Welcome to Funny Where Life Takes You…
Genealogy isn’t just about names and dates; it’s often about uncovering the rich tapestry of stories that connect us to our past.
After more than 20 years of exploring family histories – including my own – I’ve uncovered tales of triumph, love, loss, resilient determination, and unexpected twists that breathe life into the records.
Here are some of the fascinating stories I’ve uncovered – moments of triumph and tragedy, with forgotten voices brought back to life.
Latest stories:
- A Woman of Her Own Making
Catherine Dibben (1850-1934) rose from a poor Hayling Island childhood to running a successful boarding house and inspiring four generations of women - Discovering the Missing Mayhew Child
Lily Violet Dorothy Mayhew (1907–1942) vanished from the records as a baby, only to re-emerge as a young woman whose life was shaped by loss, work, and war - The Weight of Silence
A detour through Staffordshire leads to a profound encounter with history, humanity, and remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum. - Each Name a Story: The Lives Behind a Forgotten War Memorial
Fifteen young men, lost too soon, rediscovered from a forgotten Second World War memorial in Rochester. These are stories of courage, sacrifice, and the people behind the names - Luck of the Irish
Joseph Twohey (c1838–1913) an Irish-born soldier whose career spanned Crimea, India, and near-miraculous survival, honoured with Hayling’s first military funeral - A Ruptured Life
James Twohey (1794-1866) an Irishman who served with the British Army and endured hardship in India before being discharged through injury - A ‘desperate state of things’
Alexander Cameron Brock (1855-1898) a forgotten family story, uncovered through hospital archives, reveals the quiet tragedy of a Victorian doctor lost to mental illness - The Good Mother
Leah Ellen Mayo (1847–1927) a young widow, navigated poverty, prejudice, and impossible choices – then reinvented herself to keep her family together - A Voyage of Controversy
Peter Poulton (1925–2004) sailed aboard HMS Pickle during the historic 1946 voyage that marked the end of Sarawak’s White Rajahs
I’m always uncovering new stories – subscribe to be notified when the next one posts.
Do any of these names or stories sound familiar? Maybe we’re connected. If you know more – or just want to say hello – please get in touch.
Why I Write These Stories
Because every story deserves to be told. Every voice matters.
Pass it on, pass it on
Billy Bragg ‘Pass It On’ (2021)
Teach them the words of your song
Voices fall silent but memories live on
Those we remеmber are nevеr gone
Let’s carry their stories forward, so they are not forgotten.
