RootsChat.Com
England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Lancashire => Topic started by: michel51 on Thursday 15 November 07 23:39 GMT (UK)
-
Moderator comment: topic split by request
Following on from: Are You Sitting Comfortably Part 2 (http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,261935.0.html) and Are You Sitting Comfortably?? Then I'll begin!! (http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,206958.0.html) The original topic!
I just called in to see the pics. Thanks for posting those Edna and please thank your sister for taking them.
Perhaps Michel should send a picture of himself as he started this whole "adventure"
And here is done!
please, be indulgent...
Michel
-
Lovely to see you Michel.
This has been a wonderful thread to follow.
Thank you so much.
-
Hi Michel
Its nice to put a face to the name and a very handsome face too and now we can picture you for if and when we meet up.
Its good to know that the inscription on the stone is not damaged and to know what is said on it so thank you Graham for risking injury to tell us.
My own family in Liverpool were offering to go turn the stone over until Annies wise words of caution made me stop them from doing so as this should be done under authorisation and supervision of the church.
Edna
-
You look like a lovely man Michel - I was expecting an elderly gentleman and you look very young! ;)
Graham, I'm amazed that you were able to move the stone - I hope you haven't done yourself a mischief!
-
Good morning Michel.
So good to see the man who started this quest with his ambition to re-unite the war token. My thanks for looking after it so well.
Graham hope you are not suffering you exploits lift the stone but many thanks for the conformation as we now know Roberts resting place.
Mary the church looks lovely many thanks for attending so many of us were with you in spirit ...who knows maybe even Robert was watching over it all.
Tazzie
-
Brilliant story, Lovely pictures,
Thanks to everyone, most enjoyable, thread.
Rabbit B ;D
-
How lovely to see you at last Michel ...and standing so aptly overlooking a bridge ..uniting us all in our search for Robert. The spirit that has been so evident on this thread has been truly a humbling experience.. Thank you everyone ... I shall treasure being here the moment it all came to such a fruitful end.. God bless
Poll :-*
-
sorry I have removed the message as it somehow got posted to the wrong topic
Edna
-
I just called in to see the pics. Thanks for posting those Edna and please thank your sister for taking them.
Perhaps Michel should send a picture of himself as he started this whole "adventure"
And here is done!
please, be indulgent...
Michel
Michel. That is one impressive driveway you have there.
I think the pond at the bottom of the garden is a bit much though. ;D
Well done Michel you are a Gentleman.
-
I was talking to my sister over the weekend and she has suggested getting in touch with the British Leigon as she was talking to someone about this thread and they said as he was a soldier in WW1 then they may repair it.
Has anyone made any contact with the suggested army people to get it raised or has Graham made any progress with the church.
There was talk of getting the media interested and no more mentioned on it
Have we come to a standstill or are things going on in the background
If things are at a standstill can we get it moving again before interest wanes
What are your thoughts friends
Edna
-
I did contact the photographic department of the IWM to ask if they had an official ,captioned group photograph which may show Robert Wm.Stead with others and am now awaiting a reply.
Last year, I was lucky enough to find one in which there was my father taken on 2nd September, 1918 at Douverain Camp, BETHUNE, France...Michel's teritory, I think.
I was able to purchase a few of them and gave one to his regimental museum who did not possess that particular group.
The IWM have copyright laws which need to be read in case luck is on our side and there is a photo of Robert .
The cost is very reasonable £5 per copy plus postage.
Norah
-
The followinghas just arrived from the IWM photographic Dept:
Thank you for your enquiry regarding a group photograph which features
Robert William Stead.
I am afraid that we do not appear to have any such photograph in our
collection.
Group photographs are often difficult to locate as they would have
usually been distributed privately. The main bulk of our First World
War collection consists of British Official photography taken on the
fronts rather than formal photographs of individuals or regimental group
photographs.
We do receive private donations of photographs that occasionally have
group photographs accompanying other material, but with this particular
soldier, I am afraid that we do not appear to have anything.
I would have recommended contacting the appropriate regimental museum
for further assistance but it appears that you have already done this.
It is a long shot, but it still may be worth contacting the National
Army Museum at Chelsea in London as they have a photographic collection
there.
I am sorry not to be able to help you any further on this occasion.
Yours sincerely,
Laura Clouting
Laura Clouting (Miss)
Curator
That is a blow but it may be worth sending an E Mail to the National Army Museum
Norah
-
Today is Thanksgiving Day !
I'm grateful for so many things today ..... finding Robert is one of them !
Thanks to all who had the "sticktoitiveness" to keep on going - when things looked bleak !
and thank you to you too Robert ........ for letting us find you under the stone !! :)
Annie :)
-
Happy Thanksgiving Annie,
You are the best of all us !!!
Michel
-
Happy Thanksgiving to our friends in America.
I thought you may like to read this heart warming story similar to this one
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/7098429.stm
Edna
-
Hello Edna,
It is really a beautiful and moving story, thank you very much for showing it to us.
Michel
-
Last year, I was lucky enough to find one in which there was my father taken on 2nd September, 1918 at Douverain Camp, BETHUNE, France...Michel's teritory, I think.
Hello Norah,
Indeed Béthune is just 10 km far away from my home.
I wondered if "Douverain" camp is not in fact "Douvrin", a small town also near La Bassée.
Michel
-
Oh Edna, that's lovely.
I have always thought that our tag, if it could not go to a descendant, should go into a Regimental Museum, a Military Museum, or to the museum in the town where he lived, to bring it home, so to speak.
-
Last year, I was lucky enough to find one in which there was my father taken on 2nd September, 1918 at Douverain Camp, BETHUNE, France...Michel's teritory, I think.
Hello Norah,
Indeed Béthune is just 10 km far away from my home.
I wondered if "Douverain" camp is not in fact "Douvrin", a small town also near La Bassée.
Michel
-
Michel, there should have ben something underneath the quote
I will check to see if I have made a mistake in the spelling of Douverain. It seemed that there was a good chance we could get a similiar group photo which showed Robert and it was bitterly disappointing that one was not found. It seemed that by finding the gravestone of Robert that we may have been on a winning streak.
It was a pleasure to see you in person..so to speak
Best Regards
Norah
-
Michel
The information I have is Douverain Camp but it may be a mistake as Douvrin is a near spelling..Norah
-
Good Evening Norah,
I have checked and there was a British military camp at "Douvrin" which is very close to the famous "Béthune to La Bassée Road", well-known in the First World War history on the western front .
Michel
-
Thank You ,Michel. It rather looks as if the Douverain that I was given was in fact the name you know. It may have been easy to interpredt the spelling wrongly.
My dad died in 1982 but I was really pleased to have the group photo last year especially as some of my nephews had suddenly shown an interest in his servcie in WW1 which was gratifying because we, of this age, who were born after 1918 would prefer that families do not forget the sacrifices they made by so many at that time.
With sincere Best Wishes
Norah
-
Hi All,
Nothing to do with Robert, but I thought you might enjoy this story too
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7118650.stm
Cheers
Tony
-
Isn't it lovely to think that some people are going to such lengths to get things back to their rightful owners, and not keeping them for themselves...
-
Brilliant story Tony h,
That just goes to prove that there are honest people in the world after all. What a heartwarming story!
Rabbit B :)
-
This has been a marvellous thread. Congratulations to you all.
Good to read about the ring and the bag too. It shows that people STILL care.
-
Friends
We have come this far so lets not the thread lose its Glory
I have written to Graham and Michel privatly
We have all Christmas in our minds but Robert is still in our hearts and those who are watching this thread but staying silent want to re unite the tag belonging to Robert to his family and if this is not possible then to place it in the hands of a museum that has WW1 soldiers memories on display.
Everyone who has been involved in this thread especially Annie and Michel and all of us lurkers who wish to bring Michels quest to the conclusion it deserves need to see it to its fruition
Edna
-
Yes indeed, Edna.
As one of those who has been cheering from the touchline, I think that now, it seems that there his no one to give the tag to, and I would like to see it, along with print outs of these threads for reference, to be handed over to a museum, local to where Robert is buried/was born, hopefully to be displayed. Or it could be archived in the Imperial War Museum, London.
http://www.iwm.org.uk/server/show/nav.00100a
-
I second that idea Paula, that way it would be preserved for posterity, along with all other items from World War 1
The Imperial War Museum sounds like an excellent idea if there is no suitable WW1 Museum in Liverpool.
Rabbit B
-
Well my opinion is this ..... ( for what it's worth ! )
Michel has had that special tag for over a quarter of a century ..... and a few more days - weeks even months isn't going to make any difference !
First of all as we haven't been able to find any close relations ... I believe it belongs to Michel ... to do with as he pleases !
This has been like his "baby" and none of us have any idea of what this means to him .... I'm sorry to say that museums would just "put it away" and it probably would never again see the light of day ! .... very nice for them to have but ..... as it has no monetary value .... they really aren't interested !
Sentimental value is far more important to us as family historians !!
So let's let Michel decide .... he's the one who has loved it all these years .... !!
Seriously - I don't think it's any of our business !!
Annie :)
-
Annie
Sorry if I have offended you with my big mouth but of course you are right in what you say
Edna
-
Annie
Sorry if I have offended you with my big mouth but of course you are right in what you say
Edna
Oh Edna ... of course I'm not offended !! please don't think that ...
I was just saying what I thought !! ......
But as long as we're fantazising .... ::) ... I think it would look lovely framed .... with a French inscription and hung next to the WW1 Roll of Honour at St Peters !!
Annie :)
-
Hello friends
I have heared from Graham verger of St Peters and the church are currently trying to raise money for Church restoration so can not correct the gravestone of Robert but they intend to write a story in the webpages of Michels quest to find the relatives of Robert to see if anyone comes forward so keep an eye to the web page of the church as mentioned in Part Two of the thread.
He also says that he has spoken to someone about the raising of the gravestone and it would need mechanical lifting equiptment so very expensive Im afraid friends
Thank you Graham for your reply
Edna :'(
-
Thanks for the update Edna !!
It's an expensive business isn't it ??
Maybe we should leave it be .... I'd hate for us to spend a fortune getting it righted - only to have it fall over and break or something !! :-\
I'll keep watching St Peters website !!
Annie :)
-
It would be nice to have it turned, with it's face to the sun, though...
-
Hello everyone,
I have just spent nearly a whole day catching up on 5 weeks of messages as I have suffered two computer breakdowns and a bad back since I last visited!
I wish I had been here through the excitement of St Peter's as I am less than 15 minutes away and being a Churchwarden myself would have loved to have helped out. (I missed our own memorial Service in November because of my back but it is always a beautiful and touching service and our Church is always full).
Nevertheless you found all the information between you with Edna and her sister's help and I congratulate you all. When I first found this thread in June 2007 I was so impressed by all your hard work and I still am now. Well Done everyone!
I hope Robert's medal finds a final and fitting resting place in Liverpool.
Lynne
PS Did the BBC ever run the story as mentioned in November?
-
Hello again friends
Behind the scenes just before Christmas I wrote to the British Legion to see if they would be able to help with the cost of restoring the grave to its rightful position and they referred me to the war graves commission and here is their reply below
I am sorry that we are unable to assist with your request to repair the headstone marking the grave of Robert Stead as our duties are confined to commemorating the dead of the two World Wars, and as he died in 1926 his grave is not a World War grave. The dates of the two World Wars for the Commission's purposes are:
4 August 1914 to 31 August 1921
3 September 1939 to 31 December 1947
The Commission is provided with funds under the terms of its Royal Charter to commemorate war casualties either on a headstone marking the grave or, if the grave is not known, on one of the Commission's memorials to the missing. unquote
I have notified Michel of the reply and he has asked me to get back to you all to see if anything can be done and if any of you have any ideas on what to do next.
I have privately offered Michel and his wife Sabine to visit my home as a base for looking around Liverpool and to visit the grave of Robert W Stead in the churchyard of St Peters but I thought it would be nice to have the stone repaired or just turned over so he could see the inscription if he decides to take up my offer sometime this year so its over to you rootschatters to think of a way to help.
Edna
-
How lovely to see this thread has not been abandoned.
I have always said, and still say, that it would be nice if the stone was just turned over.
-
Hi Edna
I'm glad you are still on the case!
Did the Churchwarden get back to you at all with the undertakers they use the most? I would think this would be your best route if the stonemason was too expensive.
It would have also been nice to get Michel's medallion mounted in the Church - I presume no one has got back to you on that either. I hope a good home can be found for it. If it had been my Church, I would have grabbed it eagerly! We have an old anvil for the local smithy which couldn't find a home so we took it in. The Smithy was a couple of hundred yards from the Church at the same time it was built (1876).
I'm really surprised the Liverpool Echo didn't pick up on the story. I was hoping if the Echo got behind the story, and St Peter's too, that a local stone mason company would offer help.
