Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.6.2, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Family Wise Professional People Finding Service & Probate Services ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://family-wise.co.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [WW2: What Happened on VJ Day?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2026/08/05/ww2-what-happened-on-vj-day/) - Every family has a story, and for many across Britain, those stories were forever changed by the events of the Second World War. While VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) is widely recognised, VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) is often overlooked, despite marking the true end of the global conflict. As we approach VJ - [The 1926 Irish Census: A New Window into Ireland's Past](https://family-wise.co.uk/2026/07/22/the-1926-irish-census-a-new-window-into-irelands-past/) - Written by Daniel Loftus The 1926 Irish Census: A Landmark for Irish Family History It has just been over two months since the 1926 Irish Census was released for public inspection by the National Archives. This census is the first historic glimpse we get into Irish society at the time when the former Kingdom of - [The Brides in the Bath Murders: How Genealogy Helped Unmask a Serial Killer](https://family-wise.co.uk/2026/07/08/the-brides-in-the-bath-murders-how-genealogy-helped-unmask-a-serial-killer/) - Discover how the Brides in the Bath murders demonstrate the importance of family history research, genealogy, historical records, and tracing missing relatives. - [The FIFA World Cup: A Journey Through Football's Greatest Stage](https://family-wise.co.uk/2026/06/24/the-fifa-world-cup-a-journey-through-footballs-greatest-stage/) - Every four years, the world holds its breath for the FIFA World Cup. Billions of fans across every continent gather around screens large and small, draped in... - [Family Communication Then vs Now: What Has Changed?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2026/05/27/family-communication-then-vs-now-what-has-changed/) - Imagine your Victorian great-grandmother pulling out her phone, hitting record, and sending a voice note: "Just checking in, darling. Hope you're well. Also, did you hear about the Hendersons?" It's a funny image, isn't it? Yet, in terms of the impulse behind it, the need to reach out, connect, and share the small and large - [Sir David at 100: Family history lessons from a remarkable life](https://family-wise.co.uk/2026/05/08/sir-david-at-100-family-history-lessons-from-a-remarkable-life/) - Today is a very special day. Sir David Attenborough, the familiar, thoughtful voice that has led generations through the beauty of the natural world... - [Growth in action: stories from the apprenticeship journey](https://family-wise.co.uk/2026/04/29/growth-in-action-stories-from-the-apprenticeship-journey/) - At Family Wise Limited, we are always proud of the people behind our work, but every so often, there are moments... Ethan is doing a marketing apprenticeship... - [The Magic of RootsTech and Why Everyone Is Talking About It](https://family-wise.co.uk/2026/03/18/the-magic-of-roots-tech-and-why-everyone-is-talking-about-it/) - Genealogy has always been about stories. Stories of where we came from, who shaped our lives, and how the past connects to the present. Each year... - [A Century of Life, A Lifetime of Stories](https://family-wise.co.uk/2026/03/05/a-century-of-life-a-lifetime-of-stories/) - Some birthdays are special, some are unforgettable, and some, like turning 100, deserve to be celebrated in a truly extraordinary way. When Melvina marked... - [Millions Reunited with Rightful Heirs: 14 Years of Family Wise](https://family-wise.co.uk/2026/02/18/millions-reunited-with-rightful-heirs-14-years-of-family-wise/) - Fourteen years ago, there was no Family Wise High Street office. No global team. No international reach. There was simply a teacher with a dream, a new home... - [Valentine’s Day: Love Stories That Shaped Our Past](https://family-wise.co.uk/2026/02/04/valentines-day-love-stories-that-shaped-our-past/) - Every February, hearts appear in shop windows, love letters are exchanged, and flowers are carefully chosen to say what words sometimes cannot. Valentine’s Day... - [Transparency and Tension: The Bona Vacantia List Back Online](https://family-wise.co.uk/2026/01/21/transparency-and-tension-the-bona-vacantia-list-back-online/) - The recent return of the Bona Vacantia (BV) list marks an important moment for genealogists, probate researchers, and families seeking to recover unclaimed... - [The Year Family History Came Into Focus](https://family-wise.co.uk/2026/01/08/the-year-family-history-came-into-focus/) - As 2025 draws to a close, it’s time to pause, look back … and look sideways. This year wasn’t about flashy breakthroughs or mythical ancestors appearing overnight. Instead, 2025 quietly reminded us that genealogy is about people, patterns, and the little details that can change everything. Just like a family story passed down through generations, - [How a 900-Year-Old Name Helped Shape Britain’s New F1 World Champion](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/12/08/how-a-900-year-old-name-helped-shape-britains-new-f1-world-champion/) - When Lando Norris, new world champion, clinched his first-ever Formula One World Championship at the 2025 season finale in Abu Dhabi, it wasn’t just a win... - [The Best Free Websites for Family History Research](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/11/26/the-best-free-websites-for-family-history-research/) - The Best Free Websites for Family History Research Do you ever pause and wonder about the lives of those who came before you, how they lived, worked, and made.. - [Remembrance, War, and the Stories Hidden in Family Trees](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/11/12/remembrance-war-and-the-stories-hidden-in-family-trees/) - Do you ever find yourself pausing at 11 am on Remembrance Day, standing in silence while thoughts drift towards those who came before? For two minutes, the... - [Guy Fawkes and His Family Secrets](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/11/06/guy-fawkes-and-his-family-secrets/) - Remember, Remember... Your Family This November! very year on the 5th of November, fireworks light up the skies across Britain. Bonfires burn and - [The Glowing Ancestry of the Jack-o’-Lantern](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/10/29/the-glowing-ancestry-of-the-jack-o-lantern/) - Every October, glowing pumpkins grin from porches and windowsills, lighting up the autumn nights. But the story of the Jack-o’-lantern goes far beyond... - [The Lost Children: Orphans, Foundlings, and Workhouses](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/10/22/the-lost-children-orphans-foundlings-and-workhouses/) - Not all ancestors came from comfortable homes or well-documented families. For many, poverty, illness, and tragedy shaped their childhood. Orphanages... - [Life Below Stairs: Could You Be Descended from Servants?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/10/15/life-below-stairs-could-you-be-descended-from-servants/) - We often imagine grand country houses with lords, ladies, and glittering parties, but behind the scenes, an army of servants kept these estates running... - [Mystery in the Family: Victorian Crimes and Punishments](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/10/08/mystery-in-the-family-victorian-crimes-and-punishments/) - When we think of our ancestors, we often picture hardworking miners, factory hands, or farmers. But dig a little deeper, and you may uncover a scandal lurking.. - [Top 10 Surprising Jobs Your Ancestors May Have Had](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/10/01/top-10-surprising-jobs-your-ancestors-may-have-had/) - Not everyone in your family tree will have been a farmer, a miner, or a factory worker. Digging into the past can uncover ancestors who earned their living in.. - [Discovering Your Adoption Roots Made Easy](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/09/24/discovering-your-adoption-roots-made-easy/) - Family history is something many people often overlook. For adoptees, however, knowing their origins can feel like a puzzle with missing pieces.. - [Einstein, Migration, and the Strength of Starting Again](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/09/17/einstein-migration-and-the-strength-of-starting-again/) - This year marks 110 years since one of Einstein's groundbreaking discoveries, a milestone that gives us the perfect reason to reflect on his legacy.... - [Born to Run at 50, Music, Memory, and Family History](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/09/10/born-to-run-at-50-music-memory-and-family-history/) - Do you have a song that instantly takes you back to a specific time in your life? Maybe it was the tune playing at a family wedding, the track blasting on... - [Unlocking New Talents: 5 Skills Gained From Family History Research](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/09/03/unlocking-new-talents-5-skills-gained-from-family-history-research/) - Have you considered researching your family history, but are hesitant because you think you'll just be finding a few names and dates? Research skills can... - [Veils, Vows, and Vintage Clues: Family Histories Revealed (Part 2)](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/08/27/veils-vows-and-vintage-clues-family-histories-revealed-part-2/) - Welcome to part 2 of Veils, vows, and vintage clues: family histories revealed! Here we take a look at another wedding photograph and the research done to... - [Veils, Vows, and Vintage Clues: Family History Revealed.](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/08/20/genealogy-secrets-veils-vows-and-vintage-clues-from-your-familys-past/) - Genealogy starts with a question. Who were the people in an old photo? My wedding picture collection holds many of these mysteries. In this post, I share the... - [From the MD, CEO and Founder](https://family-wise.co.uk/2022/09/19/from-the-md-ceo-and-founder/) - A lot has changed since Family Wise was founded in 2012. One has become nearly forty. Home has become High Street. However, consistency has remained throughout. - [Genealogy Solutions to the Windrush Scandal](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/08/13/genealogy-solutions-to-the-windrush-scandal/) - While doing Genealogy, you may have heard of the Windrush Scandal that came into the forefront of the British media a few years ago. It centres around members.. - [Family Tree Journey | The Best Way To Find Memories](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/08/06/family-tree-journey-the-best-way-to-find-memories/) - Family Wise | When growing up, I spent most Saturday mornings with my Gran who lived down the road from us in Leicester. When I was around eight, she introdu... - [Family Homes: Legacy and Love](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/07/30/family-homes-legacy-and-love/) - Have you ever entered an old family home and felt a deep, stirring emotion? In those moments, these details are not merely parts of a building.... - [Back Then vs Now: How Your Ancestors Lived](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/07/23/back-then-vs-now-how-your-ancestors-lived/) - We're exploring the surprising, and sometimes shocking, differences between our lives today and those of our ancestors. It's a reminder that... - [Top 10 Famous People You Could Be Related To](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/07/16/top-10-famous-people-you-could-be-related-to/) - Not everyone has a famous duke or duchess hidden in their family tree. Some of us are more likely to be descended from rogues, pirates, outlaws... - [The BEST Genealogy Activities to Enjoy During British Summer](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/07/02/the-best-genealogy-activities-to-enjoy-during-british-summer/) - When the sun’s out and temperatures rise, it can feel tempting to put the genealogy research on pause. But summer offers some brilliant opportunities for.. - [When Your Online Family Tree Disappears: How to Protect Your Genealogy Research](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/06/25/when-your-online-family-tree-disappears-how-to-protect-your-genealogy-research/) - Genealogy has become super accessible thanks to the internet. With just a few clicks, you can uncover old records, connect with distant relatives.... - [Genetic Secrets: What Your DNA Test Might Reveal](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/06/18/genetic-secrets-what-your-dna-test-might-reveal/) - DNA testing is uncovering new ancestry lines. Learn how to manage the emotional fallout and ethical questions of genetic genealogy. - [The Emotional Side of Genealogy: Revealing Family Secrets](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/06/11/the-emotional-side-of-genealogy-revealing-family-secrets/) - When Sarah opened a dusty envelope in her grandmother’s attic, she didn’t expect to uncover a family secret hidden for three generations. Inside was a ... - [Follow The Money | Tracing Ancestors Through Financial Records](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/06/04/follow-the-money-tracing-ancestors-through-financial-records/) - When vital records are elusive or don’t exist, genealogists need to turn to other records to find ancestors. One particular methodology is called “follow the... - [Genealogy Tourism in the UK: Summer Holiday with a Purpose](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/05/28/genealogy-tourism-in-the-uk-summer-holiday-with-a-purpose/) - What if your next getaway could bring you closer to your roots through genealogy and family history? What if this year’s summer holiday could offer more than... - [WW2 | The Best Tips to Help Trace Your Ancestors](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/05/21/ww2-the-best-tips-to-help-trace-your-ancestors/) - On the 8th of May, we mark VE Day - Victory in Europe Day (WW2), a pivotal moment in history that ended nearly 6 years of war in Europe. Buy beyond the... - [How AI is Bringing Ancestors Back to Life (Sort of!)](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/05/14/how-ai-is-bringing-ancestors-back-to-life-sort-of/) - Discover how AI is revolutionising family history research, from handwriting recognition and photo animation to simulated ancestor conversations. - [Family Records: The Best Tips on How to Preserve Them](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/05/07/family-records-the-best-tips-on-how-to-preserve-them/) - So, you are looking for the best tips on organising and preserving family documents? You are in the right place! Knee deep in parish records or even... - [Moments That Shaped British History and Family Genealogy](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/04/30/moments-that-shaped-british-history-and-family-genealogy/) - Understanding the history of a nation is crucial to tracing one's roots, and for the British, certain moments have left an undeniable mark on genealogy... - [A Simple Guide to Genealogical Scrapbooking](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/04/23/a-simple-guide-to-genealogical-scrapbooking/) - Welcome to the world of genealogical scrapbooking! A simple, creative way to preserve your family's past while sharing stories across generations... - [A Guide to Tracing Your House History](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/04/16/a-guide-to-tracing-your-house-history/) - Understanding your home's past can add more depth to your family history research. Here is our comprehensive guide to discovering your house's unique history. - [The Best Guide On How To Trace British Migrant Ancestors](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/04/09/the-best-guide-on-how-to-trace-british-migrant-ancestors/) - Have you ever wondered how your ancestors ended up where they did? Whether they sailed across oceans for a new life, moved within the UK for work, or were... - [Recording & Writing Family Stories](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/04/02/recording-writing-family-stories/) - Family stories are a gold mine of information, but their intangible nature makes them easily lost. They provide invaluable clues for our family history research - [Martin Luther King Jr | The Dream That Changed A Nation](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/03/26/martin-luther-king-jr-the-dream-that-changed-a-nation/) - Martin Luther King Jr was more than just a civil rights leader, he was a symbol of courage and dedication to justice. Born in 1929, he became the voice of a... - [8 Expert Tips for Deciphering Handwriting on Old Documents](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/03/19/8-expert-tips-for-deciphering-handwriting-on-old-documents/) - When tracing your family history, encountering old handwriting on documents can be exciting and frustrating. We've gathered some tips to help you decipher them. - [The Most Influential Women in History](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/03/12/the-most-influential-women-in-history/) - Women are incredible. The way they can give and shape our lives, turning us into the people we are today. We all know a woman who we are proud of... - [The Tester Family Continued...](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/03/05/the-tester-family-continued/) - Join me as we continue the story of the Tester family. George Francis Tester had one sister and three brothers. In this blog, we will be exploring... - [The Impact of Dodgy Will Writers and How to Protect Your Clients](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/02/26/the-impact-of-dodgy-will-writers-and-how-to-protect-your-clients/) - When a will is drafted incorrectly, the consequences can be far-reaching. Unfortunately, dodgy will writers are a risk that many executors face. - [Legal Challenges for Executors in Blended Families](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/02/26/legal-challenges-for-executors-in-blended-families/) - Blended families are common, with remarriages and step-relations adding complexity to estate administration. For executors, navigating this can be challenging. - [Navigating Executor Disputes: Supporting Solicitors in Complex Estate Administration](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/02/26/navigating-executor-disputes-supporting-solicitors-in-complex-estate-administration/) - Executor disputes are a common challenge in probate cases and can cause significant delays, increased legal costs, and emotional strain for everyone involved. - [Common Mistakes in Estate Administration and How to Avoid Them](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/02/26/common-mistakes-in-estate-administration-and-how-to-avoid-them/) - Estate administration involves numerous steps, and even small mistakes can cause delays. Here are five frequent errors and how to avoid them. - [Scottish Genealogy: Discovering The Hidden Gems of Tracing Tartans](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/02/26/scottish-genealogy-discovering-the-hidden-gems-of-tracing-tartans/) - Scotland's history is as rich as its landscapes, from its Highlands to its vibrant cities of the Lowlands. Scottish genealogy is an exciting experience. - [Who was George Francis Tester?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/02/19/who-was-george-francis-tester/) - Join me as I take you on the journey of one of my old photos in my collection, from buying and scanning to researching and then writing a blog about the family - [The Joy of Tithe Records: Finding an Ancestor's Home & More](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/02/12/the-joy-of-tithe-records-finding-an-ancestors-home-more/) - I have discovered that many of my ancestors were country folk and I love to visit the villages where they once lived. I usually make a beeline for the church... - [Why Scattered Ashes Deserve a Place in Family History](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/02/05/why-scattered-ashes-deserve-a-place-in-family-history/) - Genealogists are natural detectives. We delve into centuries of records, piecing together the fragments of our ancestors' lives. We search for births, marriages, and deaths, scan census returns for lost family members, and comb through gravestones and churchyard inscriptions to discover more about where 'our people' are laid to rest. But what happens when there's - [How To Safely Store Your Family Photographs](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/01/29/how-to-safely-store-your-family-photographs/) - Preserving old family photographs is essential for maintaining your family's history and ensuring future generations can cherish these visual memories. However, - [The Easiest Way to Start Your Family Tree: Simple Steps for Beginners](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/01/22/the-easiest-way-to-start-your-family-tree-simple-steps-for-begineers/) - In this guide, we'll show you steps to start your own family tree. Whether you're new to genealogy or just getting started, you can discover your family's past! - [Putting Your People in Their Place: Seven Rules](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/01/15/putting-your-people-in-their-place-seven-rules/) - Is there one location where your ancestors settled for multiple generations? Were they landowners or holders of an important position? - [Help! I'm The Administrator of a Cousin's Estate!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/01/08/help-im-the-administrator-of-a-cousins-estate/) - We were approached by a lady named Tessa, who found us on Google and got in contact with us to see if we could assist. She was one of the next-of-kin of her cousin Tom, a single man who had recently passed away without leaving a will. Being related on his mother's side, she knew - [How Genealogy Can Connect You to Historical Events](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/01/09/how-genealogy-can-connect-you-to-historical-events/) - Have you ever wondered if your great-grandfather was involved in a pivotal moment in history? Genealogy is more than just tracing family trees, it can reveal surprising connections to historical events and figures, helping you understand your ancestors' roles in shaping the world. In this blog, we'll explore how family history research can uncover these - [21 Cats, Four Skips & a Scraped Wing-Mirror in a Country Lane](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/01/08/21-cats-four-skips-a-scraped-wing-mirror-in-a-country-lane/) - The estate of Esmond Percy will always stick in our minds. From a young age, it was clear his life was destined for the stage. He achieved his dream of running a slick entertainment-based charity benefitting people just like himself, who had had a difficult start in life. With his wife Selina, their crowded tumble-down - [The Life of Raoul Richards: Fine clothing hiding a secret](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/02/25/fine-clothing-lgbt/) - These words were offered up by cousins on his life when learning of the death of Raoul Richards, whose details were published on the Bona Vacantia's unclaimed.. - [A Guide To Adding Anecdotal Information To Your Research](https://family-wise.co.uk/2025/01/02/a-guide-to-adding-anecdotal-information-to-your-research/) - Part of the fun of researching your family history can be adding those titbits of information you hold that you will not find in the archives... - [Taking no shortcuts](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/16/taking-no-shortcuts/) - We find people. Beneficiaries in Wills, beneficiaries in intestate estates, long lost family, friends and more .... but there is no 'easy way' of doing it. It takes time, skill and dedication from the FWL team. Sure, sometimes we make it look easy and achieve the seemingly impossible in the blink of an eye. However, - [In the Premier League](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/08/21/in-the-premier-league/) - Whoa Neddy! This week has been absolutely bonkers. From Cornwall and back to FWL HQ, nibbling critters to grief close to home, the week has been anything but 'as planned'.... But we are now over 'the hump' of the week and the weekend is almost in sight. The diary for 20 August was a hectic - [Essential tips to finding out what your family crest is!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/12/18/essential-tips-to-finding-out-what-your-family-crest-is/) - I am sure you have at least once wondered if you or your family name has a crest. What is a family crest you say? It's a medieval symbol that was often used... - [We All Have a Story to Tell](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/12/11/we-all-have-a-story-to-tell/) - We all have a story, but writing a family history story can seem like an arduous process, a chore rather than a pleasure, but it doesn't have to be like that. - [Are You Related To Someone Famous?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/12/04/are-you-related-to-someone-famous/) - We've probably all seen a TV show where a celebrity uncovers their family history and some find that they are not the first famous name in their family. - [What is Heir Hunting?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/11/27/what-is-heir-hunting/) - Viewers of the BBC TV series Heir Hunters may need no introduction to the concept of heir hunting. But although a popular programme, with at times more than... - [Essential Tips for Tracing Your Female Ancestors](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/11/20/essential-tips-for-tracing-your-female-ancestors/) - Female ancestors can be elusive, but with the right resources and methods, you can break down these barriers to uncover the lives of women who shaped your past. - [A Family Put Back Together](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/11/13/a-family-put-back-together/) - Genealogy is a magical tool to discover the rich, mysterious and sometimes scandalous lives of your ancestors. We delve into the story of Ron's family and how... - [The Genealogical Legacy of Guy Fawkes](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/11/05/the-genealogical-legacy-of-guy-fawkes/) - What better way to celebrate this historic day than to take a look at the family history of Guy Fawkes, the man who got it all started with a bang, almost... - [What Happens When Your Family History Throws up an Unwanted Truth?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/10/30/what-happens-when-your-family-history-throws-up-an-unwanted-truth/) - Exploring your family history is usually motivated by a natural curiosity, a desire to understand where you came from or perhaps to set a record straight. - [Understanding Death Certificates Part Two: Seven Tips For Using Death Certificates in your family history](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/10/23/understanding-death-certificates-part-two-seven-tips-for-using-death-certificates-in-your-family-history/) - Here are our top tips for obtaining the right information from death certificates when researching your family history. We recently looked at the steps... - [Navigating Complex Probate: Avoid delays and disputes with expert guidance](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/10/22/navigating-complex-probate-avoid-delays-and-disputes-with-expert-guidance/) - Did you know around 15% of UK citizens own property abroad? This often leads to complications during probate, especially when administrating estates with... - [A Nightmare: Testator's Books Everywhere](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/10/22/a-nightmare-testators-books-everywhere/) - In 2019, Reggie Battershaw passed away. He had left a Will, but the executor (a charity) was unsure whether they would administrate, given the challenge. - [Assisting Accountant with Administrating](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/10/22/assisting-accountant-with-administrating/) - About a year ago, we were approached by a chartered accountant who found himself as the administrator of the estate of a first cousin. The cousin was... - [Did You Know 1 in 3 UK Estates Are Left Intestate - Here's How to Avoid It](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/10/22/did-you-know-1-in-3-uk-estates-are-left-intestate-heres-how-to-avoid-it/) - When a person dies without leaving a will, their estate falls under intestacy rules, often leading to complex legal issues and unintended outcomes. - [How Devon Folklore Influences Your Family History Research](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/10/16/how-devon-folklore-influences-your-family-history-research/) - We will explore some intriguing folklore tales that not only capture the imagination but also shed light on the historical and cultural background of Devon. - [Will The Real Roy Hammond Please Stand Up?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/10/09/will-the-real-roy-hammond-please-stand-up/) - In the sometimes-cruel world that is family research, records can be elusive and messy with information not always directly available or forthcoming... - [10 Expert Tips to Break Down Your Genealogy Brick Wall](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/10/02/10-expert-tips-to-break-down-your-genealogy-brick-wall/) - You've hit a genealogy brick wall. Don't worry, you can overcome it. Here's a guide on how to break down that brick wall, with tips from our own researchers. - [The Cross Family Tree](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/09/25/the-cross-family-tree/) - About thirty years ago, my husband and I embarked on researching his ancestors, and we anticipated some challenges due to the common surname "Cross"... - [Even (or only) on a Saturday](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/28/even-or-only-on-a-saturday/) - So what did Saturday hold for you? How many of you had a leisurely day off? Watched some sport on the television? I'll lay money on the fact that 99.9% of you did some kind of household chores. Saturday can be a bit of a pain in that way.... duster, vacuum cleaner, washing machine, tumble - [Expect the unexpected](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/06/14/expect-the-unexpected/) - There are hundreds of Rootsweb lists and Facebook groups, bloggers and ‘newsletter’ publishers online. Trying to keep up with Feedly every day is almost impossible.... but it is a very worthwhile daily task as there are so many new collections being made available. You wouldn’t want to miss one! A short while ago, I was - [Who Do You Think You Are?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/10/who-do-you-think-you-are-2/) - OK .... I'll let you down gently. This is nothing to do with the television series, the magazine or the live show. If you were hoping for that, I'd close this internet browser window now. It's a question to you, the readers.... Who do you think you are? Me.... well, I am Kirsty. I am - [You are kidding, right? (Part 2)](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/09/27/you-are-kidding-right-part-2/) - This week, we have found plenty more crazy references to share with you .... including a Jane X marrying a Mr Jane, for one example!! So, she became Jane Jane. That's just ridiculous - you just wouldn't take your husband's name, surely!?!? Searching FreeBMD, we located a Donkey Calder. What? Erm, no. It's DONKIN Calder.... - [Among friends....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/21/among-friends/) - Some days are planned but most are not. Today (for me, at least) was planned down to the last minute detail. My main travel plan was to get to Bath for this morning's meeting (6:30am) with all the requirements for the second stage of travel - to Ipswich. To say that I feel slightly under-prepared to - [Back to family and local history](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/08/22/back-to-family-local-history/) - Often our working days are spent deep in paperwork on Heir Hunting cases in the offices of FWL. The volume of rainforest used in our line of work is really quite amazing. Generally, our approach builds on family history research techniques and the reconstruction of lineages to try to ascertain the rightful heirs to estates. Both of - [OGS Conference 2014 - it's all over](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/05/05/ogscon2014-its-all-over/) - Genealogy without borders .... it certainly had none this last weekend in St Catherines, Ontario! Having put in my lecture proposals last year, it barely seems possible that the event is over already. Arriving on Friday evening for dinner at Brock University, it was great to quickly locate Canadian friends who I had previously met - [The Story of Portman Road](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/21/the-story-of-portman-road/) - Arrived home at 9pm, having left Ipswich at 4:45pm.... a very successful and enjoyable but somewhat exhausting day! The Society for One-Place Studies 2nd AGM and Conference was, in my opinion, excellent. Without any prior discussion between the four speakers, there were common threads across the various talks and the networking time planned into the - [The meeting of the Tarrant and the Stour](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/13/tarrant-and-stour/) - Anne-Marie Edwards informed me in Waterside Walks in Dorset that: "From an attractive village raised footbridges cross the gardens of an old mill and field paths lead over the Stour water meadows to the Tarrant valley. Here, in an idyllic setting beside the river, stands a 12th-century church with medieval wall paintings and close by are - [The wonders of the West Country](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/21/wonders-west-country/) - As regular readers will know from yesterday's blog post, I am down in my home county of Devon. I say 'home county' but I have never actually lived in Devon, though I have tried pretty hard to find reasons to live here. My father (Pa FWL) was born in Devon and all his ancestors lived and - [A day in the life of ....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/05/a-day-in-the-life-of/) - There are some days when I wonder which way is up. Today is one of those days. I think that sleep featured for a short time but I am pretty sure that the alarm said '5 hours and [something] minutes' when I set it. The Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) Conference Committee meeting started at midnight last - [Playing dirty](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/20/playing-dirty/) - Ethics and honesty are two of our core values at FWL. Among other things, we trace beneficiaries in intestate cases - where people die without leaving a Will. We are in competition with many companies across the nation from large to small, professional to unprofessional. Last week, we spoke to four beneficiaries (siblings) on a - [Putting my waders on](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/08/18/putting-my-waders-on/) - As regular readers will know, I have been down in the FWL South West Office for a few days - well, since Sunday. I was delighted to find that everything was running very smoothly down there - did I ever doubt that fact?! Cornwall is not all that close to our Wiltshire HQ so, having made it - [What is a Lady Wimborne Cottage?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/09/08/lady-wimborne-cottage/) - Growing up in the village of Canford Magna, many things intrigued me about its history. The main residence, Canford Manor was sold in 1923 and became Canford School. The Wimborne family had owned the manor house as well as many other houses, lodges, stables and even a bridge. In the area, there were some really - [Who Do You Think You Are? Live - The Final Frontier](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/18/wdytya-live-the-final-frontier/) - Is it actually possible? Sadly, it is. It’s over. Completely and utterly. Finished. Who Do You Think You Are? Live has been looming on the genealogical calendar for so long and now, the stands have been packed up and we are all returning to our homes across the nation, nay the globe. ‘We’ includes all - [The Boer War](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/06/19/boer-war/) - Two separate Boer Wars were fought between the British Empire and two independent Boer states with the Second Boer War (1899-1902) being the one commonly known as the 'Boer War'. Many famous people including Lord Baden-Powell, Winston Churchill, Arthur Conan Doyle and Mahatma Gandhi all served in the Second Boer War. A unique database of - [Sign Up for Our Newsletter!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/09/25/sign-up-for-our-newsletter/) - Do you want exclusive genealogy tips and discounts? Do you want FREE genealogy cheat sheets to help you with your own research? Sign up to our newsletter! - [How These Famous Historical Events Shaped Your Family Tree](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/09/18/how-these-famous-historical-events-shaped-your-family-tree/) - This blog delves into the impact of significant historical events on family histories and emphasises the importance of weaving social history into genealogy... - [Understanding Death Certificates: How do you register a death?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/09/11/understanding-death-certificates-how-do-you-register-a-death/) - At Family Wise, death certificates are a document we are well acquainted with: it being a vital resource when researching family histories for our customers - [A History of the Olympics](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/09/04/a-history-of-the-olympics/) - In this blog, as the Paralympics begin, we'll journey through the history of the Olympic Games, uncovering key moments, and what shaped it into what we know... - [How to Plan an Epic Genealogy Trip](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/08/21/how-to-plan-an-epic-genealogy-trip/) - Planning a genealogy trip can be a daunting task. This blog will provide you with key steps to plan a fruitful trip to unfold centuries of mystery. - [Criminals In Your Family Tree: How to deal with the most common problems](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/08/16/criminals-in-your-family-tree-how-to-deal-with-the-most-common-problems/) - Discovering criminal ancestors is a venture, from tracking down elusive figures to approaching the topic with relatives, here's how you don't get derailed. - [The Hildred Family](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/04/12/the-hildred-family/) - When the name of Stephen Simon Hildred appeared on the Bona Vacantia list in 2020, shortly after his death, by all appearances it was a perfectly normal case... - [Family Wise Young Genealogist Experience](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/04/26/family-wise-young-genealogist-experience/) - Hi, my name is Sophie and I was the winner of the Young Genealogist Experience competition. Here I am going to be detailing everything I got up to... - [Where Do Different Surnames Come From?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/05/06/where-do-different-surnames-come-from/) - When it comes to family history, one of the most accessible places to begin is in understanding your family surnames. There is a pretty logical process to this. - [Common Genealogy Mistakes](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/05/21/common-genealogy-mistakes/) - Tracing your family history is a test of patience. Here are three of the most common genealogy mistakes, and the steps you can take to keep yourself on track. - [Tips for interviewing family members](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/05/23/tips-for-interviewing-family-members/) - When it comes to tracing family members, perhaps the most valuable resource may be family members themselves. Living relatives can provide unparalleled insight. - [Meghan Markle and DNA testing](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/06/14/meghan-markle-and-dna-testing/) - In the past few years, home DNA testing has emerged as a fascinating tool. It has captured the attention of those seeking to reconnect with long-lost relative.. - [Who is my next of kin?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/06/14/who-is-my-next-of-kin/) - The genealogy term next of kin is often misunderstood. It is used to refer to a person’s nearest blood relative, but the legal definition can be quite different - [Estates We Administrate](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/07/22/estates-we-administrate/) - We often work on estates which have been referred to the Government as unclaimed estate (or “Bona Vacantia”) to trace the beneficiaries to unclaimed estates. - [Smith ... but William Hewett Smith at least! (#50)](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/21/william-hewett-smith/) - William Hewett Smith has been at the top of my Smith tree for many years. It won't surprise you to know that it is not a line I look at on a regular basis. He appeared in Exeter in 1824, marrying Mary Gorford/Gosford Arscott on 30 August 1824 at Exeter, St George after banns were read - [International Women's Day](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/08/international-womens-day/) - At the International Socialist Women's Conference in Copenhagen in 1910, International Women's Day was established. Initially the aims were to promote the rights of women and to achieve universal women's suffrage. Battles were won and today has become a day for celebrating the progress made by women's groups across the globe and for focusing attention - [If you don't ask....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/07/15/if-you-dont-ask/) - Some of you lovely blog readers will have known me for eons. Others will have known me for 'five minutes' and only in the virtual world of social media, or not really know me at all! If you fit into one of the latter two groups, you may not be aware that I have been - [The Animal Kingdom](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/09/the-animal-kingdom/) - Friday has been frenetic. That's all. I could write about a topic or two with particular relevance to today but I have decided to put those to one side in favour of humour. Rhinogwen. Yes, you read that correctly. Six BMD records post-1900 for individuals named Rhinogwen Evans - 2 births, 2 marriages and 2 deaths (when - [A weekend away from Wiltshire](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/14/a-weekend-away-from-wiltshire/) - As you will have worked out from yesterday's blog, I have been away for the weekend in Dorset. Having spent almost all of my first eighteen years on the planet living near Wimborne Minister, I try to return as often as I can. Very few friends still live in the area though the memories live on. - [Real life (as we now know it)](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/30/real-life/) - Sorry 'Trekkies' - this post has nothing to do with Jim. According to Wikipedia (so it must be right!), real life is a "phrase used to distinguish actual events, people and activities from fictional worlds or characters, and from interactions on the Internet...". Real life (apparently) refers to life offline - does such a thing exist? When - [Uncovering Your Ancestors Love Stories](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/02/14/uncovering-your-ancestors-love-stories/) - One of the most enchanting aspects of genealogy to uncover is love stories. This blog delves into how to discover your ancestors tales of love and marriage. - [On your marks....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/21/on-your-marks/) - .... Get Set, Go! Time to start the race. The race to Heathrow. It'll be a slowly run race. I prefer to be the tortoise than the hare, so I will be leaving way earlier than needed in order to 'poddle' to Terminal 5 rather than sprint. Everything is in place - cats in the - [Share and share alike](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/04/share-and-share-alike/) - Well folks, today's blog is late late late. Muchos apologies but I have been busy (a) researching and (b) sharing my expertise and knowledge with the world. The day started early - which doesn't bode well when it's going to end late too! - with a drive down to Hampshire Record Office (HRO) to delve into a - [Marmite – are you a lover or a hater?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/09/16/marmite-lover-hater/) - This week, the Rockstar Genealogist Award Winners have been announced. It has been great to see the genealogy community ‘come together’ and congratulate... - [Darkest Peru](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/06/13/darkest-peru/) - Paddington Bear was a polite immigrant bear from darkest Peru, with his old hat, battered suitcase (complete with a secret compartment, enabling it to hold far more items than it would at first appear) and duffle coat. His love of marmalade sandwiches is legendary and he - thanks to author Michael Bond - has become a classic character in English children's literature. Unfortunately - [Really not my finest hour....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/14/not-the-best-of-plans/) - There are times when the candle simply has to be burnt at both ends at FWL. Short deadlines on projects? Well, I guess we could say NO, but we rarely do. We just raise our game to achieve the (sometimes) seemingly impossible. Don't get me wrong, there will be times when we are asked to - [12 Years of Family Wise: From Small Acorns, Oak Trees Grow](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/02/28/12-years-of-family-wise-from-small-acorns-oak-trees-grow/) - Family Wise turns twelve! Join our journey from humble beginnings to the vibrant community we are today. Let's reminisce about the growth that has shaped us... - [Unbelievable continued....