Bottling it in Besthorpe Giving the Howes line a home
Of all the ancestral home towns and villages, that of the direct Howes line, namely Besthorpe in Norfolk, has been the most neglected to date. This stands alongside the minimal details held on the last known family member to spend all his life there, 3x great grandfather James Howes. The direct line can be quite easily traced back to him, born in the village at the turn of the 19th century {1}. » Continue reading “Bottling it in Besthorpe Giving the Howes line a home”
A tribute to Islwyn His contribution to Knighton and beyond
Your editor recently met Ken Harris at Malvern U3A’s family history group, after a presentation by me which mentioned in passing cousin Islwyn Watkins. Here is the resulting tribute from Ken to his old friend.
A fellow South Walesian
Islwyn and I were friends virtually from the time I arrived in Knighton in 1985. Both being from South Wales, we immediately struck a rapport and later, when his father arrived to live with Dwynwen, he and I struck up a similar rapport and friendship. » Continue reading “A tribute to Islwyn His contribution to Knighton and beyond”
Bardic furniture poses a question or two Has the family a poet, and doesn't know it?
The will of great aunt Emma Jane Evans nee Scott has emerged out of the ether {1, 3}. This confirmed that cousin Joseph Gregory was indeed its named executor in 1961, even if he was described in the probate record as an ironmonger rather than in his more well-known musical role.
There are a number of other reasons why this document is of interest.
Who’s bardic chair (and desk)?
Clause 5 of the will contains this:
» Continue reading “Bardic furniture poses a question or two Has the family a poet, and doesn't know it?”to Rhoda Gregory of 286 North Road Cardiff the monies owing to me from the purchaser of 7 Park Crescent Barry … also my oak sideboard and my late uncle’s Bardic Chair and desk.
A fraud of a husband Court appearance throws light on family history
On first glance the attached newspaper article, about a fraud allegedly undertaken by William Walters, would seem to be just a background piece to the main family history. William was at one stage married to great aunt Phyl – Phyllis Amelia Scott.
By reading through to the end, however, three distinct lines of inquiry emerge which have a broader impact.
The cutting is from The West London Star, Friday 21st September 1934, under the column heading ‘Police Court News, Monday’ (sourced from British Newspaper Archive/ FindMyPast). » Continue reading “A fraud of a husband Court appearance throws light on family history”
Newspapers ablaze with minor family insights Passing educational references, and an indepth story
After some time without, getting access to the British Newspaper Archive – part of a (half price) FindMyPast Pro subscription – raises the dilemma of where to start researching. Perhaps firstly with those individuals in the tree most likely to appear in the news, and then close relatives to see if any notices, in the absence of news items, might add another angle.
The approach has already led to shining some contrasting light on youthful grandparents plus an interesting incident not of any great relevance to the family tree. » Continue reading “Newspapers ablaze with minor family insights Passing educational references, and an indepth story”
More than a musical footnote Joe Gregory, popular accordionist and band leader
Joe Gregory’s name crops up online from time to time, usually as a mention in the history of “the oldest record shop” Spillers Records in Cardiff. An album launch by big name rock band The Pixies at the shop got it (and Joe) page 3 attention in The Guardian (14th September print edition) {1}.
There’s not much on the web about Joe, accordionist and band leader originally from Bush Houses, Tonypandy and a first cousin twice removed, so here’s a start at collating what is out there and adding to it. » Continue reading “More than a musical footnote Joe Gregory, popular accordionist and band leader”