Christmas 2024 Orders Are OPEN!

 

Yes - as early as it seems, it's time to talk about Christmas!

Because those extra-special gifts take time, and in order to get one of my packages ready for the big day itself, I need you to get in touch by 6pm GMT on 25th October 2024.

This is the Very, Very, Last date I can accept Christmas orders this year - to allow me time to both create your package, and post it.

Earlier really is better, as it gives me more time to complete the research, and make your unique gift extra-special.

But, for those of you who would rather wait, I can arrange e-mail gift certificates right up until 1pm GMT on 23rd December.

- This also has the advantage of letting the recipient give me the information needed to start my research, which is handy if you're unsure on details.

The last date for postal gift certificates is 10am GMT on Tuesday 17th December 2023 - this means I can get them printed & posted by the last post date. I am not responsible for any postal delays.

My branch or double-branch packages really do make beautiful and thoughtful gifts, with the finished research coming in a lovely paperback book form (with other printing options available.)

For full details of my packages and services, see my website, familyhistorybycerys.co.uk

Those dates again, then:

• Final order enquiries: 6pm GMT, 25th October 2024

• Postal gift certificates: 10am GMT, 17th December 2024

• E-mail gift certificates: 1pm GMT, 23rd December 2024

And if you have any other family history research enquiries, don't hesitate to get in touch and get your family history journey started!

Who Do You Think You Are? - Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Olly Murs

 

Legendary Olympian Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill came to the Who Do You Think You Are? treatment eagerly, and that energy really infused itself in her episode.

First up we looked at the English side of her family, and the mystery of a mother (Jessica's great-great-grandmother) who left one day with a suitcase, and never came home.

Things in this story were complex - every time Jessica discovered an element of the story, it turned everything she had learned up to that point on its head.

(I love stories like this - it shows that there's always more going on than meets the eye!)

So, I won't go into too much detail because this really is one that needs to be seen as it unfolds to be truly appreciated, but it covers several difficult topics in a frank and non-judgemental way, and made the episode well worth the watch for this section alone.

The other half of Jessica's episode also dealt with some difficult topics, as she made her way to Jamaica with her father to investigate her side of the family.

The sad inevitably of finding enslaved people in her family tree didn't take the sting away for Jessica, but this story was, ultimately, one of hope and survival. It finished the episode well.

Singer Olly Murs' episode of Who Do You Think You Are? was truly fascinating.

Olly's grandfather originally came from Latvia, a country which I admit I know extremely little about - but more than I did, thanks to this episode!

What followed was a couldn't-make-it-up story that encompassed the circus, extra-marital affairs, war, and the horrors of the USSR.

At the moment, this is the stand-out episode of the series to me.

It's a story that's full of colourful and vivid details, as well as the tragedies of 20th Century history and the lives that got caught up in its wake.

..And that's before you even consider the circus stuff!

Ready to start your own family history journey? I offer a range of professional genealogy services, check out my website for more details.

Who Do You Think You Are? - Mel C and Rose Ayling-Ellis

 

Obviously Melanie Chisholm, aka Mel C, and Who Do You Think You Are? were made for each other - 

- or at least made for the obvious references to the Spice Girls song of the same name. 😉

Mel C's family were definitely unique - and showed an individual spirit that helped them move beyond the expectations of their stations in life.

From money-lending in Liverpool - kind of a slightly-more above-board loan shark service - to moving into insurance in the early days of the industry, Mel's family certainly weren't content to simply sit still.

This episode covered a wide-range of stories, including the history of the Irish potato famine, which led Mel's ancestors to emigrate to Liverpool in hopes of a better life.

Rose Ayling-Ellis' episode, which aired last Thursday, carried on the themes of independence and survival.

Actress and presenter Rose recently broke new ground in becoming the first deaf person to ever present a live TV sports broadcast.

Rose's episode saw her discover that her great-great-grandfather, James Wellend, had lost a hand due to an accident at work on the railways, at the age of 19.

The accident was pretty horrific, involving a reminder of just how big trains are, and how big the wheel of a steam locomotive can be. Ouch. Just... ouch.

As well as learning about James and his trouble with supporting his growing family - eventually ending up with 17 (!) children - Rose learned about a publican ancestor, and the Italian roots of her family.

Rose - whose Eastenders character tended bar in the Queen Vic - was clearly thrilled by both elements of her family's story.

Rose's personality really shone through in this episode - and made it very much worth the watch.

Ready to start your own family history journey? I offer a range of professional genealogy services, check out my website for more details.