The Life and Times of Paul Chiddicks Part 1 – The School Years

Welcome to my story.............. After endlessly encouraging my Family History friends to document their own stories—along with those of their ancestors—I figured it was finally time to take my own advice! It actually feels a bit strange, almost like writing my own obituary. But at least by doing it myself, I get to decide what … Continue reading The Life and Times of Paul Chiddicks Part 1 – The School Years

Understanding Genealogical Sources — Seeing the Wood for the Trees

When I studied history at school I was introduced to the concept of sources. There were exactly three types: Primary Source “An artifact, document, diary, manuscript, autobiography, recording, or any other source of information that was created at the time under study. It serves as an original source of information about the topic.” Primary source, […]Understanding … Continue reading Understanding Genealogical Sources — Seeing the Wood for the Trees

The “Dunkirk Warriors” of 54 Squadron – Battle of Britain – July 1940 — Genealogy Jude

This year sees the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the decisive campaign by Fighter Command to defend Britain from invasion by the Nazis, held in the skies above southern England between July 1940 and October 1940. My own uncle, Gordon Herbert Batchelor, was a Battle of Britain pilot and one of “The Few” […]The … Continue reading The “Dunkirk Warriors” of 54 Squadron – Battle of Britain – July 1940 — Genealogy Jude

‘I Get By With a Little Help from My Friends’- #SelfIsolation Part 3

2020 Has been like no other year in my lifetime and probably in your lifetime as well. When the impact of the Corona Virus started to take off, earlier in the year, I like probably many of you, thought this would probably be a short lived thing, some short term pains and it would be … Continue reading ‘I Get By With a Little Help from My Friends’- #SelfIsolation Part 3

#52Ancestors Week 40 ‘Oldest’ The Life and Times of Henry William Goode Aged 102

At the grand old age of 102, I can safely say that Henry William Goode is my oldest recorded Ancestor, so let me tell you a little bit more about my 2 x Great Uncle Henry. Henry William Goode was born on 21st April 1874 in Bushey in Hertfordshire, the seventh oldest, of eight children … Continue reading #52Ancestors Week 40 ‘Oldest’ The Life and Times of Henry William Goode Aged 102