Chance Encounter

Fletcher wandered down the street of Alexandria, Egypt heading towards the noise coming from the pub. His ship had landed early this morning and he had been given a few hours to unwind before his war started. He noticed a vacant stool at the bar and took up his position ordering a beer. “Hello” said …

Upside Down

I was born in 1847 in Larbert, Scotland, a little town halfway between Glasgow and Edinburgh.  When I was 4, my dad was transported to Australia.  My mum told me that we might never see him again.  However, now I am 12 and we have arrived to live with dad, in a small place called …

The Census Collector

Samuel finished giving his details to the Census Collector “I’ll get Jonah, my boarder for you.” Samuel entered the kitchen to find Jonah sitting with his head in his hands.  His two children sitting quietly next to him.  He touched Jonah on the shoulder “Jonah you’ll need to go give the man your details.” The …

The Letter

The screen door slammed behind Gladys as she came running into the house. “Gladys!  Shut the door gently!” her mother called from the kitchen, where she was making lunch. Breathlessly Gladys said, “The mail was in.  There is a letter from Hilton.” Edith wiped her hands on her apron and reached for the letter.  It …

Diploma of Family History

Over the past 15 months, I’ve been undertaking the University of Tasmania’s (UTAS) Diploma of Family History.   Having done my own research off and on for many years, I considered myself quite knowledgeable.  I wasn’t sure how much I would get out of this course.  I have been pleasantly surprised with the new knowledge …

My Genealogy Journey

For many years my ancestors have held great interest for me.  I don’t know whether it was because we lived on the opposite side of the world to my dad’s English family.  Or because we lived on the opposite side of Australia to my mum’s family.  Whatever it is I have always wanted to know more. …