I'll have a look if there is a local history group in Woolton who might be interested in helping out. They are usually an enthusiastic bunch and being in Woolton, (a 'posh' area of Liverpool!) they might have some funds available. I'll let you know what I find out.
Best wishes,
Lynne
-
Just in case anyone has missed the whole story ( :o or needs reminding, I thought it might be helpful to post the link to the summary.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,261805.0.html
Lynne
-
What is the actual price they are asking for righting the stone
-
We have not found this out yet and I think this should be the next step to look for a sympathetic stonemason in the area and perhaps Graham Paisley may know someone if we ask him I remember Graham saying that the stone had to be drilled through and an iron rod put through it and that the proper lifting gear would be needed but a price was never quoted for the work.
If any of you live in the area who could volunteer to enquire then please do so otherwise its back to Graham the verger of St Peters.
Michel is having problems at the moment with electricity so its difficult for him to get on the internet without risking the computer damage.
Any suggestions are welcome
Edna
-
I think the nearest stone mason to there
Would be Woolton road Allerton
Just at the entrance to Allerton cemetery gates on Woolton road.
Grassi R & Son
188 Woolton Rd Garston
Liverpool
Merseyside L19 5NF
Tel: 0151 427 6243
-
We do need to do something.
I think we have two choices here and should look at the options with regards the headstone firstly. We can erect it - that is ask the stone mason to drill the stone, rod it, bolt it and make safe and hope it stays vertical. Or we can ask the stone mason to turn it to lay it flat and make good the inscription. I would assume the latter would be a more economical option.
We would have to seek permission of St Peter's first though wouldn't we on either option?
With regards to the tag - options - let Michel do with it as he sees fit - he has had it so long why not.........or let him ask us all what the general consensus of opinion is. Personally i dont think a museum would be quite the right place for the respect it deserves. Michel gave the medal all the respect from all of us last November at the Rememberance Service Michel attended.
Discussion open to the floor...........
Mair
-
Here are a few links for those Chatters more local to know those masons in the locale - I aint
http://www.uk-funerals.co.uk/monumental-masons/merseyside.html
http://www.funeralsearch.co.uk/mmltowns/liverpool.php
and would not have a clue which address is more local than another......
M
-
Thanks for these Mair.
I'll have a look through tomorrow, make a few calls, and see if we can get a price off someone local.
Lynne
Addtion: I have now looked through the posts in the right order!
Thanks Heysie for the information. I 'll call them as well.
I agee that Michel should decide what to do with the tag. It's only right of course. As a church archivist I couldn't help getting carried away! OOPs!
I ll let you know when I find any costs.
Lynn
-
MissM
Its really good of you to do this for us and of course I know that behind the scenes you have been working on behalf of the thread with the people of Woolton to bring about the turning of the gravestone so thank you very much for all you have done.
Edna
-
Hi everyone
It turns out that Grassi and Welsbys are the same firm and are the closest to St Peters. They quoted me £158.63 to right and fix a normal sized stone but given that this is a large stone, even turning it over might cost 'a couple of hundred pounds' as it will probably required 6 men to lift it.
She also said we needed the owner/family's permission so I tried to explain the story very briefly (that the group had so far not been able to trace any close family) . She asked if we had any funds and I said no, that this is an internet group and we were hoping the costs would be low so we could try to raise the money ourselves. I have emailed the lady the photographs of the grave and she will get back to me as soon as she can. She said they would probably visit the grave and give me a free, no obligation quote.
I've also emailed her the link to the summary of Michel's story to explain why we're doing this. I mentioned in the email we had hoped the Echo would take up the story but had no success so maybe Welsbys might pursue this for the publicity.
Lots of ifs buts and maybes there but you never know, we might get lucky.
I don't see that it's going to be cheaper going anywhere else as then we would have to include travelling costs and time.
I haven't heard back from the Woolton Website that I emailed yet but I've got my fingers crossed that they will reply.
Can anyone remember who contacted the Echo and how far they got with it? It might be worth trying again once we know the costs from Welsbys.
Will keep you up to date,
Lynne
-
Thanks Lynne
We will await another report from you when you get the information from the stonemason that was a quick result so I cant wait to get the result of the cost
We will have to read back and see who made contact with the Echo to see if they can drum up the Echo's interest again to see if free publicity will bring the price down any more.
Edna
-
it was me that got the brush off from the Echo!
I have the tenacity to go for it again if we can get the boodle information from Welsbys. Did it my phone though and not email as I could not get any further than "newsdesk" and I knew then we would end up in file 13
M
-
Hello Mair and fellow chatters
I have just had a long telephone conversation with a family member who has a family member in the Echo who is a good contact and have related the story to him and have promised to send Annies synopsis on to him tonight by e mail and he has promised to try to get his contact involved in the story and guess what
He lives in the Woolton area and said that The Woolton Commission is a community of people who do good for the people of Woolton and it would be a good idea to get them involved as Robert is in their churchyard.
He will get back to me
Edna
-
Go
Edna
Go
well done again my friend......
mair
-
Oh yes Edna ....fingers crossed ....and anything else I can think of !! ;D This story really truly deserves a happy ending ... and no one can doubt the tenacity of rootschatters .... we make progress everytime someone picks up the gauntlet on this thread ...... ;) ;)
Poll
-
it was me that got the brush off from the Echo!
I have the tenacity to go for it again if we can get the boodle information from Welsbys. Did it my phone though and not email as I could not get any further than "newsdesk" and I knew then we would end up in file 13
M
You weren't the only one Mair !! ;D .... I also got the brush off from that radio fellah Billy Butler that everybody said was so luverly !! :D :D :D
Seriously ... you guys are terrific for getting going on this again .... I'm just too far away to do you any good .... but I'm watching and listening ..... the price may blow us out of the water but I would love to contribute if it's at all possible !! ..... this soldier has been a part of my life .... he's "family" .... :) and I'd love to be able to see him at least - right side up !!
Thanks everybody for caring !!
Annie :)
-
I contacted the Echo but they did not seem to know about Robert Stead.
Gatacre
-
I emailed the Post twice and couldn't get a robot to answer the phone :'(
Tazzie
-
Hi everyone,
Here's the quote from Welsbys for turning the stone over plus a further quote for actually getting it fixed so it stands upright.
"This is a four man lift and would cost £94.00 incl of VAT to turn it over. However a refix on safety anchor would cost £587.50"
I'm guessing we'll just get it turned it over then....? ;)
Out of courtesy we should let the Church know what we're going to do if we decide to go ahead.
Over to you!
Lynne
-
Good as far as I'm concerned.
-
Well me too Paula ...I'll pledge £10 .00 right now towards the cost of turning it and then maybe it can be decided if Fundraising is in order for the larger amount ... All we need really is someone to collect the monies and arrange for it to be done .. SO ...who do I make the cheque payable to ... The stone masons ??? ::)
Poll
-
I've seen things like this collected for through a Paypal account, so people from any country can donate. Not sure how you'd go about setting it up, probably needs to be controlled by someone on the spot as it were.
-
It could be an idea to see if Graham Paisley the Vergerfrom St Peters would be in a position to receive the donations from the rootschatters and if there was an over flow of donations to turn it over then perhaps St Peters Church fund could benefit too.
We are open to suggestions as we all have an interest in seeing the stone face the sun so Robert W Steads memorial can be found and read as it was originally intended.
Still awaiting news from family member from the Echo.
Edna
-
Good evening all,
(Electrical problems appear finished for the time being at home!)
It is a real pleasure for me to see the turn taken by events thanks to your stubbornness. I never lose hope to see a happy ending to this fabulous adventure.
As Annie said, Robert is also part of my family.
I am ready you know to participate to pay the stone masons and to have the immense joy of seeing the stone returned.
Yours sincerely
Michel
-
Lovely to hear from you, Michel.
It's great to see things moving on this thread again.
-
It will be a pleasure to contribute to the turning of the stone and think it is better for the money to be sent to Graham at the Church.
I would imagine that the stone initially fell because it had not been fixed correctly to the base.
Gatacre
-
Well wasn't it nice for Michel to be able to read the thread again and to have him contribute to it
If everyone is agreeable for Graham Paisley to receive the donations then I will contact him again to seek his opinion and ask permission to have the stone turned proffesionally.
If any other ideas come up while I am waiting for a reply from my Echo contact then please feel free to disclose them to us all.
I would like to thank MissM for her part in getting the costing of the stonemason and also her help in the background in Woolton.
Wouldn't it be nice for Michel to visit St Peters and see the last resting place of Robert and the memorial inscription and perhaps meet up with some of the local rootschatters.
Edna
-
With you all the way, Edna.
Sorry I will only be able to manage a couple of quid, but I've got to be in on it.
-
Paula
whatever small ammount from each person will add to the sum required to turn the stone so no need to worry whatever people can afford when the time comes will be acceptable I am sure.
Edna
-
Hi Edna !
If everyone is agreeable for Graham Paisley to receive the donations then I will contact him again to seek his opinion and ask permission to have the stone turned proffesionally.
I think we have to ask him for sure !
Wendi :)
-
Lovely to hear from you, Michel.
It's great to see things moving on this thread again.
Hello Paula,
thank you very much for your kind message
very friendly
Michel
-
It will be a pleasure to contribute to the turning of the stone and think it is better for the money to be sent to Graham at the Church.
I would imagine that the stone initially fell because it had not been fixed correctly to the base.
Gatacre
Good Evening Gatacre,
I agree with you, when I saw the photograph of the stone, I immediatly thougth like you... The work was not well done when it was erected.
Michel
-
If everyone is agreeable for Graham Paisley to receive the donations then I will contact him again to seek his opinion and ask permission to have the stone turned proffesionally.
I am with this no question.
M
-
Me too Mair !! .... no question !! :D
And thank you !
Annie :)
-
Hello Mair and fellow chatters
I have just had a long telephone conversation with a family member who has a family member in the Echo who is a good contact and have related the story to him and have promised to send Annies synopsis on to him tonight by e mail and he has promised to try to get his contact involved in the story and guess what
He lives in the Woolton area and said that The Woolton Commission is a community of people who do good for the people of Woolton and it would be a good idea to get them involved as Robert is in their churchyard.
He will get back to me
Edna
Hello again friends
I am sorry to say that my family Echo contact has gone away on holiday for a week without getting back to me so I have no idea if a contact was made or not so Mair if you could try again then please do and good luck with the Echo I hope you get a result this time.
Also good luck with contacting Graham I hope he will do it for us.
Edna
-
Yes friends
crossed wires, I thought Mair was wanting to make contact with Graham while I was waiting for the OK from the contributors of the thread for me to contact Graham ( someone has pointed it out to me that Mair was quoting my message ) and yes I shall do it tomorrow if Mair (can you be so kind) contact the Echo again.
Hope this is OK with everyone
Edna
-
I have written to Graham and show you a copy of my mail
Hello again Graham
I know you will remember the Rootschat website where we located Robert W Stead s Grave in Your Churchyard.
We have started a new thread and have decided to have Roberts Gravestone turned over and we have asked Miss M rootschat member to price the turning of the stone
"quote
Here's the quote from Welsbys for turning the stone over plus a further quote for actually getting it fixed so it stands upright.
"This is a four man lift and would cost £94.00 incl of VAT to turn it over. However a refix on safety anchor would cost £587.50"
We need to know Graham if we have the churches permission to go ahead and have it done
We would also like it if we could ask you to accept the donations from the Rootschat members as we all remain anonymous to each other so if we could send a donation to you to pay the Stonemason from it then perhaps anything over could go towards the church repairs fund.
I wrote to the Legion and to the War Graves Commission and it has taken this long to get the reply that they would not do it as it is outside of the remit of a War grave.
I have offered Michel and his wife Sabine accomodation in my home in Southport for Michel to visit the gravesite if it is turned over.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,271385.0.html
You may send me a message or you can reply on the thread if you wish but please let us know if it can be done and if so then if you will do us the honour of accepting the donations.
Edna
-
Oh very good, Edna. Precise and to the point.
I do hope everything goes along as we plan.
-
Well this is a prompt reply from Graham and it looks as though it can go ahead once his next reply comes
Edna
Hello Edna,
What a determined group of people you are!
As previosly mentioned I will help in anyway possible.Whilst your suggestion to send contributions to the church for Robert's headstone is fine I will certainly have to run this idea past the church treasurer. I only get the oppurtunity to see him Sundays so there may be a delay in responding.
Can you leave it with me and I will get back to you?
Best wishes,
Graham
-
Good to know, Edna
Gatacre
-
Wonderful work Edna, I prepare my bank card...!!! ;D
Michel
-
Well done Edna; standing by ready to empty my piggy bank!
