Preface

        I had been interested in tracing the family history for some years but like, it seems, so many others who embark upon this venture, I had neglected to make the early enquiries of parents, uncles and aunts until it was too late. My own father had spoken little about his family other than in casual conversation and by the time I set about my enquiries his memory had lapsed due to the onset of senile dementia. By the time I had thought about asking my mother she had suffered a severe stroke and was incapable of speaking so my knowledge of family history at that time, did not extend beyond personal memories of my maternal grandparents.

        At some time earlier I had sent away for a set of engraved goblets, proporting to show the family crest, but this turned out to be somewhat disappointing and I couldn't help feeling that it had been made up from the information which I had supplied, however there was some useful general information obtained, and of course, a set of goblets.

        I met my co-researcher Dorothy Hubbard (nee' Cufflin) following a visit to an uncle when he mentioned that he had recently attended her mothers funeral. I had known that my mother had one cousin, but this was the first I knew of any other relatives, so armed with Dorothy's address one day, I called to see her and explained what I was hoping to do. Dorothy was quite taken with the prospect and having recently finished work in a Leicester department store, found that she had some time available. So 1988 saw the start of our joint venture.