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/05/unbelievable-continued/) - Visit Family Wise and learn how I have become slightly obsessed with stupid names and how it has certainly brought laughter to the home. Browse the site! - [At the time of writing....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/29/at-the-time-of-writing/) - There are just three working days left in 2015. In one calendar month, two of the FWL team will be on the way to the USA. How do the days/weeks/months/years... - [So worthwhile](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/08/25/so-worthwhile/) - Aside from a monumental amount of paperwork this week, it's been good. In fact, better than good. For over a year, we've been working with a family on an... - [Merry Christmas!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/25/merry-christmas2015/) - A very Merry Christmas from the FWL Team! Wishing all our clients, friends, family, associates and business colleagues all the very best for the festive season. - ["They think it's all over....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/27/they-think-its-all-over/) - it is now!" That is the famous quote from Kenneth Wolstenholme's BBC TV commentary in the closing moments of the 1966 FIFA World Cup Final, when we (England)... - [Take Back Tuesday](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/29/take-back-tuesday/) - Well, that's another new thing I've learnt this week. Today, is Take Back Tuesday when apparently, "millions of unwanted gifts could be returned to stores". - [Are you ready to take on the world?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/31/take-on-the-world/) - There are now (in my timezone at least) less than 24 hours left of 2015. Reflecting on where we were at this time last year, FWL is almost unrecognisable... - [Happy New Year!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/31/happy-new-year/) - Wishing all our clients, friends, family and business associates a very Happy New Year! May all your wishes for 2016 come true.... (through hard work... - [Welcome to 2016](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/01/01/welcome-to-2016/) - The New Year brings challenges all round the world. A major fire (and towering inferno) at a 63-storey hotel in Dubai, potential terrorist attacks in Munich... - [The Teapot of Life](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/01/03/the-teapot-of-life/) - I have never been known to be a great tea drinker (coffee is my favoured beverage), though I did have a lovely gift of various different types of tea... - [Quite frankly....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/01/06/quite-frankly/) - I've had better starts to a New Year. The first two official work days in 2016 have certainly been interesting to put it mildly. With our offices open for... - [Lady luck and the Doctors of Spin](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/01/08/lady-luck-doctors-of-spin/) - Another interesting 48 hours has passed and I am pleased to tell you that these last 48 hours have been infinitely better than Monday and Tuesday.... - [Never say die](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/01/10/never-say-die/) - This job ain't easy you know! Yes, it's very rewarding but sometimes - whether Heir Hunting, tracing work or a client's family history - it takes guts... - [You cannot be serious!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/01/11/you-cannot-be-serious/) - The phrase "You cannot be serious!" was made famous by John McEnroe at Wimbledon in 1981 during his first round match against Tom Gullikson. He hurled the... - [Inspiring others](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/01/14/inspiring-others/) - When I was a little girl, I was inspired to start looking into my ancestry by my maternal grandfather who had already begun the process of tracing our... - [Can I cancel my taxi please?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/01/15/can-i-cancel-my-taxi-please/) - 10:08pm. Friday 15 January. The office phone is ringing. The office has been closed for an hour and eight minutes but I am still here and the phone is ringing. - [Battering my head....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/01/17/battering-my-head/) - against brickwalls all day!! And it's Sunday as well.... Brickwalls are part of our A-game. Every day. We succeed where others fail. In recent months... - [Record breakers....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/01/20/record-breakers/) - We've been talking a lot today about breaking record in the office and it reminded me of Roy Castle. Roy was a dancer, singer, musician and television... - [Chime, Knock, Wobble](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/01/21/chime-knock-wobble/) - aha.... so that got your attention! What were you thinking when you read the title of this blog, I wonder!? Today has been a different day in the world of FWL. - [Customer service - good vs awful](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/01/23/customer-service-good-vs-awful/) - We - FWL - pride ourselves on excellent customer service. Just this week, we have had several clients/potential beneficiaries comment on how professional... - [Preparing for RootsTech](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/01/26/preparing-for-rootstech/) - Fear not. The wanderer has returned. Today was the day for the final preparations for RootsTech. I could not bring myself to do it on a weekend when the shops.. - [So near and yet so far....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/01/28/so-near-and-yet-so-far/) - Wow. Is it actually possible that I will be leaving the office in just a few short hours? Apparently so. Although I am very excited about flying to... - [FWL travels - Part 1](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/01/29/fwl-travels-part-1/) - The travels actually began yesterday, 28th January, when myself and Chief in Charge of the Northern Office (CiCoNO) made our independent ways to London... - [FWL travels - Part 2](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/01/31/fwl-travels-part-2/) - After a very long Friday 29th January, we arrived in Salt Lake City at just before midnight local time. However, this was 7am GMT on Saturday 30th January... - [FWL travels - Part 3](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/02/02/fwl-travels-part-3/) - Scary thing is, it’s Part 3 and RootsTech hasn’t even started yet! I think when you travel all this way though, you have to make the most of it. We are now... - [RootsTech - Day 0](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/02/04/rootstech-day-0/) - RootsTech is huge. It's official. Before I travelled to Utah, I knew that the event would be US-sized (if you haven't been before, most things are enormous... - [RootsTech - Day 1](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/02/05/rootstech-day-1/) - Anyone who knows me will know that I am a night owl not an early bird. So, getting up when the alarm says 6am, halfway around the world, is not my idea of... - [RootsTech - Day 2](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/02/06/rootstech-day-2/) - This is my first ever RootsTech and I am an Ambassador. In some ways, I would recommend being an Ambassador and in some ways, perhaps not.... - [RootsTech - The Final Frontier](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/02/08/rootstech-the-final-frontier/) - During the course of the last three days (and even before the conference began), I have learnt an enormous amount. More about the Mormon faith, more about Utah, - [Park City and Utah Olympic Park](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/02/09/park-city-and-utah-olympic-park/) - RootsTech 2016. It’s over. How did that happen? Well, on Saturday night, I could easily have told you how that occurred. Being an Ambassador is a great honour - [Back to the homeland](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/02/09/back-to-the-homeland/) - CiCoNO and I are now back in the homeland. The Eagles have landed. The luggage has arrived in one piece, well, two pieces of me, but that part was planned. - [The passing of another great....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/02/17/the-passing-of-another-great/) - 2016 has been the year of sad loss. Some personal loss at FWL but more so in the wider public eye. David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Terry Wogan and many more.... - [Open letter to Commercial Genealogy Companies](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/02/18/open-letter/) - To whom it may concern, I am writing today in the hope that you can take action over a very important issue. As a subscription-based service provider... - [When Yes Means No](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/02/20/when-yes-means-no/) - Personally, I am pretty good at stating my opinion (you may have noticed!), whether it needs to be declared openly or privately. I am delighted that, all.... - [Go Compare: WDYTYA vs RootsTech](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/02/21/go-compare-wdytya-vs-rootstech/) - Since my return from Salt Lake City, I have participated in two Google+ Hangouts to provide some feedback on the event - one for The Surname Society... - [Thank heaven for genetics](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/02/24/thank-heaven-for-genetics/) - If you are opening this page, expecting me to wax lyrical about DNA testing in genealogy, click that red button now. No, today is nothing about DNA testing... - [An update on proceedings](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/02/25/an-update-on-proceedings/) - My last blog was not an overly positive one. Well, it was in part but in general, the car window being smashed and the long drive home in sub-zero temperatures - [A day of rest?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/02/28/a-day-of-rest/) - Sunday.... it's the day after Saturday and before Monday. Part of the weekend. For those who follow the Christian faith, Sunday is a day of worship and rest. - [Best laid plans](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/03/02/best-laid-plans/) - Plans. Right. They are a great idea. No kidding. They work .... some of the time. Sometimes though, everything conspires against them. Even the best laid ones. - [Getting the right result](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/03/03/getting-the-right-result/) - Don't worry. I have not totally lost the plot. I am not writing about sport all of a sudden. Since my return from Salt Lake City - minus the three days... - [Family Wise Limited..... the brand](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/03/05/family-wise-limited-the-brand/) - Once upon a time, there was an employee. An employee who was happy in her job. An employee who was reportedly "excellent" in her field. An employee who believed - [Guilty of ....?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/03/08/guilty-of/) - Guilty? Tracing back into our ancestral histories, we often uncover untold stories. Perhaps stories our family members (or the families we are researching)... - [How is it Thursday?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/03/10/how-is-it-thursday/) - Thursday already! The week has been just crazy. More crazy than ever and most weeks are pretty nuts. The major factors resulting in increased nuttiness... - [Away from the day job?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/03/13/away-from-the-day-job/) - No porkies to be told today. We have certainly not had a day off! Not by a long stretch. In fact, I think we have worked as hard today as we have all week... - [How did that happen?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/03/15/how-did-that-happen/) - So, here we are folks. It's Monday night. I (in fact, to a large extent, the Royal 'we'!) have frankly worked the entire weekend, only stopping to sleep and... - [Professional, Amateur or Qualified?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/03/16/pro-amat-qualified/) - Over the last few weeks, there has been much discussion on personal and company blogs, Facebook and Twitter regarding membership of organisations in genealogy - [Always learning.... and the FWL network](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/03/18/always-learning-network/) - In a previous life (and sometimes still in the current one), I was an educator. I educated the children of our future. When I left school, I did a degree in... - [Curiouser and Curiouser](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/03/20/curiouser-and-curiouser-2/) - Curiouser and curiouser!”, cried Alice (she was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English)”.... from Alice's Adventures. - [What will you leave behind?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/03/23/will-leave-behind/) - On many occasions, blog inspiration comes from the events of the day/week at FWL. Today there were plenty of topics which could happily have taken the limelight - [Easter Saturday at FWL Towers](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/03/26/easter-saturday-fwl-towers/) - Earlier in the week, I wrote someone an email referring to FWL Towers and looking back now, it looks like Fawlty Towers.... made me laugh! Today is... - [Alas Smith and Jones](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/03/27/alas-smith-jones/) - not my idea! In fact, it was the brainchild of two British comedians, Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones. A British television comedy sketch, it ran initially on... - [Back to normality](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/02/12/back-to-normality/) - whatever that is meant to be! Valuations of stamp collections, clocks, stocks and shares, completion of Inheritance Tax forms, contacting banks... - [Two sides to every story](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/02/14/two-sides-to-every-story/) - I was reading earlier today (a rare treat for me) and I stumbled across a website called Little Things Matter when I was researching. Way back in 2010, there... - [Crazy days](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/03/29/crazy-days/) - You know it's been a crazy day when the easiest thing to crack was a case where the deceased was born in Eastern Europe! No - we cannot locate a birth for... - [Does being more vocal mean you are right?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/03/31/vocal-mean-right/) - This is a matter which has been bothering me for a while now. There are some people in life (I am sure you can name them), who are 'vocal'. They take over... - [A for Alias](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/01/a-for-alias/) - Welcome to the A-Z Bloggers Guide to Heir Hunting and Family History! When FWL first started blogging, we wrote every single day. Over the years (many),... - [B for Bonavacantia](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/02/b-for-bonavacantia/) - OK, so what the heck does 'Bonavacantia' mean?! Yesterday (and frequently to be honest) we write about Bonavacantia.... it means 'vacant goods' and is the... - [C for Certificates](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/04/c-for-certificates/) - Certificates, they are a genealogist's best friend, right? Civil registration began in England and Wales on 1 July 1837 and Scotland joined in on 1 January 1855 - [D for Departure](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/05/d-for-departure/) - Much of our work is about departure, in some fashion or form. Departure from this world to another, either with or without Will. With is mighty useful as... - [E for Electoral Registers](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/06/e-electoral-registers/) - rom 1841 to 1911 (in England, Scotland and Wales), we have a census each ten years. Handy.... though not completed for genealogical purposes! If they were... - [F for Families](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/07/f-for-families/) - What else could F possibly be for? But, by crikey, families are funny things. There is an idiom, “you can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family” - [G for a Gaggle of Genealogists](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/08/g-for-gaggle/) - It could have been genealogy but that would have been too obvious! Bearing in mind where most of the team are at the moment, it would be remiss of us not to... - [H for Heirlooms](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/09/h-for-heirlooms/) - Wouldn't we all like some family heirlooms? During WDYTYA? Live, there have been a fair few knocking about as Eric Knowles and Marc Allum became 'Heirloom... - [I for Investigation](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/11/i-for-investigation/) - When you are welcomed into the working world of FWL Towers, Investigation is added (by deed poll) to your name as a new (additional) middle name. - [J for Juggling](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/12/j-for-juggling/) - During the course of our research, we do a lot of juggling. Juggling of hundreds of projects with different expectations, time scales, client requirements etc. - [K for Kin](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/14/k-for-kin/) - A person's closest living relative is frequently referred to as their 'next of kin'. In the United States, this has a legal definition. However, in the... - [L for Lazy Research](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/14/l-lazy-research/) - Mr FWL. L was, in his mind, for langoustine, longevity or legacy, prior to his eventual cunning plan of L for Lazy Research. As regular readers will know... - [M for Mother's Maiden Name](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/15/m-mothers-maiden-name/) - A fairly crucial part of our research.... the mother's maiden name.... particularly when we are trying to make connections back up the tree. John Waterhouse... - [N for National Archives](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/17/n-national-archives/) - You would think that N would be an easy letter in the A-Z blog. There are definitely more challenging letters ahead and there are loads of words which... - [O for Occupations](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/18/o-for-occupations/) - Those who have heard my lecture on Searching for Surnames will know that I have favourite names which I (as well as, no doubt, others) have located during my... - [P for the Power of Networking](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/19/p-power-networking/) - Networking? Why? .... Well frankly, why not? Family Wise Limited was founded in 2012 and, ever since its foundation, we have been networking in various guises. - [Q for Questions](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/20/q-for-questions/) - All day, every day .... questions.... so many questions.... Who was the father of X? And was the mother, Y or Z? How can we be certain that A was related to B... - [R for Relationships](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/22/r-for-relationships/) - It could quite easily have been resources, rate books, records (far too general), rent and/or various other R words. But, relationships stood out. Why?... - [S for Stories](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/23/s-for-stories/) - It's all about stories. Yes, there are names, dates and places but the stories are more important, don't you think? I inherited a family tree from my... - [T for Thank You!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/24/t-for-thank-you/) - Two small words (in English) which, when put together, mean a lot to the recipient. We seem to have become a society of people always ready to complain about... - [U for Unrealistic](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/25/u-for-unrealistic/) - Oh, how many possibilities there are with this title! How many people in the world claim that they are descended from King Oojamaflip? Or they have ancestors... - [V for Vaccination records](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/26/v-vaccination-records/) - “What?” I hear you shout. It’s rather unlikely that the parent taking their child to the Public Vaccinator in the nineteenth century to be vaccinated for... - [W for Wonderful World of Webinars](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/27/w-for-webinars/) - Modern technology is wonderful. When I first started researching my own family history (when I was a "microbe" - Pa FWL's parlance for being a youngster, i.e... - [X marks the spot](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/28/x-marks-spot/) - This was always destined to be one of the more challenging letters of the A-Z blog list. X can always revert to the lazy X.... along the lines of... - [Y for Youth](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/30/y-for-youth/) - The best time to start doing family history is 'in your youth' as there are (hopefully) family members from older generations still around to assist with... - [Z for Zealots](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/04/30/z-for-zealots/) - There have been a few tough nuts to crack during the A-Z blog and the last of the lot, Z, had a fairly short list of possibilities. Zebra? Zoology? Zulu? - [I am a survivor!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/05/03/i-am-a-survivor/) - I am a survivor! But heavens, how did I survive? I have done the A to Z blogging challenge before but this year seemed so much harder.... we are certainly... - [The craziest of schedules](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/05/06/the-craziest-of-schedules/) - Dear Diary (the calendar and planning kind of one), I am, quite frankly, shattered. Exhausted to the point of not posting a blog yesterday. Why, you might ask? - [Harry Houdini - characters who hide](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/05/08/characters-who-hide/) - or worse, disappear.... we all have them. Every family. Why oh why do they hide!? Is it to challenge the genealogists of the future? Did they sit there... - [Inspiring others](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/05/10/inspiring-others-2/) - Well, that's been quite an amazing couple of days .... we work hard here at FWL Towers so, to say that in the last 36 hours we've worked harder than ever... - [Beyond grateful](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/05/12/beyond-grateful/) - Since I started blogging in earnest, a fair few posts have related to being grateful, saying thank you and such like. The world is, it sometimes seems... - [Never say No!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/05/15/never-say-no/) - Sometimes we raise awareness and educate readers in the realms of family, social or local history. Sometimes we tell stories about our work, our travels... - [What makes you proud?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/05/18/what-makes-you-proud/) - An odd topic, some might think, for a blog. Well, it's not like that's unusual for FWL then! We are not a 'run-of-the-mill' company who do precisely what you... - [Life is like a box of chocolates](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/05/20/life-like-box-chocolates/) - That's what Mama always said, according to Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump. And Mama was right: "You never know what you're gonna get!" Today has certainly been a - [Family Finders](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/05/21/family-finders/) - We are going to be on Family Finders! At FWL, we often say that 'We find people and change lives'. This week, we are on BBC1 doing exactly that. Sadly, I was... - [Bodge it and scarper](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/05/23/bodge-it-and-scarper/) - When we moved in 2011, the office premises (now known as FWL Towers) left a little to be desired in places and hence, we did not quite meet the asking price... - [What me? On TV? Seriously?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/05/26/what-me-on-tv-seriously/) - For years and years, I have studiously avoided being on the TV. I know some people would relish the opportunity but me, no. When I was a youngster, I wrote... - [Bank Holiday](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/05/29/bank-holiday/) - In the UK (which still includes Scotland, as well as Wales and Northern Ireland), we are in the midst of our second Bank Holiday - [A Plan B Day](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/06/01/plan-b-day/) - Well, today was quite an odd day. No published Bonavacantia (BV) list. Usually, if there are no new cases, the list is published with no new cases on it. - [FWL International](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/06/03/fwl-international/) - Don't worry - we haven't changed our company name, nor have we changed our method of operation. We have always been a worldwide (international) company. - [How long is a piece of string?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/06/04/how-long-string/) - Over the last ten (not all working) days, it's been extremely busy at FWL Towers since our appearance on Family Finders. We have had nearly one hundred calls... - [All good news.... isn't it?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/06/06/all-good-news/) - Sadly this year, I did not attend the Ontario Genealogical Society Conference in person. It's the first time in three years and I was very sad to miss meeting.. - [Oh my actual "God"!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/06/08/oh-actual-god/) - It has been a while since we 'talked census' on the blog. There are so many stories we could share from our findings, but we do try to limit our blatherings... - [The Team](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/06/10/team/) - The FWL Team is, quite frankly, amazing. Since our appearance on Family Finders only two weeks ago, work has been pouring in. Seriously. we have been... - [Well I never....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/06/12/well-i-never/) - Life is full of surprises. You think you have a plan and then something unexpected pops up. As MD of FWL, I do like to have a bit of a strategy or at least... - [A crazy 24 hours](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/06/15/crazy-24-hours/) - We have some fairly interesting 24 hour periods at FWL, but this last set features pretty highly on our Top Ten Bonkers List. Before the week began, our... - [Uncovering Unusual and Eccentric Wills](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/01/31/uncovering-unusual-and-eccentric-wills/) - In this blog, we delve deeper into these fascinating tales of unconventional last wills, exploring the quirkier side of those who sought to leave an impression... - [Alien abduction](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/06/17/alien-abduction/) - The world is a mighty strange place right now with some events taking place which really should not feature in our newsfeeds in the 21st century. - [Innings and outing](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/06/19/innings-outings/) - It's fair to say, I do a fair bit of travelling in my job as MD of FWL. Trains, planes and automobiles.... more the latter than the former.... I have seen... - [Nasty case of scrambled brain](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/06/20/nasty-case-scrambled-brain/) - No alarm clock required. Monday morning came around far too quickly. Woke up and was working before 8am. More cases in my brain than I have had hot dinners... - [Focussing minds](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/06/22/focussing-minds/) - Have you made valuable use of your time today? How many times do you get to the end of a working day and wonder what you have actually achieved? - [Votes cast](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/06/24/votes-cast/) - Even those not residing in the United Kingdom could not have missed (thanks to the wonders of 21st century communications) that we have been subjected... - [Free stuff](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/06/26/free-stuff/) - In the normal way of things, our first port of call for our day-to-day research is either FindMyPast or Ancestry. These are the two main commercial providers... - [Changing the game](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/06/28/changing-the-game/) - The game changes. Every day. Once upon a time, in a land far far from here, my job description was very different from that of today. I am sure fellow MDs of... - [Work work work](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/06/30/work-work-work/) - Goodness gracious! Today has been out of this world. We have a seriously dedicated team at FWL and we all work long hours to achieve the best for our clients. - [Who's been taking stupid pills?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/07/02/whos-taking-stupid-pills/) - So you think we have some crackpot names nowadays? Try looking back in history.... some people were clearly either drinking too much, high on some illegal... - [What makes you read our blog?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/07/04/makes-you-read-blog/) - Just last week, we asked a question of our readership: Why do you keep reading our blog? We had dozens of responses via various channels (Twitter, Facebook... - [Out of sync](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/07/07/out-of-sync/) - Apologies readers. Today should be a 'non-blog' day and yesterday should have been a 'blog' day. The problem was that yesterday was quite frankly ridiculous.... - [How to Solve Your Genealogy Research Problems](https://family-wise.co.uk/2024/01/22/how-to-solve-your-genealogy-research-problems/) - In this blog, we'll be discussing the most common genealogy research and providing solutions to help you crack the code and continue discovering your ancestors! - [Quote Night](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/07/09/quote-night/) - In recent months, I have heard (generally on social media) of 'Date Night'.... friends who have been in relationships for a long period of time (and some who... - [Stop press: FWL MD Immobilised](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/07/11/fwl-immobilised/) - Bad news folks. Our MD has been immobilised. You won't believe it when you hear it. On a trip to the local post office.... she returned to her vehicle... - [A day in the Big Smoke](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/07/16/day-big-smoke/) - For fifteen years (well fourteen really, because one of my University years was actually in Canada!), I lived in Reading. 1996 to 2011, minus September 1998... - [The British Summer](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/07/18/the-british-summer/) - Guess what? It's arrived! With temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius plus today in the FWL Wimborne Office, we are apparently in for a further TWO DAYS of hot... - [I is for Identity: When Family History Meets Identity](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/11/i-is-for-identity/) - In today's blog, we have written a poem describing what it is like when family history meets identity. - [J is for Joke!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/11/j-is-for-joke/) - We all love a good joke, especially when they're all related to genealogy and family history! Here are a few of our favourite jokes we've found! - [K is for Kin](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/12/k-is-for-kin/) - Fratricide – the murder of a sibling – was the most common kin murder and was considered with horror by the press. If insanity was also involved, the public.. - [L is for Love](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/13/l-is-for-love/) - One of our senior case managers has selected four photos to illustrate love! This should get you feeling particularly romantic, we hope you enjoy it! - [M is for Missing in Action (M.I.A)](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/15/m-is-for-missing-in-action/) - In the First World War over one million British and Empire soldiers, sailors and airmen died and went missing in action (MIA). Men would fight and die... - [N for News](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/16/n-for-news/) - A Brief History of Journalism and the News. In the very early, early days, the news was spread from person to person via word of mouth. - [O is for for Oops, oooh's and Uh Oh's: The Shocking Surprises of Family History Research](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/17/o-is-for-for-oops/) - Isn't it great when you accidentally find a connection whilst researching your own or someone's family history? These oops moments of delight don't happen often - [P is for Parish: The History of Parish Registers](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/18/p-is-for-parish/) - Parish Registers have been around for at least five centuries, the oldest surviving registers dating back to 1303 France. These are handwritten volumes. - [Q is for Quest: A Welsh Family Journey](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/19/q-is-for-quest-a-family-journey/) - In the mid 19th century, the Welsh language was being discouraged by the English government. This combined with religious non-conformity, led to a movement. - [R for Royal Relations](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/20/r-for-royal-relations/) - Have you discovered a familial branch that's linked to royalty? Here are some fun facts about some well known royal monarchs you may be related to. - [S is for Siblings](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/23/s-is-for-siblings/) - Siblings are the Soul of the Family. They have the ability to love someone unconditionally and dislike them simultaneously. They are our biggest secret keepers - [T is for Family TREE](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/24/t-is-for-family-tree/) - In this blog, we'll address the types of family tree you can create, how a family tree works and where to start, because sometimes, it's not that obvious! - [U is for the good, the bad and the plain UGLY](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/24/u-is-for-the-plain-ugly/) - There's all sorts of good, All types of bad, And every kind of ugly, There's good in the bad, And bad in the good, Sometimes we don't notice both... - [V is for Vintage](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/25/v-is-for-vintage/) - What's the different between classic, vintage, and retro? At times there are blurred lines. What's your interpretation of these three words? - [W is for Wise Woman](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/26/w-is-for-wise-woman/) - Wise Woman Poem: Oh wise, wise old woman, Wizened beyond your years, old soul, Looks deceptive, vain, a mystery to you, unknown, Philosophy is her power... - [X is for X-Y Chromosomes](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/27/x-is-for-x-y-chromosomes/) - The X and Y chromosomes determine a person’s sex. Most women are 46XX and most men are 46XY. But is it really that simple? We delve into the world of sport... - [Y is for Yonder](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/29/y-is-for-yonder/) - Here's a list of our upcoming blogs in May: Local Community History Month Introduction. How to read your ancestors handwriting? Why is genealogy so popular? - [Z is for Zed](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/30/z-is-for-zed/) - It was always going to be difficult letter to come up with inspiration but we had a case just earlier this year which was in the name of Ebenezer a.k.a Zed - [Local Community History Month: An Introduction](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/05/03/lchm-intro/) - Local Community History Month is dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness of your community history. Everyone has history to share so get researching! - [Handwriting: How to read your ancestors'](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/05/10/ancestors-how-to-read-handwriting/) - If you can't read your doctor's handwriting, how do you read your ancestors? With the right tips, working through and transcribing documents will become easier! - [Local Heritage: The Heritage That Surrounds Us](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/05/17/local-heritage/) - Local heritage sites are worldwide. They document the local community history of that area. We can learn, share and teach through three types of heritage sites. - [LCHM: Our Local History](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/05/24/local-community-history-month/) - I'm currently sat here flicking through Local History News magazine and thought it would be a fantastic idea to share some Calne community history with you. - [Why is Genealogy Such a Popular Hobby?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/05/31/genealogy-popular/) - It's the second most popular hobby in the US. From researching your family tree to casually visiting cemeteries, where did the love come from for genealogy? - [DNA Tests: Accuracy and Interpretation](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/06/07/dna-tests/) - In this blog we address the half-truths, myths, and legends about taking DNA tests, what you can use DNA tests for and how best to interpret them. - [Ways To Keep Your Family History](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/06/14/tips-for-family-history/) - When it comes to family history, each and every one of ours is different. It may be difficult to preserve all your family histories in one standard family tree. - [Family Health History: What's The Benefits?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/06/21/family-history-health/) - Did you know your family health history may be one of the strongest influences on your risk for developing diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer? - [The unresolved family tree](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/10/23/the-unresolved-family-tree/) - As part of a project at school, I was asked to draw my family tree. At the time, I thought, great - not enthusiastically because I had no idea where to start - [Why hesitate to research your family tree?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/10/30/research-family-tree/) - When meeting people for the first time I'm often asked this and the question that follows is along the lines of, 'Have you researched your own family tree? - [Children: Get them into the world of genealogy](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/11/14/children-world-of-genealogy/) - Are you all about genealogy, but your children aren't? In today's blog, we look at 5 top tips on how you can get young people involved in family history! - [Genealogy Research: The Do's and Don'ts](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/11/20/genealogy-and-family-history/) - 'To know one's family is to know one's own', as the saying goes. Here are our top tips for the curious cats of the world wanting to research their genealogy. - [Family history research: Get lost in records!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/11/29/research-get-lost-in-records/) - Records can be overwhelming so here are some top tips on where you can begin your family history research and how you can get lost in records (in a good way!). - [The gift of family during the festive season](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/12/09/the-gift-of-family/) - It's now the festive season. A time to be with our friends and family, a time where many experience mixed emotions. Most of us may have our Christmas wish lists - [The Estate of Sarah Pamela Woolston](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/12/23/sarah-pam-woolston/) - Sarah Pamela Woolston spent most of her life looking for her family. Born in London at the height of the Second World War, Pam, as she was known, never married. - [A year of genealogy: A Kirsty Gray special](https://family-wise.co.uk/2020/01/02/kirsty-gray-a-year-of-genealogy/) - Kirsty also took the opportunity to reflect on her genealogy achievements for the year. Jill Ball from GeniAus invites us each year to reflect - [The Spencer Sunday Times, 1957](https://family-wise.co.uk/2020/02/03/spencer-sunday-times-1957/) - In Spencer, Iowa Joe Harris is getting ready to tell the young folk what life was like in his day. We read this in the Spencer Sunday Times of September, 1957. - [Wilf and Mamie Pearhouse: Apples and Pears](https://family-wise.co.uk/2020/02/04/wilf-and-mamie-pearhouse/) - Mamie Pearhouse was a much-loved only child who grew up scampering around the streets of Bradford. Her jolly bus-driver Dad, Wilf, watched with admiration - [The Navy Lark: Robert Peterson](https://family-wise.co.uk/2020/02/06/the-navy-lark/) - Robert Peterson, never Bob, was a true Portsmouth lad. Born just before the Second World War, his earliest years were spent with his father away in the Navy. - [Derek and Fred Smith: The Historian and The Evangelist](https://family-wise.co.uk/2020/02/06/derek-and-fred-smith/) - Derek Smith was born and bred in northern Sheffield: having lived his whole life there, he wouldn’t have had it any other way! Born in an old cutler’s cottage. - [The Many Descendants of Flossie Holland](https://family-wise.co.uk/2020/02/07/flossie-holland/) - It is not the story of a single person who holds the most interest, but that of the family as a whole. Douglas Holland lived his whole life around Chelmsford - [Long Time, No See Family Wise Readers!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2020/04/07/long-time-no-see/) - It has been a while since I have written a Family Wise blog. Not because I don’t want to. And not because I have nothing to blog about. It’s more about time. - [Family Wise Locked-Down, Not Locked-Out](https://family-wise.co.uk/2020/05/14/long-time-no-see-2/) - At Family Wise we are blessed to have an incredible team of dedicated people pulling together and supporting one another 24/7. - [Life at Family Wise - An Office Junior's Perspective](https://family-wise.co.uk/2020/05/23/long-time-no-see-2-2-2/) - I’m Rhys, one of the office juniors and I’m here to tell you a bit about what we get up to day to day and how great working for Family Wise has been. - [The New Genealogy Apprentice](https://family-wise.co.uk/2020/11/04/the-new-apprentice/) - When I caught the TV show ‘Heir Hunters’, the seed of genealogy was planted. I asked as many people as I could to try and ‘complete’ my family tree. - [The Power of the Letter Or, The Zeal of the Recent Convert](https://family-wise.co.uk/2020/11/16/the-power-of-the-letter/) - I am a recent convert to letter-writing. For years, I have been very willing to contact people I knew had an interest in genealogy, through Ancestry, not letter - [The A-Z of Unusual and Obsolete Occupations of The Victorian Era](https://family-wise.co.uk/2020/11/30/unusual-victorian-occupations/) - In today's blog, we're taking a closer look into some of the more unusual, forgotten and downright crazy occupations of yesteryear since the Victorian era - [The Year In Our Eyes](https://family-wise.co.uk/2020/12/03/the-year-in-our-eyes/) - 2020. How do we even begin to describe a year like this? Stressful, unforgiving, traumatic? All of these and more spring to mind. 2020 had started strong. - [Cher Ami - The Messenger Pigeon That Helped Win The War](https://family-wise.co.uk/2021/01/27/cher-ami-messenger-pigeon/) - Due to Cher Ami determination, he saved all the 194 American soldiers. He rightly received many awards, including the Animals in War & Peace Medal of Bravery. - [How I Became A Professional Genealogist](https://family-wise.co.uk/2021/02/08/become-professional-genealogist/) - I saw that Family Wise was looking for subcontractors, to become a professional genealogist and to carry out research for probate genealogy, I couldn’t pass up! - [Top 5 Tips For Preserving Your Photographs!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2021/03/29/photo-preservation-tips/) - In this blog, we go through our top 5 tips for preserving your family photographs. If you want your photos to survive you have come to the right place! - [Black History Month: Equality In Genealogy](https://family-wise.co.uk/2021/10/13/black-history-month-equality-in-genealogy/) - The importance of Black History Month cannot be overstated. Beginning in the UK during 1987, this year we will be celebrating the 34th anniversary of the event. - [Insolvent Estates](https://family-wise.co.uk/2021/10/13/insolvent-estates/) - In some situations, a deceased person’s debts may be greater than the overall value of their assets. This is referred to as insolvent estates. - [Oral History](https://family-wise.co.uk/2021/12/08/oral-history/) - Do you wish you could talk to your long-distant ancestors? This blog delves into the benefits of oral history, how YOU can prepare, and preserve your own data. - [Last-minute Christmas Gift Ideas for Genealogists](https://family-wise.co.uk/2021/12/17/last-minute-christmas-gift-ideas-for-genealogists/) - Have a loved one who is avid about family research but don’t know what to get them for Christmas? This blog gives you ideas for the genealogists in your family - [Christmas Traditions Through the Years](https://family-wise.co.uk/2021/12/23/christmas-traditions-through-the-years/) - Christmas has changed throughout the centuries, with Christmas traditions everchanging – some lost to time, and some still present in the modern day. - [New Year's Traditions Through the Years](https://family-wise.co.uk/2021/12/31/new-years-traditions-through-the-years/) - Celebrating the turn of the year has been a tradition upheld for millennia. This blog looks at New Year's traditions through the years and how it originated. - [How to Date Family Photographs](https://family-wise.co.uk/2022/01/07/how-to-date-family-photographs/) - In this blog we will be covering some basic tips and tricks that will help you date your old family photographs and provide insights into your ancestors. - [Probate – what is it, and how can Family Wise Limited help?