Nanny Jan
-
Hi EVERYONE nice to see things moving along at a quicker pace now .. Well done
Edna and the gang . Hi Michel too... ;) Nice to see you back !! Just a thought .. if the stone is able to be be put the right way up would you consider donating the tags to the Church where he rests to be framed and exhibited with the tale of how they have been waiting to be reunited with their owner for all these years ...I'd be happy to do the displaywork and organise the framing of it with Michels instructions ... It could become an interesting talking point at Grahams's Church too ;D Anyway ... happy to help any way I can ..
Poll
PS cheque is just waiting to know where to go !! ;D ;D
-
I've been thinking about that too Poll - ( and of course I'm not the only one ) .... but maybe just a simple inscription is all that is needed !
“He was lost and is found.”
"Il était perdu et il est retrouvé."
Luke 15:24
or a favourite French saying ................
$ 's are at the ready !!
-
Annie I think that is just perfect ..... Just perfect ..... ;)
Poll
-
Now that is something I would love to see happen.
-
My friend Tisgrannie went to see "our Robert " ..... seems he's doing just fine ! :) :)
Annie :)
-
Hi Edna
Great reply from Graham! Sounds like there's no problem getting the stone turned over as far as he is concerned. And I can't see that the Treasurer would have any problems with the donations.
I haven't heard back from the local history wbsite which is a shame as I was hopeful they'd help. I'll get in touch with Welsbys when everything is ready! (Count me in the donations!)
How exciting is all this?! I'll have to try and visit Robert and have a look at the stone when it's fixed!
Lynne
-
Hiya Annie
Count me in for a donation on this one - let me know the means and ways!
Well done to all of you for not letting go of this one!
How the World can pull together when the vision is the same!
Su
-
I think a Liverpool Rootschat meeting in the Summer is on the cards ..... ;)
Poll ;D
-
I have been following this thread and would also like to donate towards the lifting of the stone. It is a pity that the price was not lower for the stone to be stood up. Is it not possible to try any other stone masons? Can't we get four men to lift the stone, I know my hubby would help. If the stone was turned for free, it would be a bonus towards having it stood up. Just a thought. I live not far from the church and I am sure I can get the manpower to lift it. Lynn
-
Hello Scouse_mouse
I appreciate the offer to have it turned like this and had considered it myself as family are in the area too and I am only in Southport but what we considered was the health and safety issues and what the church may have thought if we barged in and took it upon ourselves to do it without permission.
This is why we are doing it with the church of St Peters on side and also if anyone was injured by it being turned who would be liable for compensation to the injured party.
As you live in the area perhaps you could offer us advice as to fundraising and getting people of the area interested in the restoration of the grave as Graham the Verger of St Peters has already told us that the church are doing their own fundraising for repairs to the church.
We cannot gauge how many of rootschatters would send how much so it is impossible to arrive at a figure of what we could raise to correct the stone officially.
We are awaiting a message from Graham Paisley to see if the treasurer of St Peters will accept donations as it has to be done properly so if you can help in anyway as you may know of committees or societies within the area that would like to get involved with the fundraising.
Any offers of help are good and already people have offered to fundraise on rootschat by doing restorations ect on the restorations board but none of us know what the final figure would be, also do you yourself know of any other stonemasons in the area that could be willing to offer an alternative price for the work.
I know all the contributers to this thread that Annie got us enthralled in will be only too keen to offer what we can and would all love to see Roberts stone standing proud as it once stood after all the hard work that has been done on here.
Over to you all fellow rootschatters what do you think
Edna
-
Over to you all fellow rootschatters what do you think
I think that the issue is the responsibility of the Church Council. They will have to give a decision on this matter.
Gatacre
-
Hello Edna
Agree wholeheartedly with everything you've said, ultimately this is up to the Church.
Count me in for a donation, great the stone is to be turned and the inscription will be there for all to see. Perhaps the local radio/papers will now get involved. :-\
As for the resting place of the tag I believe Michel should have the final say.
Regards
Susan :)
-
Hello everyone,
With regards to lifting the gravestone, I have only contacted Welsby's because they are the nearest to St Peter's and the others were not really near the Church at all. I think their quote is reasonable to be honest having worked in my own Church for many years as this is a big stone compared to the smaller, current stones that people choose which are still quite heavy.
The reason it costs so much to stand it upright is that, again because of the size a lifting mechanism would have to be used to lift it off the ground (as well as the men involved to manouver it) and to hold it there while it was fixed in place. (I think it is probably to old to have iron rods put in but I don't know that for sure.)
Obviously it would be great if someone could get a cheaper quote to stand it upright - that would be wonderful news!
So the price quoted from Welsby's to turn the stone was £94.00 and £587.50 to stand it up - can we do a quick recap on who has offered a donation so far? I hope no one minds. I thought it might just give us an idea where we're going. If you want to remain anonymous, that's okay too!
Please add your name to this list if I have missed you out and take yourself off if you'd rather not be on the list. Don't worry about how much you can donate.
Michel
Edna
Annie
Keziahemm
Scouse_mouse_2000k
SusieSmith37
PollDoll
MissM
Nanie Jan
Mair
PaulaToo
Gateacre
Addition:
DianaM
Thanks everyone.
Lynne
-
Re the cost of actually having the stone vertical - it was in the hundreds of £££ to have a vertical stone placed at a family grave about 12 months ago.
I personally think the stone just be laid flat with inscription upward of course - well it fell over years ago, so that would seem Nature's way of telling the world what is the right position.
If the stone went vertical the rigours that have to be applied to fixing the rods - dont forget that we are dealing with a memorial stone that is about 90 years old and the weathering it's already had. At the end of the day the question lies with liability and we too must therefore consider the duty of care for those who wish to pay their respects to Robert and others laid to rest in the graveyard.
I think the costs quoted by the mason are totally reasonable considering the potential consequences that may arise if this were not done professionally.
Mair
PS My name can stay on the list
-
Firstly, I'd be happy to make a donation.
Secondly, how about asking the Royal British Legion to donate/publicise the cause?
DianaM
-
Diana
I have already done that through the main people at British Legion Headquarters and they referred me on to The War Graves Commission who in turn said no as he didnt die during the war.
Thanks for the offer of the contribution as soon as we hear from Graham we will let you know where to send it
Edna
-
Hello again.
Sorry about the delay in the reply! Had a word with our Treasurer and he is not happy to accept donations for the purpose of lifting the stone to be placed in the general church account.
The difficulty from the church point of view is that all donations will be sent to the church and there will be only our own records about how much we have received. This is not ideal and may well lead to a misunderstanding about how much has been received. I personally would be happy to collect funds but there has to be an independent audit of how much is received and it would ideally need a separate bank account set up somewhere for this purpose.
However I am quite happy to speak with Welsbys (or a chosen stonemason) on your behalf and I confirm that the church has no objection to the stone being either turned over or erected safely in accordance with current NAMM standards. I believe the quote given to you by Welsbys are most competitive and i would have envisaged a higher price for actually replacing the stone upright.
I trust you understand the church position and I repeat I will continue to support your efforts to lift the stone but because of financial accountability it would be inappropriate to accept funds for a stonemason in the church account.
Graham
-
Hi Graham !
Thank you so much for getting back to us .... I personally understand the position of the church very well !
What ever help and advice you are prepared to give us however - will be gratefully received !! ;D ;D ;D
And thanks again for all your time and effort !!
Annie :)
-
Hi everyone
I'd like to volunteer to take donations if that's okay with everyone, but i would prefer not to handle any money!
I've had a look at my PayPal account online which is only the basic type but I can't see any reason why any donations couldn't be sent to that account by people with PayPal accounts. That way I don't get to handle any money personally which I would prefer just my final cheque that goes to Welsbys (and Graham at St Peter's if necessary). It doesn't look like others need to have a paypal account to pay into it, but there is a cost for me to receive payments via credit/debit card. (See below) A new PayPal account is free to set up.
If we put a time limit on payments coming in, (a month or so many weeks) then on that date I can let individuals see the account by private email and transfer it to my bank so I can send the cheques off.
What do you all think? Can you see any reason why this wouldn't work? If you think it's okay I will pm my account details to people who want to donate.
I know I'm only a relative newby to this thread so I'll understand if you all want to do it another way.
Lynne
The fees look like this:
PayPal accepts the following funded payments for free:
PayPal Balance
PayPal Instant Bank Transfer
PayPal eCheque
They accept credit or debit card funded payments at the given rates:
3.4% plus £0.20 GBP. No transaction limit for payments sent via Skype, otherwise there is a limit of 2 transactions per year
3.4% plus £0.20 GBP for card payments received using PayPal on Skype
-
PS Here is the link to the PayPal website for more information! If you need someone to vouch for me, the Reader at my Church also works at Graham's Church, St Peter's so Graham could ask John to vouch for me.
Lynne
Addition:
PPS - YES I MISSED IT OFF AGAIN!!!
https://www.paypal.com/uk/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=p/req/index-outside&nav=0.2
-
Lynne
This is excellent news and I do know that you will take care of my money when sent so if I go to my bank can I just give details of your paypal account when I get them and they will transfer my donation to your account is it that simple.
It looks like we will get to see the sunny side of Roberts memorial stone after all Michel will be pleased to hear it.
Thank you so much
Edna
-
Just making sure I still get notified on this thread .. SOUNDS GREAT LYNNE ! I'm ready whenever !! ;D
-
Hi Lynne
Fine by me, well done for volunteering to collect donations.
Susan :)
-
Lynne ........... I'm a dufuss with this stuff !
Will you please PM me and tell me how to do it !! ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) :P
Annie :)
-
Me too :-[ :-[ :-[ ;) Poll
-
Sorry but don't have PayPal account. Can I send a cheque?
Nanny Jan
-
I don't know what to do either, but I'm bloomin well going to make sure I find out!
-
Hi All
Miss M would it be possible to put a step by step guide on here for anyone wishing to donate?
It would be awful if people were put off just because they didn't know how simple it was to donate and I for one would love to see it as I am a little unsure myself.
Many thanks for offering to coordinate the donations.
Su
-
Hi All
As I see it you have to sign up for a basic (Personal) Paypal account to be able to transfer money.
I've had an account for a while and haven't had any problems, easy to use for transactions via the internet, (providing of course they accept paypal :-\) as your bank account/card details aren't revealed to anyone else.
Susan :)
-
Hi all
I've been sending out private emails to the most recent posters to ask for their private emails and amount they wish to donate.
As far as I can tell, I then ask PayPal to request the amount from the email address and when you receive the request, you just follow the onscreen instructions. You may have to sign up to the free account but if you don't use it, you can cancel afterwards.
I don't know if anyone has any negative feelings about them but I've never personally had any problems with PayPal and use it all the time to buy off the internet. It's quick, easy and straighforward.
However, if anyone really doesn't want to do it that way, can they send me a private email and we'll sort something out
We're nearly there guys!!! ;D
Lynne
-
Wow! That got off the ground quickly! One payment already in, three on the way!
I'm speaking to Welsbys tomorrow to see if they will take cheques off people who don't want to use PayPal but if they can't, I will take them myself at home. I can't see any other way round it.
I'll let you know tomorrow where we're up to - (or later tonight if we carry on like this!)
Well Done everyone!
Lynne
-
Woohoo Lynne ! you go Girl !! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
Hi everyone!
I've got one donation in, 3 people who are trying Paypal first but might send a cheque instead, and 3 more who will just send a cheque when I sort out where to send them! That stone is on the move already!
I'll give you another update tomorrow - I'm off to beddie byes now!
Goodnight and God Bless all,
Lynne
-
Nite Lynne & Well Done
May the pot grow overnight!
(Btw if anyone in doubt over Paypal if you already have an account it takes seconds!)
Su
-
Gave it two goes, but it wouldn't accept our card...
don't know why, it's the one we use for the internet bills...
Let me know where to send the cheque........
-
Hi all
I couldn't get through to Welsbys today so those of you who want to pay by cheque or bank transfer, please PM me and I'll give you my own details. It seems the easiest and quickest way.
If you still want to pay by Paypal, that's fine too. Just let me know your email address and amount.
Thanks for your patience!
Lynne
-
Will do....
-
Mines in the mail .... may take a few days though !! ::) ::) ::)
Thank you Lynne !! :)
-
Lynne
Thank you for sending the messages. It is a relief to know what to do and very many thank yous for all your effort.
It is more than just appreciated by everybody
Best Wishes
Norah - Gatacre
-
Hi Lynn,
Count me in and let me know where to send my check.I cant believe you did it.I am honoured to be a part of such a fabulous bunch of people.
Kidsnana
-
Hi Kidsnana
thanks for offering a donation!
You can send it through paypal if you have an account. I will need your email address and your amount, then I'll send you a request and you follow the sintructions.
Or you can send it to me personally, I'll pm you my address.
