11/11

A hundred years ago, on November 11th 1913, who could have known what was to follow? Who would have predicted that the following year would see the outbreak of, not just a war, but a war of such huge impact?

Before the end of the war, just a few years later, everyone would know of someone who had been killed or injured in 'the great war.' Millions of lives had been changed forever; not just the dead, but the injured left behind, bore witness to what had happened between 1914 and 1918.

The poppy flowers continued to grow on fields that had seen death, a reminder of continuing life. And on November 11th, the guns fell silent.

Next year sees the hundredth anniversary of the start of the war - where were your ancestors in 1914?

Xmas Orders

Hey,
Just a quick reminder - if you want to place a Christmas order, I need to know as soon as possible,
See www.familyhistorybycerys.co.uk for more info on packages, costs, etc.
Bye for now!

Xmas Orders

Hi,
If anyone would like to order research a special Christmas present then please do so asap to allow me time to research and present the package/request. See www.familyhistorybycerys.co.uk for details.
Thanks!
Cerys

Link to a great photo

VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPHY: Mary Pickford in Dorothea Vernon 1924: via

I love old-fashioned photos, so I thought I'd show you this great one on the vintage photography blog

Living History

Today is the 100th anniversary of the Senghenydd mining disaster, which cost over 400 lives. Over 400 men who were working to feed their families were killed by an industry which took as much as it gave, and sometimes took more.

It was not the first accident, it was not the last, but it was the biggest. It might be nice though to remember the lives as well as the deaths; these men were brothers, cousins, sons, fathers. Many would have been English immigrants, as well as men born and raised in Wales, and men whose families were Welsh long before anyone could remember.

The industry shaped Wales, for bad, good, or simply neutral. The men mattered, even if it didn't always seem like it at the time.

The Gift of History

Hi everyone,

If you're looking for a special gift, then have you thought of giving someone you love their own family history? It's perfect for special occasions; particularly my branch or double-branch packages.

It might be just the thing for the parent, sister, friend, etc. who has everything this Christmas... but if you're looking for a Christmas present then I suggest ordering soon, the research takes time to complete so enquire early to avoid disappointment!

Details of my research service and how to order can be found at www.familyhistorybycerys.co.uk - hope I can help you give a truly wonderful present to someone special!

Bye for now!

Written Down and Passed Along

I was reading this earlier and trying to remember the last time I hand-wrote a letter. It was probably a couple of months ago - to someone who puts up with my letters on the understanding that I don't demand they write a reply. It gives me an excuse to use my cartridge pen and fancy stationary every now and then! Our ancestors (those who were literate) would have commonly written letters to family and friends in order to keep in touch. I just wish I had more excuses to get the fancy writing paper out!