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2022/01/21/probate/) - You may be reading this blog in search of answers, maybe after receiving a letter from one or perhaps more heir hunters; and you are wondering what probate is. - [The History of Tattoos](https://family-wise.co.uk/2022/01/28/the-history-of-tattoos/) - The earliest evidence we have of tattoos dates to around 5000 BCE. This evidence comes from clay figurines that were found in tombs in Japan - [How I Became an Apprentice Genealogist](https://family-wise.co.uk/2022/04/08/how-i-became-an-apprentice-genealogist/) - In this blog, one of our Family Wise case managers explains how she became an apprentice genealogist doing a business and management skills apprenticeship! - [My Journey to Becoming an Office Administrator](https://family-wise.co.uk/2022/04/19/my-journey-to-becoming-an-office-administrator/) - I’m still fairly new, however during my short period here I have learnt so much and feel as though I have settled into the team here at the Family Wise HQ. - [History of Surnames in England](https://family-wise.co.uk/2022/05/06/history-of-surnames-in-england/) - In this blog, we will discover the history of surnames in England, why they were introduced in the first place, how they affected society, and much more! - [6 Genealogy Myths You NEED To Stop Believing ](https://family-wise.co.uk/2022/05/27/genealogy-myths-you-need-to-stop-believing/) - It’s often important to take what you hear with a grain of salt and explore every avenue. So, let's discuss 6 genealogy myths that you should stop believing! - [The History of the Freemasons](https://family-wise.co.uk/2022/05/31/the-history-of-the-freemasons/) - In this blog, we will look at the history of the freemasons, from origins to the present day, whilst discussing some of the fraternity’s controversies! - [How To Avoid Dodgy Heir Hunting Firms](https://family-wise.co.uk/2022/06/10/how-to-avoid-dodgy-heir-hunting-firms/) - Being sent a letter that says you're entitled to money rings alarm bells. In this blog, we’ll go over how to avoid dodgy heir hunting firms and protect yourself - [Was My Ancestor A Pirate?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2022/07/15/was-my-ancestor-a-pirate/) - In this blog, we will cover a rundown of the pirate’s life during the golden age of piracy, and help you find out more about your potential pirate ancestors! - [I'm adopted, how can I find my missing relatives? A blog about finding your birth parents](https://family-wise.co.uk/2022/08/12/im-adopted-how-can-i-find-my-missing-relatives-a-blog-about-finding-your-birth-parents/) - If you're adopted, you may have wondered about your birth parents and their family. In today's world there are plenty of routes to pursue that may be effective. - [Family History Research for Beginners](https://family-wise.co.uk/2022/12/23/family-history-research-for-beginners/) - This blog will explain outline some different resources you could use, and provide you with some top tips on where to begin discovering your family history. - [Fashion Through History](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/01/13/fashion-through-history/) - This blog will explore some of the earliest fashion in history, how they change, why they change, and importantly, how it can help us as genealogists. - [Who is Harry Cassell?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/01/31/who-is-harry-cassell/) - Harry Cassell looked like a straightforward case. However, further research led to a tragic story of his early days and a family gaining a new member. - [A Dating History](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/02/13/a-dating-history/) - This blog delves into where Valentine's Day and dating history and how it has changed over time, but more importantly, how this can help us as genealogists! - [How to Date Old Photographs](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/03/10/how-to-date-old-photographs/) - Old photographs passed down through generations are a valuable resource in your research! This blog delves into the clues to look for to date old photographs! - [Were Your Ancestors in a Secret Society?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/03/31/were-your-ancestors-in-a-secret-society/) - Secret societies are organisations based on common interests or ideals. This blog will help you discover whether your ancestor was part of a secret society - [What Does Your Surname Mean?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/04/14/what-does-your-surname-mean/) - Your surname can provide a vast amount of detail into your family history and is a great jumping off point to get you started in your research. Not only do they reveal the identities of your ancestors but can also tell you invaluable details about their lives! This blog will dive into when surnames came - [Free Genealogy Resources You Need to Know About!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/04/28/free-genealogy-resources/) - Do you find yourself curious about your ancestors? In this blog, we'll explore the top free genealogy resources that can help you unlock your family history. - [Local and Community History Month 2023](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/05/02/local-community-history-month-2023/) - May is Local and Community History Month! The aim of this month is to increase awareness of local history and encourage members of the community to participate. - [Unraveling the Origins of British Place Names](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/05/22/unraveling-the-origins-of-british-place-names/) - In this blog, we will delve deeper into the enigma of British place names, exploring their origins and unravelling the linguistic threads that have shaped them. - [How to Trace Your LGBTQIA+ Ancestors](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/06/08/how-to-trace-your-lgbtqia-ancestors/) - In celebration of June being Pride Month, this blog will explore how to trace your LGBTQIA+ ancestors and help you uncover their fascinating life stories. - [How to Use Social Media for Genealogists](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/06/26/how-to-use-social-media-for-genealogists/) - In this blog, we will explore the ways you can utilise social media to enrich your family history research journey and leverage these platforms effectively. - [Was Your Ancestor on a Most Wanted List?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/07/04/was-your-ancestor-on-a-most-wanted-list/) - This blog explores tools and techniques to search for your criminal ancestor, uncover their stories, and gain a deeper understanding of your family's roots. - [A Rich History of Piercings](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/07/14/a-rich-history-of-piercings/) - In this blog, we will be exploring when the piercing became so popular and why? In ancient times, piercings were got for spiritual and religious reasons. - [How to Solve Your Genealogy Roadblocks](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/07/21/how-to-solve-your-genealogy-roadblocks/) - Genealogy is a fascinating but challenging journey. In this blog, we will explore common genealogy roadblocks and provide you with an approach to overcome them. - [Top 10 Most Infamous Pirates of All Time](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/08/07/top-10-most-infamous-pirates-of-all-time/) - In this blog, we will delve into the live of ten infamous pirates who left an indelible mark on history - from Blackbeard to Anne Bonny! - [The Simple Guide to Family History Interviews](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/08/21/the-simple-guide-to-family-history-interviews/) - In this blog, we will guide you through the process of conducting engaging family history interviews that will help you preserve your family stories for years. - [Do You Have Mayflower Ancestors?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/09/16/do-you-have-mayflower-ancestors/) - In this blog, we will delve into the world of Mayflower genealogy, explore the benefits of joining the Mayflower Society, and provide you with resources - [Genealogy Myths Debunked: Fact or Fiction](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/10/06/genealogy-myths-debunked-fact-or-fiction/) - There are several common genealogy myths. In this blog, we will debunk the top seven genealogy myths, separating fact from fiction in genealogy research. - [The Guide to Tracing Your Ancestors' Military Service](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/11/06/the-guide-to-tracing-your-ancestors-military-service/) - Tracing your ancestors' military service can be a rewarding journey. This blog will provide you with insights and resources to uncover your ancestors' service. - [1921 Census Entries That Will Make You Chuckle!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/11/10/1921-census-entries-that-will-make-you-chuckle/) - This blog reveals the funniest 1921 census entries for your amusement from entertaining misspellings to dogs with jobs! If you haven't already, check it out! - [8 Reasons Why You Should Research Your Family History](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/11/22/8-reasons-why-you-should-research-your-family-history/) - In this blog, we will explore the numerous advantages of delving into your family's past and why you should embark on the family history journey. - [Xmas Newsletter Competition](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/11/30/xmas-newsletter-competition/) - Uncover your fascinating family history this Xmas with our genealogy competition! Discover long-lost relatives & win exciting prizes. - [A Guide to Tracing Your Ancestors Who Emigrated](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/12/06/a-guide-to-tracing-your-ancestors-who-emigrated/) - In this blog, we share essential tips for uncovering the rich history of your immigrant ancestors and exploring the fascinating world of genealogy emigration. - [How to Unwrap Your Family History This Christmas](https://family-wise.co.uk/2023/12/20/how-to-unwrap-your-family-history-this-christmas/) - Have you ever thought of unwrapping your ancestry? Christmas is the perfect time to delve into your family history and discover the stories of your ancestors! - [It's such a perfect day](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/07/20/perfect-day/) - Well, it didn't start out that way, to be honest. However, at the end of the day, it has been exactly that. Sadly, I made a mistake last night. A serious one.. - [Behold .... modern day excitement!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/07/22/behold-modern-day-excitement/) - Behold, exciting news! Car Number 1 - as in, the normal set of wheels - has returned to FWL Towers. Having been driving around in a rather gutless 'Festa'... - [Preparing for the week ahead](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/07/24/preparing-week-ahead/) - When I blog on a Sunday, I often look ahead and consider what we hope/need to achieve in the forthcoming week at FWL. Today has been a rather different day. - [Being cautious](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/07/27/being-cautious/) - The number of times per week (or even per day) we are questioned about the validity of our calls is staggering. Have you any idea how hard it is to provide... - [Meeting of minds](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/07/30/meeting-of-minds/) - Two weeks ago, I told you about my trip to the Big Smoke. I went again today.... ugh.... not my favourite trip, I have to confess. Reading (previous... - [Jones, Evans, Williams.... what next....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/08/01/jones-evans-williams-next/) - No task is too big for us at FWL. However sometimes, the challenges are fairly large. "Please can you find David Jones".... oh heavens! Even tying down the... - [Learning new skills](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/08/04/learning-new-skills/) - Every day is a new day to learn new things. However, we (Team FWL) never imagined a day when we would have to run FWL with no electricity. Hence, no Wifi... - [When a good plan....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/08/06/when-a-good-plan/) - When a plan doesn't quite play out. That has been the story of the last 48 hours. Have a day off they said, sure thing, until most of the Senior Case Managers.. - [Help.... too much networking](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/08/09/help-much-networking/) - Sitting here this evening, not only have I been watching the 2016 Olympics in Rio (Brazil) but also networking in a very important Facebook event, name our dogs - [Keys, frogs and trees](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/08/12/keys-frogs-trees/) - Exciting times ahead! We have keys to our new office.....! There are still some formality hoops to leap through but, in the meantime, we can start getting... - [The importance of good systems](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/08/15/importance-good-systems/) - Systems. Usually, our days are driven by the Bona Vacantia Division and the new list which they publish daily. Some days, they publish the daily list with no... - [Market research](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/08/19/market-research/) - Years ago, when computer monitors were packed into cubed boxes for transportation rather than a box the size of a lever arch file, or forming part of the... - [Making history](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/08/21/making-history/) - Few people around the globe (in the First World at least) could possibly have missed the fact that Brazil have been hosting the 2016 Olympics over the past... - [Competition time](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/08/27/competition-time/) - Firstly, an apology.... I am going to use a word which would normally not be uttered on this blog.... well, not at this time of year. Christmas. There you go... - [Historic Tank Holiday weekend](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/08/30/historic-bank-holiday-weekend/) - It is a rare occasion when we close the offices of FWL Towers for two days, as we are normally open Monday to Saturday. However, this last weekend, was a Tank.. - [Rockstar Genealogist Awards](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/09/01/rockstar-genealogist-awards/) - Each year, John D. Reid of Anglo-Celtic Connections has the unenviable task of masterminding the 'Rockstar Genealogist Awards'. It was his brainchild but I... - [And finally.... new premises!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/09/04/finally-new-premises/) - We can barely contain our excitement.... we have finally signed the lease and Family Wise are moving!!! Our new residence at 5 St Marys Courtyard, Church Street - [The power of patience](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/07/14/the-power-of-patience/) - Don't faint in shock. Yes, I can be patient! Not too often mind.... but sometimes it's worth it. Today, we received a client's adoption papers. We have... - [194 years ago today](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/09/08/194-years-ago-today/) - Prince Dom Pedro I declared Brazil's independence and tonight marks another new dawn in Brazil's history. The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games opening ceremony has... - [The Three Musketeers](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/09/10/three-musketeers/) - It's a historical novel by Alexander Dumas (1802-1870). Weirdly, in the list of Three Musketeers, Wikipedia lists four - Athos, Aramis, Porthos and D'Artagnan - [Oh heavens.... A Rockstar? You are kidding....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/09/13/oh-heavens-rockstar-kidding/) - Times when I am speechless, shocked and amazed are few and far between for me. Having seen the Silver and Bronze winners in the UK list for the Rockstar... - [Baffled: When the obvious, isn't....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/09/20/when-the-obvious-isnt/) - Baffled, that's what I am right now. Utterly baffled. In all honesty, I could leave this post right here and those two sentences (short though they are)... - [World Wars and naming patterns](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/09/23/world-war-naming-patterns/) - Those of you who are regular readers (thank you!) will know that, at FWL, we have a penchant for naming and particularly, 'stand out' names. We will often... - [The importance of reliability](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/09/26/the-importance-of-reliability/) - Ever since I left school, I have always known how important reliability is. No-one ever sat me down and told me why, or the consequences of not being... - [The result are in!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/09/29/the-result-are-in/) - On 27 August, we uttered a word which made people gasp - Christmas .... in August!?! We offered our readers the opportunity to win a family history binder.. - [1841 census infuriates many](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/10/02/1841-census/) - Every ten years since 1801 (excluding 1941 due to the World War which was being fought at the time), a census has been taken. The first one to be of real... - [Trials and tribulations](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/10/05/trials-and-tribulations/) - New office? New challenges! The new FWL Office opened officially yesterday (Tuesday 4 October) at 5 St Mary's Courtyard, Church Street, Calne. Due to swift... - [Practically magic](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/10/08/practically-magic/) - Who actually watches the adverts on television these days, or ever? Personally, I prefer to record programmes or live pause them, so I don't have to sit... - [A Game of Roulette](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/10/11/a-game-of-roulette/) - Moving to a new office is, we have decided, like a game of roulette. There are outside and inside bets from odd/even, red/black to top line/trio/split... - [Friday update from FWL Towers](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/10/14/friday-fwl-towers/) - After a long week in FWL land (for both myself, Mr FWL and FWL colleagues), here I sit, on Friday evening, writing a blog to keep our readers informed of the... - [New week, new challenges](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/10/17/new-week-new-challenges/) - Positive weekend. Check. Achieved plenty. Check. Cracked the back of some really gritty projects. Check. With the able assistance of Ma & Pa FWL, the old... - [What makes a good speaker??](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/10/21/good-speaker/) - To me, this is a really interesting question.... I have listened to hundreds of speaker over the years in various guises from education training... - [A Bachelors Degree in Stupidity](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/10/23/degree-stupidity/) - Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss Bereavement Services Bank Employee, I am writing today to make a few small requests of you. Each and every day of the week, I have the pleasure - [Time for the C word](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/10/27/time-c-word/) - Now.... it's less than two calendar months until the festive season is well and truly upon us so the light is green on using the C word, as far as we are... - [I remember....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/10/30/i-remember/) - People often ask where my inspiration comes from for FWL blogs. In fact, just last week, a business colleague asked how I blog so frequently! I was delighted... - [Victor Meldrew of Wiltshire (ish)](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/11/03/victor-meldrew-wiltshire-ish/) - For those readers who are not based in the UK (or those who are and have missed the pleasures of the above named, aka Richard Wilson.... who has also... - [RootsTech 2017 - who wants to be there?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/11/06/rootstech-who-wants-to-be-there/) - Are you absolutely desperate to attend RootsTech in Salt Lake City next year (2017) but can't afford it, don’t want to go by yourself etc. etc. Well, I have... - [No idea where to begin](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/11/09/no-idea-begin/) - Sometimes, when I sit down to write the FWL blog, I have a clear vision of the message I want to pass on to you all. Recent visions have included the rubbish... - [Real people, real places and really good news!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/11/13/real-people-places-news/) - Firstly, some news you have all been waiting for - we have phones and broadband thanks to Steve, the 6th BT Engineer to enter our offices on Thursday. - [Business challenges](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/11/17/business-challenges/) - Regular readers will know of our very recent challenges in the new FWL Offices .... planning permission for change of use (retail to office), telephone and... - [When No is the wrong answer](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/11/20/when-no-is-the-wrong-answer/) - Work is busy. Life is busy. And I am the world's worst at the two letter response instead of three to a closed question. No. It's not a word I regularly use... - [Being unique](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/11/24/being-unique/) - This week has been ridiculous, on so many levels. We have signed more cases than ever before. We have smashed down more brick walls than anyone would ever... - [Bring in the ….](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/11/28/bring-in-the/) - .... Stars …. Many residents of the UK will be watching the current series of I’m a Celebrity…. Get Me Out of Here! Some of the celebrities are well-known... - [Fun and games with names](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/12/11/fun-games-names/) - What made you start researching your family history? (if you have!) Some people have a specific goal/mission/aim whilst others just 'want to know more about... - [You and me got a whole lot of history](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/12/18/whole-lot-of-history/) - FWL is more than history. It's more than family history. It's more than social history. It's about people. Every week we hear the world 'scam'... - [Tis the season...](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/12/24/tis-the-season/) - Now is (apparently) the time to slow down (a little) and enjoy some time away from work. Members of our team have plans ranging from hosting family at their... - [Accentuate the Positive Geneameme 2016](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/12/31/accentuate-positive-geneameme-2016/) - Each year (for the last five), at this time of year, my genea-mate Jill Ball (@geniaus) invites genealogists across the world to reflect on their geneayear... - [Making Changes](https://family-wise.co.uk/2016/12/03/making-changes/) - Do you manage your own business? Did you always plan to do so? Whichever way you landed up where you are today, did you have a short, medium and long-term plan. - [The Life of Ginette Dixon: From tough fishing towns to lacy night gowns](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/02/28/from-tough-fishing-towns-to-lacy-night-gowns-the-life-of-ginette-dixon/) - Our story starts with the life of Giovanni Rossi, a lad like any other, growing up in the north-east of England. Employment opportunities at this time... - [Bordering on a milestone](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/01/08/bordering-on-a-milestone/) - Over Christmas and New Year, many businesses (and their employees) took a complete break. Some closed for ten days. Not Family Wise! frequently, our work at FWL - [Happy Blogiversary](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/01/21/happy-blogiversary/) - to Family Wise Limited! The balloons, the party poppers, the cake.... it's all here. That's why it's taken yonks to write this blog to celebrate our 1000th blog - [Genies on Tour](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/02/05/genies-on-tour/) - Firstly, apologies for the gap between this and the previous blog. It's been a little on the hectic side in the run up to my departure from the UK to travel... - [Hold on....? Pick up!!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/02/06/hold-on-pick-up/) - A few weeks ago, at a 4Networking meeting, I was chatting to a colleague who mentioned an interesting named person in his ancestry – Pickup Pickup Holden. - [Heading to RootsTech and Day Zero](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/02/09/heading-rootstech-day-zero/) - Since the last blog, many miles have been travelled to RootsTech (and even more kilometres) on foot, bus, boat, car and plane. My MileIQ app on my mobile... - [RootsTech Day One .... What a day!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/02/10/rootstech-day-one/) - Day one of RootsTech... what a day is about right!! This time last year, I was a rookie with no idea of the packdrill. Being an ambassador - what did that... - [RootsTech .... The fun continues....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/02/12/rootstech-the-fun-continues/) - Day 2 at RootsTech was African Heritage Day and featured LeVar Burton as Keynote speaker. I was surprised to read that LeVar was born in Germany but when I... - [We are “working our way back to you”](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/02/15/working-way-back/) - As I said in the last blog post, RootsTech cannot last forever. On Sunday evening, me and @HistoryLady2013 looked out of the window of our boudoir in Hotel... - [What we learnt at RootsTech](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/02/18/what-we-learnt-at-rootstech/) - This was our second year at RootsTech and so, we (moi and @HistoryLady2013) are possibly a little more ‘qualified’ to comment this year than last. Last year... - [A dull moment? What….?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/03/05/a-dull-moment-what/) - I actually started writing this blog last weekend and I wrote: "That was the week that was. A week (and a half, in reality) after returning from RootsTech - [After a busy week comes a busier weekend!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/03/12/busy-week-busier-weekend/) - When you want something done, ask a busy person.... well, this person is pretty darned busy already, thank you! Over the years, I have given many thousands... - [It's a Bank Holiday weekend](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/04/17/bank-holiday-weekend/) - On Thursday (the new Friday), there was (apparently, as I wasn't there) a sweepstake about how many people would get in touch with our offices over the... - [Further 1939 Register entertainment](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/03/20/1939-entertainment/) - A little while ago, we ventured into the land of silliness and amusement with the 1939 Register. Long-term FWL followers will recall various posts over the... - [Why wait?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/03/28/why-wait/) - If I told you how many letters we send out of our offices every single day, you'd be staggered. In fact, we are! Family Wise - as a company - has expanded... - [Who Do You Think You Are? Live 2017](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/04/09/wdytya-2017/) - It hardly seems possible that it was a year ago since the last Who Do You Think You Are? Live event at the NEC in Birmingham.... that year certainly went... - [Travels, networking and surprising issues](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/05/05/travels-networking-issues/) - A fair amount of time has passed since the last Family Wise blog (again).... To all readers, apologies for this but business has taken very much a front seat... - [Back to base, interesting characters and planning ahead](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/05/21/back-base/) - The travels I reported in my last blog seem a decade ago now, but actually I only returned to base ten days ago. Following my visits to 4N Didsbury lunch and... - [Limits and that piece of string](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/06/04/limits-string/) - Dear Clients (past, present and future). At Family Wise Limited, we are very pleased to provide a consistently excellent service for you, managing your... - [Speaking/globetrotting around the world](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/06/20/speaking-world/) - It's been a little while since I last blogged and a few road and air miles have been travelled in between times. One of the perks of being MD at Family Wise... - [Never shy away from a challenge](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/07/10/never-shy-away-challenge/) - Oh my, wow….! How has so much time passed by since the last Family Wise blog? Since we last communicated with all of you, so much has happened/changed, it’s... - [Once is a mistake, twice is a choice](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/08/06/once-twice/) - No-one in life is perfect, no matter how hard they try. And there are lots of triers in life. Everyone makes a mistake. Some mistakes are small and go unnoticed - [Your chance to win!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/12/10/chance-to-win/) - Yes, you read it right! It is only two weeks until Christmas and so (although I am a little late according to the schedule – sorry!), I have decided that now... - [An apology, a promise and a surprise](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/12/03/apology-promise-and-surprise/) - Wow! Yes, it has been a while since you last saw us here, blogging about random eccentric finds, amazing offers, occurrences in the world of Family Wise - [And the winners are ....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2017/12/25/and-the-winners-are/) - Two weeks ago, we (Jennie Fairs and I) opened up our competition for a pair of RootsTech tickets. We are both ambassadors and we decided to run our competition - [Happy New Genie-year!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2018/01/07/happy-new-genie-year/) - Whilst driving earlier today, I was half-listening to a radio show where the presenters were wittering on about resolutions, including eating healthily, doing.. - [STOP PRESS: Family Wise Limited business take-over](https://family-wise.co.uk/2018/01/19/stop-press-fwl-business-take-over/) - As regular followers will know, we recently mentioned a big announcement. Many people have emailed us to ask what the news is, but we’ve kept it under our hats - [Preparing for/Heading to SLC](https://family-wise.co.uk/2018/02/23/preparing-heading-slc/) - In April last year, I sat on the train platform at Birmingham International after Who Do You Think You Are? and I thought next year it’s time for Family Wise... - [Where did we go?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2018/04/08/where-did-we-go/) - Well, indeed…. We disappeared off the radar for a bit there, eh!? We were super busy in Salt Lake City and then came back to base to firstly illness for the... - [Once upon a lifetime](https://family-wise.co.uk/2018/11/11/once-upon-a-lifetime/) - So… readers, it’s been a while. A long while. You might wonder, why? There is so much going on at FWL Empire, writing has (unfortunately) been the last thing... - [RootsTech 2019 – it’s competition time!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/01/15/rootstech-2019-its-competition-time/) - Well actually, I am a little late but thankfully, as a longstanding ambassador of the event, I have been given the authority (thanks, RootsTech organising team) - [We're back, and we've moved!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/01/23/were-back-and-weve-moved/) - If you are a regular FWL reader/follower, you will have noticed a fair few posts in the run up to Christmas 2018. But, if you missed them all, we have moved! - [The countdown for National Storytelling Week!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/01/25/intro-national-storytelling-week/) - Hello keen storytellers, writers and family historians! From the 28 January to 2 February, It National Storytelling Week and we have some great stories to share - [NSW: Monday - The Boy Who Loved Dad's Wartime Sketches](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/01/28/nsw-monday/) - Jack Phillips grew up in wartime. His Dad sent sketches from the battlefield, back home to his young son. There's a 'tank' emblazoned with his name, 'JACK'. - [NSW: Tuesday - A surprising amount of motherhood](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/01/29/nsw-tuesday/) - Gary Barnshaw had learning difficulties and had been institutionalised from a young age. Any financial estate he left when he died would of have been... - [NSW: Wednesday - The story of the green suitcase at County Hall](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/01/30/nsw-wednesday/) - Belinda Garnett lived around the corner from us, a likeable lady who enjoyed a laugh with her friends. When we uncovered her story, we wondered if we'd... - [NSW Thursday Story: What happened to unwanted babies in the 1900s?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/01/31/nsw-thursday/) - Billie's Story. Billie’s parents lived in two-bedroom terraced cottages in Middlesbrough, surrounded by industrial workers and labourers. - [Conceived in The Asylum: NSW Friday](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/02/01/nsw-friday/) - This certificate was interesting. Ernest Foxton’s mother was listed as a nurse, Wilma Barrett, which on further investigation proved to be in a mental asylum. - [Kicking About The Family Tree: NSW Saturday](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/02/02/nsw-saturday/) - Every family tree has many stories. Let's explore this one! Clive Talbot died in 2016 in London. His father was in the Royal Artillery during World War II... - [The benefits of learning about your family history](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/02/11/benefit-fh/) - So why should you research your family history? Why should it be of interest to anyone? Well let's take a look shall we! This blog will delve into the benefits. - [Family History Tips and tricks: The do's and don'ts of research](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/02/12/tips-and-tricks/) - Here are our top tips for the curious cats of the world wanting to research their family history. To know one's family is to know one's own, as the saying goes. - [Rootstech - We're going! (again)](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/02/15/rootstech/) - RootsTech – I’ve been attending for four years now! How is that even possible? I have to confess, in Year One (back in 2016), I had no idea what to expect. - [LGBT History Month: An introduction](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/02/18/lgbt-history-month/) - Amidst all the business we have going on here at FWL, for the next couple of weeks, we've prepared some great stories to share with you for LGBT History month! - [the Life of Jim Booth: From bench to slab](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/02/21/from-bench-to-slab/) - Life did not begin easy for Jim. Technically he wasn't a Leicester man at all; he was from the north-east. The kids took the mickey out of his funny accent... - [The Life of Hilary Nott: Estrangements and taboo arrangements](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/02/22/estrangements-and-taboos/) - Alistair died in challenging circumstances a year or two ago. A life that had not been easy from the beginning had come to a tragic end when he was only in... - [RootsTech 2019: The longest day of my life](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/02/23/the-longest-day-of-my-life/) - As I write this, it’s the end of the longest Friday of my life. The Friday which has reminded me/taught me so many life lessons on our way to Rootstech! - [What's the difference between Mother's Day and Mothering Sunday?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/03/29/mothers-day/) - Have you ever wondered what is the difference between Mother's Day and Mothering Sunday? This blog will delve into their origins and discover the difference... - [Blogging from A-Z April Challenge 2019](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/03/26/a-z-april-challenge/) - FWL will be doing the Blogging from A-Z April Challenge! Over 26 days a blog will go out every day with a word beginning with each letter of the alphabet - [Blogging from A-Z April Challenge: A for Asylum](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/01/a-for-asylum/) - Asylum is a word we hear often. 1000's of refugees escaping from peril in their homelands make the hazardous journey to new countries in search of a better life - [B is for Bastardisation](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/02/b-is-for-bastardisation/) - Where did the word originate from? The English dictionary refers to bastardisation as two things: To debase or corrupt or to declare illegitimate. We know... - [D is for Death](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/02/d-is-for-death/) - Causes of death have been recorded in burial registers and civil registrations for hundreds of years. Some of the terms are now archaic, old-fashioned and... - [C is for Childhood](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/03/c-is-for-childhood/) - 18 short poems we would like to share with you. Each poem is a child or adult looking back on their childhood, or experiencing life as a child in a certain era. - [E is for Emotion](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/05/e-is-for-emotion/) - It’s fair to say that the offices of Family Wise Limited can be a very emotion fueled place. Recently, one of our success stories made it into the press! - [F for Folklore](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/06/f-for-folklore/) - Here is a list of 13 folklore tales that may have been involved in your family history! You'll want to know about the history of these weird and wonderful tales - [G for Graveyard: Why do we have so much respect for the dead?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/08/g-for-graveyard/) - Graveyards and cemeteries are not the same thing. In fact, a graveyard is actually a type of cemetery. To understand this better, we need to dig up the past! - [H is for House](https://family-wise.co.uk/2019/04/09/h-is-for-house/) - Bish, bash, bosh, a house video has been made! Take a look at how houses have changed through the years here. From one video to the next! - [What is the meaning of today, Boxing Day?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/26/boxing-day/) - Boxing Day is traditionally the day following Christmas Day, when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts, known as a 'Christmas box', from their bosses or employers. Boxing Day is the bank holiday that takes place on 26 December. - [And the answer is....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/25/and-the-answer-is/) - the Reindeer murdered the Elf, Out in the Snow, on 20th December, because he opened my advent calendar! We were overwhelmed with the number of entries and we are delighted to announce that Judy Cain of New York State, USA was ... - [A very Merry Christmas](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/24/merry-christmas/) - Firstly, thank you to all our readers who entered the recent competition - mathematical rather than historical but diversity is a good thing, right? We are sifting through the entries and have now approved all the comments posted as the competition has officially closed. - [Reindeers, Elves, Fairies.... what next?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/23/reindeers-elves-fairies-what-next/) - Although there were some Reindeers and Elves in the 1911 census, the angels and fairies were a far more interesting bunch. For some reason, angle is often mis-transcribed as angel (in terms of steel workers) but there are two actual, real angels in 1911. - [Desperately seeking Santa](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/22/desperately-seeking-santa/) - It's three days until Christmas and the plot has already well and truly been lost. Regular blog followers will know that we enjoy searching censuses for daft occupations, names etc. Today, we searched for .... SANTA! - [I don't want to change my name....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/21/no-name-change/) - OK, so all researchers have come across this over the years, we are quite sure of that.... But just how many women marry men with the same surname? That's not to say that they are close (or even distant) relations but we were today left wondering if any statistical analysis has ever been done on the number of incidents of same surname marriages in particular parishes and/or registration districts.... probably not! - [Toilet brush drawer?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/20/toilet-brush/) - Having spent the past few days coming up with mathematical puzzles for you all, this morning we turned our minds back to the 1911 census. But, I cannot quite remember how we landed up looking up this particular occupation?! Clearly we are now flushed with success though.... (audible groan....).... - [Where did the murder take place? Day 4 'A Week of Christmas mystery'](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/19/christmas-mystery4/) - The final clues will help work out where the murder took place.... Mrs Claus received a photograph frame for Christmas from Santa. It was 26cm by 15cm and was designed to hold 20cm by 9cm photographs - I know.... odd dimensions eh?! - [Why, why, why? Day 3 'A Week of Christmas Mystery'](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/18/christmas-mystery3/) - Continuing our mathematical murder mystery week, today you will need to calculate the following clues - up to you whether you use a calculator or not! - then round the answers to the nearest integer. Use the answers to decode the message. - [Day 2 of 'A Week of Christmas Mystery'](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/17/christmas-mystery2/) - Hopefully, yesterday you managed to work out the date of the murder from the clues provided. The following six characters all played a part in the incident, either as the murderer, the victim, or innocent bystanders. - [A week of Christmas mystery....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/16/christmas-mystery1/) - This week, we thought we would provide some Christmas cheer - but sadly, a Christmas character has committed a terrible offence. Murder. If December 1 falls on a Thursday, use a calendar to work out when the murder occurred from the following clues: - [Of Old Christmas Day](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/15/old-christmas-day/) - Some years ago, we were researching down in Devon at what was then the Devon Record Office, now Devon Heritage Centre. Searching for a marriage at Plymouth St Andrew - which is all indexed with images available on FindmyPast thanks to digitisation arrangements with Plymouth and West Devon Record Office - we stumbled upon an interesting name on the marriage register in 1816: - [Festive cheer](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/14/festive-cheer/) - Feeling a little more festive, having completed most of the Christmas Family History projects, I thought I'd have a dabble in the census again and this time, see how many daft Christmas names I could locate. Never disappointed.... - [St Lucy's Day](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/13/st-lucys-day/) - Today, is the feast day of St Lucy, patron saint of blind people, who was martyred at Syracuse in the early fourth century. A devout Christian, she was allegedly denounced by a rejected suitor after giving away all her money to the poor. - [Forbidden to marry](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/12/forbidden-marry/) - A wonderful image was sent our way today which requires little explanation as the sentiment is quite clear.... - [Enumerated twice?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/11/enumerated-twice/) - Back in the days before digitisation of censuses, it was often a great achievement to find the person or family you were searching for within a parish or district. Now, this can be accomplished at the touch of a few buttons and the days of laborious and painstaking investigation through reels and reels of microfilm are over - well, when it comes to census searching in any case. - [What a wonderful day....