It's going quite well and you are the 10th person to join in so thanks for getting in touch! If you are sending me a cheque, can you let me know when you send the cheque off please? I will then tell you when it arrives at this end! It's all very exciting this!
I don't know if you are in the UK like me, but it's way past my bed time so I'm logging off now!
Thanks for getting in touch,
Best wishes,
Lynne (MissM)
-
Hi Lynne,
I will put the check in the mail tomorrow.I am across the pond but would you believe we were neighbors.You are west and i was east.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Kidsnana
-
Just posted my cheque.
Nanny Jan
-
Lynne
I have posted my cheque to you
Thank you for everything
Norah Gatacre
-
Hi again just to let you know Lynne.the cheque is in the post ..... no really ! ;D ;D
Poll..
I do so hope we get enough .... ::)
-
I do so hope we get enough .... ::)
Hey Poll - if enough did a £1 each we would be there - so I am sure a few determined ones will make it happen ;)
Su
-
It WILL happen, I lnow it will.
-
Gosh I hope so ... I t would be so so nice if Michel and ANNIE WERE ABLE TO SEE IT FOR REAL .. Anyone got a video camera to record the event ...???
Su ...Fingers crossed ...
-
One of these days Poll .... one of these days !! :D :D :D
Michel will get to see it before me .... and I know he'll take loads of photos !! ;D ;D
By the way I was just doing some housecleaning as Biker used to say .... ( ::) ) and I found this !!
Well Mair will like it !! :D
-
Hi everyone
Thank you to every one who has sent a cheque or is about to - it looks like we're going to be alright!
I'm going to put another post on the main board, purely to let people know we are taking donations, and I'll bump it up now and again to keep it in view.
I just hope the weather on the day is better than today - we're having some nice sunny periods but with gales, rain and hailstones mixed in!
Lynne
-
Wonderful news MissM :D
I think we may be granted a fine day when the time is right.
Su
-
Hi everyone
Thank you to every one who has sent a cheque or is about to - it looks like we're going to be alright!
Lynne
Brilliant, well done Lynne.
Regards
Susan :)
-
Lynne
Thats great news and we should soon be able to visit Roberts Grave and see the inscription written all those years ago.
My worry is that Michel may not have yet heard the great news as I wrote him a few weeks ago and not heard back from him so I think another message may go off today to him
Thanks Lynne
Edna
-
Did you ever think Annie that when you started all this off in January 07 that it would get this far!
Hats off to you Mam an incredible story once again! :D
Su
-
As a matter of fact .... it was a while before that !! Michel was working on it and he asked for my help and I got in on it too .... and then like Topsy ... "it just growed "!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
But what a wonderful journey of discovery it's been ..... I'm so glad that Robert has been found .... he'll never be lost again !!
I feel like he's one of mine ...... but then I feel like that about ALL my soldiers !! .... very special men ... all of them !!
Annie :)
-
Will you be able to get to the churchyard to see it or do you live too far away?
It will just be so nice for him to face the sunshine again!
Su
-
Will you be able to get to the churchyard to see it or do you live too far away?
It will just be so nice for him to face the sunshine again!
Su
I'm in America .... can't get there in the near future ... but ONE DAY I will !! ... I MUST !! :D
-
I'm so sorry Annie - I didn't realise! :o
Well I am sure there will be plenty of photographs and suchlike!
My son's girlfriend is flying from Boston on Sunday you could always cadge a lift ;D
Su
-
Hi please can you send the address for a cheque donation. Also can I ask when do you think that the job will take place.
I had also thought of someone contacting someone like Sir Paul McCartney maybe to make a small donation. Due to his link to the Church. It would be an unusual request for him to get don't you think?
I know its a big undertaking, as I had mentioned to Annie that we had made a special visit to the graveyard. We are over in Oldham and it was prior to a trip to Kidsnana in Florida in February. My husband who is 6ft and my son who is a serving RAF lad is a good sized 6ft 2in. They are physical by nature, husband works manually hard lifting etc. They could not move the stone at all. Believe me that surpised me. Though it is a big stone. I would love to see it upright or at least the right way up.
I personally would like to take the opportunity to nominate Annie for an award of sorts. What an unbelievable amount of good work she does on other peoples behalf. I have come across many kind caring people in my life and none have come up to Annie. She is one of those angels that touches peoples lives. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.
I know many others have been incredible in this quest started by Michel. What a hero you are Michel. The spirit you have has touched us all. So many who maybe have just cheered from the sidelines urging you "movers" along. Its going to come to a successful end. It has to be one of the most touching "journeys" for all of us. To be part of, to witness, to experience the good that is out there.
When I walked into the lovely churchyard of St Peters I felt the immense joy knowing so many people were involved in a quest to return a little metal disc. Which to most people would be of no significance. It was a pesonal belonging to a man that could be any one of our ancestors and to know that people would go to such great lengths to unite with a family member an id badge for someone who gave so much for our freedom. Robert was one of thousands. It is a tribute to them all. May they rest in Peace.
Thank you all who have been on this journey its a wonderful to be part of it. Even only from the cheering section.
Proud to be a rootschatter.
tisgrannie
-
Very Eloquently said Tisgrannie ... I'll second that ...
Poll :)
-
Hi Tisgrannie,
Thanks for offering a donation!
I'll PM you with my address to send your cheque to. Thanks for mentioning how heavy the stone is - it makes sense that it will take four experienced men with the right equipment to lift it!
The people in this group are amazing, you are right, and I am constantly touched and surprised at their commitment to help others. Thank goodness Michel found Annie here in the first place! This thread in particular is a wonderful example of people working together across the world to return a small medallion to it's rightful owner, despite the many years of their separation.
It was Clematised who peaked my interest in turning the stone as I live about 10-15 minutes drive from St Peter's and I was proud to be asked to help.
I'll pm you now.
Lynne
-
You know, Annie, there is an international airport at the bottom of my road... and it doesn't take long to get to St Peter's Church from there.... loads of taxis waiting at the door.... they're building a new hotel in the car park too at the moment ready for your visit....
;)
Lynne
Will you be able to get to the churchyard to see it or do you live too far away?
It will just be so nice for him to face the sunshine again!
Su
I'm in America .... can't get there in the near future ... but ONE DAY I will !! ... I MUST !! :D
-
I have emailed Michel ... as some others may have done too ... I think he has been having connection/pc problems .... :-\ ::)
Poll
-
MissM
without you agreeing to collect the donations and to liase with the stonemason we would still be at the stage of looking for a volunteer that we could all trust to accept our money but thanks to you we will all get to see the thread come to fruition a great achievment and still it is Michel's decision what happens to the Tag but it must be heartwarming for him to see this turn of events that he began a long time ago
Thank you MissM for your efforts
Poll I have not had a reply from my own message a few weeks back and today re-sent it with a new message but I think perhaps his electrics problem that he had a few weeks ago may have re occured
Edna
-
I hope I'm not stepping on anyones toes here but I have launched a thread on the restoration Board where I have done over 2000 restorations for other people over the past 2 years and asked if they would consider paying a £1.00 for any restores I have done for them .. ????
ADDED Unfortunately my thread on the Restoration Board has been quarantined as it contravened the policy on Rootschat that ensures that all the services are freely given on here ..I understand and do not have a problem with that as I thought that it was likely to happen but it has given a boost to the fund and the moderators are possibly going to let me have a locked thread on the For Sale Board ...I will keep you updated . Poll
-
Poll
if you think you may be able to bring in more money then go for it as we can now afford the turning over of the gravestone but wouldn't it be magnificent to be able to have it restored to its original state and the cost of that is almost six hundred pounds five times more than the cost of turning it.
Lets keep the momentum going and see if we could raise this kind of money and if we fall far short of it then the excess could go to the church fund as we did say.
Lynne could you cope with this task
Edna
-
I can but try .... has anyone got the link to a synopsis of this thread .(I thought Annie did one a while ago) just so I can add the link to my thread on the restoration board . Not everyone will have time to wade through all of this! ;D S ...AND I would hate to put anyone off donating ! ::) ;)
Poll
-
Topic: Are you sitting comfortably ? then I'll begin !!
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,206958.0.html
and
Topic: Robert William STEAD (1896 West Derby -1926 Gateacre)
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,261805.0.html
which is a summary of the 44 pages here:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,206958.0.html
Hope this helps Poll
Edna
-
Hi, Polldoll I will add another couple of £'s to my donation tomorrow, which I will be sending to MissM, as you did a coule of restorations for me. They were fabulous too! Great idea to rake the money in.
Good luck with it.
best wishes
tisgrannie
-
Aw thanks tisgrannie for getting this off the mark ... :-* :-*
-
Morning all!
Just to confirm, I've had two payments through PayPal and two cheques have arrived this morning in the post!
My next post will arrive Tuesday because of the Easter Holidays so those of you who have already sent them please don't worry - they're on their way!
Have a wonderful and blessed Easter!
Lynne (MissM)
-
Hi all
Being ever the optimist - those that know me know what a little white lie that is - i think that if we raise enough money to turn the stone PLUS or even BETTER erect it PLUS that the PLUS no matter what it is over either turning the stone - the main outcome required or even erecting it - oh please now that would be nice - should go to the Church's roof fund.
Dont know what anyone else thinks on this but it would be a shame I think that if there is an excess - please let there be on either decision - it should go to the church within which Robert Stead memorial lies (or not - tsk tsk).
Open to the floor - again!
Mair
-
Can I put forward, turn the stone, anything left, provided Michel is willing, to the framing of the tag and making of a little booklet on the Rootschat experience, to be presented to the church and THEN anything else to the church funds....
The framed tag could become an 'interest point' in the church, and reproductions of the booklet could be sold towards church funds, something that could go on indefinitely...
-
Paula
Good thinking!
here we go two options already
Mair
-
Summer and the tourist season is coming. I know when I visit churches I buy any little booklets they have...
-
At first I felt that just turning the stone over so it could be read would be sufficient.
I now feel that a veteran who risked his life and spent precious time of his very short life on behalf of all of us deserved something better.
I would like to see his headstone erect again, standing tall as Robert once did in defense of his country. I see this as doing something for Robert and his memory rather than aiding the church (not that I am against that I just don't think that is the real objective here).
I hope a clear decision can be made as to whether it is just turned over or a full restoration is our aim. I feel confident that we can come up with the necessary funds to have it put right again.
Just my thoughts....
dollylee
-
Hi All, Can I say in my humble opinion that this is about Robert and Michel. At the Church people go to visit Eleanor Rigbys grave and Bob Paisley's. With publicity we could then include Roberts Story.
I have already pointed out to MissM in a pm what quite a lot of people know already is that the Beatles i.e started their career all be it "The Quarrymen!" at the Church Hall at St Peters.I thought why doesn't someone send the link to Sir Paul McCartney for a small donation. If we could send him this link at what the people from all around the world are trying to do maybe he may at least take a look.
Robert may have family living that we haven't found (how not with all the work gone in) they too would be shocked at the discovery of the find and the emotional story by rootschatters that has evolved.
Its just a thought. Maybe with the exposure we could raise all the money. As it is I am sure we will raise the money to turn the stone the right way. If 20 people send £5 that will take care of that. Some may have donated larger amounts which will be great. I was brought up with that fact that if every one gave a £1 we would eventually get there.
I also want to say thank you to all who donate whatever the amount Its a fantastic cause.
It would be great to be able to send to the Church Roof Fund. But first things first. Roberts grave.
When I went we couldn't get into the Church, so seeing any plaques or other would not have been an option. I must say we were not the only people in the Graveyard.
Lets get the money raised. Maybe someone would send the link to Sir Paul. Thanks for your ideas for the people to mull over. I think raising the headstone would be my main objective. That is if we raise enough money.
Michel can, with the rest of the folks involved decide the next step.
Best wishes to all rootschatters on the Blessed Easter Day.
tisgrannie
-
Oh I agree Dolly and that was beautifully said . I have still been unable to get a reply from my emails to Michel so I hope that he approves of what we are doing .. I will continue to try and reach him . I have had a number of responses from the Restoration board and people are sending their donations after the Easter holidays direct to Lynne so we may be in a better position by Weds/ Thursday next week to see how much we have collected . If anyone reading this is considering a donation maybe they could send a pm to Miss M to give us a better idea of ascertaining how close we are to the target to get the headstone re-erected . That way we can close the appeal once the target has been reached .. as you said Dolly, I think the real objective here would be to get the stone standing proud once again . I believe Annie is of the same opinion but I am sure she will join me in thanking you wonderful people for your overwhelming generosity so far ... I am so proud to belong to the same community ....
Poll
Fingers crossed that we make it to the target ... A pm to Miss M at the end of next week will give you a total of how much we have ( Trying to keep the moderators happy :-X) and we can take it from there ...
-
I think raising the headstone would be my main objective. That is if we raise enough money.
