (or an ancestor who) has taken you out of your comfort zone (and perhaps current subscription level) into international records or a rather remote source of records. What did you discover that led you on this new journey, what committed you to pursuing it, what did you find out if anything? How did this help 'round out' your family tree. Was the journey worthwhile?
June’s topic - Creatively writing family stories…. ‘using the left side of your brain’! Decide upon a person who is central or fairly central to your family history and an event or stage in their life which is particularly significant… Research into the period of time to add breadth and depth to the context in which you will be telling a story of a brief but significant time in their life… write it as a story using the tense/style of ‘Elizabeth Pulley Sets Sail’. or from Graham Jensen’s ‘Leaving the Shore’. (This may be a bit tricky, but persevere and see what happens! It can be a ‘draft’, and there is no expectation that it will be added to our story collection unless you feel ready for this.)
Alternative topic ‘Music and My Family Story…’ Tell us about ‘music’ which has featured in your family story or which on hearing it helps you to explain your family story in some way. If you can, bring the music to play for the group – YouTube is a wonderful source! Explain how it relates to a particular family branch or member, their experiences, the historical period at the time. (Think laterally – the story could be about a family musician; family songbooks; an old instrument still in your or a family member’s collection… and more. Over to you.)
Of course, if these topics don’t excite you, there is always the ‘member’s choice’ option!'
Jane Rushworth and Bev Lee