Family History

I’ve been researching my family history for some time now and because its been ongoing for a while, information now arrives in drips and drabs. I did have a bit of fortune this weekend though as I’m a member of the FHSC (Family History Society Cheshire) and they had published a request of mine for anyone with information of the Gater name in Crewe/Nantwich region to please get in touch. One such person did just that and a whole array of information has just been opened up. Its such a good feeling to swap family stories with someone new who might be a connection to your family line. Anyway, emails are still flowing back and forth so I look forward to learning yet more about the Gater name and genealogy in general, (this chap who has contacted me has extensive experience as he’s been working on his family tree since 1959).

An unsweet chariot?

England RU team suffered on Saturday again against South Africa. The first half definitely showed promise and we even managed to equalize at one point, then in the second half it seemed we just ran out of stamina and let the game slip. It was certainly good to have Jonny Wilkinson back as a stomach bug has plagued the side over the last couple of weeks, and his influence shone through.  For full details on the game see: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/6716305.stm

The Apollo Landing…

Went to the OASI meeting last night. Not many people there, wonder if that had something to do with the Liverpool game??? Those that were there were looking at the half moon and Venus, by the time Jupiter was on the scene a large bank of clouds had covered the sky and observing was over for the evening. Some astrophotography was attempted and photo’s of the apollo landing site on the moon was the target. Unfortunately it was believed that this spot was probably on the shaded side of the moon, but some very good images were taken through the Tomline Refractor all the same.

DVD’s of Dr Allan Chapman’s recent lecture titled “That Clubbable Passion; the Amateur Astronomical Society” were available from the club last night, so those members that didnt make the lecture on 4th May 2007 can obtain a DVD by contacting Roy Gooding.

My first IPLUG meeting

I attended a meeting of the IPLUG last night (that’s, Ipswich Linux User Group) at the Milestone. Thanks to everyone for introducing themselves and recapping what has gone on before etc. I dont think the guys will mind me saying this but the meeting did seem a bit random, and I hope that in future there will be a bit more of a structure to the meetings. I was hoping to get some hints and ideas from this group, rather than purely a social gathering. We did get a look at Beryl all the same. Still, knowing that there are some very knowledgeable local people around for Linux is great - least I know who to ask all those techie questions to now (besides Simon in the Midlands). So I think I will attend the next meeting, providing parking isn’t so difficult to find next time. What was going on in town last night is a mystery but I had to park further away than I would have expected. So thanks to the IPLUG for letting me join them last night and I hope to see you next time.

Creative thinking.

I attended a Making Bead Jewelery workshop this weekend. I haven’t been creative in the area of Arts for a long long time and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. There isn’t much to making the jewelery itself but looking around the room at all the others, you can see how other people’s imagination takes flight. I look forward to part two of the workshop next weekend.

On another note about creative thinking, my husband is a self-employed plumber. He’s had meetings with a well known advertising company recently and is frustrated with their attempts to “bully” him into using their advertising techniques. Last year he was persuaded to take on bigger adverts with more graphics/colour and also took on an 0845 number. Apparently 0845 numbers are local rate calls but John has found the number of phone calls through this advertising company has dropped off over the last year. My suggestion was that not everyone is aware that 0845 numbers are local rate, I wouldn’t have known for instance, whereas a normal STD coded number would have probably got me to call. I only tend to call 08** numbers if the word “freephone” goes with it personally! So John is reviewing his advertising campaign this year and will try a competitor to this main company. On the subject of 08** numbers, you might want to read the blog on my friend Simon’s page for more conversation on the subject.

Take care everyone!

Drunken Books!

 

Hello

Well this is my first blog entry so I’m going to tell you a little bit about the private book club I always try to publicise when possible. A few friends in Ipswich got together and decided to put a reading group together, we’ve been going for just over a year now and have thoroughly enjoyed our monthly review meetings. We have our own website now (www.drunkenphilosophers.com) which summarises our book reviews, member profiles, etc. If anyone feels like taking a look and perhaps even joining us as a proxy member (book review and score submitted via email), then please do, we’d love to hear any comments!