This is the most sensible approach at this stage. If the stone is able to be turned it will be an acomplishment
Gatacre
-
I'm not so sure Sir Paul has much money left ;D ;D (just joking). It may be a great time for him to get some great publicity in showing just how generous he is when not harrassed, threatened or being taken advantage of.
But alas, his email doesn't appear in my address book and I seem to have lost his mobile phone number ::) ::)
Could anyone actually get in contact with him?
dollylee
-
Here's a link to his official website, but can't find a contact email ???
http://www.paulmccartney.com/
Susan :)
-
I hope we can find a way to contact Sir Paul - I tried last year because he did a painting years ago of the other Church in my parish and I wanted to show it in our Parish Magazine but I just couldn't find a way to contact him. It's on the web in one of the Liverpool Museum pages but they didn't have a contact for him either.
Pity the Echo never took up the story - they would have been able to contact him.
As for what's coming in, I am sure we have enough on the way already to turn the stone over but I didn't say anything before as I didn't want to discourage others who want to contribute and be a part of our project. I was presuming we were aiming to turn the stone and donate the rest to the Church but it looks like more people are interested in getting it fixed now. Please bear in mind though that there is a huge difference in the cost of turning the stone, and standing it upright and making it safe. I am happy to keep receiving the donations if required.
One other point is we would need to involve the Church about the placing of any plaques, inside or outside. In my Church (and all others) we have to get a faculty and official approval before we put up anything, even a small picture on a nail! It's a right pain but it protects the building, it's history and it's congregation from people who would change it inappropriately. (It does happen - some Vicars have very funny ideas of whose Church it is when they first arrive!) Maybe we should bring Graham the Verger in on this.
Hope I haven't put a dampener on the proceedings - just trying to keep these simple!
Lynne
-
This is Paul Mccartney's nephew Josh's ( son of Mike) website. You can contact him.http://www.group-hug.com/ You never know it might start the ball rolling
-
Well thanks to Jaywit I have written a PM to the moderator of the Mike McCartney site within the one that Jaywit gave us and if I can suggest some of you may wish to do so too.
I have given detail of the synopsis from Annie and also the URL to this current thread and what our aims are to have the gravestone restored to its rightful place and the cost involved
It looks as though rootschatters are determined that the stone not only be turned but uprighted so lets continue with the fundraising until we get the total required and a big thanks to poll for her efforts and to MissM for volunteering to collect the funds.
Edna
-
Last night I went on the official Paul McCartney website....the same as the one mentioned above. I couldn't find an email address but I did find a copy of a letter written by...darn these confidentiality rules are hard to understand....so I will just say a very well known animal rights group.
It was addressed to Paul at his corporate headquarters. If anyone is willing to have a go at writing a snail mail letter I will pm the address.
dollylee
Modified: I wonder if Annie feels in our excitement that we have taken over her topic? Perhaps we should run some of this by her before we go any further??
-
Maybe we should wait to see if we can do it ourselves first ... a lot more satisfying in my opinion but thats just a personal view I'm sure we could do it ourselves ...
Poll
-
Good idea polldoll !!
I am sure Robert won't mind so perhaps we should give it a few weeks and see what we can do? Wouldn't want it to drag on to long as those who have already donated might get a little antsy.
It sure would be something if we could bring enough people and money together to do this ourselves right within Rootschat.
dollylee
-
Well thanks to Jaywit I have written a PM to the moderator of the Mike McCartney site within the one that Jaywit gave us and if I can suggest some of you may wish to do so too.
I have given detail of the synopsis from Annie and also the URL to this current thread and what our aims are to have the gravestone restored to its rightful place and the cost involved
It looks as though rootschatters are determined that the stone not only be turned but uprighted so lets continue with the fundraising until we get the total required and a big thanks to poll for her efforts and to MissM for volunteering to collect the funds.
Edna
Hello rootschatters
Today I received a reply via PM from the Moderator of the Mike McCartney site above mentioned and she has given me some contact ideas for the McCartneys if you want to go down that route or wait to see if we can raise it ourselves
If so then I would request that someone with good writing skills volunteer for this job and can PM me for the details that I have been given.
Edna
-
Hi All
Just a little note of caution - are we sure the headstone is structurally sound enough to be placed upright? They can develop flaws/weaknesses especially if it has already fallen over?
I don't think any additional publicity/input would do the project any harm but I would like to see a nod of the head from Liverpool Annie & Michel first, just to make sure they are happy for it to expand to a larger scale.
Sometimes things can get swept away a bit from the initial purpose.
Su
-
Hi everyone
I popped down to St Peter's this morning and took a few photos for those of you who can't get there. They are taken with my phone so they're not brilliant! Pity it doesn't have sound because the clock struck twelve while I was there and the eight bells rang!
I hope it's okay to post them here. I'll try anyway. Here goes... first two...
St Peter's Church from the road
Lych Gate showing path with environmentally friendly bins! (Tegan my dog is showing you the way to go...) ;)
While I was there I met Dave, one of the verger's who said Graham had shown him the stone so he took me straight to it. He also showed me where John Lennon got Eleanor Rigsby's name from and John MacKenzie so if anyone wants to see those photos, I took them too. He also directed me over the road to the Church Hall and the plaque on the wall stating that this was where Paul met John for the first time. Yes, I took more pictures there too!
The stone is even bigger than I thought and quite thick - I would be surprised if it was damaged enough to be unable to turn it. It looked pretty solid but it will up to Welsbys I guess.
Anyway, enjoy the photos and when we're finally getting the work done, those of you who can't be there physically can look at these and be with us in spirit.
Lynne
-
Two more....
Straight along the path to back of the Church
Robert's Grave is the only one lying down on the left (here looking back the way you came in)
Incidentally Dave told me they have a congregation of 400+ here on a Sunday.... I told him we're lucky to get 30 :(
-
Hi MissM and thanks for those - what an impressive church as well!
I am sure the stone will be able to be turned and laid flat, I was a little concerned about the upright (as in vertical ideas). I am sure though that the stonemasons will take everything into consideration.
Really appreciate the photos :D
Su
-
Thanks very much Lynne for taking the trouble on our behalf to go to ST Peters today and get the photographs of the church
If anyone wants to see the gravestone photographs who have not read through all of the threads then they can be viewed on thread 2 page 26 and the inscription from the book of burials on page 27 and on page 28 Graham tells us the stone is in very good condition.
As Michel is out of touch with us for the moment and many of us have been working solidly in the background for months to have the stone repaired then I think we should all have a say about it not only Annie who began the thread but all the contributers too.
For anyone who has not read the thread through from the beginning and wishes to do so then here are the links
Topic: Are you sitting comfortably ? then I'll begin !!
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,206958.0.html
and
Topic: Robert William STEAD (1896 West Derby -1926 Gateacre)
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,261805.0.html
which is a summary of the 44 pages here:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,206958.0.html
« Last Edit: Monday 15 October 07 16:02 BST (UK) by Berlin-Bob »
I for one have written to the British Legion and theWar Graves Commission in order to have the stone repaired and the reply is also in the thread as well as other ways and means done in the background so as not to make this thread longer than it is
I hope my words offend no one as it is not my intention to do so but we are all working towards the same aim.
Edna
-
Hi Edna
No offense was intended on my part either - this whole project has been an absolutely amazing piece of teamwork by all of you and I in no way meant to single out some above others.
I have indeed read the whole thread and can only add my congratulations to anyone who has played their part in this, big or small for the way you have all pulled together.
I know that Rootschatters find a way to achieve - Bless you all.
Su
-
Hi Everybody !
Here are my thoughts !
I would love for Rootschatters to see to Robert's grave ... and maybe add some plantings !
I believe that as Robert came from a lowly background he would be embarrassed at all the attention .... and I'd hate to think that we would embarrass him ......
"Not for fame or reward, not for place or for rank, not lured by ambition, or goaded by necessity, but in simple obedience to duty as they understood it, these men suffered all, sacrificed all, dared all.... and died."
- Randolph Harrison McKim
If anybody else did decide they wanted to help - maybe the suggestion of other neglected graves in the graveyard could be a project they could get involved in .... St Peters could be the best graveyard in town !! :)
Thought you may be interested in this !!
http://www.cwgc.org/admin/files/Border%20planting%20and%20design.pdf
Annie :)
Lynne the photos are great ... thanks to you and Tegan !! :D
-
Thanks for the photos, MissM. Having seen it, side by side with other graves, I can only say....It's big, isn't it.....
-
If anybody else did decide they wanted to help - maybe the suggestion of other neglected graves in the graveyard could be a project they could get involved in .... St Peters could be the best graveyard in town !! :)
Annie :)
Lynne the photos are great ... thanks to you and Tegan !! :D
Hi Annie
I'm glad you liked the photos - it was very sunny here but FREEZING cold! Poor Tegan was shivering!
The Church grounds are extremely well kept and have lovely winter flowers all around! The graves are packed in surprisingly tightly and all have edging stones around them which are starting to tip and sink on a few which is a shame. However, all the graves in St Peter's are owned by the family who put them there and they are also responsible for them. There aren't many that have fallen though so Robert's is unusual in that way. There are others that are deliberately flat so his wouldn't be the only one if that's what we do.
The section Robert's grave is in is mainly graves that are still tended by relatives but the other section is so old that no one is around to tend them. The few I looked at were from the early 1800's but I think they probably go back before that. Despite this they are in pretty good condition considering their age. As I say, a few are sinking slightly, some wearing away a little, and the edging stones are a bit uneven but all in all, the graveyard is pretty well looked after compared to some I've been in! (That makes me sound weird doesn't it? Oh no it doesn't ::) - I'm in Rootschat - we all grave hunt in here!)
Graham would probably be best placed to advise us if we can help and of any parts we could help with if we have the funds and people wanted it to be done. I know in my Churchyard some of the writing is starting to fade on the stones but we have no money to have them recarved or painted and it is hard to trace relatives of the older ones. I have photographed them all instead and recorded what they say. If necessary, Graham could advise us of that type of work if necessary. Has anyone heard from him lately?
At the moment we don't have enough funds to put the stone up anyway so I guess this is all speculation but I just thought I'd let you know what St Peter's was like for future reference!
If anyone wants to know where we're up to, please feel free to pm me!
Lynne
-
Miss M
The pics are really good. ;D
I think the stone looks fine to turn over horizontally and with the donations you have to date, we may well be able to do that.
But we're talking hundreds of pounds aren't we to make it vertical again? It looks sturdy enough to take it from the laymans point of view - its just whether we could raise the massive amount it needs to be safe and vertical/upright again.
Mair
-
Hi Mair
Glad you liked the photos!
I'm sending you a pm about how much we have so far.... :)
Lynne
-
Thankyou for showing us the photos.
Having worked in a cemetery I can tell you it is not a simple task to get a stone upright and it is essential that the stone is in good condition.
The stone mason will be the best judge of that.
Kesannah
-
To all involved,
I have just read this thread from beginning to end - well it's not quite the end yet ........... I am amazed at all the effort and work you have done - I am sure Robert is quietly pleased too!
One thing crossed my mind - would it be worthwhile trying to get this young man's regiment involved - they might be willing to help. I realise he was demobbed and therefore didn't "die in service", if I have read things correctly. Has anyone approached them - with such a wonderful and moving story they would probably be proud to help.
Just a thought .............
I do hope Michel can be there for the "event".
Sue
-
Well hats off to you Sue for having the stamina ... Its a long story but worth it I hope .. I believe someone has been in touch with the regiment .... goodness did I imagine that? .. I 'm sure someone did..... ???
Poll
-
Hi Sue ! and welcome to RootsChat !! :)
Boy ! - you dove in at the deep end by reading this thread ... didn't you ?? ;D ;D
The regiment have been informed of course ... but I think we just have enough Hutzpah to make this happen through RootsChat !!
Annie :)
-
Hi Annie...nice to see you !!
I just know that some are going to misunderstand what I am trying to say...but never one to think before I post here goes.
I would like to donate to this but my interest is in Robert and righting his headstone. Robert is the subject of this posting and I believe he should remain so.
The total amount of money needed to accomplish this is quite steep but do able I think. The decision on whether to right the stone, lay it flat with extra money going to the church roof, other graves...etc etc I find very distracting. I want to know that my money is going where I intend it to go.
I will follow the thread and if an when it is decided that the stone will be righted and that is the first priority I will then make a donation. It is quite possible others feel the same.
dollylee
-
Hi Dolly ..I understand exactly what you mean.. I feel the same ... and ANNIE will no doubt voice her thoughts too . In my view the target should be to re erect the stone as I believe the cost for simply turning was reached with maybe just 6-8 donations which means there is surely scope for us to raise the rest ? ..Surely ...
Poll...
-
Hi Everybody !
This has gone on for so long that a lot of stuff has been "gone over " a few times !!