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/10/wonderful-day/) - A semi-'day off' and a trip to the city of Hereford to visit some friends. Lunch in the Cloisters Cafe in the Cathedral was, of course, an excellent plan for a family and local historian! Many memorial tablets and plaques adorned the walls of the cafe which I could quite happily have spent all afternoon photographing. However, restraining myself, just one caught my eye: - [The power of networking](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/09/power-networking/) - To be part of the Family Wise team, part of the job description states 'thou shalt not be a shy, retiring wallflower' and later, once employed, it is written in employee's contracts that 'thou shalt network like a demon with all individuals at all events attended on behalf of Family Wise'.... And today has once again showed why this is the case. - [Will you accept the genealogical challenge?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/08/genea-challenge/) - Regular readers of the Family Wise blog may well remember the Christmas letter to FC blog post on 17 November. - [A date which will live in infamy](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/07/7-december/) - On this day in 1941, the Japanese launched an attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor (it pains me to spell it that way), Hawaii, and other military installations nearby, an event which brought the USA somewhat belatedly into World War II. Four battleships and forty-two aircraft were destroyed, many more were badly - [A week of wonderful websites: Day 5 - the final frontier](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/06/www-day5/) - Today, I bring you.... The World Factbook. Originally published semi-annually (until 1980) as the National Basic Intelligence Factbook, county entries included sections on Land, Water, People, Government, Economy, Communications, and Defense Forces. - [A week of wonderful websites - Day 4](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/05/www-day4/) - Today, is all about newspapers.... Consulting newspapers, periodicals and magazines can provide plenty of background information about your ancestors. - [A week of wonderful websites - Day 3](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/04/www-day3/) - Today's offering for readers is the three Gs! Three for the price of one - now where can you find a deal like that these days? - [A week of wonderful websites - Day 2](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/03/www-day2/) - May I present to you, Histpop .... a website which provides online access to the complete British population reports for Britain and Ireland from 1801 to 1937. - [A week of wonderful websites - Day 1](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/02/day1-www/) - The National Archives holds over eleven million historical government and public records, one of the largest archive collections in the world. - [1 December](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/01/1-december/) - Traditionally a day to begin opening the doors on the Advent Calendar but also, in 1990, the day when mainland Britain re-joined continental Europe. - [30 November](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/30/30-november/) - So much choice as today is a historic day in many ways, not least because of the effect of the events of last night in Glasgow. - [Pearls of wisdom](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/29/pearls-wisdom/) - I have often wondered if there should be a proverb counter out there somewhere to see how many proverbs are used each day. But today, this proverb is particularly true.... - [Cats and dogs](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/28/cats-and-dogs/) - Whilst thinking about today's blog, which was going to be about a rather useful website I located recently, all I have heard is the incessant noise of a small ginger and white furry creature. Now, the first question I need to ask you is this: - [Hot or cold, Anders?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/27/27-november/) - The Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius was born in Uppsala on this day in 1701. His family originated from Ovanåker in the province of Hälsingland. - [Thirty-five to go....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/26/thirty-five-go/) - Today marks exactly 35 days until the end of the year and 29 days until Christmas. Now, confession time: how many of you have done all your shopping already? If you have, then I personally believe that you are in the minority.... I dearly hope so anyway. - [Another obsolete occupation](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/25/another-obsolete-occupation/) - Yesterday I was contacted by a colleague asking if I had ever heard of an occupation he had located in the 1861 census: - [Mining for good resources](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/24/mining-good-resources/) - Until the middle of the eighteenth century, charcoal made from burnt wood had been the main fuel employed by industry. However, conserving timber supplies for use in the shipbuilding industry led to an increased use of coal which, by the end of the century, had become Britain's most important natural resource. - [23 November](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/23/23-november/) - 1910, saw the hanging of Hawley Harvey Crippen (born 11 September 1862), usually known as Dr. Crippen. An American homeopathic physician and salesman, Crippen was hanged in Pentonville Prison, London, for the murder of his wife, Cora Henrietta Crippen. He was the first criminal to be captured with the aid of wireless communication. - [Fifty years ago today](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/22/22-november/) - President John F. Kennedy was assassinated as his presidential car travelled from the airport to downtown Dallas, Texas. He was forty six and had been in office for only three years. The Governor of Texas, John Connally, was riding alongside him and was also seriously wounded, though the two men's wives who were also in the vehicle were unhurt. - [Unusual British Epitaphs](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/21/unusual-british-epitaphs/) - Britain's churchyards are one of the nation's priceless and unique heritages. Generations of our forebears are commemorated humorously, eccentrically and often anonymously. - [Not a Royalist but ....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/20/20-november/) - today in 1947, the 21-year-old Princess Elizabeth married her distant cousin, Philip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey. - [The strangest connections....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/19/strangest-connections/) - During my decade in the teaching profession, I have had the pleasure of working with dozens of talented educators who give their heart, soul, dedication, passion and so much more to youngsters on a daily basis, often in very challenging settings. - [18 November](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/18/18-november/) - The King's Cross fire broke out on 18 November 1987 at approximately 19:30 at King's Cross St. Pancras tube station, a major interchange on the London Underground. The fire killed thirty-one people. - [A little belatedly....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/17/little-belatedly/) - I think I mentioned quite early on in the Family Wise blogging days, that an extra few hours in the day, or an entire extra day in the week would be mighty welcome. - [November 15 and 16 .... two days at Kew](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/16/november-15-and-16/) - For the first time in a very long while, yesterday I actually managed to spend a day doing research at The National Archives. It was not entirely surprising to find that I was in the company of around twenty other researchers whose paths had previously crossed with mine, as today is the Colonial Records Guild seminar at Kew. - [A mathematical connection](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/15/15-november/) - November 15 is the 319th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar... Can you believe it? There are only 46 days remaining until the end of the year. Which means only 40 days until Christmas Day. Eek.... - [The Royle Family....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/14/14-november/) - I mean, the Royal Family.... oops! Today is a historical day for our current monarchy. In 1948, Charles, Prince of Wales (Charles Philip Arthur George) was born. He is the eldest child and heir apparent of Queen Elizabeth II. - [Bull-running and mayoral elections](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/13/13-november/) - This was formerly the date of the Stamford Bull-Running. According to local tradition, the custom dated from the time of King John when William de Warenne, 5th Earl of Surrey, saw two bulls fighting in the meadow beneath. - [The Samaritans .... and acrobatic performances](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/12/12-november/) - Reverend Edward Chad Varah was born on this day in 1911 in the town of Barton-upon-Humber, Lincolnshire. His parents, William Edward Varah and Mary Atkinson, married in early 1911 and are childless in the 1911 census when they are living at Eastville Vicarage, Boston. Edward Chad was the eldest of their nine children. - [The eleventh day of the eleventh month](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/11/11-november/) - And so endeth The Genealogist's A-Z and yesterday, many of you were left wondering what Monday would bring .... in more ways than one! In fact, others had considered the impending end of the alphabet earlier in the week. Well, now Monday is here and the wait is over. - [Z is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/10/z-is-for/) - .and finally, Z is for zigarius – a nineteenth century term for a gypsy. On historical documentation, you will rarely find reference to families being gypsies, whether they state their occupation as zigarius or otherwise. Terms such as traveller, hawker and basket maker, may give a clue to gypsy ancestry, but not every person with these occupations were gypsies. - [Y is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/09/y-is-for/) - Generation Y. Ah ha.... you thought it would be Y-DNA didn't you?! Globally, generation Y (gen Y) refers broadly to individuals born between 1975 and 1995. According to the Financial Times, people of this generation are frequently seen as being 'reliant on new media and digital technology with short attention spans' and apparently also expect 'entertaining and fast-paced information'. - [X is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/08/x-is-for/) - .how exasperating the day appears to be today! Desperate not to do X for illiteracy or the obvious X for Xmas, there does still need to be a slight link to the forthcoming festive season.... ish.... - [W is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/07/w-is-for/) - well, it was going to be about Workhouses. Then I changed my mind and decided to make it about Women in War (one of my lectures at WDYTYA 2014).... but, considering the centenary which lies ahead in 2014, I thought I would save the many articles I have up my sleeve on this topic for the future. - [V is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/06/v-is-for/) - Victorian Crime and Punishment. Sensational murder stories in the Victorian era sold newspapers and crime fiction in a way that had never been seen before and the stories continue to fascinate people today. Jack the Ripper is one of the most well documented murders. - [U is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/05/u-is-for/) - Unbelievable. Russell Ash comments in Potty, Fartwell and Knob, that 'some are born with strange surnames, some are blessed, or cursed, with unusual first or middle names.' It is certainly true to say that some bearers of what we consider to be strange names were probably unremarkable in their own countries. - [T is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/04/t-is-for/) - Turnpike roads. The first turnpike trust was established in 1663 to repair and maintain a particularly badly worn fifteen mile stretch of the Great North Road between Wadesmill and Royston in Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. - [S is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/03/s-is-for/) - Societies. Across the globe, there are simply thousands of family history, local history, genealogical societies.... call them what you will. They are often charitable (or not-for-profit) and enable members to gain from shared knowledge and often numerous other society benefits. - [R is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/02/r-is-for/) - Relief of the poor. Until the early 1830s, individual parishes administered and paid for the welfare support for the poor and infirm. This began back in the sixteenth century, during the reign of Henry VIII after the dissolution of the monasteries and the closing of charity hospitals and almshouses. - [Q is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/11/01/q-is-for/) - quarters. Surprisingly, despite thinking that Q might well be one of the more challenging letters to write about, there were various quality topics which could have been used today - Quakers, quarantine, quarter sessions, the Queen and more.... - [P is for ....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/31/p-is-for/) - Plaques, generally blue in colour, which record the history and events of London, the capital city of England. Official plaques are nowadays administered by English Heritage (and have been since 1986) though the London blue plaques scheme has been running for over 140 years. Each plaque commemorates either a famous person who was born, lived or stayed in a particular building, an event which took place there, or an earlier use of the site. - [O is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/30/o-is-for/) - Order of the British Empire. How many of your ancestors have been awarded medals in a manner other than fighting for their country? From my own perspective, I can only claim one (as far as I know).... - [N is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/29/n-is-for/) - John Norden. Norden was born in Somerset. He entered Hart Hall, Oxford, in 1564 and graduated BA in 1568 and MA in 1573. He subsequently led an itinerant existence, though for much of his life had his home in Middlesex. - [M is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/28/m-is-for/) - Measles. Generally a children's disease, measles often led to pneumonia and death before it was controlled in the twentieth century. The illness is unpleasant, but most children fully recover. However, some children develop serious complications. - [L is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/27/l-is-for/) - .... Lighthouses.... amongst the most unusual structures in Britain. When man began to travel by sea, one of the earliest obstacles encountered was safe night time travel. It was impossible to travel by night by ship without the risk of crashing on nearby rocks. - [K is for ....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/26/k/) - .... Knocknobbler. Back in Victorian times, this wonderful title was given to a churchwarden who was in charge of turning unruly dogs out of church! - [J is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/25/j-is-for/) - ....Justice. Crime, and how to deal with it, was one of the great issues of Victorian Britain. With an increase from about 5,000 recorded crimes per year nationally in 1800 to 20,000 per year in the 1830s, the Victorians had a firm belief in making criminals face up to their responsibilities and punish those who broke the law. So, between 1842 and 1877, ninety new prisons were built in Britain. - [I is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/24/i-is-for/) - illegitimacy. Back when we have only parish registers to rely on for our family and local history research, comments such as 'base', 'bastard', or simply a capital B are recorded to indicate that a child was born out of wedlock. - [H is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/23/h/) - Hearth Tax. The hearth tax was introduced by the government of Charles II in 1662. Following the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Parliament calculated that the Royal Household needed an annual income of £1.2million. - [G is for ....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/22/g-is-for/) - grandparents and great-grandparents. Beginning with yourself, you have two parents, four grandparents and 8 great-grandparents.... whether you know who they were or not! Heading back into history, there is a pyramid effect with the number of ancestors you have doubling in each generation. - [F is for....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/21/f-is-for/) - Fishing. It is fairly obvious from the title of my first publication that I have a keen interest in the West Country, particularly in Devon.... a county which is nothing if not a seafaring county, having produced many of the country’s most famous sailors. - [E is for ....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/20/e/) - Education. Two hundred years ago education, which we take for granted today, was a commodity only available to nobility and the rich. - [D is for ....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/19/d/) - a world of discoveries in family and local history! It could have been for dressmaker, DNA, death, descendant, denomination (of the religious kind) or Devon but today, D is for Dartmoor. Dartmoor is known for many things – mining, its tors and HM Prison Dartmoor. When I began my own personal family history quest many years ago, - [C is for ....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/18/c-is-for/) - Copious counties, censuses, clerks, curates, courts, convicts and today's C, for christenings. The christening (or baptism) of a child was supposed to take place the first Sunday after birth, or on the next Sunday thereafter. - [B is for ....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/17/b-is-for/) - blooming loads of things! Baptisms, births, books, Bible Christians, blogging, brick walls.... but I decided to go for burials for today's B. There is so much which could be said about burials, why some people's lives are commemorated with memorials, epitaphs, grand vaults and such like, whilst the graves of others go unmarked. - [A is for accuracy](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/16/accuracy/) - Day 1 of The Genealogist's A-Z begins naturally with A - the all important, accuracy. Over the last few days, some entertaining inaccuracies in transcriptions on the commercial sites have been highlighted here. - [Another hat....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/15/another-hat/) - Any of my blog followers who know me well, will know that I wear a couple of genealogical hats, most of which are not mentioned on the Family Wise website. But today could not go by without highlighting the Who Do You Think You Are Magazine October podcast, featuring Yours Truly! - [Prostitution in 1911](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/14/prostitution-1911/) - Continuing my entertaining searches in the 1911 census, I marvelled today at the number of ice cream manufacturers/sellers born in Italy. But, I moved on quickly. Some masons, transcribed as 'moron' made my giggle, followed by a few 'tramps' who clearly weren't. But what capped it all was the list of prostitutes, 85 in all. - [Suffrage, in many facets](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/13/suffrage-many-facets/) - Last night, I spotted an interesting tweet about a page in the 1911 census, making mention of the suffragette movement. And so, just before the witching hour, I delved into the subject in more detail, wondering how many times the words suffrage and suffragette appeared - [Compliments](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/12/compliments/) - How many times do you compliment people each day? Each week? Sometimes, it's all too easy to go through life only picking up on the negatives. Some people are very good at praising others. But I am sure you can think of individuals who far more readily complain when things go wrong and rarely have anything good to say. - [Good record keeping](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/11/good-record-keeping/) - T'would be fair to say that yesterday was something of a long day. Beginning with the usual Thursday breakfast networking meeting, I left home at 6:30am and returned at just shy of 11pm. However, a jolly fine day I had in between (well, if you ignore the grey sky and the rain). - [The daftest question you've ever been asked....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/10/daftest-question/) - Today, I thought I would share with you another Heir Hunting case we worked on just last year. The case was regarding a gentleman who died in Berkshire. - [Variety is the spice of life](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/09/variety-spice-life/) - Each week, I attend a network meeting to inform other local business people about Family Wise and what we do. 60 seconds, once a week, to enlighten them about private investigation, lecturing, writing books, writing and running courses, family history research, Heir Hunting.... - [Exciting times....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/08/exciting-times/) - What a lot of excited family historians there have been these last few days....! Those who submitted their lecture proposals to the 14th Australasian Congress on Genealogy and Heraldry - [Watch out graveyard! Here I come!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/07/watch-out-graveyard/) - Many readers who reside in the south of England will have woken up to thick fog this morning and a climate which unfortunately shows that we are approaching the winter months. - [Family History Christmas](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/06/family-history-christmas/) - I am guessing that for most people, the last thing you want to think about is Christmas right now but, as I write, it is only 79.5 days until the big day. - [Being a local and family historian....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/05/local-and-family-historian/) - takes you to all sorts of places and certainly creates a busy diary. In fact, I am not entirely sure how I managed to fit in a day job as well! Today, - [And today, I give you a challenge....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/04/readers-challenge/) - Sometimes, no matter how experienced a team of researchers are, they are still unable to crack a problem. And this is a problem in my own family tree which has eluded me and everyone - [Does the media help or hinder our work?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/03/the-media/) - When I first started researching my own family history .... good heavens, did I once only look into my own family's past! .... t'interweb was .... - [The wonders of Heir Hunting](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/02/heir-hunters/) - You may well be wondering why we are Heir Hunters.... well, let me tell you, it does not make us rich quick! There are many companies out there who do what we do, some more credible than others, - [What do other people blog about?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/10/01/other-blogs/) - Being a newbie to blogging, I decided - in the wee small hours - to take a look at some other gene-blogs on 't'interweb'. Unsurprisingly, - [Working with amazing people](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/09/30/amazing-people/) - How often do you hear people moan about their jobs? Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all love doing what we do to earn a living? Well, I am lucky enough to have managed to do exactly that. - [Lovely day...](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/09/29/lovely-day/) - What better way to spend your Sunday than with 400-500 people all interested in digging into the past? .... And more importantly, with two lovely ladies who helped man the Guild Stand - [Couldn't there be more than 24 hours in a day?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/09/28/24hours-a-day/) - Balls.... How many can I juggle at any one time? Well, this weekend it would seem, I have rather more than I can handle. The list appears to be endless... - [Is it true? Am I really a hoarder?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/09/27/hoarder/) - And so, the end of the week is upon us and I am reliably informed that there are two days of rest available to most individuals who work in normal jobs.... - [It's not what you know, it's who you know](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/09/26/know-know/) - Not one person in the field of family history.... genealogy.... call it what you will .... could possibly say that they know everything. But thankfully, there are lots of extremely knowledgeable individuals, many of whom are great networkers, willing to share their expertise with others for free. Every researcher has brick walls, no matter how - [One of those days...!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/09/25/one-days/) - Some days don't quite go to plan, eh?! Well, yesterday was - in part - one of those days! Travelling 80 miles for a late afternoon appointment only to be stood up by my client, - [Another day....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/27/another-day/) - Well, I learnt something new today. Having had three days off for Christmas, I was fully prepared for the world to get back to normal (well, the FWL version of normal i.e. craziness) tomorrow. However, I am reliably informed that tomorrow is actually 'Boxing Day Holiday'? Whoever heard of such a ludicrous idea....?! Apparently, it happens - [The office is now closed](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/24/the-office-is-now-closed/) - It is official. The offices of FWL are closed. For three whole days. And so, it is time to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! Today, we have cleaned the office - filed more paper than we've had hot dinners this week (or, for that matter, for the last month!) and even completed projects and - [Fame at last](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/22/fame-at-last/) - The title was almost 'I'm so excited'.... because I am! Yesterday, my first television appearance was aired.... in Canada! (Quite apt!) I personally consider that I have a great face for radio and that television is not quite 'my bag'. However, I am (surprisingly) quite pleased with the end product of my appearance on Who Do - [Whatever floats your boat?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/22/whatever-floats-your-boat/) - As regular readers will know, these last few weeks have been busier than ever at FWL. We have been asked by more than a dozen clients to produce family history gifts of various kinds for Christmas 2015 and the production line has been running into the wee small hours to meet delivery deadlines. Thank heaven for - [#BigThankYou](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/20/bigthankyou/) - Here we are, not quite switched off (the electronic devices) for the evening, watching SPOTY.... on walks Eddie Izzard (in a rather unusual outfit) to award the Unsung Heroes Award and he asks us to join in the BBC Sports Personality Big Thank You. It's all about showing appreciation (support) for local sport and saying - [Christmas Card etiquette](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/19/christmas-card-etiquette/) - I like receiving Christmas cards. This week, I have received several handfuls, interspersed with certificates, case updates, bills, bank statements and so forth. I still haven't written my cards as yet. That's a job for Sunday .... welcome to another day of not resting! I am intrigued though about the etiquette surrounding this annual event. Sending Christmas - [Faith, Hope, Charity.... and Luck](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/18/faith-hope-charity-and-luck/) - "Tis the season to be jolly.... Fa la la la la, la la la la....". That's about as much of Deck The Halls as I can grace you with, you will no doubt be pleased to hear! I seem to recall (without using Monsieur Google) that the rest of the lyrics are a bit odd, with trolls, - [Dear Father Christmas](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/16/dear-father-christmas/) - I know.... I know.... it's rather late to be writing my letter to you this year. But do you know what....? This year has just been so enormously busy that I simply haven't managed to find the time to write before now. I sincerely hope that I am not too late to be included on - [Moving goalposts](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/15/moving-goalposts/) - Oh, how I love it when the goalposts which are seemingly concreted firmly into the ground are suddenly - and without warning - moved. This week was already looking pretty crazy with deadlines coming at us thick and fast, but one of the tasks on next week's list now needs to be completed by Thursday. Cue - [Memories and reflections](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/13/memories-and-reflections/) - Life is full of memories. Some good and some bad. Yesterday, in The Surname Society Hangout, we discussed how Christmas is celebrated in different countries and I reflected on my Christmases as a child, lining up to go into the living room to see our presents, in height order. When I was young this was great but - [And I am telling you....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/12/and-i-am-telling-you/) - .... I'm not going...." The song, from the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, was sung by the character Effie White, a singer with the girl group The Dreams, to her manager, Curtis Taylor Jr., whose romantic and professional relationship with Effie was quickly ending. According to Wikipedia (so it must be right!): "... the lyrics to "And I - [That was the day that was](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/11/that-was-the-day-that-was-2/) - This morning starting in a somewhat different way - waking at 5:30am without an alarm, with my contact lenses still in and my laptop still on my lap! Hence, yesterday's blog was a little later than yesterday. More like today....! Waking at 5:30am was fortuitous as I needed to leave the house by 6am, though how my internal - [Technology - a wonderful thing](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/11/technology-a-wonderful-thing/) - .... when it works! And oh, the woes when it doesn't! We all rely so heavily on technology these days. Imagine if you suddenly didn't have a mobile phone.... Or your laptop decided that it didn't want to play nicely.... Or the document you spent hours perfecting was corrupted/hadn't saved.... So much can go wrong - [Crackers, Mangers and Donkeys](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/08/crackers-mangers-and-donkeys/) - As we veer helter skelter towards Christmas, the days are becoming more and more crackers.... 'scuse the pun. The deadlines have been set and the daily task lists have to be adhered to even more rigidly than normal. Already, we are looking at scheduling work well into 2016 and I - MD@FWL - have confirmed - [And the winner is....?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/07/and-the-winner-is-2/) - We all know that it's not just about winning, it's about taking part. Yeah - like hell it is! We all want to win. No matter what the competition. The first week I had my Fitbit, I didn't really 'get it'. I took part in a Workweek Hustle with some fellow genies and came third out - [Somewhere over the rainbow](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/06/somewhere-over-the-rainbow/) - On a Friday, people often say "Thank goodness, it's Friday. Let the weekend begin." Not here. We work the weekends too. And there is never a dull moment.... Yesterday, I was out of the office for most of the day on appointments, so case work was at an absolute minimum. However, I took on a - [Circus performances and Mastermind](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/04/circus-mastermind/) - I am neither a pancratist nor a urinator, you'll be glad to hear....! However, you are probably wondering what those two words actually mean! A pancratist is a term used for a 19th-century gymnast and, whilst I am frequently referred to as a magician, I do not claim to have any gymnastic skills either in - [Didn't see that coming!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/03/didnt-see-that-coming/) - Well, I kind of did.... I was watching out for it this morning! Chief in Charge of Post - Dawn - was a little later than we had hoped .... Bless her! We knew that she would need a pantechnicon to bring all our goodies today. Lots of contracts and identification, new case work from - [But seriously....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/01/but-seriously/) - As I sit here writing this blog, I am somewhat staggered. I was expecting to write a blog today about ridiculous names. However, I feel compelled to inform you that I have already done ten active minutes today....! Yes, on 1 December at 1am .... Several days ago, I entered into a discussion on Facebook - ["Bah! Humbug!"](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/12/02/ebenezer-scrooge/) - Ebenezer Scrooge was the cold-hearted miser who despised Christmas at the beginning of the famous Charles Dickens novel, A Christmas Carol. I won't tell you porky pies, but this time of year is not my favourite. However, it is the beginning of December now and so I will not begrudge people putting their Christmas lights up.... apart from - [Here endeth....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/30/here-endeth/) - .... my working day! No kidding.... Sunday, for some, is a day of rest. Not for me.... The amount of paper I have shifted today is quite unbelievable - estate accounts, administration documents, letters to beneficiaries and heaven alone knows what else.... I am done! It is way past the witching hour and the 'to-do' - [Has it really started already?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/28/has-it-really-started-already/) - Facebook is full of it. The streets of Calne and Chippenham are full of it. Apparently, Christmas has arrived much earlier this year than I have ever known before in all my X years on this planet. I even asked a young person today - just in case I was really becoming an old granny/Scrooge - and - [What are you doing?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/25/what-are-you-doing/) - There is, most definitely, a time and a place for an update on our world. So, what are we doing? Erm, loads!! Continuing our research behind the scenes for various television series (Family Finders, Long Long Families, Who Do You Think You Are? .... and more), we are filming in two weeks for a major - [Choosing the right approach](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/25/choosing-the-right-approach/) - What an interesting day.... and on reflection, one I have learnt a huge amount from. Three challenges presented themselves in quick succession this morning. Firstly, a disgruntled customer who felt that she should have received an update on her claim to her uncle's estate, followed swiftly by a property manager who wanted to make his point - [Monday madness](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/23/monday-madness/) - Once upon a time, I knew what Monday would bring as soon as it came around. Significant amounts of Maths teaching (Science rarely featured) and generally a meeting of some sort after the 'normal' working day had ended .... that being the part we all actually signed up for. Now, as I often mention, the - [A Sunday in the life of....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/22/a-sunday-in-the-life-of/) - Thank heaven.... Sunday was, this morning, the time for a long lie in! This week has been insane. I am quite certain that I have travelled further this week than ever before.... not least with my Ipswich travels which I reported on yesterday. Rarely a day goes by without an alarm being set in my - [Want something done?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/18/want-something-done/) - I am sure most of you can guess where this one is headed. Want something done? You guessed it.... ask a busy person. Well, this busy person has a ginger and white moggy situated on my arms between me and the keyboard! It's challenging to type, that's for sure. But my dear noisy friend is - [Away with the fairies](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/17/away-with-the-fairies/) - Over the last week or two, a fair few certificates we have ordered have, quite frankly, contained information which is less than 100% factual. On some occasions, far from it and in certain cases, the informant must have been away with the fairies! Made up surnames, marriages which never happened and other information which is - [Fun at the zoo](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/15/fun-at-the-zoo/) - Today, we are back in the zone - the genealogy zone. It's Sunday but that doesn't stop us! FWL is not just a job. It's a life choice! Regular readers will know that, as well as avoiding being overly opinionated on political and religious matters, we - Team FWL - often look out for the - [Dictatorship - no thanks!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/14/dictatorship-no-thanks/) - The streets of Paris are dark. Landmarks are lit up across the globe. Mass casualties. We have sat back and let other world leaders lead the way, but this is an attack on humanity. A Russian plane in Egyptian air space and now French nationals. Seriously.... we must act. Now. Hardly have the candles been - [The power of networking](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/13/the-power-of-networking/) - Team FWL have been working their socks off in various locations across the globe today and it has been a very hectic day for me, as MD. An earlier than usual start with a relocated morning meeting which meant that I had to be out of the hotel before 6am to ensure that I arrived - [The importance of accuracy](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/12/the-importance-of-accuracy/) - Following on from my blog entitled Are you sure about that? on 11 November, over the last few days I have been utterly amazed at the inaccuracy and inconsistency in policies, processes and communication from a wide variety of organisations. Some months ago, I received a letter from a bank saying, "Please accept our condolences for the - [Just a bit off kilter....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/12/just-a-bit-off-kilter/) - I have to confess: it's been an odd Wednesday, all in all. Completely due to a late night last night and early rise to 4Sight at the best 4N group in the world - Chippers (Chippenham), of course. Busy meeting (though some regular faces missing) and some great one-to-one meetings.... The 4Sight was an 'off the cuff' - [Are you sure about that?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/11/are-you-sure-about-that/) - Why couldn't the census enumerators have asked this question? Why didn't they spend longer on those doorsteps, really grilling our ancestors .... about their ages, places of birth and their real relationships to the head of the household? No, you cannot be the daughter-in-law of the head of the household at the age of four - - [Digging into the past](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/10/digging-into-the-past/) - I spend my entire life digging into the past, but I don't very often dig into my own. For some reason, something inspired me to look back at names of yesteryear on Facebook tonight. Yes, it's true. I am a nosy person. That's just one of the reasons why I love my job! After a tiny - [The nuts and bolts](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/09/the-nuts-and-bolts/) - When does something become routine in life? A permanent fixture which cannot be changed. How can the nuts and bolts of life in some capacities be altered with ease, whereas other adjustments are much more challenging? Life at FWL is far from routine, ever. However, there are certain things which can be relied upon on - [Thank you and Goodnight](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/07/thank-you-and-goodnight/) - As MD of FWL, I often find myself carrying out the 'oddest' of tasks. Things that I never would have imagined would be 'part of the job' when I set up FWL, that's for sure! But, do you know what? I love it! I don't know everything. Whilst that is hard to believe for many (haha!), - [How many sources?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/05/how-many-sources/) - Over the past year, FWL have had some interesting cases which have not, shall we say, conformed! On various occasions, the Bonavacantia list is not kind, giving us false information about the marital status of the deceased, their birth date etc. or giving details which are of similar use to the proverbial chocolate teapot. Born in England? - [When is it reasonable to....?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/05/when-is-it-reasonable-to/) - At the time of writing, I am well past the point at which I would even vaguely consider picking up the telephone to call someone in England, unless it was an absolute emergency. Canada? Australia? Fine. But, anyone resident in a European country, would not appreciate the noise of their telephone at this ungodly hour. Yesterday, - [When days just happen](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/04/when-days-just-happen/) - As regular readers will know, I used to have a very different 'day job' to what I do now. In my past life, each day was regimented. The alarm was set for the same time every day. I arrived at work at the same time (more or less) and my existence was dictated by timetables. Heaven - [The 1939 Register](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/03/the-1939-register/) - It's been 'the talk of the town'.... the genealogical 'town' anyway! I have barely managed to look at social media today without people discussing the cost, functionality and the gems they have found (or failed to find). The Register has been stored for the past seventy-six years in Southport, Lancashire (home of the General Register - [Here endeth another weekend](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/11/01/here-endeth-another-weekend/) - OK folks, I am curious .... what have you been up to this weekend? It's been Hallowe'en and the Rugby World Cup Final (as mentioned yesterday) .... have you all had a relaxing weekend? Here in FWL Land, we have mutually (Mr FWL, myself and the FWL Team) cleared many items from the long list of 'to-do', - [Happy Hallowe'en](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/31/happy-halloween/) - T'would be fair to say that Hallowe'en has become much more popular in recent decades than when I was a young person.... but let's face it, that was a long time ago now! Since I have been based in Calne, I have never had a knock on the door on October 31, until tonight. Without - [And the winner is....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/31/and-the-winner-is/) - .... Mike Quackenbush! You have won my RootsTech pass giveaway! I'll be sending you more details via email.... When I put my giveaway details out there online, I had no idea how many people would respond. Hence, I hadn't really consider how to pick the winner! I soon had a problem - lots of my - [Codswallop](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/29/codswallop/) - That caught your eye, eh!? Well, for those non-British readers, codswallop is an emphatic way for us Brits to say that something is nonsense. Worldwidewords.org states that the word is common and "has been so at least since the 1950s. Its first known appearances were in a BBC radio comedy programme, Hancock’s Half Hour ... and an - [27 hours to go!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/29/27-hours-to-go/) - It is the largest family history conference in the world and I have never been. Well, in 2016, I am going to change that. I am off to RootsTech. It is said to be "the perfect place to discover, preserve, and share your family stories and connections across generations. With a line-up of world-class speakers, thrilling - [Taking pride in communications](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/28/taking-pride-in-communications/) - In 2012, I founded FWL and I am very protective of 'the brand'. Every single communication, from email to letter, research report to family tree, telephone call to blog ... .everything has to be 'just so'. Me? I am not perfect. No-one is. However at FWL, we have processes in place to try to make everything as perfect - [New Monday, new week, new goals](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/26/new-monday/) - Well, one thing is for certain, it's been a rollercoaster Monday! Cases going from cracked to 'a slight spanner in the works', from under our administration to 'Oh, there IS a Will'.... 