150th Newsletter
I was surprised when it was pointed out to me that this would be my 150th attempt to write a newsletter. I hope that you find some of my ramblings useful!
Facebook – Writing up Family History
There have been some interesting postings about the ways in which your Family History could be written up. Probably as many different suggestions as there are people. It seems that the best way can differ depending upon the intended readership. Some suggested including information about how you did it, some started with an individual and worked back, while others started with the oldest ancestor and worked down to the present day. Whichever way you choose make sure that all your hard work is not lost and is recorded for your descendants and relatives.
What do you suggest?
D Day
As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of D Day. What memories do your family have of this time? Were any of your family involved? I was only 4½ years old, but I can remember seeing American soldiers in Bristol. Many Americans were stationed in Weston, and I believe some camped in Ellenborough Park during the day but went out to the countryside at night. Others were billeted in Hotels such as the Cairo, and some with families like the evacuees.
Looking through the Weston Newspapers I came across this article – and there are others.
- Capt John Braithwaite lived at 35 Nithsdale Road. I think his mother was a widow, Mrs Emily D Braithwaite, born 22 Aug 1887. His father, Bernard Leigh BRAITHWAITE died just before John was born in 1919 – probably from Spanish ‘Flu. I wonder why the father was buried at Bitton? The mother was buried at East Brent.
Other Serving Soldiers
It was the first time that I saw my mother cry when my father was called up just before Christmas 1942. Of course, I didn’t know then that she was pregnant with my sister. My father was not involved in the Normandy Landings as his regiment was part of the diversionary attack in Italy on Monte Cassino in 1944. Like many others who served he did not speak of his experiences, so after his death I sent for his Army Record. When it eventually came, I discovered he spent his initial time in the Primary Training Wing. This letter had arrived at that time.
He wrote to me several times from there to explain what he was doing, and to encourage me to wear a gas mark and to eat up my food! He had previously served in the Home Guard. He was then transferred to the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry at the Infantry Training Centre where he trained as a signaller. I seems that my mother was telling tales!
I have many more letters from him, even after he was wounded - several in rhyme. Unfortunately, I do not have my mother’s letters. I was lucky in that he did come home – so many who were part of D Day did not.
Blitz in Weston
In October last year we were approached by the Royal British Legion to identify any relations or friends of those who died during the Blitz in Weston. We know that not all the people who are buried in the Cemetery were from Weston but they are keen to get as many there as possible. As I was involved in designing the notice on the Civilian Graves Plot I am including this in case you might spot a name which rings a bell.
Memorial Service in Weston Cemetery – 3.00pm, Sunday 9th June
If you would like to attend, please contact the Branch representative on 01934 709564 or e-mail r.potter60@talktalk.net
Saturday Help Session
A reminder that on Saturday 1st June our helpers will be at the Library from 2.00 until 3.30 to assist anyone with their research. You do not have to be a member to come along. The library has a great many items which can be helpful as well as the ability to use Ancestry and Findmypast.
North Somerset Archivist
If you find a document that you wish to consult is at the Somerset Archives (not everything is available online) the next visit of the North Somerset Archivist is on Thursday next. Thursday 6 June and then again on Thursday 5 September and Thursday 5 December. Sessions are open from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm, and from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm For more information contact somersetarchives@swheritage.org.uk Let them know what it is that you would like them to bring to the library – use their online catalogue to identify the document. https://somerset-cat.swheritage.org.uk/
New Releases from Ancestry
The Poor Registers for Scotland look like a complete set and some of you may also be interested in the England Cricket Players – I see that it includes Lauren Filer
New releases on The Genealogist.
https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/news/2024/
New releases rom Findmypast
https://www.findmypast.co.uk/blog/new/womens-navy-coastguard-records With the refurbishment of the Old Pier you may find something of interest in these records.
Prices of BMD Certificates
The prices of certificates and digital or PDF images have all gone up.
The online digital image at £3.00 (if available) is still the same as a cup of coffee!
The next Society Meeting
The next meeting will be on Wednesday 12th June and will feature the Agricultural Revolution of 1700-1850 with speaker Jim Pimpernell. It was important to achieve a high level of productivity and the old 3 field system was overhauled. As Somerset was predominantly agricultural-based many of our ancestor would have been working on the land. As usual the meeting will be at our Lady of Lourdes Church Hall from 2.30 pm until 5,00 pm. Visitors are welcome.
The next Zoom Workshop
I will be leading the next Zoom Workshop on Wednesday 26th June, and it will be about the Poor Law with examples from the Axbridge Poor Law Union and Axbridge Workhouse. I asked last month if anyone had specific queries about the way in which the poor were treated but I had few replies or comments posted. It’s not too late to add your queries if you have any.
Visit to Mendip Hospital Cemetery
In the last newsletter Jenny gave warning about a planned visit in September. Have you all replied to her?
Summer
It is now officially Summer so traditionally family historians go off researching the areas where their families lived. Don’t forget that you belong to a Society whose members would like to hear how you are getting on. Please post your comments and advice to other members which you think maybe helpful. | 
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