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Jumping for joy

In FT September (page 56), I found a great help: ‘Twiglets’ by diarist Gill Shaw.

Generally I skim through items and if something takes my attention, I go back to the start to take it all in. I did just that with that article. Came to the word Openshaw and jumped for joy! It has been a head scratching time trying to find Openshaw in the various old and new maps in the house. Now I know it is a mile down the road from Gorton! Thank you so much for the help Gill Shaw.

My uncle, mum’s brother, married Lily Callaghan from Openshaw in August 1934. What a stroke of luck buying the issue in preparation for my doing a U3A family history class. I have always wanted to, though not had the time, to research my family. Especially as the only dates I have are of immediate family and my paternal grandfather. Here I am at 70 and no living relatives alive. Lucky to have a few photos that have helped and I am regretting not having taken more notice of things earlier. Though most of the older generation other than my mother and father had died before I was 10.

So to anyone who has not already done it – please do speak to your relations about their lives and their children etc. Even if you go no further back than your own grandmothers and fathers. It will be of interest for your grandchildren perhaps.

Oh! And do please put information on photographs. That’s how I have managed to gain some addresses and dates of my grandparents. When we are gone and the digital album is scoured for info, will it give you the help needed to even know who is in the picture least of all where it was taken?

Thank you again for the snippet of info that has helped me go forward even the tiniest bit – what a relief.

Anna Palmer

Editor: What