13,000 steps, more emails than I can count, as well as two meetings and two television production company calls....I was exhausted yesterday with - [Project Decrapification](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/25/project-decrapification/) - Welcome to exhaustion. Yes, it is fair to say I am absolutely shattered. For some stupid reason, despite wanting to have a lie in more than anything else, we (Mr FWL and I) woke up at Stupid O'Clock this morning. Yes, the clocks went back an hour during our hours of sleep but seriously, why - [Decrapifying the office](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/24/decrapifying-the-office/) - Truth be told, I have now been doing genealogy/family history/call-it-what-you-will for nearly two decades. Shocking, I know! Most people who decide to dig into their history do so when they are retired. Thankfully, I started my quest much earlier. How pleased am I to be able to say that....?! The problem I have now though - [Frantic Friday](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/23/frantic-friday/) - Best laid plans eh....? Well, today wasn't a military precision planning day but there were some crucial interlocking jigsaw pieces which had been carefully scheduled to make it all run smoothly. The plan did not start perfectly as I arrived a little later than hoped to BNI Bath Parade - the usual start to a Friday - due - [Timed to perfection](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/22/timed-to-perfection/) - Wednesday night is a time for reflection .... five years ago, where were you and what were you doing? Me....well, I had just started a new job at Cranford House School as a 'Teacher of Mathematics'. I lived in Tilehurst on the outskirts of Reading (Berkshire) and I was proud to be the Chairman of a large - [When a Fortune isn't a Fortune!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/19/when-a-fortune-isnt-a-fortune/) - We are currently administrating an estate in the name of Fortune .... cue hilarious jokes. Sadly, it is far from a fortune in monetary terms and has many and various beneficiaries the world over. Regular readers will remember that last week we had a gentleman who left his photocopied identification with a member of staff - [Upgrading technology](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/18/upgrading-technology/) - Once upon a time, many decades ago, a mobile phone was just that.... a mobile phone. You could make and receive calls and text messages. That was all it was designed for. Now, you can read/send emails, take photographs/videos, play games, call people on Skype/Google+ and much more. Remember the time when a mobile phone - [I am an Ambassador!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/17/i-am-an-ambassador/) - Wahey! Having booked my flights and hotel to attend my first ever RootsTech Conference in 2016, I was delighted to hear yesterday that my application to be a conference Ambassador had been approved! Apparently, this means that I have been recognised as having "significant influence that can help build awareness of RootsTech events". There were plenty of - [Queer goings on....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/16/queer-goings-on/) - Well, it's been a queer day today for sure. Very little of my life each week conforms to what 'normal people' call routine but one constant is BNI Bath Parade every Friday morning at 'eh gods' o'clock at Combe Grove Manor Hotel. The agenda this morning was different from 'the norm' and created much discussion about - [Way past the witching hour](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/15/way-past-the-witching-hour/) - And here I am again, writing this blog at way past the witching hour. Truth be told, this is the second time I have written this as my router or laptop or some technical gizmo had what can best be described as 'a moment' and decided that, despite the fact I had saved a draft - [Lifelong revenge against PE](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/14/lifelong-revenge/) - "My whole career is a long revenge against PE. If people know me for anything .... I think children who are not necessarily sporty can take a little bit of heart" - and so said Mark Gatiss at the start of his episode of Who Do You Think You Are? I have to say that when - [Mental Monday](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/13/mental-monday/) - As Mental Mondays go, today reached new heights. The day began with more than a page of tasks on the 'to-do' list from calling HMRC (always a pleasure, not) to Portsmouth City Council (first time call), from ordering priority certificates to drawing up some family trees for client projects. Diverse morning but heavens, it felt - [Sunday - not a day of rest](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/11/sunday-not-a-day-of-rest/) - Normally, Sunday is at least a partial day off.... a slower, more sedate day. Not today. A cacophony of alarms woke the FWL household at 7am. Rude words were uttered and momentary wondering ensued - why had the alarms been set so early? On a Sunday? Well, the lecturing marathon must continue, even on a Sunday. - [I dreamed a dream....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/09/i-dreamed-a-dream/) - "I dreamed a dream in time gone by, When hope was high and life worth living...." are the beginning lyrics of a song sung by Fantine in Les Miserables, after she is left alone, unemployed and destitute. She had her hair cut and two teeth pulled out for money to take care of her daughter. During I Dreamed - [Time to recharge?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/08/time-to-recharge/) - Each day, I get to the end and feel like I have run a marathon and been fuelled by Duracell batteries. This morning, there was an interesting report on Rip Off Britain (BBC1) about choosing the right batteries. For TV remotes and other appliances which need small amounts of power over a long period of time, alkaline batteries - [Where in the world....?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/07/where-in-the-world/) - In our daily working life at FWL, we are constantly trying to find people. Some of them try really hard to hide from us - moving from one country to another, changing their name and/or being flexible with the truth on documentation. Over the course of the past few months, we have tracked beneficiaries and - [There comes a time....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/05/there-comes-a-time/) - .... when every holiday must come to an end. And sadly, today was that day. Me and Mr FWL had successfully managed to take some time out this weekend (from Friday to Monday, so a long weekend, in actual fact) and this morning, we awoke to torrential rain and howling winds which signified our departure - [What's it all about?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/10/02/whats-it-all-about/) - So, this business lark.... just what is it all about? How do you set up a successful business from scratch? What are the sales and marketing secrets? What is the best way to use social media channels? How can you ensure you get the right people on your team? An enormous number of questions and perhaps not - [Is it too early?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/09/30/is-it-too-early/) - It is now the end of September. Officially, in less than an hour, it's over. Thirty days hath September and on we roll to October. The weather near FWL HQ has been more like what one would hope for in August this last week, but the evenings are most certainly getting cooler. Is it too - [Oh happy day....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/09/30/oh-happy-day/) - Today has been a very happy but very long day indeed in the land of FWL. Leaving home at 6:30am, I wended my merry way to Weston-Super-Mare. Not a place I regularly frequent but 4N Weston was my 4Sighting debut .... The Missing Link had its first run out today and, although far from perfect, I think - [The birds and the bees](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/09/28/the-birds-and-the-bees/) - I would bet a large amount of money that you opened this blog post with a very inquisitive mind as to what was going to be within it!!! Well, I hope it won't disappoint. However, it is not about the idiomatic expression and euphemism of the English language.... sorry! It is actually about further ludicrous names in the genealogical records - [Competing for England](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/09/26/competing-for-england/) - Sometimes I blog about genealogy. On other occasions, I write about networking or events of 'our day' at FWL. Other blogs are more of the 'random' category.... (maybe I should add new blog categories for the future.... hmmm.....).... Having just finished watching the World Cup Rugby Wales v England match, it's all about sport today. We lost. - [The swear box overfloweth](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/09/25/the-swear-box-overfloweth/) - When I parted company with my last full-time employer, I was given several presents from 'the staff' as a whole - some slightly eccentric ones and some with more obvious connections. Certain members of 'the team' wrote cards wishing me well and various parents, students and staff recognised my tenure with a small gift. One particular member of staff - [Can I give you some advice?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/09/23/can-i-give-you-some-advice/) - Each and every day, we give people help and advice. We help to break down solid brick walls in their family history, locate missing people and trace beneficiaries, and we advise them on how they might want to progress their searches. We are counsellors, bookkeepers, legal advisors, detectives, researchers, investigators and more, on a daily - [Reality: It's a Matter of Perception](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/09/22/perceptions/) - You do realise that people are constantly watching and making judgements of you, right....? That every single thing you do is remembered by somebody....? They judge you by your behaviour, not by your intentions. For example, if you are someone who likes to share your knowledge, skills and experience, you might be perceived as instructive and knowledgeable, or - [The importance of being accurate](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/09/22/importance-being-accurate/) - As regular blog readers will know, my best and most favourite subject at school was certainly not English. It is my first language but not one at which I was exceptionally gifted. Having done a degree in Chemistry with a Year in Europe (France - which turned out to be Canada), with a strong leaning towards - [Footprints in the sand](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/09/20/footprints-in-the-sand/) - In the nineteenth century, what would our ancestor's footprints have looked like? Probably not so different to our physical footprints today. However, our ancestors left a very different footprint in history. Do you have any photographs of your family in the early nineteenth century? Highly unlikely, I would say. Our ancestors certainly didn't have email, Facebook accounts, Twitter, - [Hitting the headlines](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/09/19/hitting-the-headlines/) - The Rockstar Genealogist Awards have now been running for four years and momentum has built year-on-year. Changes have been made based on feedback given by individuals across the globe and this year, a total of 2,026 people voted for their Rockstar favourites. Almost 59% of those voters were from the USA alone. So, I as - [#4N works....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/09/18/4n-works/) - As regular blog readers will know, today was a day out of the office for me (MD@FWL) at Wolverhampton Racecourse for The Business Networking Show. Although I attend network meetings at least once a week - more often than not, twice a week - I have never been to one of the large shows before and - [Rockstar on the Road](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/09/17/rockstar-on-the-road/) - 'Tis true, this Rockstar has left the office. For a whole 24 hours. Will any work be done in my absence!? It darned well better be! .... I know for a fact that stacks of work will be generated and I will feel immensely guilty (when I get back) that the Team have had to 'get - [More honours and The Rule Book](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/09/16/honours-rules/) - And today, I awoke to yet more honours - No. 8 in the Canadian Rockstars list! Thank you so much to all the Canadian voters. Another interesting list of 'stars'.... it's almost like the Oscars this week in the genealogy world. I have travelled to Canada three times in the last year to deliver workshops and lectures - [Madness and success](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/09/14/madness-and-success/) - Happy 2nd Blogiversary to FWL! Oh my goodness gracious me - 730 blogs! Every single day for two years.... That's madness! For those who have missed out in life, Madness was an amazing English ska band which formed in 1976. Known originally as the Invaders (formed by Mike Barson, Chris Foreman and Lee Thompson), the band changed - [Yes - it's Monday again!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/08/yes-its-monday/) - Ever get that sinking feeling on a Sunday night....? Then you need to change your job! If you hate the Monday to Friday game.... get out! There is life outside the four walls you work in, wherever they may be and whatever you may be doing.... What time did you wake up this morning? 6am? - [Nicholas? Who was he?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/06/nicholas/) - Well to me, today is Saturday. Small Business Saturday too .... bet many of you didn't know that! I didn't until mid-week either. Apparently it exists to support, inspire and promote small businesses on this date and beyond. St Nicholas would have approved, I'm sure. And it's his feast day today - December 6th - - [Inspired?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/05/inspired/) - You know those days when you just cannot muster the energy to get out of bed in the morning? That was this morning.... an early start (again) and it was so dark and cold. De-icing the car would have been simpler if I had a can of de-icer and then, halfway to Bath, the screenwash ran - [How have I come this far without ....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/04/this-far-without/) - Earlier this week, I took some 'time out' to visit a very good friend of mine who lives in Purton, not far away from the office here in Calne. We haven't caught up in a while as she recently lost her father-in-law and has had the challenging task of clearing his belongings from his flat - [Stunned to silence ....?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/03/stunned-silence/) - Hm.... me? Stunned to silence? Not a common occurrence! But it almost happened today.... An early start at BNI Read Chapter in Swindon this morning, I was up and out of the house at 6am. Cold, dark and icy. Yuck. After a brief 'brown trouser moment' coming out of Hilmarton on the icy, non-gritted road, - [I would really like to know .....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/02/really-like-to-know/) - As I mentioned yesterday, December is a time of reflection, along with mild panic about the amount of work still to do this year - I don't think I mentioned that part in the 1 December post! Here at FWL, we are very proud to reflect on a 100% crack rate on finding people (with just two - [Where did 2014 go?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/01/where-did-2014-go/) - And here we are, at the start of December and I am wondering where on earth this year has gone. The Annual Epistle is on the 'to do' list and I am already wondering if I have missed the international posting date for overseas cards. I am guessing - nay, hoping - that I am not - [Just stop!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/29/just-stop/) - What a lovely Saturday off.... well, kind of 'off'.... in so much as I had the middle part of the day away from the laptop! Quite an achievement to be honest! Just a few short weeks ago, I had an email from some extremely distant (but extremely lovely) cousins who were travelling to Wiltshire/Gloucestershire area from - [Housework.... hmm....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/28/mind-housework/) - Oh goodness - three and a half hours sleep after my trip to London and a royally hectic day today! As usual, the day kicks off with my weekly networking meeting in Bath (BNI Bath Parade @ 6:30am!) - fabulous start to a Friday and would you believe it? Not one, not two but THREE Kirstys at - [Terrific Thursday (Part Two)](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/27/terrific-thursday-part-two/) - (if you haven’t read Part One, please read first for context of Terrific Thursday) Although I left the Royal Courts of Justice needing something stronger than a black coffee, I decided to continue my research trip without a visit to a local hostelry along the way. The trip to Farringdon was actually much swifter than - [What is normal?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/26/normal/) - The thing is, there is no normal. While normal may exist in other phenomena, it certainly does not apply to being human. While our DNA may say we are all 99% alike, we might as well be different species. We are all raised in different families by unique people, each with countless unique life experiences - [What part of No....?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/25/what-part-of-no/) - To whom it may concern: I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for interrupting the flow of my morning. I had been 'in the groove' with my article coming along quite nicely, before your 'private number' flashed up on my telephone display. The temptation to answer the call with something ludicrous like 'North - [There's room for everyone](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/24/room-for-everyone/) - The world of family, local and social history has grown exponentially over the last decade in particular. Whilst the commercial sites are expanding with newly digitised record sets being added (seemingly) every week, there are a whole host of people out there called ‘professional genealogists’. When I first dipped my toes into the water and - [What is the secret to a great team?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/19/secret-great-team/) - Over the years, I have worked in many teams and earlier this year, I blogged about team work. But it is a subject I often return to and I wonder.... What is the secret to a great team? I am certainly not the oracle on this subject (and I would question anyone who says they - [Learning Netiquette](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/18/learning-netiquette/) - Over the past few months, I have frequently found myself shocked and stunned by people's etiquette (or lack thereof) online on various social networks from Facebook and Twitter, to blogs, Google+ and more. Of course, Netiquette is just a big and fancy work for having etiquette on the internet. But just what are the rules? Well, the - [Just another Manic Monday](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/17/just-another-manic-monday/) - After a relaxing weekend - yes, I managed it this time! - Monday came around far too quickly. And you know those days when the best plans just aren't ever going to happen? Well, today is one of those..... The screw which decided to insert itself into my tyre on Saturday has become inextricably embedded, never - [Coping with a crazy busy life](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/15/crazy-busy-life/) - How many people do you know who say they are 'crazy busy'? Some people like always being busy though some can appear chronically inattentive, disorganised and overbooked. Dr. Edward Hallowell, psychiatrist and founder of The Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Health, was a faculty member at Harvard Medical School in the 1990s and noticed a - [What will your legacy be?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/14/your-legacy/) - If you died today, what would you be remembered for? What would be your legacy? Would it be kindness, compassion and generosity? Or perhaps apathy, ineptitude and anger? No matter who we are and what we do in this life, we all leave behind a legacy, intended or not. Recently, a friend asked me what - [Evaluating success](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/13/evaluating-success/) - Following on from yesterday's blog post, we have been talking in the team @ FWL about what success looks like and how we can evaluate success. It turned out to be a difficult question to answer. One member of the team said: 'Success is achieving your objectives or goals. You can’t achieve success unless you are - [Taking stock with Archimedes](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/12/taking-stock/) - Ever had one of those 'Eureka moments'? One of the ones when you realise something which should have been blindingly obvious.... Well, today has quite simply been full of them! Apparently there is a reason why inspiration often strikes when you are in the shower or driving to work: 'Eureka moments' happen when your mind is - [How many Armistices?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/11/how-many-armistices/) - When we were considering the blog post for today, we had a kind of 'determination' not to blog about Remembrance Day as we guessed - probably correctly - that the entire world and his wife would be writing about that topic. And rightly so! Lest we forget. However, instead of driving ourselves in the opposite - [Obscene Publications Act](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/10/obscene-publications-act/) - D H Lawrence's novel Lady Chatterley's Lover was first published in its entirety in the UK on 10 November 1960, and the first run of the 200,000 copies had sold out by the end of the day. First printed in Florence in 1928, the complete version had been banned in the United Kingdom because of its - [#44 William Henry Oats (1889-1948)](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/09/44-william-henry-oats/) - During the course of the year while I have been writing my #52Ancestors posts, I have tried to look at characters in my extended family who I have done little/no research on, in an attempt to expand my knowledge and also - hopefully - find some distant relations when people search for their ancestor on - [Remembrance Day bombing](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/08/remembrance-day-bombing/) - On 8 November 1987 in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, a Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) bomb exploded near the town’s war memorial during a Remembrance Sunday ceremony, which was being held to commemorate British military war dead. The Remembrance Day bombing (also known as the Enniskillen bombing or Poppy Day massacre) killed eleven people (ten civilians - [The last public hanging](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/07/executed-today/) - On this date in 1783, highwayman John Austin was hanged at Tyburn for robbing and murdering John Spicer on the road to London. The village of Tyburn on the outskirts of London had been used for public hangings since the twelfth century. Though not the only site of executions in London, it was certainly the - [The Idiot’s Guide to Airport Security](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/06/airport-security/) - And so, the return trip from Canada to London Heathrow Terminal 5 has begun. Due to the additions to my Canadian lecturing plans, I first have to travel back the same way I - rather entertainingly - had to travel on Sunday morning, from Ottawa to Toronto. Having had an ‘interesting’ experience with Toronto Pearson, - [Remember, remember....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/05/remember-remember/) - '....the fifth of November, Gunpowder treason and plot, I see no reason why gunpowder treason, Should ever be forgot'. On this day in 1605, the conspirator Guy Fawkes (1570-1606) was arrested following the most audacious attempt at an act of political terrorism in British history (at the time). Guy Fawkes also liked to be known - [Round the bend](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/04/round-the-bend/) - Sometimes I really wonder whether it's me or you who is 'round the bend', 'crackers', 'a few planks short of a load'.... I thought it was normal to look up eccentric entries in the censuses on Ancestry/FindmyPast, but apparently (in discussions with fellow genies) there aren't so many people who regularly do so. Not saying - [Part Two: Two Planes from Toronto to Ottawa](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/03/part-two-two-planes/) - And so, having sat pixie-fashion on the floor in arrivals for just a few moments, Elizabeth spotted my bright purple case on the carousel, I pressed publish so you all knew of my travel issues (though briefly) and off we went to Woodruffe Avenue for the 'Special Presentation' being made by yours truly. No-one else - [How many planes....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/03/how-many-planes/) - ... does it take to get me from Toronto to Ottawa? Well, I would have thought just the one. But yesterday, it would seem that two were required. Arriving (what I considered to be) early for a short domestic flight within Ontario, bag check-in ran smoothly but it soon transpired that was going to be the - [Exhausted Jetsetter](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/03/exhausted-jetsetter/) - Sorry FWL blog readers.... you will have to wait until tomorrow morning (my time, here in Canada) for the Jetsetting update. This jetsetter is quite frankly shattered after the marathon lecturing schedule this weekend. Watch this space - in the Canadian hours of the morning - for the fully story in all its glory.... - [Life as an Air Canada traveller](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/02/air-canada-traveller/) - What should have been so simple was made quite challenging earlier today when the nose wheel steering failed on my flight between Toronto and Ottawa..... hmmm.... great idea to change planes but not so good to have to cope with the delayed take-off with a lecture schedule to deliver at 2pm in Ottawa. So, apologies folks for a later blog - [Tracing Your Industrial Ancestors](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/11/01/tracing-industrial-ancestors/) - To use a tagline of several fellow genealogists, 'wouldn't that be a good title for a book?!'.... well, it will be in due course. But today, I am 3,500 miles away from home (as the crow flies!) at Toronto Public Library and I am not just 'a speaker' but the 'keynote speaker' for the event - [How much does it cost to be courteous?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/30/courteous/) - Courtesy costs nothing but wins everybody. In business, courtesy is a must. Courteous letters and telephone conversations built confidence in your business, expand your client base and retain current customers. They also win respect and mutual understanding. Personal discourtesy is detrimental but a discourteous letter is more damaging as a written word is permanent. Courtesy - [Oh good heavens....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/09/oh-good-heavens/) - Or 'Great Scott!' as the Doc said, frequently in Back to The Future. Apparently, the expression was used a total of sixteen times in the trilogy of films by Dr. Emmett Brown with the last use being by Marty (McFly) in a 'humorous reversal of roles'. The phrase has been used by many others as an exclamation - [Unbelievable](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/10/unbelievable/) - Having had a fairly 'entertaining' 24 hours - translate 'entertaining' to 'god awful' - I decided today to delve into the 'amusing finds' file to cheer myself up (and hopefully entertain my lovely readers too!). Last year, some of you will remember my fairy workers, angels and other random finds in the censuses of England and - [And yet more astonishing finds!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/11/more-astonishing-finds/) - Having checked out the reindeers yesterday, today I moved on to the elves in Santa's workshop who make the toys, take care of the reindeer and do other important tasks. I do like to have some 'fun with breakfast', putting odd words into Ancestry, FindmyPast, Trove, FamilySearch and other sites to see what astonishing things surface.... - [Marconi and the first transatlantic radio signal](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/12/marconi/) - On the 12th hour of the 12th day of the 12th month exactly 113 years ago, Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic radio signal - the Morse Code for the letter S - on Signal Hill in St John's, Newfoundland. Transmitted from Poldhu, Cornwall, the signal had travelled around 2,200 miles (3,500 kilometres) and was - [Every cloud has a silver lining](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/13/every-cloud/) - Goodness me, 2014 has thrown up a fair number of challenges but the saying is true - you can derive some benefit from every 'bad' thing that happens to you. Sometimes, I read other people's blogs - no, that's not quite accurate - I often read other people's blogs. Though sometimes I read them and think, - [Richard Sillifant (#49), the rabbit trapper (1875-1945)](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/14/richard-sillifant/) - Richard Sillifant was born in 1875, the fifth of eight known children of Isaac and Ann (née Heard) Sillifant. In 1881, Isaac and his family lived at Bassetts Cottage, Ashwater (Source: RG11/2267/6/6): Isaac worked as a wood ranger in 1881 though in his latter years, he turned his hand to farming with his son, Richard, - [Random Monday waffles](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/15/random-monday-waffles/) - Tomorrow, I'll think of some other way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day. Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind (1936) Did you know that on 15 December 1939, the première of Gone with the Wind took place at Loew's Grand Theater (sorry, it's in America and they spell Theatre in their own way) in - [You only live once](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/16/you-only-live-once/) - Events across the globe are certainly making unpleasant listening/reading over the last 48 hours. Sydney, Pennsylvania and now Pakistan.... Why can we not all live together, without weapons, and just agree that we have different beliefs, different opinions, different cultures etc. and just get on with it in harmony, so long as we aren't harming - [Charles Dickens, English GCSE and the festive season](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/17/charles-dickens/) - Many years ago, in a land not so far, far from here, I was a GCSE student. Yes, I am young enough not to have done 'O-levels' ... however, I am also young enough to have endured the ludicrous Key Stage 3 National Pilot in 1992 (which lasted for donkeys years), as well as other cognitive - [How long is a piece of string?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/18/how-long/) - .... well, it's a frequently used phrase, as so many people ask such odd questions! Like, how much does it cost to trace my family history? Or, how long will it take to track him down? Or, how much is the intestate estate worth? We usually come back with a few questions rather than plumping straight - [Right ol' rigmarole](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/19/rigmarole/) - Do you ever get to Christmas feeling fully prepared? Well this year, I have a confession. It is December 19th and I, so far, have managed to purchase TWO presents. I have produced dozens (in the way of family history binders, gifts etc.) but, in my 'Christmas present drawer' under the bed, I have TWO - [Inventive? Or just plain crackers?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/20/inventive-plain-crackers/) - Genealogy is full of interesting finds to keep us entertained and amused in our research. Mulling over the requirements for the forthcoming weeks, this week I stumbled across 'Low Fat' (also registered as 'Fat Low' who married in Cardiff Registration District (RD) in March quarter 1905. As 'Low Fat', s/he may have died aged 34 - [Twerps, twits and trollops](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/22/twerps-twits-trollops/) - Having travelled around a bit this year, I am told that we - the English - are world-renowned for our 'interesting use of language'. I don't think that's a polite way of saying that we swear a lot. It's more that we have some quite quirky words that we use colloquially which do not always - [Mistletoe and marbles](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/23/mistletoe-marbles/) - 'Christmas time, Mistletoe and Wine'.... sang Cliff Richard, way back in 1988. Heavens.... That makes feel rather old! The single was Cliff Richard's 99th and it became his 12th UK number one single, spending four weeks at the top in December 1988 - selling 750,000 copies in the process. It was (unsurprisingly) the best-selling single of 1988 in the - [Antlers and alcohol](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/24/antlers-alcohol/) - One more day until the big event that we have all been planning for for .... hmmm! Well, some people for months, some for weeks and some have prepared in a matter of days or even hours! There are an astonishing number of people who we have not heard from this year and we sincerely - [So here it is....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/25/so-here-it-is/) - ....Merry Christmas and we hope 'everybody's having fun'! 'Look to the future now, It's only just begun....'.... This time of year is definitely one for reflection (on the last year) and forward-thinking to plan for the future (next year). Slade managed to put this succinctly into words - well, lyrics - back in 1974 (would you - [And there it went....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/26/there-it-went/) - All that planning.... and now, it's pretty much over already! Boxing Day is upon us. If you missed it this time last year, take a look at our blog about the Boxing Day traditions. Nowadays, people seem to go mad in the sales, either online or in stores. I dread to think what time people - [December, January, February](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/27/december-january-february/) - Yesterday, I saw an interesting article entitled Snowballs, Santas and Sleighs: Liverpool residents' festive surnames in the Liverpool Echo, about the number of people called Chris Massey and the lack of Mr and Mrs Tinsel. It led me to wonder about the months of the year and their use as both first and last names. To my - [#51 Charles Buck(e)ridge (1802-1883) Inkpen](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/28/51-charles-buckeridge/) - Charles Roger Buckridge was baptised on 10 April 1802 in Inkpen, Berkshire - a village in West Berkshire, centred 3.5 miles southeast of Hungerford He was the eldest known child of Charles (Roger) and Elizabeth (née Wall(i/a)s) Buckridge who married in Inkpen St Michael's Church on 29 May 1799 Charles had four younger siblings - Hannah - [Starting over in 2015](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/29/starting-over-2015/) - How many times have you considered starting over in the New Year? Made a few resolutions and within days/weeks, they have fallen by the wayside....? Well this year, I am going public. Life nowadays is pretty fast paced. It's common to expect an overnight turnaround on pretty much everything in life. When mobile phones - [#52 of #52: Jessie Petherick (1851-1935)](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/12/30/52-jessie-petherick/) - I cannot quite believe that a whole year has passed since I took on the #52Ancestors challenge - and this is my final #52Ancestors blog of 2014. I began the year with a 'kind-of' plan which I have more-or-less stuck to, blogging about my ancestors every Sunday.... apart from this last one! Jessie Petherick was born in - [New Year, new system](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/01/02/new-year-new-system/) - So, who is participating in the Genealogy Do-Over in 2015? Hands up.....! Oh, yes! I am so up for that. I've been saying for years how I would love to do things differently and how I wish I could go back and start over. Well, now I will. I have invested in a decent family - [Meeting up with relatives](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/01/03/meeting-relatives/) - It's Saturday. Yes, I know.... you all knew that. But sometimes it's good to start with the blindingly obvious. At least then we are all on the same page. It is amazing the number of times I find myself saying 'what day is it?' in a week. People look at me rather oddly but running - [Accentuate the Positive Geneameme Part 2](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/01/04/atp-part2/) - On January 1, I accepted a challenge: to accentuate the positive parts of 2014, c/o a wonderful Geneameme suggestion from Jill Ball. Many other geneabloggers also took the opportunity to reflect on 'the year that was' and Jill has posted the many 'Glorious Geneayears' written to date in a compilation post. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the posts from - [Always learning](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/01/05/always-learning/) - There is never a day that goes by without me learning something new. Whether it's a new way of getting from A to B, working out how to use a new piece of software, finding a new resource of some sort.... I love learning. But have I always loved learning, I wonder? My report in - [For Pete's sake](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/01/06/for-petes-sake/) - Oh good heavens.... how hard is it just to say what you mean in life? I don't mean being mean when you say it, or confrontational, but just getting your message across clearly.... is that so difficult? Apparently it is. My surname is Gray - yes, the US spelling - though I am pretty sure that I - [Popularity vs profitability](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/01/09/profitability/) - Let's face it, we would all have preferred to be part of the 'popular group' at school, wouldn't we? Sadly for me, I was not one of the lucky ones. I was not gifted on the sports field (quite frankly, I was rubbish!) and my talents as a mathematician and musician certainly did not qualify - [The difference between can’t and won’t](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/01/10/cant-vs-wont/) - Hopefully, the more regular visitors to our blog here at FWL will know that our main aim each day is to bring you up to date, educate and amuse you - our readers. Hopefully, we manage one of the three, sometimes even two, or maybe all three of them on a good day, with luck - [Are you prepared?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/01/11/are-you-prepared/) - Years ago, when I went on holiday as a youngster, we used to have handwritten lists of things we needed to pack. We might have left information with one or two people about our travels, such as flight details and where we were staying. Today, I have received a three-page document regarding Ma & Pa FWL's forthcoming travels, - [Why plan?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/01/12/why-plan/) - Planning prevents poor performance, so the saying goes. In fact, some people extend the phrase to include another P.... but we won't talk about that. Everyone knows that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Well, I planned today. I had a list of actions I wanted to achieve (goals if you like) - [Who knew? (So many acronyms!)](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/01/13/who-knew/) - The world is positively littered with acronyms. There are probably hundreds of thousands (if not millions) in use today. I try to avoid using them as it really annoys me when people talk about CRM, LOL, SAG, APJG, OGS and FGS.... does your audience even understand you? I would suggest that nine times out of ten, - [Writing a will](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/01/14/writing-will/) - Last week, I wrote about the importance of leaving a valid Will.... so that the people you want to benefit from your estate, do. Personally, I hope that any Will I have won't be needed for a long while, but you never know what might happen. So yesterday, I met with Gordon from Asset Guardian Company Limited to - [Who was William Robson?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/01/15/william-robson/) - Each Sunday in 2014, I blogged about one of my ancestors. The ingenious master plan (#52Ancestors) was hatched by Amy Johnson Crow and, as regular FWL readers will know, it was a very successful mission for me (MD@FWL). When you are looking for more information about your ancestors, what do you do? If you are - [DIY or FWL?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/01/16/diy-fwl/) - Genealogy/family history/whatever-you-choose-to-call-it is a popular pastime these days. I don't think it was anywhere near as popular when my great-grandmother was asking questions about her ancestry in the early 1920's. Many people choose to trace their ancestry and make a jolly fine job of it too. However, others put two and two together and make, quite - [New indexes on Ancestry](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/01/17/new-indexes-ancestry/) - I am quite sure that I won't be the only one blogging about Ancestry's new addition .... The UK Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects (1901-1929) have been made available today with no less than 872,395 records (don't you love it when they are that precise - makes me wonder who sits there and counts them - [What is your role?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/28/what-is-your-role/) - Family Wise Limited is all about working as a team. We have dozens of cases, contracts and projects on the go at any one time and, in order to ensure that we consistently produce outstanding research and provide excellent customer service, everyone has to be play their part. That doesn't mean that the company is - [My birthday began with the waterbirds](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/27/my-birthday/) - The Welsh poet - Dylan Marlais Thomas - was born in Swansea on this day in 1914. The son of a schoolmaster, Dylan worked as a journalist before publishing his first book of poems at the age of just twenty. His works include Under Milk Wood - a radio 'play for voices' which was first broadcast by the - [How difficult is it?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/25/difficult/) - When a team first comes together, you cannot expect it to perform well. Forming a team takes time and teams often go through recognisable stages as they change from being collections of strangers to becoming united groups with common goals. Psychologist Bruce Tuckman first came up with the memorable phrase "forming, storming, norming, and performing" - [Wise move, 28 years ago](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/24/wise-move-28-years-ago/) - In 1986, we - the United Kingdom, that is - cut our diplomatic links with Syria over a bomb plot. Breaking off relations with them due to revelations of official complicity in a plot to blow up an El Al airliner, the Foreign Secretary said that there was ‘conclusive evidence’ of Syrian official involvement with - [Chulalongkorn Day](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/23/chulalongkorn-day/) - In Thailand, this is Chulalongkorn Day, commemorating the death of King Chulalongkorn, also known as King Rama V, on 23 October 1910. He was born in 1853 and his 42-year reign is celebrated as a time of major reform and modernisation, including the abolition of slavery, the introduction of postal and telegraph services, and the - [A convicted double agent](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/22/convicted-double-agent/) - George Blake (born George Behar on 11 November 1922) was a British spy and was uncovered in 1961 as a double agent in the service of the Soviet Union. Sentenced to 42 years in prison, he escaped from Wormwood Scrubs prison on this day in 1966 and fled to the USSR, as was. Born in - [England expects that every man will do his duty](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/21/every-man-will-do-his-duty/) - .....the signal sent from Admiral Nelson's flagship HMS Victory before the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805, the most significant naval engagement of the Napoleonic Wars, establishing British supremacy at sea for many years thereafter. The British fleet, led by Lord Nelson (1758-1805), attacked an allied fleet of Spanish and French ships off Cape Trafalgar - [Convictions quashed](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/20/convictions-quashed/) - The Guildford pub bombings occurred on 5 October 1974. Two pubs in Guildford, Surrey were targeted by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) who detonated a six-pound gelignite bomb in each location. The pubs were selected as they were popular with British Army personnel stationed at the barracks in Pirbright. Sixty-five people were wounded and - [Choosing a spouse....