LANCASHIRE FAMILY HISTORY AND HERALDRY SOCIETY

 Rossendale Branch Newsletter June 1998

Members who attended our May meeting heard a very interesting talk by Mr A.V. James who read extracts from the diary of his grandfather Alexander Adams a Telegraph Engineer. Written in 1869, the diary took us from Haverford West in Wales, to London and on to Berlin, then overland and by water to St Petersburg, and Moscow, he travelled down the Volga and across the Caspian Sea with a final destination in Persia. The whole adventure was seen through the eyes of a lively young man, who not only described his journey with wit and humour he illustrated the text and supplemented it with his own original watercolours. Mr James is very fortunate to have received such a wonderful legacy.

The Society’s One Day Conference and Annual General Meeting was held 9th May, at the University of Central Lancashire. The Rossendale Group was represented by Rita Hirst, Valerie Maxwell, Marjorie Cross, Gillian Doyle and Frank Hargreaves. Also there, were many of our friends from other groups who regularly attend Rossendale meetings. We had two very entertaining talks by Roger Trunkfield, one was on the Quarter Sessions Records, the other was on the Heralds’ Visitations. In the afternoon Steve Pikestock from the Sealed Knot Society, gave us the background to the English Civil War and finished by telling us that many of our nursery rhymes date from this period. Fringe activities included the Book Stall, and the Microfiche Stall. Stephen Howarth demonstrated Computer Software. There were microfiche available for members wishing to search the 1881 census or the IGI. Eileen was ecstatic when she found her family on the Bentley Microfiche. The Lancaster Group have obtained copies of the Civil Registration Indexes and their search forms were made available. Know your Executive Committee. Chairman Terry Walsh Secretary Rita Hirst Membership Secretary Ted Palentine Treasurer Jim Topping Editor Hazel Johnson The above were all nominated and elected at the AGM, they may serve for no longer than 6 consecutive years. Each branch is also entitled to send a representative to the Executive meetings. The Executive meets quarterly at Preston.

Job vacancies. Are you interested in being the Society’s Senior Project Coordinator or do you have what it takes to be our Microfiche Production Officer. The latter job was undertaken by Stephen Haworth who has now stepped down. Both these officers are appointed by the Executive Committee and are responsible to the Publications Sub Committee. I have Job Descriptions available for any interested applicant. (It is voluntary work of course!)

A Family Bible was found at a Car Boot Sale by Mrs. Joan Lord, 16 Bent St. Haslingden. She would like to pass it on to anyone with a proven ancestral link. The names given are Ashworth and Barnes. ASHWORTH: James & Eliza. Children, John William Ashworth and James Lincoln Ashworth, born 1865. James Lincoln Ashworth died Nov. 25th 1869. BARNES Joseph Barnes son of Joseph, of Crawshawbooth married Sarah Ann GREENHOUGH daughter of Reuben Greenhough of Burnley 13 Oct. 1888. Children were Annie, Mary, Nellie, Fred & Ernest born between 1889 and 1899. Deaths are given for Sarah Ann, Fred and Ernest. These last 2 were twins who only lived a few days. Their mother died shortly afterwards, so I assume the Bible belonged to one of the girls.

Haslingden Heritage Weekend. Following the success of last years activities it has been decided to put on a similar event this year from Friday 3rd July - Monday 6th July. Members of the Haslingden Roots Research Group will be on hand to assist with local enquiries. If anyone is interested in helping us on the weekend, or if you can help with preparations in the church beforehand please let me know. We are hoping to display some interesting local pedigrees.

Yorkshire Family History Fair. You are reminded that this event will be held at York Racecourse on 27th June. Rossendale Ancestry. I am compiling information on The Boyson Family who came from Cambridgeshire to Crawshawbooth in 1861. All the Boysons in Rossendale are related to this family. I have the census returns but would be grateful for any register entries.

Hyndburn Local History Society have organised a number of local walks this year. Non members are welcome to join in. Historical notes will be available for purchase. Sunday 28 June. Around Rawtenstall. A guided walk led by Keith Burrows. Meet at the Weavers’ Cottage, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall. 2-00pm Sunday 9 August. Huncoat Village Trail. A guided walk led by John Goddard. Meet at the Griffin Head Hotel, Burnley Road, Huncoat. 2-00pm. Enquiries. Hon. Sec. Mrs. J.R. Green (01254-235511) or Mrs. Susan Halstead, Accrington Library (01254-872385)