Genealogy Chat

Hi Kim I have seen that website, I keep going back to have another look. I went to the cemetry on Saturday with my Mum. And we must have looked at every Gravestone but not one name rang any bells. So it's a trip to St Marys I think. Most of my family came from Bitterne so I think that is the cemetry where a lot of them are buried. Went to the Stoneham Lane church on Saturday but I think it was too far from bitterne really. Thanks Debbie

Hi Debbie I'm from Hythe, living in Bitterne Park, but my parents moved down here from the Midlands so none of my family history is local. Bitterne local history society have a website at www.bitterne.net, you could try that. Good luck with your cemetery visit. Love Kim

Hi Kim Yes, I am in Hampshire in Eastleigh, I do know about the Bitterne History society. But I am the sort of person that is a worried about meeting new people and get a bit tongue tied. And soon I will venture out to Bitterne only up the road a few miles. I just get really panicky. I am actualy going out tomorrow to a cemetry which I havnt done before but taking my Mum. And hopefuly go onto the St Marys cemetry in Southampton. See thats my trouble I dont go to Southampton I get really nervous. Thats why I am taking my Mummy. I sound a real baby. Thanks for your advise I will get there one day. Where do you come from? Debbie

Hi Debbie Are you aware of Bitterne Local History Society? They are very active and have a shop locally. I'm sure they would be able to help you if you haven't already tried. Not sure where you are in hants, but if you're not in the Bitterne area, I am and could find out contact details for you. All the best Kim

Helen Thanks for that, for the time being I still have the book and have to take it back to the library next week but I think I have renewed it 4 times now and until someone wants the book I can keep renewing it. So I still have a bit of time with my favourite book of all time. But yes, I feel safer with a cheque so that is what I am going to do. Thanks Debbie

Hello, Just been reading your story, absolutely fascinating. Amazon is a very good site and is secure, I've ordered books and things from them with no problems, but if you're concerned about putting details on the 'net, go for a cheque. Helen

Janet Thanks for the tip there were 2 on there one was £12.50 and the other was £25.00. Then I went back to amazon which was £10.95 and realised they take cheques and debit cards. So I never feel safe giving my debit card details to a site I have never used. And are Debit cards safer that Credit Cards? Thanks Debbie

Check to see if the book is available secondhand on abebooks.Its a bit like e-bay for the secondhand book trade.

Thanks Christine Well that counts that out as I dont use Credit Cards. I am hoping to join a history society in the area so I might inquire there if anybody has an old copy. Thanks Debbie

Have just asked Hubby (he has ordered books from Amazon and says yes he feels sure the only way is credit card. Chris

Hi Samantha Have checked Amazon out and might order it, but dont you need a credit card card to set up an account. I am not sure. thanks for that Debbie

Check out AMAZON Debra, the book is £10.50, I would want a copy to keep if I were you. Sam

Hi Ann I do have a Digital camera I never thought of that. And I have to take the book back next week so I will ask them to see if they can copy it for me. Thanks Debbie

Debbie, Exciting news. Why don't you ask the library for help. Ask them if they can copy the picture for you, tell them your story. Offer to pay for it.. They can only say no. Have you got a digital camera? Try taking a photo of the picture with it if you have, might be able to get something. Ann Glos

Hi Debbie, I imagine your letters may eventually turn into phone calls, makes life a little easier on the hands, lol! Going to America would be wonderful, although he doesn`t live anywhere near Disneyland, so the kids (and hubby) would moan a bit! My new cousin is actually over here this week, but we have no chance of meeting up, as he`s over for work (he`s in the air force), and will be stuck on the base all week! :-( Rebecca

Hi Rebecca It does feel good when you find a new cousin, Only trouble is as he says in his letter that he has a computer but he does not know how to work it. So I think my hand is going to be worn out but it does feel really nice to recieve a letter. I mean when a little envelope arrived on the doormat I thought to myself who on earth would right me a letter havnt had a personaly written one for absolutely ages. And it felt really good. Perhaps you can visit your new cousin in America one day now that would be good. I think I have worked out that this man is a fourth cousin as well. Debbie

Hi Debbie, What wonderful news! Don`t feel that you have nothing to offer, he may have nothing on your particular branch of the family, or have some gaps that you can fill in. In most cases, it`s just enough to know that you have a "new " relation (especially one thats also interested in family history!). I recently made contact with someone in America that is researching my maiden name. Turns out we are actually 4th cousins! Emails are now flying back and forth, mostly about our lives and families, but I`m sure we`ll talk about our ancestors eventually! Rebecca :-)

Well I thought I would let you know about how I got on. I sent a letter to Mr Abrahams and yesterday I recieved a wonderful letter but it was not from him. It turns out even though he has the same surname he is not related but he handed the letter to someone else who was, a Mr Abraham. Anyway it works out he is the cousin of my Great Grandmother Rose, if Rose was still alive she would be 138 So I do not know yet how old this new distant cousin of mine is. Anyway it was fasinating he told me that my GGGG Grandmother in 1827 her husband died leaving her to bring up 2 sons and 1 daughter 5 7 and 8 in 1837 after a hard life the oldest son Thomas stole a Sheep and was transported to Van Diemens Land Tasmania. And the poor mother was sentenced to 6 months hard labour. This is the first ever story I have found from my ansestors and it is so exciting. Aparently the story continues upto the end of the century. He wants me to write or phone him to swap stories and photos. Thats my problem though I feel as though I have nothing to offer him I have one photo of Rose and absolutely no Stories to tell. So I think I will probably write to him with the names I have. And the book I got out of the library is a picture of my GGG Grandmother and it wont let me scan properly so I am going to have to try and buy the book from somewhere. I have renewed it 4 times now. I could say I have lost it and they could charge me LOL. Anyway that is my story so far I couldnt sleep last night as it was all going round in my head. Thankyou for listening Debbie

I will let you know if I recieve a reply, it will be like waiting for a certificate I expect and that is something none of us are very good at. I ordered a certificate from my local registry office on monday and it arrived today which is a long time for me. No patience Debbie

Yes Debbie, let us know how you get on. Jeanette