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Martha Mallyon – ferocious granny
By Christine Swan I was so privileged to have been able to spend time with my mum’s eldest sister, Ethel, in her latter years. She was an incredible lady who loved to recount her…
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A grand voyage in 2018 – Catania to Valletta
By Christine Swan At the allotted time, I left the cool port building in Catania to board the coach to the southern port of Pozzallo. It arrived at the port’s rear entrance on time,…
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Charles Humphrey – Agricultural labourer
By Christine Swan I have previously written that all of my ancestors appeared to gravitate towards London from their origins. I don’t think that either of my parents fully appreciated that fact although, my…
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A grand tour in 2018 – Rome to Catania
By Christine Swan It is my experience that Italians are enthusiastic rail users for travelling long distances. The trains and stations are busy and the fares affordable. If Romans wish to visit relatives in…
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Charles Robert Apthorp – Potman, billiard marker and grocer
By Christine Swan Charles Robert was one of a large family of West End Apthorps living in what is now, the heart of theatreland in London. He was born in 1850 in Long Acre,…
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A grand voyage in 2018 – Venice to Rome
By Christine Swan It appears to be just a short hop from Venice to Rome but, in reality, it is about half way down the boot of Italy, plus the width around the calf…
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Rebecca Bull – kindness personified
By Christine Swan My great grandmother, Rebecca Bull, was born in Bristol in 1870. The family lived near the city centre, in the area where the Cabot Circus shopping centre now sits. Her father,…
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A grand voyage in 2018 – Venice by rail
By Christine Swan My late daughter decided to study abroad for one year as part of her degree in English Language. She was disappointed that she had been unsuccessful in applications to study in…
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George Betts – purveyor of whatever people need
By Christine Swan My father was exceedingly fond of his grandfather, George Betts. He advised him during his formative years and, while my grandfather worked long hours as a nurse. Dad travelled around with…
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At Dennis Severs’ House
By Christine Swan In 2017, I was carrying out some Continuing Professional Development for teachers of Computer Science on the topic of Object-Oriented Programming. My materials had been rigorously checked prior to the day…
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T. B. Brydge – Music Hall veteran and charity campaigner
By Christine Swan Thomas Bold Bridge married Elena Ann Crudgington on the 10th March 1883 at St Peter’s Church in Bethnal Green. For Elena, this was her first marriage but for Tom, this was…
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At Worcester Guildhall
By Christine Swan On Wednesday I was fortunate enough to be invited to take a look behind the scenes at Worcester’s historic Guildhall by the current Mayor, Louis Stephen. As soon as a I…
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Awful Rigours and Wretched Pay 