In the very beginning the regiment weren't interested in the tag ... as it wasn't a valuable artifact .... and if they took it ... it would probably be put in a back room somewhere ! ... the consensus of opinion was- that it would be best left with Michel ... as he had treasured it all these years ( over 25 years !! )
All we were really interested in - was trying to find any relatives that would appreciate Michel holding on to this tag and he would be able to give it back to the family .... when we couldn't find any family .... the next best thing was to find his resting place .... well we did that ... and that was such a wonderful thing ... that after all this time - we knew were he was !
It's my personal opinion that the people who want to give .. will .... and the people who don't want to give ... won't !
We have to be careful talking about this on the board ... I would hate for this to be taken off after all the wonderful work and running around that people have done to make this - the terrific thread it is .... !
I'm too far away to make any difference .... and Michel is over the Channel ....... but I know that our main goal at the start was - to find this soldier and make sure he wasn't forgotten !
I know now that he isn't !! :D
Annie :)
-
Hi All. I feel resposible as I am the one who mentioned McCartney. My reason for that was the fact I felt that we would raise the money to turn it over but take a while to have it put upright again. I think if this is going to be dragged out, people and the purpose will lose momentum. Hence the get in touch with ......
At the time there were a few names on here. I doubted that £600 would be achieved, maybe I am wrong. I think give a time scale, see how much is in the pot then take it from there! That is my opinion.
As you have mentioned we are revisiting things that have already been discussed.
My money is in the post. I would like to see Roberts grave righted and I leave that to you guys, Annie. Michel and whoever feels they have a right to the outcome of this amazing story.
Sincere best wishes to you all.
tisgrannie
-
No worries, tisgrannie, we were trying to think of ways to raise a bit of cash to get the job done and you came up with one... at least you made a suggestion.
Paula
-
I have done quiite a lot of MI recording and have been amazed at the clarity of the inscribing on the very old stones which were laid flat as was the custom in many churchyards.
Having seen Lynne's wonderul photos one can see that it would look better if Robert's stone was upright as those around him but I do feel that it is an achievement just to get the stone turned and if the amount needed to right it is not forthcoming in a short time the extra could be donated to the church for all the help Graham has been. I have given without any qualms at all. and hope that the matter will be resolved soon.
Norah
-
Got my cheque on the way too, now.
I've had my say, but I'll go with what ever is decided. Let's show the world that there are those among us who are determined that these men, although they have no descendants, are not forgotten, and our Robert is the symbol of our belief.
-
Well said Paula, and so say all of us!
best wishes
tisgrannie
-
Good evening all,
Long ago that I did not give my new, and I request you to forgive me, I just spent more than two hours to read and translate the messages that I had not seen for almost a month.
I am overwhelmed by all the energy that you all to deploy the memory of Robert can be honored and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful teamwork.
Of course it would be wonderful that besides being returned, the stone can be re erected and repaired to restore its original appearance.
I especially want to thank Lynne for its initiative to collect money, it is an important responsibility.
I now have to send him my own participation ...!!!
très affectueusement
Michel
-
Ive just popped into this thread got to admit ive not read it for awhile
The photo's of the church are lovely and so well kept
Its so nice to hear of the interest we have all had in this can I call it a story
so many of you have worked very hard to find Robert .
you have done well
My donation is away in the post and I will be glad to see this headstone put back in its place
God bless Robert
Elizabeth
-
Bonsoir Michel!
Je vais sur l'Internet trouver un traducteur et serai en contact bientôt !
Lynne
-
Hi Elizabeth
Thank you so much for getting in touch and offering your donation. I'm guessing Poll gave you the address to send it to.
It is wonderful how everyone is coming together to help achieve this project and how it has touched everyone's hearts!
Thank you again,
Lynne
-
BONSOIR MICHEL.It est vraiment bon pour vous voir en arrière ici. Vous avez été manqués. Nous avons tous manqué votre accent français. J'espère que vous êtes contents de que nous avons fait. Il est excitant que nous pouvons être capables de restituer le mémorial à Robert dans l'avenir. J'espère sincèrement que nous réussissons.
XX Polly ;D
Hi everyone ...Unfortunately the moderators have pulled the plug on my thread on the restoration board... and quaratined it pending a meeting as I was contravening the rules on Rooschat . I understand that it was setting a precedent as it was linking a free service of restoring pics to request for a donation.. I don't have a problem with what has happened and I am am so grateful to everyone who has donated to this cause especially those who have done so following my request.
I have been assured that there have been no complaints from fellow rootschatters and I am glad that no one seems to have been offended by my actions . I may be allowed to have a locked thread advertising this thread asking for donations on the For Sale board but that has yet to be confirmed . I would ask you all to consider using the pm system when discussing anything to do with donations and actual money transactions etc to ensure that it doesn't appear that people are soliciting in any way.
I hope that Robert's headstone will be re erected and that we don't give up until that is done and I personally hope that the money collected so far is kept in a fund until we do ... whether that is next week or next year. Of course I think it is up to Michel to decide in the end... Thanks for allyour pms and support everyone ....x Poll
-
Hi all
Following on from earlier......
We have got to the first phase.........now for the next???????
Mair
-
It's a hindrance for us, but I suppose I can understand their reasons, Poll. You gave it a shot. Top marks for trying.(http://www.websmileys.com/sm/fingers/fing25.gif)
-
Thanks Paula ...now maybe people will use the pm system please to avoid any further hiccoughs when discussing donations .. Thanks again everyone for your support and pms :)
Poll
-
Hi everyone
Just a quick note to tell you that when I came in from work today there had been no post..... :'(
But 10 minutes after I came in it arrived with 7 cheques for our project! ;D
Thank you for all the little notes you put in too - they made me smile!
If you want to know what has been offered so far, please send me a pm so I can tell you! I will be pm-ing (is that really a word...?) those of you whose cheques came today.
Thank you so much!
Lynne
PS I'm going to try and add a little smiley icon I found yesterday - hope it works!
-
Oh I love it, Lynne, feel very group huggy with excitement ;D
-
Hi all,
I'm going to be more careful how I phrase this now - a little bit more of 'you know what' has arrived today to keep us on track! ;D
Lynne
-
Just getting back to the research ... did anyone see if his service record was available .. sorry I just cant remember now ... Annie ?
Poll
-
Just getting back to the research ... did anyone see if his service record was available .. sorry I just cant remember now ... Annie ?
Poll
Yes Poll ! .... we have it !! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Very FIRST post !!
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,206958.0.html
-
Doh ..Not having a very good day ::) .... just thrown a pan of home made soup down the waste disposal and tried to cook the vegetable peelings on the hob !! Thanks Annie ... I think I may be better avoiding posting today ... . .. :-[
-
Doh ..Not having a very good day ::) .... just thrown a pan of home made soup down the waste disposal and tried to cook the vegetable peelings on the hob !! Thanks Annie ... I think I may be better avoiding posting today ... . .. :-[
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Relax ... take it easy Girl ! ;D
-
yes Ma'am ;D ;)
-
Poll, take heart, you're not alone. I was staying at a family run hotel in the north of Scotland once. Lovely soup, always a good choice...then the kids broke for school holidays and daughter tried to help out... you guessed it.. most the soup went down the drain the first night. They were such nice people, I don't think anyone complained.
-
Good evening all
Lynne,
with my French accent (for Polly),
un peu plus de "ce que vous savez" est en route, surveillez votre boîte aux lettres...
Michel ;)
-
Ooooer Michel !!
C'est si excitant maintenant. Je me sens comme si nous travaillons comme les agents secrets. ;)
-
Polly,
I am a secret agent and ... please do not tell anyone ..!!! even Sabine do not know that... ;D ;D ;D
-
'Allo 'Allo...next thing we know Nighthawk will be calling Bluetit... sorry...couldn't resist... ;D
Hello Michel, the news is getting very exciting, isn't it.
-
Fiez-vous à moi Michel. Je ne sais rien! .... :-X :-X
Polly ;)
-
Merci Michel - j'attendrai par ma porte ! J'aime votre accent français aussi... :)
-
'Allo 'Allo...next thing we know Nighthawk will be calling Bluetit... sorry...couldn't resist... ;D
Hello Michel, the news is getting very exciting, isn't it.
Maybe if we use the language of 'Allo 'Allo we can get away with talking about 'you know what'! ;D
"We hef collocted enoof moaney"
(Don't think I can use my translator for this post!)
Lynne
-
Lynne
That would be very hard for me to understand never mind Michel trying to translate as I never saw it "ello ello" I mean.
As long as the good stuff keeps arriving that will be fine
Edna
-
As our lovely Rabbit would quote..
'Wotta mistaka ta maka!'
Very clever program 'Allo 'Allo, for the most part played seriously, but so funny it made it one of the most brilliant of comedies.
All spoken in English but each country with it's own overplayed accent.
The English SOE bloke, who was working with the Resistance spoke English with the adopted/exagerated French accent, but kept slipping in the wrong words...'Good moaning,' rather than 'Good morning,' and the like to show he had a poor grasp of the language.
All very cleverly done, and one comedy program that I could get a good giggle out of.
-
As our lovely Rabbit would quote..
'Wotta mistaka ta maka!'
Very clever program 'Allo 'Allo, for the most part played seriously, but so funny it made it one of the most brilliant of comedies.
All spoken in English but each country with it's own overplayed accent.
The English SOE bloke, who was working with the Resistance spoke English with the adopted/exagerated French accent, but kept slipping in the wrong words...'Good moaning,' rather than 'Good morning,' and the like to show he had a poor grasp of the language.
All very cleverly done, and one comedy program that I could get a good giggle out of.
Paula, I loved it when the English airmen spoke supposedly in English but it came out as 'fah, fah, fah, fah, fah,...'! Brilliant! ;D
Just in case I gave the wrong impression with my Franglais, we hefnt gut enoof moaney yot! ;)
Lynne
-
Hi Edna,
It was hard enough to write in it!! Don't think I could keep that up! :-\
We've had two more in this mornring so we're doing okay..
Lynne
-
Makes you wonder how he could say it, and HOW did the others keep straight faces.
I take it we are in the same state as the Grand Old Duke of York, when he was neither 'up' or 'down'
-
Hi Paula
Yes,we're approximately half way up! :)
Lynne
-
Hi
Just spent the best part of tonight reading this post from the very beginning. The effort and determination of you guys has made me smile and brought a tear to my eye at every turn. What an amazing thing you are trying to do.
I would like to send a cheque if it will help in some small way. Sorry but after so many posts who do I PM for the address and who to make it payable to - I think its MissM but I'm getting confused ???
I have to say, I lost a great uncle aged 19 in WW1, I feel this is one small gesture to say "you will never be forgotten" to him and all those brave young boys who lost their lives so tragically. So this is for Sam as well if you don't mind.
Joan
-
Thanks
Message received and understood ;)
Joan
-
Hi Carol ..Nice to see you over here...and thanks for your support ... It is an amazing story isn't it ..and well done you for reading all this ... ;D
Poll ;)
-
Good Moaning,
Lynne,
My choc is in the pist ;D
Joan
-
;D ;D ;D Nice one ;D ;D ;D ;)
-
;D ;D ;D
I hope Michel has seen or heard of 'Allo 'Allo ::)
Susan :)
-
Poor chap will be wondering what you are talking about ...especially if he's using online translator ... :D
-
It's all right Michel, (and anyone else who is beginning to wonder) we are talking secret code talk from a television program...er...which of course we do not know...
-
English and Humour :o ;D ;D
You can take a pick here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YujJTqXH9wY&feature=related :)
Wendi
-
erm ;) do you think maybe we are going off topic a bit ...?
-
Hi
Sliding slightly sideways off the topic. I don't know how to link to an item on this site. But maybe someone would like to look at a new topic on the Armed Forces, World War One, J Clifford :-\
Joan
-
Never I had seen or heard of Allo Allo before today but... I do like it, it is really "marrant"...!!!
Wendi, thank you for the link.
You know what ? I understand what they say... (sometimes).
Michel
-
That's great michel51 !!! Now can you explain it to me, I'm Canadian.... ;D ;D
dollylee
-
Merci michel
Enjoy !
Wendi :)
-
Hi Paula
Yes,we're approximately half way up! :)
Lynne
Can we make it an ole un ?
-
Aw c'mon guys ...give the fella a chance ... translating this must be 'orrendous ! ::)
Poll
Bon soir Michel
J'espère que vous êtes en mesure de comprendre un peu de langue anglaise parlée. Beaucoup de personnes écrivent dans les devinettes évitent afin de casser les règles du fait de donner donations... ;)
Polly
-
Polly
J'utilise Google http://www.google.com/translate_t?langpair=fr|en traduire et de le conserver dans mes favoris quand j'ai besoin d'écrire à Michel et je l'habitude d'utiliser babelfish jusqu'à ce que j'ai lu quelque part que parfois, il fait fausse route
Je suis pour la traduction de cet Michel à l'avance pour lui sauver la recherche it up.
