SOG and London, then back to Ashford

Sat 26 Apr

After a very good breakfast, over to SOG for two 'half-day' classes. 

First up was John Hanson on Best Free websites.  Got a big hug when I went in, said he wondered if it was me when he saw the name on the list, & pointed out that I had not let him know I was coming over. Enjoyed the course, it was far more in depth than when he does a one hour talk, or the 45 mins they give the speakers at Olympia, and much more worth-while.He even included a few sites for NZ & Australia. He certainly is a good speaker, and had a vast knowledge. 

Then a quick lunch before the next one with Celia Heritage on using Death Records

She wrote a book last year on getting the best out of them which was so good I bought my own copy, after deciding that the NZSG might not like it if I defaced theirs by highlighting everything (they're funny like that!). She covered a lot of different types of records, and gave us a good summary along with examples of everything she talked about. She also mentioned good books on many of the different aspects, including the NZer Michael Whitfield Foster, who wrote the excellent ‘Comedy of Errors’ about the English GRO system. (Memo to self: it is time to read this again.)

Afterwards there was still about 40 mins before the library closed, so I raced upstairs and looked up a few references to Bermuda, as Kim’s ESTLAKE family appeared to have been there in the 17thC. Found some of them, and scribbled furiously until they threw me out, then went home – on a lovely balmy spring evening - & typed it up for her during the ad breaks in Grand Designs – they have a rerun of the series that was screening when I left, so with any luck I will be able to keep up to date with it.

Sunday 27 Apr

Up early, sorted out all my papers, which were getting somewhat confused, then packed. After breakfast I went off to Oxford Terrace then walked down Regent St to Gt Marlborough where there were no ‘house’ numbers on any of the shops, and none open. Can‘t imagine it was this posh when my lot lived here anyway, might have to find some old pics on the net some time.

 Then on the way from there to Grosvenor St for another pic, I came across St George, Hanover Sq. There is a possibility I have been here before - probably 20 years ago - so I went in & took some pics I can transfer to Legacy (family history program) without having to scan any old ones. As an added bonus, I got to enjoy listening to the choir practising. 

The church was built in 1724, and dedicated in 1725. Around the base of the upper floor are panels with the names of all the rectors and churchwardens  - lots of Earls and Lords and Sirs among the latter. With hindsight, I should have focused my picture of those on the ones who were in office when my Henry CLEAL was married there. 

On to Grosvenor Street to take a photo for a friend, and this one looks more the thing. Lucky for some!

Bakerloo Line to Waterloo, only to discover that Waterloo East is closed, so back on the Underground to London Bridge Station, thence train to Ashford, & taxi to the Cornerstone B&B, 25a High St, in the middle of town.

A fabulous 15thC place, originally an inn – it appears in a book of old houses of Ashford. Room 8, ground floor, en suite. Great old fireplace although the inside has been plastered over. Old beams everywhere. Small cupboard, deep window.

Five mins walk to anywhere. Church open every day, mornings there are stewards on duty. Both Library & Tourist Info have shifted since I was here, but the signs haven’t been changed – evidently it costs $8000 per sign (old Victorian-style gold on black ones), & there are 29 to alter.

Reading: Unseen Academicals (Terry Pratchett again)