My Unexpected Gift
Inspired by Joanne Humphrey’s Star Letter in the September issue about being reunited with family treasures, I would like to share the story of my unexpected gift.
Earlier this year I was thrilled to receive a message via ancestry. co.uk from a Carol in Blackpool who had an old scrapbook that she believed belonged to my late Uncle Andy. Carol had been the custodian of the book for over 15 years having taken possession of it while clearing out the home of a friend following her death.
Carol had recently shared the scrapbook with local pupils learning about the First World War. Having recently signed up with Ancestry, she decided to hone her research skills and try to unite the book with a relative of Andrew Watson – and I am so thrilled that she managed to find me.
My siblings and I enjoyed some wonderful times with our aunt and uncle in Liverpool. They loved to show us the sights, including a trip to the zoo where I lost my beret to a cheeky monkey while doing ‘tipple over tails’ on the bar too near the enclosure. It is from
Uncle Andy that I learnt how to do joined-up writing and how to peel an orange with a knife. It is funny the things you remember, the small kindnesses, knickerbocker glories at Reece’s and Andy returning from work with sweets for me and my siblings.
I awaited the scrapbook’s arrival with great anticipation, and I can’t begin to articulate how much enjoyment I have gleaned from its 100 pages. The scrapbook holds cuttings from both local and national
newspapers referring to details of the First World War, the Royal Family (including the abdication) and my uncle’s sister who was a mezzo-soprano and performed in theatres including the Apollo in Liverpool. Also included in the book are employment references, letters from the war, and details of my uncle’s service, including the injuries he sustained as a consequence of his actions and the medals that he received.
I am so pleased that the book is now in my safekeeping, but just one mystery remains. Pages 85–88 are missing – no doubt the reason for this will remain a mystery forever.
Margaret Mawson, by email
EDITOR REPLIES: I wonder what was on those missing pages!