This New Year’s Eve, I am sure we are all reflecting on what has been an extraordinary year for the whole world. There have been times of sadness, uncertainty and worry and even as we enter 2021 things are still changing. Looking forward to 2021, I decided to look back on 2020.
Professional Genealogy
It is said that the modern world is smaller thanks to the advent of technology, I can certainly vouch for this as, once again, I have had the privilege of helping people from across the globe to learn more about their ancestors. Clients have come from Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand as well as the United Kingdom and include Universities and businesses as well as personal commissions.
I was delighted to be part of the latest AGRA (Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives) Podcast, covering Family History research prior to 1837. If you want some tips on how to progress your own research, it's well worth a listen. As well as fellow genealogists Sharon Grant, Simon Martin and Gill Blanchard, the podcast is hosted by Sarah Williams, Editor of Who Do You Think You Are Magazine.
https://www.agra.org.uk/news-ask-agra-podcast-research-before-1837-2020-11-01
These last few weeks have been a whirlwind; so much has been happening. One event, in particular, I am really thrilled about.
I have been involved with the Cannington Shaw Preservation Trust in St Helens, Lancashire, for the past couple of years as their resident historian/genealogist. I am now delighted to announce that I have been appointed Heritage Director for this Scheduled Ancient Monument, which is an important part of St Helens’ Industrial heritage. I am looking forward to being part of the project to save the No. 7 Bottle Shop, which in 2017 was listed as in the top 10 of endangered buildings by The Victorian Society.
When we begin the search for our ancestors, we hope that we may find some famous or infamous character, who has a colourful story which we can proudly proclaim. While doing some digging this week into my husband’s family history, I came across the case of James Cheetham, who in 1890, appeared in court in Newton le Willows, Lancashire.
Read more: High Jinks, or the case of the flying Mangold Wurzel
I am fortunate that my Grandma was a hoarder, or should I say keeper of documents and family ephemera. Today I found a little scrap of paper, which ends with the line "A sure remedy for Rheumatica". The ingredients and method are: