IN My VIEW

FAMILY history is not just about births, deaths and marriages – it’s about the stories of people’s lives.

The first bit of advice we give to people researching their family history is to speak to any elderly relatives they have to get as much information from them as possible.

These snippets of information can become the foliage on your family tree.

Look for any written records your relatives might have whether it be diaries or certificates.

Even something like an old address book might have a telephone number for someone that can help fill in the gaps.

Also, remember to take notes of everything you find and are told.

People can get very emotional when they discover their family history.

It’s very important to capture these memories and stories, especially when it involves the lives of people who have lived through historic events like the Second World War.

The bravery of those who served and the stories of what they went through are a lesson from history that will hopefully help future generations avoid similar situations happening again.

I have family members who served in the Second World War and it is terrifying to think what they encountered.

It can be very emotional retracing their steps and shows why it is so important to remember what they went through.

Walking in their footsteps, as Isobel did, gives you a sense of connection and makes the act of discovering your family history a more profound and emotional experience.