Michel, je n'ai pas à vous demander de vous parler un peu d'anglais ou d'une langue un total personne comme moi et si c'est le cas alors sa va être amusant quand vous venez nous rendre visite cette année.
Edna
-
I use this to check .....
http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/default.asp?ldr=fr/en&loc=en Poll
-
BONSOIR MICHEL.It est vraiment bon pour vous voir en arrière ici. Vous avez été manqués. Nous avons tous manqué votre accent français. J'espère que vous êtes contents de que nous avons fait. Il est excitant que nous pouvons être capables de restituer le mémorial à Robert dans l'avenir. J'espère sincèrement que nous réussissons.
Beaucoup d'affection Polly
Hi everyone ...Unfortunately the moderators have pulled the plug on my thread on the restoration board... and quaratined it pending a meeting as I was contravening the rules on Rooschat . I understand that it was setting a precedent as it was linking a free service of restoring pics to request for a donation.. I don't have a problem with what has happened and I am am so grateful to everyone who has donated to this cause especially those who have done so following my request.
I have been assured that there have been no complaints from fellow rootschatters and I am glad that no one seems to have been offended by my actions . I may be allowed to have a locked thread advertising this thread asking for donations on the For Sale board but that has yet to be confirmed . I would ask you all to consider using the pm system when discussing anything to do with donations and actual money transactions etc to ensure that it doesn't appear that people are soliciting in any way.
I hope that Robert's headstone will be re erected and that we don't give up until that is done and I personally hope that the money collected so far is kept in a fund until we do ... whether that is next week or next year. Of course I think it is up to Michel to decide in the end... Thanks for allyour pms and support everyone ....x Poll
Poll
I decided to put your French above through the translator. I don't think it understood your last sentence.
"It is really good to see you behind here. You were missed. We all missed your French accent. I hope that you are happy of that we made. It is stimulating that we can be able of restoring the memorial to Robert in future. I hope sincerely that we succeed.
A lot of disease Polly " ??? ??? ;D
Joan
-
Oo la la! I have received a letter from Michel all written in French with a hug on the bottom! I'm all giddy! :)
Good job I have that school girl French still lurking in my brain so I can work out most of the message.
Everything is going well here so please bear with me while I sort out the last 'you know what's' - I will be in touch very soon. ;D
Lynne
i love that last message with Treelover's translation of Poll's post!
-
oops again ..
-
Hi everyone
I've been in touch with Welsbys this morning and told them we are nearly at our goal. I was secretly hoping they would offer a donation.... but nothing yet. :(
Now a bit of other disappointing news - sadly it will take at least 8 weeks to fit the work into their schedule although the secretary did say she would mark the order 'asap'. I'm sorry about this but it never occured to me to ask about timescales. I thought it would be a couple of weeks at most. :'(
I've also asked her if we can put a piece in the Echo as the project now has an outcome and they might be more interested now and she said fine. I'm hoping when she talks to her manager he'll realises it's a bit of free publicity and offer us that donation....! ;) I know there's a summary of the story somewhere in the threads which I think Annie put together for the Echo (I'm getting fed up with them but I'm not giving up!) so I'll find that and talk to Annie about the finished article before I do anything with it.
I'm going to bank the cheques this afternoon and find out about bank charges, then I could give Welsbys a cheque next week as a deposit to get the work done. I think I need to get the order in so it lessens the time we spend waiting. Opinions welcome!
Thanks everyone,
Lynne
-
Oh gid shew, Lun....
Sorry, just slipped out.
Look, Robert isn't going anywhere, he's waited this long to be put right, I'm sure he won't mind waiting a few more weeks.
Slow and steady, it's the best way.
As to the Echo...go for um gal, kick bottom!
-
Lynne
This wonderful news.
I sent an E Mail to
alastairmachray@liverpoolecho.co.uk
asking if Annie's story about Robert had ever appeared in the paper and another person replied saying that there was no trace of it being published.
This info is on the thread, somewhere.
Norah
-
Looking good Miss M! ;D
Nanny Jan
-
Well done Lynne,
As Paula said Robert isn't going anywhere so what's a few more weeks. Just incredible what everyone on here as achieved so far :)
Susan :)
-
Sweet Miss M!
The Grand Old Duke is nearly at the summit then!?
Fingers crossed ;)
Su
Modified: Quatre cents cinquante ;D ;D ;D ;D Yeahhhh!!!!!!!!!!! Bonne chance Mlle Moaney penni
-
Thanks everyone. I know we're not supposed to talk about Moaney here... maybe I can give you an important but not yet complete reference number..... 450... Sound good? ;)
Mademoiselle Moaneypeenny ::)
-
Sounds very, very good ;) :D
Susan
-
Fantastique!!
tres bon
ps
I got an email headed "Dear Joyce" !
sorry this was for MissM
tisgrannie
-
Hi all, I wrote to the link at the Echo and got a response!!!!!!!!!
tisgrannie
-
WELL DONE TISGRANNIE !! ;D ;D
Nanny Jan
-
Thats great news
Tisgrannie :)
Elizabeth
-
Hi
Great news. Well done everyone. Fantastic job Miss M ;)
Joan
-
Hi everyone,
I have a bit of news to share!
The Liverpool Echo has just rung me to talk about Robert's grave! I sent them a shortened version of everyone's efforts to reunite Michel's medallion with Robert, and the subsequent quest to lift Robert's gravestone. The reporter is trying to put together the story and asked me quite a few questions about how we were all involved and why.
I hope I got this right but I said firstly we wanted to help Michel after all the years he spent trying to find Robert. Secondly we all felt that Robert had become part of our individual families having learned so much about him, that he had become 'our' Robert (which is a very Scouse expression!) and that after his brave contribution in the war we were sad he died so young and had no one to remember him. Putting his stone back up will mean he is still remembered.
I told him 30 odd people had sent donations from England, Wales, Scotland, France, Spain, Australia and the US but hundreds (is that right?) have been involved in the search for information and the threads have had 1000's of hits. I said this is an unusually high number compared to normal requests for help.
The reporter, David asked if there would be anything on the stone or nearby to give the story so I said that was up to the Church Council but we would love that if it is possible. Edna, maybe we can ask Graham Paisley about his ideas on this? He asked what was happening with the medallion (which he's asked for the photo of and I'll email this afternoon) but I explained that was Michel's decision and hadn't been decided yet.
He doesn't know yet if it will make the paper but he is hopeful that with the righting of the stone it will become a local interest story! He wants Annie's email address (if that's okay with you Annie) because I don't want to become the main person in this quest with coming to it so late!
He has asked me how long it will take and I said we are still trying to raise the last £150 (sorry mods!) but it's looking very hopeful. In the meantime as it will take 8 - 10 weeks for the stonemason to fit us in, should I go ahead and put a small deposit down so they can order the equipment? What do you all think?
I am still hoping Welsbys might be tempted to give us a donation when they hear about the Echo so I'm going to let them know as well!
Oh I'm all excited now.... Fancy being interviewed by the Echo!!! I need to go and lie down in a darkened room for a while...... :-D
Well Done everyone!
Lynne
-
What can I say ?? ........ I'm impressed ....... you actually got somebody to talk to you !
Woohoo Lynne !! .... thank you !!
Just do or say .... what needs to be done or said ... you obviously have capable hands !! :D :D :D
Annie :)
-
Well done!
Are we all going to order a copy of the Liverpool Echo when they print the story?
Nanny Jan
-
Oh yes!
And hopefully it will be available online as well! But I don't want my photo in the Echo so if they need someone to be there cheering as the gravestone is lifted, who do I contact.....? Any volunteers?
;D ;D ;D
(They better print it after all this!!!)
Lynne
-
Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
-
Lynne
Thats a great breakthrough getting to the Echo finally as I got nowhere either with my contacts.
For me I would say yes get the restoration under way as soon as possible I am sure we can raise the final phase of the target during that time.
You must have got a real buzz when the Echo contacted you I know I felt it when I read it a few minutes ago.
Great stuff
Edna
-
Hi Edna
It felt like an electric shock when I heard who was on my phone! I didn't even give them my phone number.... guess having an usual name leaves it hard to hide when there's only four of you in the phone book!
So many of us have contacted them, we must have all worn them down and now they've given in! ;D
Lynne
-
Well done girl, you have done us so proud. I am sure that the others will too. Hopefully it will generate interest locally and raise some more money. Robert deserves the publicity. The Echo should let the people of Liverpool decide whether its a worthwhile story or not.
Thank you so much MiissM.
ps. can I have your autograph please :)
tisgrannie
-
I have just sent a message off to Graham inviting him to browse the thread again and to tell him of the good news Lynne has brought us and to ask his opinion of a plaque as mentioned by the Echo reporter in Lynnes message so heres hoping we hear from Graham shortly.
Edna
-
Hi I think I am going to email the guy at the Echo and thank him for his quick response!
Tell him how we are all delighted with him sending someone! Keep the pressure on a bit to go to print.
regards
tisgrannie
-
Well done Lynne - those interviews are not easy :D
Well done Tisgrannie - what did you offer that guy! :o :o :o (No seriously well done everybody)
I am sure Robert is smiling at all of this :)
Su
-
Why don't we all email the Echo! Got an address?
Cheers,
China
PS, I wouldn't mind being there if they're taking pictures...just send me a plane ticket ;D
-
Dear Sir, Can I thank you for having the reporter contact our liaison person XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. The rootschat community are very delighted with the news, as it spreads world wide. We genuinely hope that positive things will now happen regarding Robert Stead's headstone.
The publicity will be good for the Echo. We all plan on trying to obtain a copy if and when the story is printed. We could read it online but its not quite the same is it? I shall personally make sure that all our overseas friends get a copy too.
Thank you so much for showing what had become a beleaguered lot, that the Echo does have a heart!
Yours most sincerely
tisgrannie. (I eliminated our real names )
-
At last the Echo may be realising that we are on the planet afterall!
M
-
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Well done everyone.
Kesannah
-
I just can't tell you how rewarding this is ... to all those people who responded to the call for help on this thread .. I am just so proud to call you all friends ..Just everyone has been magnificent ! It's just awesome to see what people can achieve when they set their minds to something .. Annie and Michel ... HATS OFF TO THE BOTH OF YOU ... ;D and everyone who has worked so hard on this ... :-*
Poll
-
Hello everyone!
I just translate the messages that I had not read the last three days and I am ... K.O. Standing ...
I really do not know what to say as I am overwhelmed by emotion and pride to have "meet" all of you and just be part of this wonderful family that are rootchatters.
Lynne,
What a fabulous work you did...
Annie, my good star,
without you nothing would happen...
Robert, my dear Robert,
Wait for me please, we have now two rendez-vous, the first on your resting place... the second, in the middle of nowhere, for a warm handshake...
Michel
-
Hi
Just like to add my "Well done" to MissM & tisgrannie - brilliant work. Following this story has been amazing, to everyone involved, stand up and take a bow, you ALL deserve it ;D
Joan
-
Words cannot say how I feel
I have read this thread from the start and sadly like a lot of us i couldn't help
But its so great to think that so many of you Rootschatters have taken the time and hard work to see this through to the end
looking forward to seeing pics of Roberts head stone up in place and also hope to pick up the story on line when the echo prints it
Well done once again all of you
Elizabeth
-
Well done MissM you deserve a lie down in a darkened room ;D
and tisgrannie for keeping the pressure on the Echo, they can't fail to publish with RootsChat eyes on them,
Annie too for taking up the cudgels on Michel's behalf ;D ;D
Susan :)
-
...and don't forget Edna, who kick started it all into the second triumphant round.
-
...and don't forget Edna, who kick started it all into the second triumphant round.
Of course I do not forget Edna... qui aura un message privé... :)
-
Michel. Your email moved me to tears, thank you from the bottom of my heart for finding so diligently Robert , may he RIP with a smile on his face. Knowing that the people he gave his life for ultimatley, appreciate his sacrifice.
Michel I salute you. I think we now have to get in touch with the "Bethune Echo" and pass on the thanks and praise you so deserve.
I look forward to your visit to Roberts grave with your many rootschat friends.
Goodnight Godbless.
tisgrannie
-
Perhaps there is a moral in this story that persistence and the will not to give does have its just rewards. The Roots Chatters have something of which to be very proud and so many have rallied to the call. An especial thank you to Lynne for "taking charge" of the difficult task of being responsible for the donations and all that it implied.
I am sure the rest of the cash can be raised and the project completed
Maybe the Echo has at long last realized that there is a news story of a very different nature and will publish.