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/18/choosing-spouse/) - This is the feast day of St Luke, a doctor by profession and the writer of the third gospel of the New Testament (and quite possibly, the Acts of the Apostles). He is the patron saint of many professions - physicians and surgeons (for obvious reasons), as well as artists and butchers. His symbol is - [The never-ending task list](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/17/the-never-ending-task-list/) - Do you ever get that feeling that your task list will just never end? Do you feel like you spend your whole life writing lists? We feel your pain! The problem with our work here at FWL is that - more often than not - we can't just do a job in one go, send - [Remember Michael Fish](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/16/remember-michael-fish/) - Don't we all! Twenty-seven years ago, he told weather viewers to 'ignore rumours of a hurricane'.... Oh how wrong he was! Hurricane winds battered southern England in 1987. Waking up on the morning of 16 October, Southern Britain had to begin a massive clear-up operation after the worst night of storms in living memory. Initial - [One of those days....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/15/one-days-2/) - You know those days/weeks/months when it seems like nothing is going your way? The times when you seem to work longer hours than ever but the bank balance tells a very different story? We've all been there! Sometimes though, just sometimes, those speculative pieces of work, those proposals you put in for projects, those connections you - [Prime Minister and convict?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/14/prime-minister-convict/) - Today is the birth date of Éamon De Valera, Irish ‘rebel’ and later, the first Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland. He was born in New York City in 1882 to an Irish mother; his parents, Catherine Coll (later Mrs Wheelwright), an immigrant from Bruree, County Limerick and Juan Vivion de Valera were reportedly - [The first knighted actor](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/13/first-knighted-actor/) - Sir Henry Irving, the first actor to receive a knighthood, died today in 1905. Born John Henry Brodribb in Keinton Mandeville, Somerset in 1838, the year of Victoria’s Coronation, Irving’s rise to prominence as an actor-manager was a slow and torturous one. Against his Methodist mother’s wishes, he chose a profession still much tarnished with the stigma - [Raised from a 437-year sleep](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/11/raised-437-year-sleep/) - The flagship of King Henry VIII's navy - named after his sister - the Mary Rose was built in 1509, the year Henry came to the throne. In 1545, disaster struck the Mary Rose. The French had landed on the Isle of Wight. Henry went to Southsea Castle to watch his fleet leave Portsmouth and engage with the - [Happy 86th Birthday](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/10/happy-86th-birthday/) - .... to the Tyne Bridge, one of Tyneside's most recognisable icons! For many Geordies nothing means home as much as the Tyne Bridge. The magnificent arch was a symbol of Tyneside's industrial pride when it was first opened on 10 October 1928 and all these years on, it remains a much-loved icon. Grainy footage filmed during its - [How much is a 'reasonable amount'?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/09/how-much/) - When we set out in the big wide world of professional genealogical research, we set our rates for family history and tracing work at a price which we considered 'reasonable' for the time and effort involved and 'affordable' to our potential clients. But what is a 'reasonable amount' for the work we do? Looking at - [Harrowing crash  ](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/08/harrowing-crash/) - In 1952, a total of 108 passengers and four rail crew members were killed and nearly 340 people were injured in a three train crash at Harrow, a suburb of NW London. It was the country’s worst peacetime rail crash. The accident took place at 0820 GMT when a London-bound express train from Perth ploughed - [The invention of carbon paper](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/07/invention-carbon-paper/) - In 1806, the British inventor Ralph Wedgwood (cousin of the potter, Josiah Wedgwood) secured a patent today, for a machine which made the first documented use of carbon paper. This was a commodity which became an indispensable part of office life. Wedgwood's 'carbonated paper' was impregnated on both sides and was intended - initially at least - [Famous for smashing atoms](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/06/famous-smashing-atoms/) - Ernest Thomas Sinton Walton was an Irish physicist and Nobel Prize winner. Born on 6 October 1903, he worked with John Cockcroft at Cambridge University in the early 1930s, developing an atom-smashing generator known as the Cockcroft-Walton generator. They were the first scientists in history to artificially split the atom and were awarded the Nobel - [International distress](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/03/international-distress/) - On 3 October 1906, at the Berlin Radiotelegraphic Conference, it was decided that SOS would be the international distress signal. Many people thought it stood for ‘save our ship’ or ‘save our soul’ but the letters were actually chosen as they could easily be transmitted by Morse code. SOS replaced CQD, which was a general - [Mohandas?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/02/mohandas/) - Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi - more commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi - was born on this day in 1869. In India, his birthday is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti, a public holiday during which people pay tribute to the 'Father of the Nation', remember his life, work and doctrine with religious songs and readings. Gandhi was born in - [Anyone for T?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/01/anyone-t/) - Priced at $850, the first production Model T was announced for release on 1 October 1908 in Detroit, USA. The design and development had started in late 1906 with the first factory built Model T produced on 24 September 1908. Achieving 20mpg (gasoline/petrol) and 85mpg (oil), the first production standard engine was produced three days - [Chickens and parsons' daughters](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/09/29/chickens-parsons-daughters/) - So, the saying goes: 'Michaelmas chickens and parsons' daughters never come to good'. But, what on earth does it mean? Today is Michaelmas, the feast day of St Michael and one of four days on which quarterly rents used to be paid. The tradition of serving goose for dinner on this day is thought to - [Come on .... do the Locomotion](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/09/27/do-the-locomotion/) - The UK's first public railway, the Stockton and Darlington link was opened today in 1825 by railway engineer George Stephenson (1781-1848), operating the engine Locomotion. Locomotion used all the improvements that Stephenson had pioneered in the Killingworth locomotives. It used high-pressure steam from a centre-flue boiler with a steam-blast in the chimney, to drive two vertical cylinders - [Conversational 'free association' - anyone?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/09/23/free-association/) - Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, died on this day in 1939. Born in 1856 of Jewish Galician parents in the Moravian town of Příbor (which was then in the Austrian Empire, now in the Czech Republic), he was the eldest child of Jacob Freud, a wool merchant, and his third wife, Amelia (née Nathansohn). - [Jobs for the boys](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/10/04/jobs-boys/) - Today (in 1883), the Boys’ Brigade was founded in Glasgow by Sir William Alexander Smith (27 October 1854 – 10 May 1914). Born in Pennyland House, Thurso, Scotland, he was the eldest son of Major David Smith and his wife Harriet. William and his siblings formed a family of three sons and one daughter. Major David Smith was - [Non-stop until you drop](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/09/26/non-stop/) - On this day in 1973, Concorde made its first non-stop transatlantic flight with passengers, from Washington to Paris. The supersonic aircraft completed the crossing in just over three and a half hours, flying at twice the speed of sound for approximately two-thirds of the flight time. Concorde's maiden commercial flight was on 21 January 1976 - [Are you stopping?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/09/24/stopping/) - Xtremely late blog tonight as it has been an xtraordinarily odd and busy day. Yesterday, a fellow genie said ‘I swear you have more than 24 hours in your day, Kirsty!’.... believe me, I wish! The jobs list never seems to get any shorter - which, in a business capacity, is a good thing - - [Anyone suffer from didaskaleinophobia?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/09/25/didaskaleinophobia/) - I learnt a new word today. However, I would like to change the spelling slightly and hyphenate it to did-ask-alien-ophobia. Do you know what it means? A phobia of....? Well, FindmyPast could tell you about a lot of people who did NOT have a phobia of this. In fact, they have just published 2.5 million - [Chocolate](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/09/19/chocolate/) - As many of you will know, I am in the process of writing my second book right now. Well actually, finishing it off.... hopefully soon! It's all about tracing your ancestors in the Industrial Revolution. So, I ask: should you write a book about something you know stacks about, or very little about? I'll leave that - [In need of opinions](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/09/18/need-opinions/) - Money is the root of all evil.... You can’t get rich doing that..... It snows in Winter.... Spiders have eight legs .... George Washington was the first president of the USA..... Are these facts or opinions? Well, first we need to get the definition of both words: Fact: Something that actually exists; reality; truth Opinion: - [Adopted .... in 1789?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/09/17/adopted-1789/) - In the USA, today is Constitution Day, commemorating the signing of the constitution on 17 September 1787. The document was drawn up by the Constitutional Convention, an assembly of delegates from 12 of the 13 states of the USA (all except for Rhode Island) and bore 39 signatures, including that of George Washington, the first president - [Why sign up with us? (Part 2)](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/03/sign-with-us-part-2/) - Yesterday, I hope I managed to unpick some myths about probate research, or 'Heir Hunting'. It's a funny old business.... Someone dies and the world and his wife scramble to get to the family to tell them that they may benefit from the estate. The TV series shows researchers driving around the country, determined to 'get - [Unusual regional words](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/09/16/unusual-regional-words/) - Away from the trials and tribulations of recent events, this week we have decided to look into some unusual regional words, located in research documents of yesteryear, to try to find out their meaning. All real words and, where possible, we have referenced them to location and also provided a 'translation'! Firstly, hotagoe which appears to - [Credit where credit is due](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/05/credit-credit-due/) - How many affluent professional genealogists do you know? I couldn't name you even one. How many of those professional genies love their jobs though? Oh, I could name you plenty of them! I would say that if a poll/survey was carried out across various trades/professions, this one would come out near the top with regard to - [Who lives in a house like this?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/09/13/who-lives-here/) - Taking some time out of the office, a visit to Poole and Sandbanks, I was almost so relaxed that I forgot to blog today.... good heavens! But sand between the toes and a tasty fish and chips on the Quay later, here I am! Poole Harbour is a large natural harbour in Dorset, with the - [I won an award!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/06/i-won-an-award/) - I am so excited, I can hardly contain myself .... So, I have had minor lottery scratch card and National Lottery wins over the years but really, nothing major. Oh actually.... I did win a box set of the Who Do You Think You Series 1-6 some years ago, from Family Tree (Magazine) I seem to recall. Never been - [Seize the moment](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/07/seize-the-moment/) - Oh my....! I love it when a plan comes together but I love it even more when something unexpected pops up, I roll with it and it works out soooo well! Over the past three years since FWL launched in 2012, lots of people have said 'I'd love to do what you do' and I have - [Dog rescue - a job for a policewoman?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/09/12/searching-for-a-dog/) - Blogging every day means we often learn something new. And today, we certainly have! On 12 September 1940, four boys went searching for their dog which had fallen down a hole at Lascaux, in the Dordogne region of France. Not an enormously momentous moment in itself.... until they discovered the world-famous cave paintings. The prehistoric - [Keeping it real](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/08/keeping-real/) - Nowadays, there are so many new words, phrases and sayings, I often feel old as I am not sure I am quite keeping up with the youth of today. That's not necessarily a bad thing I suppose, but I still engage with young people on a daily basis so it's useful to understand 'the lingo'. - [If it ain't broke...](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/09/aint-broke/) - Since 1858, applications for grants of probate or letters of administration have been made at either the Principal Probate Registry in London (now the Principal Registry of the Family Division), or a district probate registry. The search rooms were, once upon a time, at First Avenue House (42-49 High Holborn) before moving to Court 38, Royal - [Tuesday random waffles (Part 1)](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/10/tuesday-random-waffles-part-1/) - One day, I might get back to doing my own genealogical research.... Haha! Who am I kidding?! Occasionally, I take five or ten minutes to look at 'my tree' though most of the time, it is a very short lived glance. People often use phrases like, "fit XXX into your normal daily routine...." and I - [Tuesday random waffles (Part 2)](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/11/tuesday-random-waffles-part-2/) - Well, Tuesday turned into Wednesday without much shut-eye, but that's nothing different from 'the norm' - as per our discussion about the term 'normal' yesterday. Late last night, having returned from the road trip with a broken Roxy, I had the pleasure of a very interesting business meeting at my 11pm.... eekeroo! That's late.... Well - [TNA Thursday](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/12/tna-thursday/) - Oh lordie, I had forgotten what a pleasure it is to traipse down the M4 in the morning.... I am sure you spotted the sarcasm there, eh?! For the first time in a long while, I hit Junction 16 long before daylight hours. However, it would seem - unsurprisingly - that I was not in - [Which Nobel Peace Prize winner died today?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/09/05/nobel-peace-prize/) - On being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, she said: "I am grateful, and I'm very happy to receive it, in the name of the hungry, of the naked, of the homeless, of the crippled, of the blind, of the lepers, of all those people who feel unwanted, unloved ... people who have become - [Another one bites the dust](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/14/another-one-bites-the-dust/) - Panic not. No-one has shuffled off this mortal coil. Well, they quite possibly have somewhere in the world, but not anyone closely linked to FWL. This is more about the monumental task list and by jove, it's humongous! Having had several rooms decorated and carpeted recently (as regular readers of the blog here will know), the - [How do you know when you should trust someone?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/09/04/trust/) - Trust is an enormous part of our business and also what makes us so successful in what we do. It is also part of everyday life.... The Oxford English Dictionary definition of the word is 'to have confidence in someone; to believe that someone is good, sincere, honest, etc.' But how do you know who to trust - [Curtains vs furniture](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/15/curtains-vs-furniture/) - Well, I have certainly learnt something new this weekend. Actually, I may well have 'known it' before but it was put back to the annals of my mind. During the last weekend in January, I made a trip to IKEA in Bristol. I bought all sorts of items from furniture to crockery, linens to mirrors. - [Damned if you do and damned if you don’t](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/09/02/damned/) - Do you ever get that feeling that no matter what you do regarding a particular issue, it’ll be wrong? The First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt - known as Eleanor - clearly had many instances of this. She supported the New Deal policies of her husband, distant cousin Franklin - [Making the most of now](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/16/making-the-most-of-now/) - As a family historian/genealogist, I spend much of my life looking at the past .... digging into what happened in yesteryear, decade, century and further back in history. I know more about what happened in the eighteenth and nineteenth century than what is going on now (though that is largely by choice as, to be - [Candle burning](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/17/candle-burning/) - Don't burn the candle at both ends - 't has often been said but it’s what I have a tendency to do and I am certainly not in an exclusive club in my habit to 'bite off more than I can chew'. I know plenty of other characters who do the same thing and what I - [Never a dull moment](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/18/never-a-dull-moment/) - What a funny Wednesday! There is no 'normal' in the offices of FWL but today, I spent the day doing Emergency at Work First Aid training with Meadgate SC. It was mighty odd to be out of the office all day and focusing my attention on something else .... I am delighted to tell you - [The Future of Professional Genealogy](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/08/31/future-professional-genealogy/) - In yesterday's blog, I promised to feedback on the Symposium at the end of WDYTYA discussing The Future of Professional Genealogy. I was invited to attend by Dr Bruce Durie of the University of Strathclyde, along with other professional genealogists, interested people and organisations, to discuss the potential need for a framework for genealogical education, licencing - [Who dunnit?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/19/who-dunnit/) - What made you start researching your family history? Everyone has a story. A reason. If you haven't wanted to delve into the past, you've probably got a reason too! When I started asking questions about my paternal line, my grandmother on that side (Pa FWL's mother) did not really want to talk about it and probably - [Day 2 at the SECC](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/08/30/day-2-secc/) - Having spent an exceedingly enjoyable evening with over thirty professional genealogists last night in Glasgow City Centre, the walk to the SECC from the Ibis this morning – laden down with the laptop, books and other research material – was a little chillier than I had hoped. Travelling to Glasgow, I decided to pack for - [Is it really new news?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/21/is-it-really-new-news/) - Earlier this week, I shared a link on Facebook to a Daily Mail article: Friendless, Windsor Castle and One Too Many: The unusual names given to children in the 19th century. The entertaining list was apparently compiled by genealogy firm Fraser & Fraser in London, who have 'spent more than 40 years trawling through documents to find the most - [What makes your day buzz?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/22/what-makes-your-day-buzz/) - Are you having a bad day today? I hope not.... but I have read that some of you are going through some pretty tough times out there right now, with life throwing way more challenges at you than you deserve. It isn't easy sometimes, is it? Especially when everything seems to go wrong at the same time. - [Arrested, tried and guillotined](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/08/26/arrested-tried-guillotined/) - The French chemist Antoine Laurent Lavoisier was born today in 1743, to a wealthy family in Paris. The son of an attorney at the Parlement of Paris, he inherited a large fortune at the age of five with the passing of his mother. Lavoisier began his schooling at the Collège des Quatre-Nations (known as the Collège Mazarin) in Paris - [Photographs of yesteryear](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/23/photographs-of-yesteryear/) - I'd hazard a guess that most people have folders and folders of unsorted photographs on their computers from various holidays, family events, parties, day trips and more, with no labels, dates or anything. At least most (if not all) of the modern equipment will apply a date to your files as a matter of course (whether - [The power of positivity](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/24/the-power-of-positivity/) - Those of you who are regular readers of the FWL blog will know of my recent vehicular issues. Today was the sad day when I said my final farewell to my faithful chariot, Roxy. From the documentation I handed over, I calculated that we had travelled over 80,000 miles together. Google tells me that New - [#34 Ernest Richard Sillifant, postman of Lifton (1889-1937)](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/08/24/34-ernest-richard-sillifant/) - Ernest Richard Sillifant was baptised at his parent's home on 29 September 1889 in Halwill. The family were Bible Christians and in the 1891 census, they lived at Borough Cottage in Halwill with Ernest aged 2, the youngest of six children of William and Jane (nee Bassett) Sillifant at the time. Thomas, Elizabeth Ann, William, Eber and - [When is it OK to 'hit the wine'?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/25/hit-the-wine/) - I sincerely hope you didn't click on the title of this blog in the hope that this ex-scientist would actually have a sensible answer to this question. If you did, (a) you don't know me very well and (b) you'd best not bother to read on. I wasn't 'that kind of scientist'.... I was a - [Thank you!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/26/thank-you/) - When did you last say it? How often do you say it? Who last said it to you? How did that make you feel? Why do people say it? A study reported by the Daily Mail in September 2014 suggests that saying 'thank you' goes beyond good manners – it also serves to build and maintain social relationships. - [Have ethics gone out of the window?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/08/23/ethics/) - Anyone who has watched the television programme Heir Hunters will realise that the business is all about ‘getting there first’ .... or is it? Being first to call the potential beneficiaries is the toughest call of all, as you are generally breaking the news of the loss of a member of their family and this - [Why would you?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/02/27/why-would-you/) - During our research into the past, many of us discover some truly splendiferous information about our ancestors. Sometimes this relates to their antics and sometimes just their names are entertaining enough on their own! I often wonder when carrying out client research whether people would be perturbed if their forebears were a 'few sandwiches short of - [Freaky Friday](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/08/22/freaky-friday/) - 452! I can hardly believe it... 452 Squirrel(l)s in 1881. Where did they all sprout from? This nifty piece of software - Surname Atlas - maps the distribution of surnames in 1881 from the census data collected: No only are there 452 Squirrel(l)s but over half of them are in Suffolk! What is that all - [The Sunday Surgery](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/01/the-sunday-surgery/) - I do love a good random search of various websites for unfortunate names, don't you? Well, this weekend has been the turn of the ailment department. Measles, Chickenpox, Smallpox, the common cough and cold .... you get the idea. The first visit to the surgery was poor Rubella Florence B. Frost who was born in the - [Aspirations](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/02/aspirations/) - What do you want to achieve this year? What are your goals and aspirations? How are you going to accomplish your objectives? Back in 1949, a US Air Force B50 aeroplane, Lucky Lady II, landed in Texas today at 9:22am having completed the first non-stop round-the-world flight, commanded by Captain James Gallagher. Taking off from the - [Crazy Thursday](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/08/21/crazy-thursday-2/) - Tortoise keeping has been popular in the UK for a long time and it is estimated that between the years 1969-1972 approximately 480,000 tortoises were imported into Britain. A report compiled by TRAFFIC International for DEFRA (2002) demonstrated that there has been a growing interest in the keeping of tortoises in the UK over several - [Far and wide](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/04/far-and-wide/) - As local, social and family historians, our work at FWL is diverse. One day, we could be investigating a house history in Lincolnshire and the next day, a tracing case in Gambia .... One minute locating ancestors in Ireland and later the same day, researching military records. No two days are the same and no two - [How special are you?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/05/how-special-are-you/) - Well, I certainly felt special when I returned to the office this afternoon to find no less than FOUR special deliveries were being held for me at the post office! Four certificates, four leaflets to throw into the recycling bin and four other random items of mail (bank statements and other such earth-shattering excitement!) - - [What do you work for?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/08/18/work/) - It's a crazy world we live in these days. Who would have been able to foresee, when I was in the Brownies, that in thirty years time we would all be so reliant on mobile phones, tablets, computers, the Internet.... Little more than an hour goes by each day without me using either my laptop - [Good vs bad choices](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/06/good-vs-bad-choices/) - This morning was (yet another) early start. Out of the house by 5:30am. Ugh.... Hey, I shouldn't complain I guess as I used to be up five days a week and out of the door at 6:30am. At least I don't see early-o'clock every week day now. After my usual BNI referral marketing meeting in Bath - [Winning medals](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/07/winning-medals/) - It's the European Indoor Athletic Championships this weekend. I've managed to find a few minutes to watch some of the coverage (after a meeting of surname studiers at my place this morning) and it has been a-maz-ing! This is not a topic I regularly blog about but I absolutely love my arthur-letics. Since a young - [International Women's Day - Suffragettes in 1911](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/08/international-womens-day-2/) - All around the world, International Women's Day is being recognised today - representing an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while calling for greater equality. In 1911, women took the opportunity to make their mark or, as is the theme for 2015, Make It Happen. Although there is much suffragist history dating back before the - [The last execution](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/08/13/last-execution/) - The murder of John Alan West on 7 April 1964 was the crime which led to the last time a death sentence was executed in the United Kingdom. West was a 53-year-old van driver for a laundry when he was killed by Gwynne Evans and Peter Allen who had gone to rob him at his home in Seaton, Cumberland. Both murderers - [Pay it forward](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/09/pay-it-forward/) - Back in 2014 (I think), I wrote a few blog posts about being kind to others and doing something for the greater good of society. The tiniest thing can brighten up someone else's day and it (often) doesn't take a lot of effort on the part of the 'giver'. On Saturday, I popped down to the - [The Glorious Twelfth](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/08/12/glorious-twelfth/) - This is the Glorious Twelfth, the first day of the grouse-shooting season. The sport is concentrated in north east England and Scotland, where it makes a significant contribution to the economy. Like all blood sports, grouse-shooting is no stranger to controversy. However, the increasing demand for the end-product seems likely to ensure its survival. Within - [Twits, Knobs and Windows](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/10/twits-knobs-windows/) - Another day of family history madness, but today, out and about in Marlow, en route to Bourne End for a lecture this evening (delivering, not an audience member). Don't ask me how this blog concept came together. It's really best not to ask that question. Firstly, I offer you, Twitt Edwin Crayford. I ask you.... - [Enid Blyton's Solar Eclipse](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/08/11/enid-b-eclipse/) - To celebrate what would have been Enid Blyton’s 102nd birthday today in 1999, the last full solar eclipse of the twentieth century took place, witnessed by millions of people in Europe and Asia. In the United Kingdom, people flocked to Cornwall - the best vantage point on the British mainland – to experience this strange - [The disease to please](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/11/the-disease-to-please/) - Duke Robinson, the author of Too Nice for Your Own Good, says that "Saying yes when you need to say no causes burnout. You do yourself and the person making the request a disservice by saying yes all of the time." Thinking that you are a bad person for saying no is a symptom of what he calls - [Fortune favours the bold](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/12/fortune-favours-the-bold/) - .... or sometimes the brave. People who bravely go after what they want are more successful than people who try to live safely. Sometimes safe is good but when you put your best foot forward and set yourself apart from the crowd, fortune and success frequently follow. We've decided to do exactly that here at - [Unusual British Museums](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/08/09/unusual-british-museums/) - On our way to visit Beaulieu National Motor Museum this morning set me wondering.... what is the most unusual British Museum? Motor Museums are not unusual really, although they have some unusual motors within. But have you visited the Lawnmower Museum, the Museum of Witchcraft or the Pencil Museum? I guess most of you reading - [Black, white and no 'Gray' in the middle](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/13/black-white-no-gray-in-the-middle/) - In life, there are many things which are either black or white or sometimes black and white, like pandas and pianos. There really is no 'gray' in the middle, particularly in the piano sense. I am Gray by name though, so I guess that I am in the middle. I am a completer finisher (according to - [The Good, The Bad, The Bonkers and the Crazyhorses!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/14/good-bad-bonkers-crazyhorses/) - One of my favourite publications is Russell Ash's Potty, Fartwell and Knob and, over the last eighteen months of blogging, I have regularly featured some of the more eccentric things I have personally come across in my research. In Russell's book, which he revised and expanded into a second edition in 2008 (Pottier, Fartier and Knobier than - [Answer before opening: Where is Porcupine?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/08/07/where-is-porcupine/) - No, this isn't like those Where's Wally? books! Clearly this little chap is a porcupine but where in England is Porcupine? I didn't even know that there was a place called Porcupine until last week. Shame on me .... author of Tracing Your West Country Ancestors and not knowing that there is a place called Porcupine in Cornwall. - [Lights out](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/08/04/lights-out/) - For the most part, we try to select topics which are not blogged about elsewhere when we put together our daily missives. However today, we simply must discuss the obvious topic.... as on this day in 1914, the UK declared war on Germany and this date is therefore regarded as the beginning of World War - [You know you want to!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/08/01/you-know-you-want-to/) - Go on.... Why don't you? It's not that difficult! Or is it? Some people are so good at it. You could be too. What we do here at Family Wise - every day - is make a difference. Because that's our job! We are lucky to be able to call people up, out of the - [Be prepared](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/07/29/be-prepared/) - On 29 July 1907, Robert Baden-Powell (1857-1941) took a group of boys to Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, for what was basically the first Scout camp. The aim of the venture was to try out some of the ideas that were to become the basic principles and activities of the Scout movement which included fostering a sense - [Want to find out more about your Devon Ancestors?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/15/devon-ancestors/) - Devon is tucked away in the 'West Country' of England and has a rich historical heritage that inspires and delights family historians. Although tourism has brought considerable prosperity to the county, Devon also has a surprising diversity of commercial activity amongst its varied scenery. A four-lesson course is offered - by the MD here at - [My hierarchy of needs](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/16/hierarchy-of-needs/) - Back in 1943, Abraham Maslow proposed a theory about a hierarchy of needs in his paper entitled "A Theory of Human Motivation" (in Psychologica Review). His theories paralleled many other human developmental psychology theories of the day which focussed on describing patterns that drive human motivations. Maslow used terms such as "physiological", "safety", "belongingness" and "love", "esteem" and "self-actualisation". - [An inspirational and tough day all in one](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/17/inspirational-tough-day/) - Some days are tougher than others. Some are like a roller coaster from start to finish. Sometimes light can be seen at the end of the tunnel and sometimes it's pitch black. Some people are dealt 'the cushy card' whilst others seem to always pick the number 13. However, life is what you make of it. The power to - [Service interruption](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/18/service-interruption/) - Dear Readers, Apologies for this short term service interruption. Normal service will resume as soon as possible. Kind regards, FWL - [Sir, Madam and the Average Speed Cameras](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/19/sir-madam-average-speed-cameras/) - Dear Whoever-you-are-who-looks-down-on-us-all (if you even exist - but hey, it's worth a try), I wonder if you could kindly explain a few things to me as, to be quite frank, I am a tad bit confused.com. Without boring you with all the intricate details of my day, up until about 2pm it was going pretty - [Keys, cars and chargers](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/19/keys-cars-and-chargers/) - Continued letter to Whoever-you-are-who-looks-down-on-us-all.... Well, the first part of my letter to you last night finished with 'Misplaced the house keys…. HOW?! The front door is locked so they must be in the car somewhere…. Ugh….'.... 11:45pm and I was ransacking the car trying to locate the keys. I have a central console in the 'as-yet-unnamed' - [Travels to the West Country](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/20/travels-to-the-west-country/) - Friday has been something of a different beast this week. Normally, it begins with a BNI meeting in Bath but today, I had a lie in! No networking for me (however, I have done a lot already this week, to be frank).... 7am departure to collect one of the star team players at FWL and - [Collaboration and networking](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/07/26/collaboration-networking/) - This week has been all about collaboration and networking for me. I have been out of the office researching in record offices for two days – Surrey Heritage Centre on Tuesday and Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre on Wednesday – and although I have been progressing some cases, projects and personal research, I have also managed - [Back to the grindstone ....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/23/back-to-the-grindstone/) - I love the fact that every day presents a different challenge. Cases which teach us something new, clients who request some 'out of the ordinary' research, people to track down who don't quite conform to 'expectations'. It's a little bit like my previous existence as a teacher! No two classes the same, no two days - [When all is not what it seems](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/24/when-all-is-not-what-it-seems/) - Us genies do love a good oddball, don't we? Over the last few days, Myko Clelland has been posting a lot of funny finds on Twitter which have kept us smiling here at FWL. So, we thought we would share some of ours too! There are plenty of examples of unnamed children who have been - [Let the show begin](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/07/23/let-show-begin/) - 40,000 spectators in the stadium and over a billion people worldwide are about to be treated to a stunning night of entertainment from Scottish icon Rod Stewart, former Britain’s Got Talent finalist Susan Boyle and singer-songwriter Amy McDonald - and undoubtedly a few surprises - in the Opening Ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. The - [Are you having a laugh?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/25/having-a-laugh/) - How many hours are there in a day? I know that the sensible, mathematical answer is 24. How many of those should be waking ones? 16 is probably the medical answer. We are supposed to have eight hours sleep, so I am told.... but how can that work when there is so much networking and genealogy to be - [Time for a change?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/27/time-for-a-change/) - Running FWL (and all the other things I do) means that me and Mr FWL don't get much 'time out' together. So this weekend, we have decided to have some time away. He took the day off today (rare) and at lunchtime, we headed off to our undisclosed destination. Gertrude (the Satnav) informed me that - [Adventures in Wonderland](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/28/adventures-in-wonderland/) - Gertrude has now been replaced by Doris who, it appears, has an occasional US accent. We thought we had fathomed the reason for the switch but apparently, we were mistaken. Today, Mr FWL and I have been in Lincolnshire. A brief dalliance to Forest Pines this morning for just over an hour, we then navigated the - [The difference between right and wrong](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/29/difference-right-wrong/) - When I was 'a tiddler', Ma & Pa FWL had the unenviable task of bringing me up. I am sure this task was not easy when I was a child, nor any easier when I became a teenager and then an adult. Teaching me right from wrong when I was a child was simple though, - [Crazy Thursday - Wilfart and Black Sheep](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/07/17/crazy-thursday/) - And we really have gone a bit bonkers today in this heat..... Black Sheep. There is (at least) one in every family and there are some very entertaining reads across the internet about how to recognise if you are it! But who would have ever dreamed that, when I decided to put 'Black Sheep' into - [The power of persistence](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/03/31/the-power-of-persistence/) - Frequently, life is both interesting and challenging (in equal measure) as Heir Hunters, but sometimes we are presented with really unexpected challenges. Like Natwest.... In the case of two of the recent estates which FWL have administered, the funds have been held by Natwest. There is no 'usual way' of dealing with banks/building societies etc. but more often - [Demon networker](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/01/demon-networker/) - OK, so what do you do when you are working at max capacity with more work than hours in the month, let alone the next week? Oh, of course....! Go to two networking events in one day to generate more relationships and even more business. That clearly was the best plan for today. The day - [Records in the Grand National](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/02/records-in-the-grand-national/) - Back in 1977, the Grand National featured its first woman jockey, Charlotte Brew. She certainly did not have an easy time getting to ride in the event. It was only a year earlier that the equal opportunities legislation came into force ensuring that there was no discrimination in the jockeys for the Grand National. Most people - [Helping others](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/03/helping-others/) - When I was younger, I was a Brownie. In those days, Brownies had to wear pretty hideous dresses. Young Brownies of today, be thankful of your trousers and sweatshirts! As all good Brownies do, I did lots of 'skills' badges and stitched them on to my sash with pride. I then progressed - when I - [Unleash the power](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/07/16/unleash-the-power/) - The power of the atom was unleashed on the world today in 1945 and, as Albert Einstein put it in a telegram in New York Times, it ‘changed everything save our modes of thinking and we thus drift towards unparalleled catastrophe’. Detonated at a desert site in New Mexico near the Los Alamos laboratory where - [What makes your boat go faster?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/04/boat-go-faster/) - During the course of the last week, a wise man said to me, "You need to figure out what makes your boat go faster"! Oh how right he was, although the context in which he made the statement was completely different from the way I actually took it. Managing FWL is just a small part - [Fête nationale - Bastille Day](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/07/14/fete-nationale-bastille-day/) - Bastille Day is the name given in English-speaking countries to the French National Day, which is celebrated on 14 July each year. In France, it is formally called Fête nationale. The French National Day commemorates the Fête de la Fédération on 14 July 1790 which was arranged to reconcile the French Nation after a year of political trouble since the birth - [Magic moments](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/05/magic-moments/) - There was a magical moment this weekend when I said "Eureka - I know what I am going to write for the blog post on Sunday!" Unfortunately, I failed to write down this wonderful concept and am now sat here thinking: "Why?" Why did I not add this superb thought to my list of 'ingenious - [Porkie pies](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/06/porkie-pies/) - Once upon a time, in a land far far from here, a young brother and sister lived deep in a forest constructed of cake and confectionery (everyone's dream, especially over the Easter weekend!). The two children, Hansel and Gretel, were threatened by a cannibalistic witch and survived by outwitting her. True to the fairy tale ending, - [Day of Oranges](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/07/12/day-of-oranges/) - This is Orangemen's Day - no, not the fruit.... It's the day when Irish Protestants in Northern Ireland (and elsewhere) march with banners and regalia, celebrating the defeat of the former King James II of England and Ireland by his son-in-law William III, also known as William of Orange, at the Battle of the Boyne and the Battle - [Embarking on new adventures ](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/07/11/new-adventures/) - Don’t panic! I am not about to make any major announcements.... but yesterday marked an anniversary for me personally. This time last year, I left a job working with extraordinarily young people and extremely talented teachers. Was my decision a good one? To leave a secure job - teaching mathematics and science, in a non-selective - [The power of miaow](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/07/the-power-of-miaow/) - Who is the noisiest creature in the office of FWL? Who is the least productive member of the FWL team? Who is the most challenging character to try to change? Yes, surprisingly enough .... Diesel. Not the fuel. That's productive, when placed in a vehicle which takes the team (or indeed, one person) from A - [Boats, torpedoes and the ability to say 'NO'!