Genealogy Chat

Had to record it - so am off to watch it.

Trevor, It was only when I saw your message,that I remembered the programme,caught the last 15 mins.I wonder if there will be a repeat as I would love to see it,can you jog memory?---Lucy. Best wishes to Amanda.

Trevor, it was a great programme and at times I found it very moving. Your family, by taking part, have done their bit to promote family history. Many people give me a strange look when I mention my interest in genealogy. Hopefully more people will understand now that there is a bit more to it than collecting bits of paper. I expect to see an increase in family history research becasue of the T.V. series. It can only benefit us all. We all have our stories to tell. Thanks to your family for telling us theirs. Kathy

Trevor has updated his thread on the General Board with a bit more info. Maz. XX

I think the series is brilliant, I have been meaning to look into my family tree for ages and this was just the inspiration I needed. Not only am I learning about people who I have never met, I'm also talking to other family members more than I ever have!

I thought the programme was brilliant. Very moving and honest. Especially when Amanda's mother said that she didn't want to answer the questions, but did so anyway. I know Amanda didn't do her own research, and it isn't as easy as they made it look, but that isn't the point. The programme, to my mind, is about explaining how important this kind of search can be to someone. And Amanda came across as just an ordinary person, overwhelmed at the discovery of family information she was previously unaware of. and shedding unexpected tears after contact with a lost relative. I shed unexpected tears when I recently received the medical history of a great aunt who was in an asylum in Australia for most of her life. I never knew the woman, but her life was so sad. I understand the emotion. Brilliant --more please!! Wendy

Hi Trevor I watched the episode the other night and thought it was brilliant. The end made me cry, esp when the scouse daughter (sorry forgot her name) of Cyril met everyone at the reunion. She was so overwhelmed and all because of yours and Amanda's hard work. I felt so sorry for Cyril being abandoned in Falmouth,and the fact that Amanda's mum and brothers missed out because of the action of 1 man. (The step dad) Made me wonder how many other children were treated in this way. The only niggle I would have is with the program makers, they make it look very easy to go to this place and that place to find info, but as we ardent geneaologists will know, it's not that simple.I have discovered a huge skeleton in my family tree and by not talking about it has caused huge problems from generation to generation. Anyway congrats on the prog it was great and very moving. Kind regards Catherine

Have just read everyone's remarks about this prog. and I desperately want to watch it. Slight problem in being in the U.S. Hopefully BBC America will pick it up. When does it air and when does the series end. I will be in England from 10 November for 10 days. Will I still be able to see it? At least once. Christine in New York.

I've watched that episode twice (recorded it onto DVD), but there's a few things I don't understand because I'm fairly new to Genealogy... 1) How did they know the Grandfather (James St. Legger?)travelled between Ireland and Cornwall on a trade route? 2) Did Cyrill have his name changed FROM Herrington TO Pilling(s)? If so, wouldn't he have died under Pilling(s), and why were they searching the Census for a Pilling(s) as possibly being his Father? 3) They never explained what an "Illigitimate child" means, but I assume it just means being a bastard, ie. born from parents who were not married at the time? In Cyrill's case, he was given the surname Herrington, to match the new boyfriend/husband (William George?) who had taken him on as a child? You see, I was confused if this factor had anything to do with being "Illigitimate", as well as whose surname you are given etc... In those days, they seemed to make such a big deal about it, so I thought it must be more complex... Also, what is the difference between having the Father's name blank on a birth certificate and having no certificate? Does this mean Cyril was not registered at all? Confusing... My book doesn't tell me anything about that... Maybe I misunderstood a few things, so I might have to watch it yet again... Hey Trevor, would you be generous enough to let me view your tree?