And now on the big screen…

Size really does matter when it comes to my family history research, so today I have upgraded my PC monitor from a 15″ to 19″.

I knew when I upgraded my copy of Family Historian earlier in the year that I was going to need a bigger screen, my tiny 15″ screen was really cramped when I tried to use the focus window and other parts of the program. It was something I lived with, saving the money for other things.

Last night on ancestry.co.uk I was looking at an 1861 census image for one of the FAIRS family in the new enhanced image viewer. It was then I realised that I really needed to get that bigger screen to really take advantage of all the facilities it offers.

So today, courtesy of my employers I came home with a second-hand 19″ screen, and before you ask, no I didn’t sneak it out under my jacket, it was all above board and legal.

This evening everything has been a lot more spacious on screen, everything seems to have a lot more white space and I am beginning to wonder how I put up with that small screen for so long!

It’s not you, it’s me (or why I have trouble committing to social networks)

I have still not joined GenealogyWise (and probably won’t now) and I am gradually spending less and less time on Facebook, and I will probably be gone from there completely by the end of August.

It seems that I am not the only one that seems to be losing interest in social networking. Many people cite the amount of time that it takes to keep up with updating everything. For me though I think it is a case of not really enjoying the whole process. If it was something that I enjoyed then I would find the time to do it.

So for example if I had to make the choice between spending an hour reading a book or an hour watching television, I would almost certainly choose to read a book, knowing I would enjoy that more and probably receive greater benefit from doing so.

It must be my personality, because whether it is walking or researching, in real life or online, I much prefer to build a relationship on a one to one basis than as part of a larger group. Basically I am a loner, I will walk for miles on my own (and I am mostly happy that way), but that doesn’t mean I don’t stop and chat to people, but I don’t think I could ever see myself going rambling as part of a larger group.

So what I am saying is that social networking doesn’t appeal to my solitary instincts, and if it doesn’t interest me then I don’t feel inclined to spend any time on it. I would rather be doing something I found more enjoyable.

I think there is a certain element of peer pressure involved, and I have never been one to do what was expected of me, so just remember if you don’t enjoy doing it and you don’t have to do it, then don’t bother doing it. Life is short enough already and I still have plenty of ancestors to track down (now that is my idea of fun).

Who Do You Think You Are? Kate Humble

Tonight’s Who Do You Think You Are? (WDYTYA) was episode three of the seventh series and featured Kate Humble, probably best known as a presenter on the BBC’s Springwatch and Autumnwatch.

This episode must surely be one of the most incredible episodes in the show’s history. Kate Humble is such a charming and down to earth personality and to share this incredibly emotional journey with her was truly remarkable.

The first part revealed the life of her grandfather Bill Humble, who turned out to be a famous test pilot, and a larger than life character. Kate was seemingly unaware of this famous ancestor’s exploits and was astonished to find herself almost falling over photos and recordings that featured him. As a family historian finding recordings and being able to talk to someone who knew and worked with an ancestor would be a dream come true.

Kate tearfully admitted that she was ashamed that she had not known all these years and more importantly not taken the trouble to find out, something which will be familiar to many a family historian I am sure (myself included) who only realise when it is too late what has been lost.

The next part of the programme turned to coal mining, and her ancestor’s connection with the industry, and the tragedy that caused a change of career for one ancestor. The heart breaking story of a terrible accident and loss of life took its toll on Kate, just as it had on her ancestor.

The third part concerned her mother’s father who had joined the RAF in the Second World War and ended up shot down and in various prisoner of war camps before ending up in the camp that was made famous in the film The Great Escape.

Kate learnt more about her grandfather’s role in the audacious escape plans and the events that followed with the help of the log book that her grandfather kept and his repatriation report at the National Archives.

It was only when she was over in Poland at the site of the camp with an expert on the subject that the true significance and importance of the contents of the log book were revealed.

Technically this episode was very much like the first episode featuring Davina McCall in that there was a strong focus on a few central individuals but not much actual family tree building. This time around I wasn’t so bothered.

I don’t know whether it was because I was caught up in the emotional story, or that the individuals were such strong characters of historical importance or just the charm and openness of Kate Humble. One thing is for certain, I think it is going to be a hard episode to beat. It seems that this series of WDYTYA just gets better and better with every episode.

The Picture Postcard Show 2009 is coming

As well as picking up a postcard of Framfield Church at the weekend I also got a copy of the latest Picture Postcard Monthly (more about that at a later date) which included several reminders that The Picture Postcard Show 2009 is fast approaching.

The Picture Postcard Show (also known as BIPEX, the British International Postcard Exhibition) is being held from the 3rd to 5th September 2009 in Westminster, London and is one of the highlights (if not the highlight) of the postcard collector’s year in Britain.

As well as a large selection of national and international dealers selling a wide range of postcards, the show also features a themed exhibition of postcards, this years theme is The Great British Seaside.

It has been a few years since I have attended, but I hope to make it this year on the Saturday, and when I run out of money I can always make my way along to the Westminster City Archives (less than ten minutes walk away) for a spot of family history research.

Full details can be found on the Postcard Traders Association website, and whilst you are there check out the photos from last years event, and marvel over all those cards on offer.

Framfield Church postcard – another new addition to my collection

Just when you thought you had heard the last about my visit to Framfield, Sussex in May 2009, I have found another excuse to post about the subject. Below is a recently acquired postcard of the interior of Framfield Church.

Framfield Church (postmarked 20th March 1913)

It was published by John Frisby of Uckfield and the postmark is from nearby Uckfield and dated the 20th March 1913. It was sent to Mr F [Fred] WREN of Cliveden Gardens, Taplow, Bucks by his mother, and also mentions Mary and Bertie (possibly Fred’s sister and brother?) in the message.

Interestingly my 3x great grandmother was Charlotte WREN from Framfield (1832-1909) so I am going to have to do a bit of digging and see if I am related to these people.

Naturally the interior of the church hasn’t changed a great deal, here is a similar view taken during my visit in May 2009.

Framfield Church (9th May 2009)