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/08/boats-torpedoes-and-no/) - A few light years ago (well actually, on Saturday, but it feels like light years ago), I wrote about boats and what makes them go faster. I've taken the time - during various travels in the (still un-named) no-longer-so-new car - to take stock of the flotilla. For those of you who don't 'know my - [Above the crowd](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/07/09/above-the-crowd/) - To some degree, everyone feels that they are ‘above the crowd’ on occasion. Come on, admit it! You know you’ve complained about that motorist who didn’t quite drive the way you would have liked, or that parent who didn’t control their child like you would have done.... The world really can be a crazy place - [History.... but not as we know it!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/07/07/history-not-as-we-know-it/) - Sometimes history can take many forms and this weekend, I decided to take in some motoring history at the Atwell Wilson Motor Museum in Calne. I first visited shortly after I moved to Wiltshire in 2011 and was amazed at the collection of cars, motorcycles, mopeds, push bikes, a fire engine, a milk float, and - [Sporting records](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/07/05/sporting-records/) - You cannot switch on the television in the United Kingdom at the moment without seeing some kind of sporting event. This weekend, we not only have the World Cup football and Wimbledon tennis matches but also the British F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone. All steeped in history, records are regularly discussed by the various sporting - [Mathematical wizardry.....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/07/03/wizardry/) - Regular readers of our Family Wise blog will know that it is - more often than not - about family history or just plain ol' history. However, some days we spend a lot of time number crunching to work out how much each beneficiary is entitled to inherit. And so today, we thought we would wow - [1 July 1837 – a date we will never forget!  ](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/07/01/1-july-1837/) - On this day in 1837, civil registration of births, marriages and deaths was introduced in England and Wales. Hallelujah! Prior to that, a parochial system of registration based on baptisms, marriages and burials was in place, introduced by Thomas Cromwell (then Lord Chancellor) in 1538. This new ‘General Registration’ was part of the government’s attempts - [Where has this year gone?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/06/30/year-gone/) - Today is the last day in June. Half the year has gone....already. When I worked for someone else - in a Monday to Friday job (kind of) - I used to wish my working week away and somehow, my life was being wished away in the process. Now, I am my own boss. Every day - [Politics, Drugs and the Seoul Olympics](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/06/28/seoul-olympics/) - The 1988 Olympics were held in Seoul, South Korea, a nation that turned democratic in order to welcome the world to the Summer Games. North Korea, Cuba, Ethiopia and Nicaragua boycotted though records were set with 159 nations participating, 52 winning medals and 31 taking home gold medals. The Opening Ceremony provided a dramatic start - [Transportation to Tasmania](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/06/25/transportation/) - In February this year, I was lucky enough to be transported to Tasmania. My experience was a pleasurable one..... on Voyager of the Seas,a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, thanks to Unlock The Past. However, those who were transported there in the past were not considered ‘lucky’. Van Diemen’s Land was the original name used by - [Federal, state and county](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/06/24/federal-state-county/) - Family history is very popular in North America and there are many family history societies which can assist people with the records of a particular state or city. The United States has a federal government and it is far less centralised than in the United Kingdom with individual states having retained many legislative powers and - [Colonies and migration](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/06/17/colonies-migration/) - Former British colonies are important from a genealogical perspective for several reasons: they have been the destination of emigrants from the British Isles (some voluntarily, some less so), the source of much immigration and a place of work and residence for British merchants, soldiers and others. The American colonies were the first to receive convicts - [Died and gone to heaven](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/05/31/died-gone-heaven/) - Well, Friday's new offering from Ancestry was pretty interesting but FindmyPast certainly trumped the UK Engineer Lists in my opinion.... but that might well be because half of my ancestry and several cases we are working on currently are in Devon! The announcement of the Devon Collection - spanning 1538 to 1915 - comprising over - [Oak Apple Day](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/05/29/oak-apple-day/) - Did you know it even existed? I didn't. Otherwise known as Royal Oak Day, Oak Apple Day commemorate the restoration of King Charles II to the throne in 1660, on his 30th birthday. For many years, the anniversary of the Restoration was celebrated by the wearing of oak leaves or oak apples and those who - [Taking time to appreciate the 'here and now'](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/05/27/appreciate-the-here-and-now/) - Much of my time is spent with my head in the past, tracing family trees backwards in history, or forwards to locate beneficiaries in wills or intestate cases. But recently - since my return from Canada/USA - I have been making even more of a concerted effort to balance the 'work-life' equation and find time - [Getting something for nothing](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/05/26/something-for-nothing/) - Why is it so difficult to accept something for nothing these days? I bought a scratch card on Saturday for £2 and won £10. That's fine. We all accept the odds when we enter the National Lottery.... you have to be 'in it to win it' and all that. But if someone contacted you, out - [My weird Wednesday](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/05/21/weird-wednesday/) - I sure started early today - goodness I hate it when the alarm says 5 something! Pottering across Salisbury Plains in fog, I arrived to find some amazingly chirpy chaps (and chap-esses) at The White Hart Hotel for the BNI Spire Chapter meeting. My good news of more training in Salisbury went down better than - [Diary, journal or blog](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/05/16/diary-journal-blog/) - I sometimes sit down - it's rare to be fair - and consider how much the world has changed since I was a child. The short answer is one hell of a lot! A year after I was born, CompuServe became the first commercial online service offering dial-up connection to individuals and a few years - [Weird and wonderful Thursday](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/05/15/weird-and-wonderful/) - Doing family history research, we often come across names which you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy..... but turning back the clock, the names perhaps would not have had the same meaning. Gaylord - as a first name - is more common than you'd expect and is still in use in England and Wales indexes - [Being specific](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/05/14/being-specific/) - In a previous existence - before Family Wise Limited - I was a full-time teacher of science (firstly) and (latterly, more) mathematics. Now 'following the dream', as well as unlocking the potential of a few select individuals in these two fascinating subjects, I spend Thursday morning each week educating fellow business people in my area - [Abbotsbury Garland Day](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/05/13/abbotsbury-garland-day/) - Held on 13 May (Old May Day) each year, the Garland Day celebrations have taken place in the Dorset village of Abbotsbury since about the early nineteenth century. They were first described in Hutchins' History of Dorset published in 1867. The custom was originally associated with Abbotsbury's fishing fleet: garlands of flowers made by the - [Nelson Mandela, first black president of South Africa](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/05/10/nelson-mandela/) - 10 May 1994: Nelson Mandela became the first black president of South Africa. Born in 1918, he studied law and set up a legal practice in Johannesburg. He became an active member of the ANC (African National Congress), campaigning vigorously against apartheid, and in 1964 he was sentenced to life imprisonment for various offences including - [Liberty and freedom](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/05/09/liberty-freedom/) - Regular blog readers will know that I have recently returned from a visit to Canada - lecturing at the Ontario Genealogical Society Conference in St Catherines - and decided to spend a few days in New York. Never having visited the United States of America, it would have been quite rude to simply connect to - [A new world....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/05/08/new-world/) - For ten years, I worked hard to educate thousands of children. I never dreamt that I would stop getting up at 6am and working until heaven knows what time at night, planning, marking, making funky, creative learning resources and so much more. I loved my job. And then, during the Easter holiday of 2013, I - [Findmypast in New York](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/05/07/fmp-new-york/) - For the last 30-odd days, Findmypast have been releasing and showcasing new record sets every week. In fact, sometimes every day. From military records to parish records, births, marriages, deaths and christenings, their records offer family, local and social historians an even greater chance to discover their ancestors. And these records are not only UK - [Back in time](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/05/06/back-in-time/) - On this day in 1954, a 25-year-old British medical student was the first man to ever run a mile in less than four minutes. That man was Roger Bannister and his record of 3 minutes 59.4 seconds was recorded at the Iffley Road track in Oxford. The race goal was clear from the outset and - [Genealogy without borders](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/05/03/genealogy-without-borders/) - Genealogy research that does not require a passport - that's what 'Genealogy Without Borders' means for the Ontario Genealogical Society Conference 2014 at Brock University. But I sure needed a passport to be here! Trekking across two Canadian provinces before arriving here at St Catherines, Ontario yesterday, the conference was in full swing on my - [The End of an Era](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/05/01/end-of-an-era/) - And what an era it was....! Thank you for the messages of support, both on good days and bad. They have spurred me on and brightened up the darker moments. Did I enjoy it? Definitely! Would I do it again? Yes but differently, having learnt from the experience and reflected upon the decisions I made - [Day 26 of the A to Z April Challenge: Z for Zulu](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/30/z-for-zulu/) - The challenge would not be completed with Z for Zulu - the historical war film of 1964, depicting the Battle of Rorke's Drift between the Zulus and the British Army in 1879, in which 150 British soldiers successfully fought off 4,000 Zulu warriors. In his first role, Michael Caine starred with Stanley Baker who also - [Day 25 of the A to Z April Challenge: Y for Yankee](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/29/y-for-yankee/) - You are most probably all aware of the connection of this term with the USA but the word does have different connotations..... outside the United States, 'yank' is used informally to refer to any American, including Southerners but within the United States, it generally refers to people from the north who fought for the regions - [Day 24 of the A to Z April Challenge: X for X-ray](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/28/x-for-x-ray/) - X-ray (or X-radiation) is a form of electromagnetic radiation. This takes me back to my student days studying chemical physics.... did you know that most x-rays have a wavelength of between 0.01 and 10 nanometres? X-ray wavelengths are shorter than UV rays and longer than gamma rays. X-Ray was also a character in the fictional comic - [Day 23 of the A to Z April Challenge: W for Whiskey](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/26/w-for-whiskey/) - Not much to write about today other than the blindingly obvious....Whisky or whiskey, a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grain mash. Barley, malted barley, rye, malted rye, wheat, buckwheat and corn are all used to make different varieties of whisky, which is typically aged in white oak wooden casks - not always, but generally. Whisky - [Day 22 of the A to Z April Challenge: V for Victor](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/25/v-for-victor/) - Victor Meldrew was a fictional character in the popular BBC sitcom One Foot in the Grave, created by David Renwick and played by Richard Wilson. The programme features the exploits of Victor and his long-suffering wife, Margaret, and was largely filmed on location in Walkford, near New Milton in Hampshire. The plot revolved around a - [Day 21 of the A to Z April Challenge: U for Uniform](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/24/u-for-uniform/) - In 1907, Robert Baden-Powell held a camp for boys at Brownsea Island in Dorset to test his ideas with regard to setting up a scouting movement. Scouting was born and the following year, Scouting for Boys was published. Some girls - undaunted by the title - also started activities and in 1909, girls attracted Baden-Powell's - [Day 20 of the A to Z April Challenge: T for Tango](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/23/t-for-tango/) - Not being known to date as a conformist, tango - the dance - was a topic I was keen to avoid today. But finding out that the partner dance, originating in the nineteenth century in South America, was included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2009, could not pass without a mention. In - [Day 19 of the A to Z April Challenge: S for Sierra](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/22/s-for-sierra/) - Sierra is Spanish for mountain range and also saw - oddly - originating from the Latin serra. Most of the place names incorporating the word are in Spanish speaking countries or in California, with a few exceptions: Sierra Bullones - a municipality in the province of Bohol in the Philippines - and the country of - [Day 18 of the A to Z April Challenge: R for Romeo](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/21/r-for-romeo/) - Having done Romeo and Juliet earlier in the A to Z Challenge, research was needed to find suitable Romeo references. And I stumbled across a village in the USA..... did you know that there is a historic village called Romeo? In the state of Michigan, just north of the hustle and bustle of Detroit, Romeo - [Day 17 of the A to Z April Challenge: Q for Québec](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/19/q-for-quebec/) - Oh to hell with it - let's go with the blindingly obvious for once! Having been there many years ago (1999), I will soon be returning to say 'Bonjour' to my old friend, Québec, a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province that has a predominantly French-speaking population, and the only one - [Day 16 of the A to Z April Challenge: P for Papa](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/18/p-for-papa/) - The affectionate term for father or sometimes, grandfather, Papa - like Kilo - is also a class of submarine. It is a Soviet submarine K-162 and was the world's fastest submarine. The first to be constructed with a titanium hull, she was the only vessel of the Soviet Union's Project 661 Anchar nuclear-powered attack submarine - [Day 15 of the A to Z April Challenge: O for Oscar](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/17/o-for-oscar/) - No, no, no, no, no! I will not be discussing any South Africans today. Too many of the news headlines are being sent that way at the moment.... Instead, another gold medal winner but this one at the Barcelona Olympic Games and not on the track but in the ring. Oscar De La Hoya is - [Day 14 of the A to Z April Challenge: N for November](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/16/n-for-november/) - The options are endless for November. It's the eleventh month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian Calendars and one of four months with the length of 30 days. November was originally the ninth month of the ancient Roman calendar and hence November retained its name (from the Latin novem meaning "nine") when January - [Day 13 of the A to Z April Challenge: M for Mike](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/15/m-for-mike/) - From a slightly odd selection for L, M in the phonetic alphabet gives so many opportunities for today's waffle.... I mean blog! There are simply hundreds - nay thousands - of famous people with the first name of Mike. But it would be wrong to write about anyone other than Mike Little. You all know - [Day 12 of the A to Z April Challenge: L for Lima](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/14/l-for-lima/) - One of those funny things about words.... lima, lemur.... when you say them, they sound very similar. I wonder how the phonetic alphabet came to use lima for L? There would probably have been a few L words which would have popped into my head before that one. Anyway, it is what it is. Lima - [#15 Thomas John Oats](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/13/15-thomas-john-oats/) - On 26 May 1884, in the market town of Tavistock in Devon, Thomas John Oats was born. Son of William Henry and Elizabeth Jane (nee Petherick) Oats, Thomas had an older sister, Ellen Elizabeth, and two younger siblings, Bessie Maria and William Henry. In 1891, the Oats family - and Elizabeth's father, brother and family - [Day 11 of the A to Z April Challenge: K for Kilo](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/12/k-for-kilo/) - Spending the weekend at the 35th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Guild of One-Name Studies, is a kilo of fun! I know.... doesn't quite fit but with a bit of lateral thinking....? It would seem a little obvious to talk about the metric system and thousands today, so last night I was informed - [Day 10 of the A to Z April Challenge: J for Juliet](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/11/j-for-juliet/) - Juliet.... oh heck.... that reminds me of GCSE English Literature. Thankfully, I had the dubious pleasure of Macbeth as opposed to Romeo and Juliet but having seen so many students dragged - often quite literally, kicking and screaming - through the works of Shakespeare at the tender age of 14 to 16, it is enough - [Day 9 of the A to Z April Challenge: I for Indigo](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/10/i-for-indigo/) - Indigo has been a bit of a challenge to blog about! Having found that there is an airline called IndiGo - a leading domestic and international Indian Airline offering cheap, affordable, on time and hassle free operation - really the only thing we could talk about today was indigo, the colour. Indigo is the hue - [Day 8 of the A to Z April Challenge: H for Hotel](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/09/h-for-hotel/) - The most famous fictional hotel in the UK has to be Fawlty Towers. First broadcast in the 1970s, the show was written by John Cleese and Connie Booth, his wife at the time, both of whom stared in the show. Set in the Devonshire seaside town of Torquay - where Terry Leaman is undertaking a - [Day 7 of the A to Z April Challenge: G for Golf](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/08/g-for-golf/) - OK so I have given in to the obvious today.... only because I managed to find some simply awesome information from just looking up 'golf player' in 1911. Did you know that eight professional golfers lived in England in 1911? Probably - like me - you didn't. Otherwise, you would have shared this staggering piece - [Day 6 of the A to Z April Challenge: F for Foxtrot](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/07/f-for-foxtrot/) - The most obvious thing to write about today would be the dance - well, yes. But why go with the obvious? Who knows about the American comic strip, FoxTrot? Written and illustrated by Bill Amend - good name for a one-name study that! - it was published daily from 1988 until 31 December 2006, by - [Day 5 of the A to Z April Challenge: E for Echo](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/05/e-for-echo/) - More historical than genealogical blogs this week by the sheer nature of the letters so far. And today - sadly - won't change the distribution one iota. Putting 'echo' into Google (other search engines are available), gives hits including numerous newspapers and a plethora of sound reflection, acoustics and other scientific and music references. However, - [Day 4 of the A to Z April Challenge: D for Delta](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/04/d-for-delta/) - At one particular point today, I wondered if this phonetic alphabet idea was actually a good one. Delta? Well, it's a shape. A mathematical symbol. The first name of an Australian actress. A US airline.... it even has geographical connections as a delta is the name given to a landform at the mouth of a - [Day 3 of the A to Z Challenge: C for Charlie](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/03/c-for-charlie/) - When considering 'Charlie possibilities' today, a few options popped into my head. I briefly considered something relating the Royal Family but quickly discarded that idea. Toying with other ideas such as Charlie Brown, Charlie Sheen and Charlie Chaplin - all of which had legs - I settled on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. OK, I - [Day 2 of the A to Z Challenge: B for Bravo](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/02/day-2-b-for-bravo/) - ....Well done! Great job! Bravo! Congratulations! How many times a day do you say something positive to someone? By email, letter, verbally or even online? It's very easy to focus on the negatives in life and how 'bad' things are. Wouldn't the world be a different place if we all stressed the positives and buried - [Blogging from A to Z April Challenge](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/04/01/a-to-z-april-challenge/) - Am I up for the challenge? Do I have what it takes? .... of course I do! Here's to the Blogging from A-Z April Challenge. Bring it on! The challenge is to blog my way, thematically, from A to Z during the course of this month, not including Sundays.... because they are sacred to the - [The history of the Eiffel Tower](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/31/eiffel-tower-1889/) - On this day in 1889, the Eiffel Tower was opened on the Champ de Mars in Paris. Named after the engineer, Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower, it has become both a global cultural iconic structure of France and one of the most recognisable structures in the world. At 324 metres tall, - [A few sandwiches short of a picnic](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/29/sandwiches-and-picnics/) - Long term readers of the Family Wise blog will realise our appreciation for the weird and wonderful names (and transcription of names) in the global historical record. Beginning the quest today by quite literally searching for 'sandwich' and 'picnic' in the 1911 census for England, we were disappointed. Of course, Sandwich appears all too frequently - [Sometimes it's best not to....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/28/sometimes-best/) - I started young in this 'profession'. In fact, one of the first articles I wrote was titled I'm too young for family history! I've always been 'a do-er', never content with second best and always willing to lend a hand. That's probably the reason I am chairing two international not-for-profit organisations, at my grand old - [The worst aviation disaster](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/27/worst-aviation-disaster/) - On 27 March 1977, two Boeing 747s - one KLM and one Pan Am - collided just above the runway at Los Rodeos Airport in the north of Tenerife. Frequently plagued by fog, clouds had banked up around the volcano in the middle of the island, Pico de Teide. A series of unfortunate circumstances had - [Old Mersey Times](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/26/old-mersey-times/) - This week, I stumbled across the Old Mersey Times website. What an absolute treasure! From The Genealogist's Lament to missing people, divorce, bigamy, bankruptcy and a whole host of other information, for anyone with Merseyside ancestors this is a 'must'. Personally, I do not (as yet) have any forebears who stumbled into Lancashire, let alone - [#12 Emma Baynham born Reading, Berkshire 1845](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/23/12-emma-baynham/) - On my grandfather's family tree, he recorded that my great-great-great-grandfather, William Baynham was born 27 January 1841. 'Of a Berkshire family of Baynhams', he allegedly had two sisters: Ella (who originally had been noted down as Emily) who married a Devonshire solicitor and Emma who married a Moxon and had one son. No further information - [Wondrous Wiltshire](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/22/wondrous-wiltshire/) - Moving to Wiltshire nearly three years ago, I knew a grand total of four people in the county. You may question why I chose the county and I'll be honest: property price. If I had purchased the same house in Reading (where I used to live), I would have paid more than double for it. - [When a plan comes together](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/21/plan-comes-together/) - Most of us spend half our lives wishing the working week away in order to have a break from work and 'have a life' at the weekends. Gone are the days when we can function without some kind of diary, electronic or otherwise. But it doesn't seem to matter how good a plan is, sometimes - [Transport back in time](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/20/transport-back-time/) - 'Histories of 1052 British motor manufacturers - with over 500 photographs - in business between 1894 and 1960, including those that never made it past the prototype stage'.... That interested me this morning whilst considering the topic for this blog post. So, I went to http://www.britishmm.co.uk as instructed by the wonderful Internet Sites for Local - [Hunting air](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/19/hunting-air/) - Whenever I meet someone for the first time and they ask what I do, I always say 'I'm an Heir Hunter' and then leave a long pause for the penny to drop. No, not the air we breathe.....! Once the connection has been made, the next comment is usually to tell me that my job - [Fascinating stories](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/18/fascinating-stories/) - We all have them. But how interesting are our stories to others? Well, it depends how you tell the story really.... This morning started early with a telephone call scheduled at 8am. I am working on a surname study project at the moment, engaging with name bearers across the globe to make exciting discoveries about the - [Happy St Patrick's Day](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/17/happy-st-patricks-day/) - In the late fourth or early fifth century, the possibly Welsh-born patron saint of Ireland, St Patrick, was captured by pirates and sold to slavery in Ireland. Six years later, he managed to escape and made his way to France, where he became a monk and subsequently a bishop, before returning to Ireland as a - [Never stop learning](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/15/never-stop-learning/) - Writing this blog each day is a constant learning curve. From new discoveries about my own ancestors for #52Ancestors to delving deeper into family, local and social history records, documents and websites, I quite literally learn something new every day. Beware the ides of March was a phrase used in William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (1599) - [Carrot v Stick Approach](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/14/carrot-v-stick-approach/) - On this day in history, Admiral John Byng (born 1704), the son of the 1st Viscount Torrington, George Byng, was executed in Portsmouth in 1757. He had been sent to relieve the British base at Menorca but after a short engagement with the enemy fleet, he made the decision that his forces were inadequate and - [When did they die and where were they buried?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/13/died-and-buried/) - Hatched, matched and dispatched.... family historians are often more interested in the hatching and the matching, than the dispatching and more often than not when I come to writing up my #52Ancestors post on a Sunday, I discover that the death and/or burial is missing from my notes on the particular individual under scrutiny. Many - [Thinking out of the box](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/12/thinking-out-of-the-box/) - Anyone who knows me will know that I hate clichés but thinking out of the box really has been the order of the day today. Moving from Plan A to Plan B and then eventually to Plan 96, if I didn't have a list of things to achieve, heaven only knows what would have happened - [Unlocking your potential](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/11/unlocking-potential/) - Sir Winston Churchill once said 'it is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time'. But, I am not so sure.... About this time last year, I made a momentous decision. I decided to leave the job that, when I trained back in - ['The thing that was to change all our lives'](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/10/rsc-ww1/) - The uncomplicated, yet very fitting words of H. V. Morton, regarding World War 1 and the effect it had on every community in Britain (and of course, other countries too). You can barely switch on the television, open a newspaper or open an internet browser without finding something about 'The Great War' at the moment - [Capital punishment .... for websites of doubtful quality](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/04/capital-punishment/) - The quantity and variety of historical resources available on the internet is increasing at an extremely rapid rate and these represent enormously valuable research tools. However the internet, as a source, is almost un-assessable: although it provides access to a great range of superb resources, some sites are of doubtful quality, are unreliable or partisan, - [Happy St David's Day - Hapus Dydd Gywl Ddewi](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/03/01/happy-st-davids-day/) - Hapus Dydd Gywl Ddewi..... St David (or Dewi) is the patron saint of Wales. Although little is known about his life, he was said to have been the son of a prince or chieftain of Cardigan - the place, not the item of clothing - and to have founded several Welsh monasteries. So little is - [It's not what you know, it's who you know](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/28/who-do-you-know/) - Every day is a busy day at the offices of Family Wise Limited since my return from Australia.... and we have had some delighted customers this week. Putting long-lost relatives back in contact with one another, several family history projects completed with some really interesting stories from the past and many more lectures written, as - [Lottery winner](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/26/lottery-winner/) - With a catalogue of unhappy events taking place in history today - including the bomb explosion under the World Trade Center in 1993 and the hijacked Air Tanzania airliner in 1982 - I searched high and low to find something positive to share with you.... and settled on 'Lottery', the winner of the first run - [Planes, Trains and Automobiles](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/25/planes-trains-automobiles/) - Well in fact, just automobiles .... as today marks the 115th anniversary of the first driver to die in a car accident. Edwin Sewell, a thirty-one year old engineer, was driving a six horse-power Daimler with five passengers when it crashed on Grove Hill, a steeply graded road on the northern slope of Harrow on - [Caught in the Act](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/24/caught-in-the-act/) - Between 1788 and 1853, approximately 25,000 women were transported to Australia for their crimes. Around half were sent to Van Diemen's Land with most of the female convicts spending time in one of five prisons, or 'female factories' as they were known at the time. From 1833 until 1853, the hardest of convicted British male - [Who Do You Think You Are? Live 2014](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/22/wdytya-2014/) - A slightly later blog today after my return to rural Wiltshire from the big smoke. Good heavens - it's amazing how quickly three days can pass by when you are simply rushed off your feet talking about local, family and social history. Having spent most of my time at WDYTYA2013 promoting the online genealogy courses - [The marvels of random conversations](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/21/random-conversations/) - If you missed my blog on Monday of this week and/or you are not in any way interested in family history, you may not be aware that yesterday was the first day of Who Do You Think You Are? Live 2014 show. This is the first year that the event has been run from Thursday - [The windscreen wiper - who knew?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/19/the-windscreen-wiper-who-knew/) - Every day is a new day and an opportunity to learn more about the world. Today, I discovered who invented the windscreen wiper! Would you Adam and Eve it (sorry, in London so cockney rhyming slang chip has been plugged in...)? It was a very clever lady - Mary Anderson (aka A. Mary Anderson) - - [Is that really necessary?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/18/really-necessary/) - Sometimes, when carrying out genealogical research, aren't you left wondering 'Why on earth....?', 'What on earth....?' and 'surely not?!' One instance is the birth of Ann Pepper in March quarter 1883 in West Derby Registration district: Ann Bertha Cecilia Diana Emily Fanny Gertrude Hypatia Inez Jane Kate Louisa Maud Nora Ophelia Quince Rebecca Starkey Teresa - [Who Do You Think You Are? Live 2014 - see you there?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/17/wdytya2014/) - Years ago, the Society of Genealogists ran an annual event (starting back in 1993) at the Royal Horticultural Halls. Combining forces with the BBC television show Who Do You Think You Are?, the Live! event is probably one of the largest family history gatherings - if not the largest one - in the world. With - [Decimalisation and The Next Generation](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/15/decimalisation-thenextgen/) - Today, having only just arrived back from Australia (yesterday morning UK time!) following the Unlock The Past cruise (yes, cruise report to follow), I am in Telford, leading a Guild Seminar to showcase the work of 'The Next Generation' of one-name (surname) studies and indeed, studiers. All the lecturers are aged 40 or less and - [And what do you do?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/10/and-what-do-you-do/) - My background is not in sales. Nor marketing. I set up FWL in 2012 and, in all honesty - I'm a rubbish liar, so honesty is the only way with me - I did so because I didn't like the way that other companies in the field did business. Picture this scenario: I call to tell - [I seriously love my job](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/11/i-seriously-love-my-job/) - During my lifetime, I have worked in a shoe shop, in various residential, nursing and 'mental health' facilities, taken care of people in their own homes (for a variety of reasons), worked in annuities, as a research chemist and heaven knows what else. I am probably one of a rare breed who can honestly say that - [Sunday: A Day of Therapy](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/12/sunday-a-day-of-therapy/) - Panic not. I have not handed my soul to the devil and given myself a day off to be pampered. Like that would ever happen! Nor have I finally handed myself in to the local GA meeting - Genealogists Anonymous. It's an addiction but certainly not one I plan on (or feel it is necessary - [Sorting Phyllis' record keeping](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/13/sorting-phyllis-record-keeping/) - Quite some while back now (in fact, in January 2014), I was invited by Ray Anstis - a genealogical colleague I have known for some 10 years or more - to speak to the Family History Section at Phyllis Court. "A flourishing Country Club on the banks of the Thames in Henley", he said and - [To WDYTYA I go ... but by public transport?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/15/wdytya-public-transport/) - Who Do You Think You Are? Live is the biggest genealogy show in the UK and is a 'must' for all professionals, amateurs and beginner family historians.... This year is its first outing to Birmingham having previously been at Kensington Olympia and a brief (2 day) visit to Glasgow in August (2014). Having popped into - [On with the snow show!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/08/snow-show/) - Heading to this year's Winter Olympics at the Russian coastal resort of Sochi, the expectations are running as high as they've ever been for the Australian contingent. Known more as the land of beaches and barbeques than snow and mountain ranges, a record size team of some sixty athletes are expected to bring back at - [Winter sports introductions - Day 5](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/07/winter-sports-day-5/) - Ice Hockey is a fast paced team sport placed on ice, requiring good levels of skill, speed, agility and endurance. Ice hockey made its first appearance at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp. Four years later, what is now known as the first Winter Olympics was held in Chamonix and an Ice Hockey event was - [Winter sports introductions - Day 4](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/06/winter-sports-day-4/) - Ski jumping was developed in the late nineteenth century in Norway with the aim of the discipline being to jump as far as possible and then to ski down a hill-slope. The skiers use long, wide skis during this event. Various jumping techniques are used by the skiers to travel longer distances than other competitors. - [Winter sports introductions – Day 3](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/05/winter-sports-day-3/) - Curling is a team sport which evolved in Scotland in the sixteenth century and is played on a rectangular sheet of ice, specially prepared for the purpose. Originally, it was played on frozen ponds, lochs and marshes! Two teams of four players each contest in the curling competition. The aim of the sport is to - [Winter sports introductions - Day 2](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/04/winter-sports-day-2/) - Speed skating is a skating discipline which originated in the thirteenth century in Holland, where people practiced skating for crossing the frozen water. However, it was not until the seventeenth century that a speed skating competition was held for the first time. The 1924 Chamonix Winter Olympic Games contained five speed skating events but only - [Your guide to some Winter Olympic events](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/03/guide-to-winter-olympic-events/) - We will begin this week's guide - in the run up to the opening of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi - with the Luge. The first recorded use of the term luge is in 1905, from the Savoy/Swiss dialect of French luge meaning 'small coasting sled', and is possibly from a Gaulish word with - [#5 George Maunder of Mary Tavy, Devon](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/02/5-george-maunder/) - Some years ago, when researching Richard Sillifant - a rare Sillifant who was not an 'ag lab' - I purchased The Victorian Policeman by Simon Dell (Shire Publications) from the Guild Bookstall, to learn more about what it would have been like for him being an officer in London in Victorian times. The author was - [Chinese New Year](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/02/01/chinese-new-year/) - .... takes place this year on Friday January 31. Celebrations usually begin on Chinese New Year's Eve, signalling the end of the Year of the Snake. The lunar calendar is based upon the cycles of the moon and has 12 animals, one to represent each year of the lunisolar cycle. The forthcoming year is the - [When you go....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/30/when-you-go/) - Well, today is actually when I first appeared! But, when we depart this life, some of us will be remembered with a gravestone, memorial tablet or tombstone within the churchyard or even within the church itself. Sadly, some burial plots will be left unmarked. Most churchyards, with lych gate, paths and trees, probably date from - [Is 2014 the wettest January ever?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/28/2014-wettest-january-ever/) - Well, the statistics are hard to find per month, so perhaps we can rephrase that: will 2014 be the wettest year ever? It would have to 'go some' to beat the record books, to be honest. British meteorologist George Symons (1838-1900), the author of Rain: How, When, Where, Why It Is Measured (1867), published a - [#4 Swansey Langley Keene](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/26/4-swansey-langley-keene/) - When I was younger - so much younger than today (good song that!) - I was lucky enough to have several relatives on my maternal side who held family documents, photographs and other memorabilia from the past. They were also interested in tracing our history and had stories and theories to share. As I mentioned - [Burns Night](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/25/burns-night/) - The birthday of Robert Burns (1759-96) on 25 January is celebrated by people of Scottish descent all around the world. The central attraction of the Burns Night festivities is a traditional Burns Supper of haggis served with tatties and neeps (potatoes and mashed swede). Haggis is a dish made of the heart, lungs and liver - [A week of useless knowledge - Day 5](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/24/useless-knowledge-day-5/) - There are many strange laws in Britain and indeed, some very strange individuals involved in politics - including Screaming Lord Sutch, who was the topic of an early blog on our site. Did you know?.... That under Section 23 of the London Royal and Other Parks and Gardens Regulations of 1977, 'touching a pelican' was - [A week of useless knowledge - Day 4](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/23/useless-knowledge-4/) - Some old British Achievers to share today..... On 21 December 2007, Queen Elizabeth II became the oldest British monarch at 81 years and 8 months, overtaking the 81-year, 7-month and 29-day lifespan of Queen Victoria. George Bernard Shaw (1856-1960), the playwright, won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925 and was 82 when he won - [A week of useless knowledge - Day 3](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/22/useless-knowledge-day-3/) - Wednesday is the day for the Top Five Bizarre British Books. All are real titles with details of the author/s, publisher and date of publication: 1. Premature Burial and How It May Be Prevented - William Tebb and Col. Edward Perry Vollum (London: Swan Sonnenschein & Co., 1896) 2. Fish Who Answer the Telephone - Yury - [A more useful Day 2 in 'A week of useless knowledge'](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/21/useless-knowledge-day-2/) - Yesterday, the headlines were: Schools urged to do more 'What now?' I found myself thinking.... Another media spin on what teachers are not doing? But actually, in a bizarre twist, I did actually agree. The Samaritans and YoungMinds both say anti-suicide classes should be a mandatory part of the school curriculum. The two leading mental - [A week of useless knowledge .... Day 1](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/20/useless-knowledge-day-1/) - The title really does tell the story. This week, we thought we would put together some top X (sometimes two, sometimes ten) compendiums - historical and genealogical of course - of useless knowledge and bizarre trivia for your entertainment. Monday's offering is 'Decomposing composers: ten causes of death'.... cunningly placed in death date order: 1. Johann Sebastian - [#3 James Robert Leonard Fielder](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/19/jrl-fielder/) - When I was very young, my grandparents moved to Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. My grandfather, David Day, had been interested in discovering our ancestry - bear in mind this is before the 1980s! - and had collated a family tree from certificates, birthday books, letters and other documents passed down from generations before - [Pooh Day](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/18/pooh-day/) - Alan Alexander Milne was born on this day in 1882. After graduating from Cambridge University, he worked as assistant editor of Punch magazine and wrote a number of successful light comedies. In the 1920s, he began writing poems and stories for his young son, Christopher Robin, creating characters which went on to win the hearts - [St Antony's Day](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/17/st-antonys-day/) - January 17 is St Antony's Day - the feast day of St Antony of Egypt, remembered for the temptations he suffered during his twenty years of solitude in the desert. He is regarded as the father of monasticism - that's monasteries and monks and stuff.... - having founded various communities of hermits in the latter - [Challenge Thursday](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/16/challenge-thursday/) - G'day all! Well, I can hardly write 'Good Morning', 'Good Afternoon' or anything along those lines. Heaven alone knows when you will be reading this.... Well, January is supposed to be a quiet month, so I was told. Hardly! We have never been busier and the business networking in certainly paying off with referrals coming in from - [15 January](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/15/15-january/) - Historically, 15 January has seen many important events.... 