So special finding where your ancestors breathed, walked and were then laid to rest. I would occasionally spend a few poignant moments just ‘being’ with mine. Very grounding.
I’ve just completed a wonderful Creative Writing course at Cambridge ICE and would love to hear more about the Virginia Woolf connection!
This is such a thrilling read. How exciting to find those graves (if you see what I mean - that feels like an odd thing to say!)…it’s very inspiring as we have ‘lost’ graves too, also in the south west. Looking forward to reading the next instalment!
This is totally fascinating, seeing how one thing has led to a million others! And my book and I get a mention too! Thanks so much … wouldn’t it be marvellous if dozens more people now go off to research fathers and mothers!
Coincidentally, Anne and Rachel, I watched yesterday Sam Mendes’ short documentary (on BBC iPlayer), What They Found, about the British Army cameramen who filmed the liberation of Bergen-Belsen in April 1945 and realised it was 80 years ago almost to the day. Includes footage of buildings being burned.
And yes, researching family history is both fascinating and rewarding. So important to join the dots.
Rachel, I really enjoyed this. I found the part about your grandfather’s Turkish background especially powerful — how identity can be completely remade across generations. You captured the past with such honesty and warmth. It made me think about how much disappears when we don’t ask questions while we still have the chance.
Astonishing how much your father as a child looks like Boris
Sitting in bed on a Sunday morning with a cuppa and Google maps zooming in on places mentioned … I loved this read Thankyou
My father had his tongue cut out by the Japanese during World War II. Never talked about it.
This is supposed to be a supportive “community” Simon! And I reply as one of your paid subscribers….
Old Tommy Cooper gag!
So special finding where your ancestors breathed, walked and were then laid to rest. I would occasionally spend a few poignant moments just ‘being’ with mine. Very grounding.
I’ve just completed a wonderful Creative Writing course at Cambridge ICE and would love to hear more about the Virginia Woolf connection!
Isn’t it. The collected letters of VW are eye opening - and so fresh and normal
I live in Lelant! I could have gone and looked for you!
Do you know the church well?
I walk past often but I'm not an attender. I live near the opposite end of Church Road near the station.
This is such a thrilling read. How exciting to find those graves (if you see what I mean - that feels like an odd thing to say!)…it’s very inspiring as we have ‘lost’ graves too, also in the south west. Looking forward to reading the next instalment!
Thank you - posting Saturday I think!
OH SORRY I snapped Simon
This is totally fascinating, seeing how one thing has led to a million others! And my book and I get a mention too! Thanks so much … wouldn’t it be marvellous if dozens more people now go off to research fathers and mothers!
This is a mere scrap compared to your magnificent book Anne and indeed your life’s work. Thank you
Coincidentally, Anne and Rachel, I watched yesterday Sam Mendes’ short documentary (on BBC iPlayer), What They Found, about the British Army cameramen who filmed the liberation of Bergen-Belsen in April 1945 and realised it was 80 years ago almost to the day. Includes footage of buildings being burned.
And yes, researching family history is both fascinating and rewarding. So important to join the dots.
Yes it’s 80 years this month. Astonishing. Just listening to Deborah Lipstadt on denialism…it’s real. Thank you, will find Sam Mendes film and watch.
What a story! I’m impressed by your grandfather’s service — and that of the ladies in your family too!
Thank you Andrew!
Rachel, I really enjoyed this. I found the part about your grandfather’s Turkish background especially powerful — how identity can be completely remade across generations. You captured the past with such honesty and warmth. It made me think about how much disappears when we don’t ask questions while we still have the chance.
Shabnam, you are kind -
Thank you for reading. This place is fun. X
Thank YOU