Author: john

Transports of Delight

As a family we have travelled far, and in many ways. This post describes some of the notable ways that family members have used to get from place to place – as well as being a nod to the CD by Flanders and Swann, whose comic songs, many on a transport theme,  were part of… Continue reading Transports of Delight

An engaging couple – Roger Lines proposal to Jane Box

My father proposed to my mother on Westminster Bridge so that he was in a convenient place to throw himself off if she said “no”. Fortunately  she said “yes”.  I think the actual proposal might have been on Christmas eve 1955, as my father was in Scotland and my mother in England for most of… Continue reading An engaging couple – Roger Lines proposal to Jane Box

A foray into fashion

Foray – A brief excursion or attempt, especially outside one’s accustomed sphereFashion – To make, build or construct, but also styles of clothing (Nineteenth Century Fashions)My Great Uncle George Braund was born in Lawhitton in Cornwall on 28th April 1812. His father, William Braund (1766-1840) was also from Lawhitton, and his mother, Mary Badcock (1772-1843)… Continue reading A foray into fashion

George Braund – The Biggest Thing In Magic

My Great Great Aunt, Anne Williams, was looked after by her Uncle George Braund (1812-1901), who had a son, George Percival Braund (1865-1933), and he in turn had a son  – George Roughton Braud (1903-1961). Like his father he went to Charterhouse School.On 28th July 1931 he married Kathleen Honor Mary Sessions, daughter of Harold… Continue reading George Braund – The Biggest Thing In Magic

Whatever happened to the Williams sisters ?

On 13th February 1825, in Dartford, Kent –  Joseph Williams, born around 1798 (but I don’t know where), married Christiana Badcock Braund, born on 2nd April 1803 in Lawhitton, Cornwall. She was the daughter of William Braund (1766-1840) and Mary Badcock (1772-1843).He was a Linen DraperThey had three daughters, Rosina, Annie and Christiana, all born… Continue reading Whatever happened to the Williams sisters ?

Answering the call – the Military and National Service of 14773046 – Signalman Lines R.

My father, Roger Lines, on reaching the age of 18 in May 1944, was conscripted into the Army, under the terms of the National Service (Armed Forces) Act 1939. Training He was initially send for Officer Training in Northern Ireland, but was not bossy enough, so was sent to train at Catterick as a Radio… Continue reading Answering the call – the Military and National Service of 14773046 – Signalman Lines R.

Christmas letter from Roger in India, 18th December 1946

This letter, shown as number 15 of the ones my father, Roger Lines, wrote to his parents, referred to as M&D. Unfortunately I do not have the others, which would have given some better record of his National Service. Most of the information I have relies on anecdotes from others. 18th ? December – letter… Continue reading Christmas letter from Roger in India, 18th December 1946

Happy Birthday, Tim – letter from Jalapahar, 29th August 1947

My father, Roger Lines, was posted to India for his National Service. I don’t know how much, if at all, he managed to return home during this time, but he did write several letters, some of which I have. This one is to his youngest brother, Tim to wish him a Happy Birthday. 29th August… Continue reading Happy Birthday, Tim – letter from Jalapahar, 29th August 1947

Robert Bryson and Sons of Edinburgh

Robert Bryson (1778 – 1852) was a Clock and Watch Maker of Edinburgh, as well as being Clock and Watchmaker to Queen Victoria and Co-Founder of what would become Heriot Watt University. He had four sons and two daughters Alexander Bryson (1816-1886) William Gillepsie Bryson (1818-1906) Robert Bryson (1819-1886) Margaret Muir Bryson (1821-1873) James Mackay… Continue reading Robert Bryson and Sons of Edinburgh