1559 saw the coronation of Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1601) at Westminster Abbey in London. She was the third of Henry VIII’s children to become monarch and she was the last of the Tudor dynasty. Elizabeth inherited the throne from her half-sister Mary I, who had died on - [Oh, for the sake of three minutes!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/19/three-minutes/) - Having completed the marathon of WDYTYA? Live in Birmingham, I returned home late yesterday not feeling as exhausted as usual. Several people, during the course of 'the weekend' commented that the atmosphere seemed to be more relaxed than when we have been at Olympia (London) in the past. The new venue certainly has ticked many - [Settling back in....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/20/settling-back-in/) - Having been away from the FWL offices for the best part of four days, it has taken a while to 'settle back in' today.... not for want of trying but the list is monumental and all the 'we'll do it when we get back from WDYTYA on Monday' tasks are suddenly required now! Withdrawal symptoms - [Holiday? Yes please....!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/14/holiday-yes-please/) - Confession time: are you already thinking about when you can take your next holiday? If we did a poll, I am sure the percentage of people saying they haven't would be very low. There are many online offers being sent to straight to your inbox, trying to tempt you to part with your hard earned - [Changing lives](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/21/changing-lives/) - At networking events, when people ask me what we do at FWL, I say 'We find people'. I think I'll change that to 'We change people's lives'. A short while ago, someone presented me with a referral to a solicitors in Bristol/South Gloucestershire. Having emailed the contact a few times with no reply, I went - [Networking at its best](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/23/networking-at-its-best/) - Is it possible to do too much networking? I sincerely hope not! The last week - Thursday to Thursday - has seen the FWL team doing more networking than eating, I suspect! It is 'business appointment central' here, with new connections made and brilliant ideas coming out of meetings.... Oh yes, watch this space! Exciting - [One-Eyed Britons](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/13/one-eyed-britons/) - With our Managing Director suffering with eye trouble today, our minds have turned to those who have limited vision ... and we found a surprising number of famous One-Eyed Britons. Rather than hiding our findings under the nearest very bedraggled bush, we thought we would share them with you.... Did you know that the British - [The Winter Olympics](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/10/winter-olympics/) - Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXII Olympic Winter Games, is the international winter multiple sports event that will be celebrated from February 7 to February 23 this year. The host city, Sochi, Russia, was elected on July 4, 2007, during the 119th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The - [On this day .... 8 January](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/08/8-january/) - Today, in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis Presley - the undisputed 'King of Rock n Roll' (apparently) - was born. He began singing in the local Pentecostal church choir, taught himself to play the guitar and released his first hit single, 'That's All Right Mama' aged 19 in 1954. His fame spread worldwide with classic songs such as - [A Rainbow update](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/07/rainbow-update/) - Those individuals who have been born in England or Wales with the name Bungle appear to have some variations in their surname and hence are multiply registered - Harry Bungle E. Deasey or Down or Deasey-Down, born June 2000 in Southend on Sea..... and Anton Bungle J. Aish or Hyde, August 1992 Solihull North. Other - [Frenetic Friday](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/24/frenetic-friday/) - I often comment about how odd our days are at FWL. Today has been even more peculiar than usual with wide-ranging missions from meeting a young man in a car park behind McDonalds to getting letters hand delivered to far flung (well, ish) places. Never a dull moment! And I used to say that every - [Focus on Rainbow](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/06/rainbow/) - What were they thinking? Up above the streets and houses... the theme encouraged us to envisage an average town, filled with average houses. Now, let's choose the house with the rainbow on its door and what could possibly be inside? A pink hippopotamus, a man-sized bear and a spoilsport alien, along with Geoffrey Hayes, their - [Saturday - a day of rest?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/25/saturday-a-day-of-rest/) - Well, perhaps for some people.... Here at FWL, it's been busy as usual, though in slightly different ways. A trip to the post office to collect a special delivery envelope from yesterday, only to return to another one c/o the lovely Dawn (resident post lady for FWL) and a birth certificate - the certificate I - [Make Good Use of Bad Rubbish](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/04/make-good-use-bad-rubbish/) - The Womble Patrol continues.... fourteen children born in England and Wales between 1994 and 2005 called Tobermory and indeed four named Tomsk between 1996 and 2004. It would be remarkable if these names were not even in the slightest bit linked to the creations by Elisabeth Beresford. Pointy-nosed, furry creatures who lived in burrows, the - [Long way from home](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/03/long-way-from-home/) - Sometimes I hear researchers say, 'I wish I could find out where s/he was buried'. On many occasions, it is a long way from where they were born and not necessarily close to where they died. Today, we thought we would share with you a lovely - though deteriorating - grave in Stratton, Cornwall of - [Politics, post and plonkers](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/27/politics-post-and-plonkers/) - Life seems to revolve around these three P's at the moment - actually, they are often one in the same thing. Strange though it may seem, I look forward to Dawn (or her equivalent) arriving each morning. [For irregular blog readers, Dawn is the main and most stupendous postlady for our offices.] We often converse - [Sadly, no Snodgrass Womble](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/02/no-snodgrass-womble/) - Thanks to the wonderful @TidyBag, the Wombles Wikipedia page has duly been corrected - and vastly improved I might add - to note that in fact, Snodgrass was not a Womble. Well, you live and learn! And so to work on Bungo and Great Uncle Bulgaria references! - [More cracking transcription errors](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/28/cracking-errors/) - Or almighty ****-ups, so some might call them! Seriously.... I have been finalising some research reports this week for clients and yesterday, I realised that I had failed to locate some members of their family in 1911. In fact, I have still not managed to trace some of them, despite about an hour of searching - [The Womble Challenge!](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/02/womble-challenge/) - And so, 2014 begins with another display of OCD in the office of Family Wise. In between Heir Hunting cases and an anniversary family history gift (just when we thought we might have seen the last binder for a short while!!!), Womble Patrol has become a part of our daily life. Firstly, how many Wombles - [I did promise you ....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/29/i-did-promise-you/) - Yesterday, I did say that there were plenty more to come.... transcription entertainment is rife....! As family historians will know, there are some terms which are used in the parlance of yesteryear which may not be used so commonly nowadays. The term 'mental' is one. In the censuses (1841-1911) of England and Wales, the word mental - [Wool willies and boob dealers?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/04/30/and-they-just-keep-coming/) - Fruit. A common word in the English language. Fairly regularly written and spoken, even if not eaten in enough volume by some of us. So, I wonder how the following efforts were made possible.... Thomas Willey, a 36-year-old 'twit salesman', Charles Oakham, a 74-year-old 'hawker twit' and Charles Ernest Cole, a 30-year-old 'twit cartman' for the - [New Year .... New resources](https://family-wise.co.uk/2014/01/01/new-year-new-resources/) - From 1 January 2014, the Daily Telegraph has been made available to view and read from one hundred years ago. Today's edition includes coverage of the New Year's Honours - among which the most notable name is that of Ernest Rutherford, the physicist, who received a knighthood - with the main story being the murder of singer Harry - [This genealogist's quirky questions](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/01/quirky-questions/) - No two days are the same but some days are, it has to be said, slightly more bizarre than others. This week has been strange in many ways, but nothing beats Thursday's quirky question.... Unexpectedly, I had a call on the office landline from a Swindon telephone number. That's not so odd in itself but - [New Year's Honours](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/31/new-years-honours/) - The New Year's Honours List looks long and once again, full of very worthy individuals who have done some amazing work. However, a small part of me can't help but wonder if being the Assistant Dresser to The Duchess of Cornwall or the Stationery and Reprographics Officer for the Royal Household really warrants a Royal - [Have you made your genealogical New Year's Resolutions?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/30/new-year/) - I have never been a great one for making resolutions of any kind at any juncture. However, New Year is certainly a good time to look back at what you have done in the last twelve months and consider if you want to continue in the same manner for the next twelve. Do you want - [Trotters, benders and a retired queer?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/03/trotters-benders-retired-queer/) - Continuing the 1911 census 'series of nuttiness', further offerings are today available for your amusement. The first of which is William James Lane of Bethnal Green.... aged 35 and having been married for twelve years, six of his seven children were still living at the time of the census. William was a street vendor by occupation.... - [When does Christmas officially end?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/29/christmas-officially-end/) - It's now Sunday 29 December. Many people will already be back at work - some won't really have taken a break over Christmas - and others will be contemplating a return tomorrow for a short spell before the New Year. Christmas is kind of over .... but when is it officially over. Yes, we all - [Sporting connections of yesteryear](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/04/sports-yesteryear/) - It may surprise you to know that I have been glued to my tablet these last few days. Hard at work but distracted occasionally by the green baize of the snooker table. It's the World Snooker Championships and I am quite an avid sports fan at times. Athletics is my main interest although I also - [Fruit and veg](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/28/fruit-and-veg/) - From animals yesterday, to fruit and vegetables today.... Firstly, Strawberry. How many Strawberries were born in England prior to 1900? It would seem just four. Strawberry Tagget born June quarter 1847, died as Strawberry Taggett in September quarter 1849 in St Germans Registration District (RD) and a further Strawberry was born of the Taggett family - [Cat biscuits, Calne and Canada](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/06/cat-biscuits-calne-canada/) - There are just a few things which you know you can rely on in life. The age old adage is that 'in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes'. However, I think there is a little more to it than that.... What cannot be relied upon currently is the - [Working with animals](https://family-wise.co.uk/2013/12/27/working-with-animals/) - I have often thought that working with animals was a rather strange choice of occupation. No.... I don't mean training to be a vet, but working with the more temperamental, larger members of the animal kingdom. Elephants, monkeys, lions and tigers, for example. Fred W R Clements was a retired camel in the Royal Engineers - [Barking up the wrong tree....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/07/barking-up-the-wrong-tree/) - Have you ever, during the course of your family history, found that you have been barking up the wrong tree? Put two and two together and made five? Some trees seem to have a habit of growing in random directions (sometimes aided and abetted by the researcher!) but, no matter which way your branches develop, - [Operation Barrie](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/08/operation-barrie/) - In two weeks time, I will have arrived in Canada. Oh heck! Now must be the time to launch 'Operation Barrie' then.... Having just purchased another batch of Tracing Your West Country Ancestors books, a number of copies have been placed in the bottom of the suitcase (after being autographed), for sale at the event. Alongside them - [B&Q, 'Operation New Gate' and a Bushman](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/09/bq-new-gate-bushman/) - Saturday is a curious day of the week and frequently a noisier one than any other day around the offices of FWL. People in nearby homes seem to think that it is a good day to mow their lawns, let their children off the leash and generally create a lot more volume than on a week day, - [The power of the weekend](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/10/the-power-of-the-weekend/) - Don't panic - we haven't had the weekend off! Not even close.... Doing what we do is a 24-7 job. Well, not quite 24 hours a day but we do eat, sleep and breathe the job! Case work can't be put down at 5pm, the office doesn't open at 9am and we certainly don't have - [Maths and genealogy - what's the link?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/11/whats-the-link/) - Over the years, I have met a fair few genealogists/family historians of both the hobbyist, amateur and professional kind. Some dabble in the art whilst others perform on the other end of the scale - obsession. Frequently, though not exclusively, I have found that individuals who take the art more seriously come from a scientific - [Genie-inspiring others](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/12/genie-inspiring-others/) - Inspiring young people was my job of yesteryear and now, I try to inspire everyone I meet to get involved in genealogy, but only if they bring it up in conversation. How many of you have had discussions with genealogists and wished you had never begun? You know .... the ones where the other person is - [Star Wars, Trek and the Thirteenth](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/13/star-wars-trek-thirteenth/) - May. A peculiar month. Two Bank Holiday Mondays (not that that makes a difference to us at FWL really, apart from we don't get a new list of cases from GLD to work on) and in England, we never quite know what the weather is going to throw at us. One day it can be beautiful sunshine and - [Natural networking](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/14/natural-networking/) - Some things take effort in life, whilst other things come naturally. It takes effort to find people, you know! We have natural skill but it is still tough to keep up our 100% crack rate! We have been tested recently with our fair share of adoption cases, in various guises. One of those was the - [Paying for crime](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/15/paying-for-crime/) - Most of the time, I steer well clear of opinionated blog posts. However, something is concerning me. I am currently investigating the familyhistory of a man transported to Australia, having been tried and convicted for burglary in London. He spent the remainder of his life in Australia, had a family and earned a good living after serving - [What do you give back?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/16/what-do-you-give-back/) - There are many occasions when we do a piece of work for nothing. Yes, you did read that right. We are highly skilled professional researchers but does that mean we have to charge for everything we do? We don't think so. If we can locate the information you need in five or ten minutes, why - [And thank you to....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/17/and-thank-you-to/) - How many times have you listened to acceptance speeches of the great and the good of the acting and sporting world at award ceremonies and thought, "Is there anyone you haven't mentioned?" Having been in that position myself on occasion - of thanking people, though not when receiving huge accolades, I hasten to add - - [The Kings of Stupid Ideas](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/18/the-kings-of-stupid-ideas/) - Oh good heavens! Today has brought home to me just how many stupid ideas men have had over time. The first of these idiotic concepts is the 'Big Brother' idea. What makes you think we want to watch a random assortment of people, thrown into a ludicrously small environment, trying to get along with one another....? - [The Hour of Power](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/19/the-hour-of-power/) - When do you achieve your best work? Are you a night owl or one who is up with the larks? Do you burn the candle at both ends and then collapse and recharge your batteries? There are undoubtedly many different work schedules and you pick the one which works best for you. At FWL, we - [First Great Western to Heathrow Terminal 5](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/22/fgw-to-heathrow-terminal-5/) - Those who have been followers of the FWL blog for a long period of time, will know that my international travels do not often go smoothly. Hence, it was with some trepidation that I left the office this morning. I know the team will manage just fine without me. It was more a case of - [From a different time zone](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/23/from-a-different-time-zone/) - FWL now has a new office - in Niagara! More sun evident than we are used to at the moment in the UK (and I arrived at 6pm) though the temperature seems pretty comparable. It's Bank Holiday weekend in the UK but not here in Canada. They had their long weekend last weekend. However, today - [Helicopters and history](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/24/helicopters-and-history/) - Yesterday, I mentioned my current location of Niagara Falls. I have visited on two previous occasions - once in 1999 and once last year - and both times, the weather has not been kind. April and May is a funny time in Canada. Sometimes the weather is amazing and sometimes, it's dreadful (much like I am - [Harbour Square and Billy Bishop](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/25/harbour-square-billy-bishop/) - My genea-journey continues .... and I am now a Toronto resident for several days. After a minor travel delay en route (leaving Niagara Falls 75 minutes later than scheduled), I arrived at Grand Union Station at 9pm. Shattered and not really feeling 100% fighting fit (I won't go into the detail here), I decided to opt for - [A day in Toronto](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/26/a-day-in-toronto/) - Well, in order to post a blog today (UK-time), this is more like 'half a day in Toronto' actually! Being five hours behind BST, I awoke to several messages from clients via my wonderful PA back in the UK. It was certainly time to get cracking early here! Coffee on and at my desk by 7am (a - [Toronto or York?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/27/toronto-or-york/) - And today, I remain in Toronto though changing residency in a short while. A few final tweaks to the OGS presentations and they'll be ready to deliver in less than 48 hours time! It seems so long in the planning, I cannot quite believe that it's nearly here - or should that be that I - [What do you call a group of genealogists?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/28/group-genealogists/) - Unless you have completely missed my blog posts this week, you will probably have realised by now that I (MD@FWL) am far from the office and have left the team to get on without me. Today is my final day in Toronto before heading to the OGS Conference in Barrie where I will be headlining - [Day 1 at OGS Conference](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/05/29/day-1-at-ogs-conference/) - Having now acclimatised in terms of time-zone and language to the Canadian culture, today is the start of the OGS Conference and I can half pass myself off as a native. OK, so not really.... but I have retaught myself a few of the key terms which are different from UK speak, so I don't - [The final day at OGS Barrie 2015](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/01/final-day-ogs-barrie-2015/) - I have to say, I make no apology for the late post today. There was absolutely no chance of me doing justice to a final day report on the OGS Conference without spending some time downloading/uploading photographs and really considering the highlights, the people who need a mention, etc. etc. So, if you stayed up late - [Heading back to the homeland](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/01/heading-back-to-the-homeland/) - My journey is over. Ten days in the country which feels very much like a second home to me and I am now beginning my final preparations ready for departure. I am not literally on the plane but sitting in the Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport. I am still buzzing from such a successful and - [Growing up and travelling](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/01/growing-up-and-travelling/) - Well, you are most probably wondering why I am posting another blog so swiftly after the last. In short, it's because I know how much my dear readers love to hear about my travel issues! With a smile on my face and a small spring in my step (I have loved being in Canada but I - [Back in the groove....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/03/back-in-the-groove/) - Did someone say I was away in Canada until yesterday morning, lecturing on the main stage at the Ontario Genealogical Society Conference in Barrie? I am sure that must be a lie as today it seemed like I have never been away.... The paperwork certainly mounted up in my absence and so, with several cases - [Reality vs fantasy](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/04/reality-vs-fantasy/) - Reality has kicked in and, as I mentioned yesterday, I am 'back in the groove'. Not quite readjusted as yet - well, I have in terms of time-zone, but not in terms of unpacking! The suitcase is still sat in the middle of the kitchen floor and only one load of washing has been achieved - [That was the week that was](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/05/that-was-the-week-that-was/) - At the beginning of this week, I was hard at work trying to figure out how to Fedex a parcel from a hotel in Toronto to FTDNA in the USA and now, at the end of the week, I am in the office in the UK (the parcel having been delivered less than 18 hours after - [Are some people too trusting?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/06/are-some-people-too-trusting/) - Today, I have been quite amazed by the stupidity of folk in various guises. Some of these guises will not be made available for public consumption so as to avoid embarrassing the people involved. However, some of the events of this week have made me consider carefully the 'trust issue': are some people too trusting these days? - [Words fail me, but thankfully not Tragic](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/07/words-fail-me/) - That is not a common occurrence. Last weekend, I was in Canada. I think I was born with Canadian blood as I have more in common with Canadians than with many of the British people I have come into contact with today. For a start off, I understand when drivers should use the outside lane - [And breathe....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/09/and-breathe/) - This evening should have been an early-ish finish for me. My last meeting was scheduled to end at 8:15pm. By 9pm, I should have been at home, catching up on athletics on the SkyBox. Unfortunately, somebody had different ideas. Leaving the office at 6:10pm, I had just shy of an hour to get to my - [Me? On a small screen....?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/10/me-on-a-small-screen/) - Amazingly, 'tis soon to be so. I cannot say too much but in two weeks time, I will be heading south to film with Qui êtes-vous? - the French-Canadian version of Who Do You Think You Are? Not the big screen, just the small one.... but exciting! I have been liaising with the production team (since completing the research - [What a difference a day makes](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/11/what-a-difference-a-day-makes/) - ".... 24 little hours .... Brought the sun and the flowers ....Where there used to be rain" - oh so true! Positive blog post yesterday but possibly not the best day I have had this side of the New Year. Odd in many facets to be fair and downright rubbish in others. That said, today has - [What relevance does today have?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/12/what-relevance-does-today-have/) - Over my years of blogging, there are many occasions when I have written about the importance of the day/date, or in other words, 'on this day in history'. Some entries have been about events, some about people and some about a mixture of the two, as well as a lot more. Today is my paternal - [Unexpectedly brilliant Monday](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/15/unexpectedly-brilliant-monday/) - Am I the only one who has no clue what day it is, most days of the week? Without my diary, I would be utterly lost. If I don't write it down, it doesn't happen. That diary (by the way) has recently been highly acclaimed by many colleagues.... yes, it's a Filofax. A real old-fashioned - [Knowing when to give up](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/16/knowing-when-to-give-up/) - In our line of work, we have to be terriers. We have to keep working on cases (whether Heir Hunting, adoption, family history or whatever) until we know that there is no stone we have left unturned. That is perhaps what makes FWL researchers different. Doing what we do is not for everyone. Outstanding family historians - [Why I love my job](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/17/why-i-love-my-job/) - To whom it may concern: Out there in the big wide 'Western World', there are an enormous number of people who dread Mondays and wish their lives away, each and every week, until the weekend comes. They work to live. I used to be one of them. Don't get me wrong, I liked my day - [That was the day that was](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/18/that-was-the-day-that-was/) - Dear World, Thank you. For what, you ask? For giving me another amazingly different day. An extremely late night/early morning catching up with paperwork, I awoke to rather odd memories of overnight dreams. Firstly, that someone had published some derisory and defamatory misinformation in an article and then that the door bell had gone (hence, - ["Life is like a box of chocolates"](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/19/life-box-of-chocolates/) - "....you never know what you are going to get".... That's what Forrest Gump's Mama said. You know, I think she was right! I feel like this week I have coined a new phrase for the dictionary - 'Bonkers Busy'. Leaving the house at 6am (not even my house either!), the MD@FWL working day began at 6:30am - [Out with the old, in with the new](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/20/out-with-the-old/) - Nearly four years ago, I moved from Reading - my 'home' for fifteen years - to Calne. Having completed my Masters degree in 2000, I remained in Reading until 2011, but why? House prices were ludicrous and travelling around the IDR (Inner Distribution Road) was nothing short of a nightmare most days of the week. - [Predictable? That would be ....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/21/predictable-boring/) - .... boring! What would a 'normal' person do on a Sunday? Chill out and watch the tennis, the athletics, do some gardening or some household chores? How about all four! Today was the day to clear the piles of paper in the office (shred, recycle, file etc.), move the furniture, mow the lawn, fix the - [Families are funny things](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/22/families-are-funny-things/) - "They can be large or small, normal or crazy, fun or embarrassing - families are all different. Sometimes your family is just great to be with, and sometimes, well..." says author, Andrea Shavick. At FWL, we deal with families most days of the week. Some are really close and some are estranged. Often, we ask - [Making assumptions](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/23/making-assumptions/) - .... is a very dangerous game to play. In genealogy terms, you could end up barking rather loudly up completely the wrong tree by connecting the dots in a random order and not ensuring that you have documentary evidence that your links are correct. How many times have you seen those Ancestry trees (and on other - [It is nice to be....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/24/it-is-nice-to-be/) - .... important, but it's more important to be nice! So said John Templeton.... and it sure helps in business. The team here at FWL has grown substantially over the past six months. Lots of people would love to 'do what we do', but not every family historian/genealogist makes a good 'Heir Hunter'. Not everyone has the - [What are your aspirations?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/25/what-are-your-aspirations/) - When I was young, I don't really remember having a particular aspiration in life. Some children have a goal in terms of a job they really want to do when they are older. The only thing I can really remember wanting to do was NOT to be a teacher! My parents (Ma & Pa FWL) - [Waving the magic wand](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/27/waving-the-magic-wand/) - It's Saturday and another jolly work day at FWL. Every day is a work day really.... Began by sorting out one of the boxes of paperwork for the £0.5 million estate we are administering (plenty more boxes to go!) on the conference table in the office, hoping that it would save some other surfaces for - [Who wants to find 'Long Lost Family'?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/28/long-lost-family/) - Finding living people is not easy. It takes a lot of skill, expertise and what we call at FWL, a terrier-like attitude. Depending on why you want to find someone also influences the level of difficulty of your quest. If an individual wants to hide (for whatever reason), they will cover their tracks. These days people have to - [How far can we go?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/29/how-far-can-we-go/) - Isn't that just a classic question! Clients often ask us how far back we can research their ancestry. How long is a piece of string? The influencing factors are numerous. Are your forebears from England, Wales, Scotland, France, Italy....? Do you know much about your ancestors already? If they were from England, from which county did they - [Famous last words](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/06/30/famous-last-words/) - I do believe that summer is here in England - lordie, we have had the windows, doors and conservatory open today and it is HOT! Of course I realise that, now that I have uttered these words in a public forum, the heavens will open and the temperature will rocket downwards rapidly. The offices of - [The Woodwind Section](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/07/01/the-woodwind-section/) - Frequently at FWL, our minds turn to the eccentric - sometimes, we are driven there and on other occasions, we drive there of our own accord. Over the past few weeks, we have been collecting various musical instruments in our research and we will begin our orchestral dalliances with the woodwind section. For those of - [The penny drops](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/07/02/the-penny-drops/) - As a business owner, Managing Director, or whatever you would like to call me, I regularly attend business network meetings in the local area (and sometimes further afield). I have been doing this for some years now to raise the profile of FWL. In our field, we need to stand out from the crowd. We - [So much to sea](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/07/03/so-much-to-sea/) - It's not often I take time out of the FWL office but this weekend, we are away on a short break.... who'd have thought it possible?! Some while ago, me and Mr FWL decided we needed to book something. We don't take the opportunity to switch off very often (and even now, I still write - [Morgan, Jones, Evans, Williams ....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/07/04/morgan-jones-evans-williams/) - Having removed half the leaflets and brochures from the hotel reception last night, Mr FWL and I went through the pile and separated them into yes, no and maybe by location at first. Then we delved deeper into what each tourist attraction had on offer and scheduled our day which was meant to be 24 - [The Brass Section](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/07/05/the-brass-section/) - Earlier this week, the Woodwind Section of the orchestra featured and today is the turn of the Brass Section. Contrary to popular belief, the saxophone is not a brass instrument and it most certainly does not feature in a regular orchestra. Oddly, there are a fair few surnames connected with this section, in particular, the - [Draft, draft and re-draft](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/07/06/draft-draft-and-re-draft/) - As Managing Director of FWL, I am supposed to know everything. And, do you know what ....? I do! However, that is only with the 'on tap' guidance and advice from thousands of colleagues, friends, family and other acquaintances over the years. Me personally....? I remember a lot of extraneous facts, generally historical or genealogical, most - [When is enough really enough?](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/07/07/when-is-enough-really-enough/) - I give up.... Like heck I do! I never give up! But seriously, at FWL it's really hard to know when to give up. There are plenty of cases we've worked on (this year alone!) where we have spent a lot of man hours (well, mainly woman hours actually) and achieved nothing as an end - [Opening a can of worms....](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/07/08/opening-a-can-of-worms/) - When you start tracing your family history, what do you hope to find out? The names of your 2 x great-grandparents? Where your surname originated? Whether the family legend is myth or fact? Sometimes you can find things you weren't expecting and you can open up a can of worms. Of course, it's your choice - [A life history in one house](https://family-wise.co.uk/2015/07/09/a-life-history-in-one-house/) - Recently, we have been appointed as administrators in an estate which includes a property in London. It's not - in its current state - a very salubrious residence but the location of the property gives it a high market value. In sorting through the documentation within the house (of which there is a vast amount), I have ## Pages - [HomePage](https://family-wise.co.uk/) - Family Wise is a team of professional family historians and people finders, helping to uncovering the roots of your family tree, assisting with your people finding needs. - [Privacy Policy](https://family-wise.co.uk/privacy-policy/) - Learn about our commitment to privacy. Explore Family Wise's Privacy Policy for insights on how we handle and protect your information. Know more at the site! - [Vouchers](https://family-wise.co.uk/voucher/) - [Who We Are](https://family-wise.co.uk/who-we-are/) - Meet the team behind Family Wise. Explore our expertise in genealogy & know how we are dedicated to unravelling the mysteries of your family history. Know more! - [Beneficiaries](https://family-wise.co.uk/services/beneficiaries/) - Explore our Beneficiaries Services at Family Wise. 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Know more! - [news-ajax](https://family-wise.co.uk/news-ajax/) ## Testimonials - [PaulPatricia Beard](https://family-wise.co.uk/testimonial/paulpatricia-beard/) - [Richard Harris](https://family-wise.co.uk/testimonial/richard-harris/) - [Barry Watt](https://family-wise.co.uk/testimonial/barry-watt/) - [Sue Jackson](https://family-wise.co.uk/testimonial/sue-jackson/) - [Peter Ranford](https://family-wise.co.uk/testimonial/peter-ranford/) - [Lynda Grimmett](https://family-wise.co.uk/testimonial/lynda-grimmett/) - [Shauna Pevato](https://family-wise.co.uk/testimonial/shauna-pevato/) - [Chris Colley](https://family-wise.co.uk/testimonial/chris-colley/) - [Michae Guthrie](https://family-wise.co.uk/testimonial/michae-guthrie/) - [madstaxman](https://family-wise.co.uk/testimonial/madstaxman/) - [Saskia Ualesi](https://family-wise.co.uk/testimonial/saskia-ualesi/) - [Clive Haylett](https://family-wise.co.uk/testimonial/clive-haylett/) - [jo burnett](https://family-wise.co.uk/testimonial/jo-burnett/) - 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[DNA Testing](https://family-wise.co.uk/slideshow/dna-testing/) - [Family History Research](https://family-wise.co.uk/slideshow/family-history-research/) - [We Find People](https://family-wise.co.uk/slideshow/we-find-people/) - [Beneficiaries](https://family-wise.co.uk/slideshow/beneficiaries/) ## FAQs - [Does the address on my contract and on my ID have to be the same?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/does-the-address-on-my-contract-and-on-my-id-have-to-be-the-same/) - [My ID/bills are in both mine and my partner’s name, can I use this?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/my-id-bills-are-in-both-mine-and-my-partners-name-can-i-use-this/) - [Will you send my ID back to me special delivery?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/will-you-send-my-id-back-to-me-special-delivery/) - [Why do I need to send two forms of identification?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/why-do-i-need-to-send-two-forms-of-identification/) - [Who is entitled to claim an inheritance if a person dies without leaving a will?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/who-is-entitled-to-claim-an-inheritance-if-a-person-dies-without-leaving-a-will/) - [Why do I need to sign a contract?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/why-do-i-need-to-sign-a-contract/) - [When will I get my ID back/how long will it take to process?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/when-will-i-get-my-id-back-how-long-will-it-take-to-process/) - [If I am signing on behalf of someone else, do I need to send in my Power of Attorney?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/if-i-am-signing-on-behalf-of-someone-else-do-i-need-to-send-in-my-power-of-attorney/) - [Should I send my ID special delivery?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/should-i-send-my-id-special-delivery/) - [How can I get my ID certified?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/how-can-i-get-my-id-certified/) - [How do I know if my birth certificate is original?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/how-do-i-know-if-my-birth-certificate-is-original/) - [Do you need the original hard copies?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/do-you-need-the-original-hard-copies/) - [Will we be updated on the proceedings of the case?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/will-we-be-updated-on-the-proceedings-of-the-case/) - [Will I inherit the estate on my own?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/will-i-inherit-the-estate-on-my-own/) - [How will I be paid?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/how-will-i-be-paid/) - [What family members do we include on the family tree?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/what-family-members-do-we-include-on-the-family-tree/) - [Will I need to notify you of a change in address or contact details?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/will-i-need-to-notify-you-of-a-change-in-address-or-contact-details/) - [Can I be put in touch with other beneficiaries on the estate?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/can-i-be-put-in-touch-with-other-beneficiaries-on-the-estate/) - [How long will the process take?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/how-long-will-the-process-take/) - [What if the case is insolvent?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/what-if-the-case-is-insolvent/) - [I have signed a contract but I know that I have 14 days ‘right to cancel’. When does the 14 days start from?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/i-have-signed-a-contract-but-i-know-that-i-have-14-days-right-to-cancel-when-does-the-14-days-start-from/) - [What are the risks?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/what-are-the-risks/) - [What will Family Wise take from the estate for their work at the end of the process?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/what-will-family-wise-take-from-the-estate-for-their-work-at-the-end-of-the-process/) - [Why am I being asked to send in identification?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/why-am-i-being-asked-to-send-in-identification/) - [Can you tell me how much an estate is worth?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/can-you-tell-me-how-much-an-estate-is-worth/) - [What does ‘intestate’ mean?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/what-does-intestate-mean/) - [Will I get charged anything?](https://family-wise.co.uk/faq/will-i-get-charged-anything/) ## Categories - [Contracts](https://family-wise.co.uk/category/contracts/) - [How The Process Works](https://family-wise.co.uk/category/how-the-process-works/) - [Identification](https://family-wise.co.uk/category/identification/) - [News](https://family-wise.co.uk/category/news/) - [Solicitors](https://family-wise.co.uk/category/solicitors/) ## Tags - [Surnames](https://family-wise.co.uk/tag/surnames/) - [Blog](https://family-wise.co.uk/tag/blog/) - [Genealogy](https://family-wise.co.uk/tag/genealogy/) - [Family History](https://family-wise.co.uk/tag/family-history/) - [intestacy](https://family-wise.co.uk/tag/intestacy/) - [estates](https://family-wise.co.uk/tag/estates/) - [beneficiaries](https://family-wise.co.uk/tag/beneficiaries/) - [intestate](https://family-wise.co.uk/tag/intestate/) - [will](https://family-wise.co.uk/tag/will/) - [probate](https://family-wise.co.uk/tag/probate/) - [solicitors](https://family-wise.co.uk/tag/solicitors/)