Norah
-
Robert, my dear Robert,
Wait for me please, we have now two rendez-vous, the first on your resting place... the second, in the middle of nowhere, for a warm handshake...
Michel
That was a wonderful message you wrote my Friend ! .... but I bet Robert is watching and has already shook your hand many times !!
Annie :)
-
Well done eveyone. Didn't get the PM mentioned earlier in the thread but I have been keeping up to date with the remarkable progress. If anyone is able to give me a brief resume of the story I will happily upload it on the website and it might be worth putting in our Parish Mag as well. Just a thought. If i can be of help please let me know.
-
Graham
I am so sorry but last time you signed in your user name was Vergergraham and it was to this one I posted to you but not to worry someone must have known we needed you to look at the thread anyway.
I am sure Annie can send that short synopsis for the magazine as she made a very good synopsis of the original research done earlier and is very good with wording and I feel would be the best person to do it.
Edna
-
Hi Everyone
Do we have a photograph of Robert William Stead yet?
Su
-
Well done eveyone. Didn't get the PM mentioned earlier in the thread but I have been keeping up to date with the remarkable progress. If anyone is able to give me a brief resume of the story I will happily upload it on the website and it might be worth putting in our Parish Mag as well. Just a thought. If i can be of help please let me know.
Hi Graham
Thanks for popping in!
It will be great to see Robert's story on the Church website!
Will there be any Church fees for the work on Robert's gravestone because we haven't taken them into account? Welsby's mentioned them. We don't have them at All Saints Speke so I didn't think to ask!
Just a thought - maybe you could contact 'our' reporter at the Echo and tell him about your famous graves AND your roof fund appeal - it could all go in the same article. I did tell him you had been very helpful in our project. If you want his email, let me know.
Lynne
-
Hi all
Can I just ask - how many of you are Scousers, either living here or away? I can't be the only one?
I would like to tell the Echo reporter. I have mentioned you live in Scotland, Wales, England, France, Spain, US,Australia and I know I need to add Canada!
Anyone else? Speak up now or forever hold your peas! ;)
Lynne
-
Not a scouser - but proud to be associated with you all :D
Cornish lass in Cornwall.
Theres my peas ;D
Su
-
I can honestly say I belong to that great bunch of people called scousers and proud of it and only living in Southport which is still in the Merseyside area only a short train ride away and all of my family are still there including my own children and grandchildren so will be there with Michel on the day to meet up with you all when Michel arrives here to see the final outcome of the hard work of all rootschat contributers.
Edna
-
I'm a Londoner; no connection to Liverpool..............yet!
Nanny Jan
-
Mancunian lass living in W Sussex. Hope to be there when the stone is raised (can stay with friends in Aigburth!).
Diana
-
""Im a lassie from Lancashire,
Just a lassie from Lancashire""
(Manchester actually), but my cousin married a Liverpool lad - does that count ::)
Joan ;D
-
Help!
Is there anyone online that lives near St Peter's and could get over there this afternoon or tomorrow?
Please let me know asap and I'll send you a pm.
Thanks,
Lynne
-
Hi all, I haven't been watching this thread closely for a while, but I see that things have been moving along rather well.
I have been wondering what to do with the passworded website that I set up on Tribal Pages to hold the Gedcom data. It would be good to make it public.
The problem we had with it was that some of the data we had collected concerned living or recently deceased people and it would be insensitive to publish it. The solution to that would be to hide the data that gives rise to the concern. Easily done with the living, but I don't really want to be marking the recently deceased as "living".
Could I ask those with access to the website to take a look at it and give me their thoughts (by PM) on what needs to be changed/deleted to make it suitable for open publication.
http://shaunj.tribalpages.com/
(Anyone needing a password just PM me)
-
It's funny you should say that Shaun ...'cos I was only looking at it last night and thinking .... what a good site it is :D .... what a pity it would be for it to go unnoticed !!
As I am a techno duck ....... I really have no idea of the best thing to do .... but I believe the right thing to do is keep it !! and I think you are the best person to decide .... but I will PM you with my thoughts .... I'd like to say again how much I appreciated yours and Reivers hard work with that ... we really gave you a "Doozie " didn't we ??!! :D :D
Thank you again !
Annie :)
-
And while I'm here ..... I have to say that in the beginning when we knew nothing ...... there were so many people who went over and beyond to help Michel ....
Very notably Mary A who ran all over town finding addresses for us - taking pictures - as well as finding all kinds of great information .... Anna who braved a terrible gale to go and get us the will .... Shaun of course who was a brick throughout .... and stayed the course when things got bleak .... Reiver who spent hours and hours typing and looking ! .... Freddiebean who gave us our first breakthrough .... Tazzie who kept us all going .... Ambly who was a tower of strength ... Wendi with so much moral and emotional support .... and all our Cheerleaders - Tisgrannie and everybody - who kept popping in to motivate us ....... !! and our Friend Andrew of course and all the people on the Forum who were so instrumental !
It was one heck of a ride and I'm thrilled at the outcome .... but now it's time for the people who are actually there in and around Liverpool to carry the baton ..... thank you for everything !! .... I'll be waiting with bated breath to see and hear about all the happenings connected with "Our Robert " .... he was some man wasn't he ? to have affected us all this way !
Thank you Michel for the honour of entrusting him to me in the beginning .... I'm so glad I "met " him !!
Annie :)
-
I'm a Canadian living in the US...but I'm married to a Yorkshireman so may I say I'm almost, very close, to being nearly a Scouser.
Maybe ;D ;D ;D
Cheers,
China
-
The Yorkshire connection is good enough for me China ;D .... I'd also like to thank all my other buddies from the photo restoration board who came through for this cause ... Guys you were AWESOME in your response :-* :-*
Poll :)
-
I'm a Warwickshire lass living in Gloucestershire who has an affinity with Liverpool :D
Son spent four very happy years at Liverpool University, worked for a couple of years, then decided to go back to Liverpool Uni for further year of study.
Liverpool is such a lovely city and the people so friendly ;D
Susan :)
-
Me? I was born in Waterloo, lived in Crosby most of my early life, then Maghull until leaving Merseyside 26 years ago. Now living in Surrey for the third time around, after spells in Scotland, Belgium and Singapore.
-
[quote author=graham p link=topic=271385.msg1797889#msg1797889
Hi Graham
Thanks for popping in!
It will be great to see Robert's story on the Church website!
Will there be any Church fees for the work on Robert's gravestone because we haven't taken them into account? Welsby's mentioned them. We don't have them at All Saints Speke so I didn't think to ask!
Lynne
Church fees would normally be payable but when Welsby's contact me I will let them know that the church will waive any fee on this occassion.
Graham
-
That's great Graham, thank you so much! And please thank the Church Council too!
The Echo want a photo of someone from the group by the gravestone. Is it alright for me to send them the one of you that Edna's sister took when she visited St Peter's? Or if you can have one taken of yourself with the stone you can email it to the reporter at the Echo tonight or tomorrow. I can pm you with his email address.
He's putting our article through to his Editor to see if it will be accepted and needs a photo asap. I thought it might an opportunity to mention your roof fund.....! ;D
Thanks,
Lynne
-
My best friend of 40 years Kidsnana who lives in Florida is from Liverpool. I used to visit her Dad in Speke and have an affinity with Liverpool. That must count for something.
regards
tisgrannie
-
I am a Canadian living in Canada. I didn't do a lick of work on this project. It was watching it all unfold and the spirit of Robert that prompted me to get involved.
Aren't you all just so proud of you??? I knew if we set our minds to it we could raise enough money to get the stone righted...........and it is going to happen !!!!
Congratulations to you all. A wonderful job done by wonderful people. I am so pleased to "know" you.
dollylee
-
I am a Canadian living in Canada. I didn't do a lick of work on this project.
Close enough dollylee ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
Thank you everyone for telling me where you are from. I reckon we're up to 3 Scousers and 100's of honourary Liverpudlians! ;D
It really makes interesting reading because I was presuming most of you were ex-pats or children of ex-pats I don't know why and I've had my eyes opened!
It makes it all the more wonderful that you have all put so much time, effort and money into our Robert's project and I feel privileged that I was able to join in, even if rather belatedly, and to help out in my own way.
Once you help a Scouser you have a friend for life, and you become a friend for life.
Lynne
-
Lynne
I think a lot of us arrived here not through the géographie but via the Histoire ;D
A sincere Thank you, from me, for being brave enough to take on the £ side of things, without that we would have never, ever got this far.
Wendi :)
-
"Thank you Michel for the honour of entrusting him to me in the beginning .... I'm so glad I "met " him !!"
Annie, avez-vous déjà entendu parler du sixième sens ? et bien le mien ne m'a pas trompé ! :)
Michel
-
:) :) :)
-
That's great Graham, thank you so much! And please thank the Church Council too!
The Echo want a photo of someone from the group by the gravestone. Is it alright for me to send them the one of you that Edna's sister took when she visited St Peter's? Or if you can have one taken of yourself with the stone you can email it to the reporter at the Echo tonight or tomorrow. I can pm you with his email address.
He's putting our article through to his Editor to see if it will be accepted and needs a photo asap. I thought it might an opportunity to mention your roof fund.....! ;D
Thanks,
Lynne
Sorry for the delay. At a rather big football match in Liverpool last night!!! I'm sure it is best to send the photo you have that is available for the sake of time. The Echo know where to contact me if they need any help.
Graham
-
Thank you everyone for telling me where you are from. I reckon we're up to 3 Scousers and 100's of honourary Liverpudlians! ;D
It really makes interesting reading because I was presuming most of you were ex-pats or children of ex-pats I don't know why and I've had my eyes opened!
Another reason I've taken an interest is that I'm researching my great-uncle who died in WW1.
Diana
PS - as we explained all the 'Allo 'Allo story to Michel, someone explain the title of this thread as well?
-
someone explain the title of this thread as well?
That was just Annie settling us all down to listen carefully, while she began to tell the tale of Robert, on the first post of the first thread.
-
someone explain the title of this thread as well?
It was always said at the beginning of the story on "Listen with Mother "
"Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin! "
http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk/radio/lwm.htm
-
Sorry for the delay. At a rather big football match in Liverpool last night!!! I'm sure it is best to send the photo you have that is available for the sake of time. The Echo know where to contact me if they need any help.
Graham
Hi Graham
Great result last night! ;D I'm not allowed to watch live because my other half thinks I'm a jinx!!! ::) But I did manage to watch the last 20 minutes without him knowing and we won so I reckon my jinx has gone!
Lots of singing and dancing in our house last night!
Thanks for letting me use your photo - I had my hair done just in case it was going to be me getting snapped but I'm relieved I don't have to go now!
Lynne
-
someone explain the title of this thread as well?
It was always said at the beginning of the story on "Listen with Mother "
"Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin! "
http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk/radio/lwm.htm
Thanks for the website link Shaun. I'm sitting here all misty eyed now..... :) And I should be working!!
Lynne
-
I once went on that famous ferry across the Mersey..........and I waved to the Liver Birds.......Can I be an honorary 'Scouser' please....... :-* :-*
And just to let you know............I think you ALL deserve a huge pat on the back. What you've achieved is nothing short of brilliant.
Well done.
Barbara
-
...and if I could make the connection with my Caponhursts of Bucks in 1500 and Capenhurst on the Wirral, I would be a lot nearer ....
-
This is such an amazing result - congratulations to all involved.
I'm an Australian living in Australia, but I lived for a few years in Liverpool - (Mossley Hill and Woolton! ;D) so lots of affection for the city from me too! Absolutely loved my time there!
-
Hi Miss M ......
Cheques in the post just done it ......
Pat on the back all ;)
Tazzie
-
For all Ex pats and newfound Honorary Liverpudlians I just thought I would introduce you all to The Liverpool Echo http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/ so you all know what we are all talking about and you can keep it in your favourites and have a read any time you feel like seeing what is happening in Liverpool
I would also like to add my congratulations to all those involved in this thread and contributors to the 'Allo 'Allo fund ;D
Edna
-
Eeer, which of course we know nothing about....
Getting good isn't it, Edna.
-
I am an East Londoner.
The only connection I have to Liverpool is that one of my Ancestors sailed from there when he emigrated to Canada.
Kesannah
-
It's very quiet in here.......
Are you all waiting for me to tell you something.....?
Have I actually got anything to tell.....?
Might have....
Might not.....
Might just give you a tiny bit of news......
Like how nice are those people are at the stonemasons......
And how the process has started now that I've put a small deposit down......
But if I tell you all anymore you'll get over excited so I'm saving the next piece of news til tomorrow.....
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
Ok i'm not on the edge of my seat but fallen off it :o
Wonderful news - deposit is down and ............... ??? ??? ??? ???
Su
The tension is killing me! ;D
-
How can you do this to us?!
And I'm out tomorrow so won't be able to catch up then ...
Diana
-
Some people.................. ::) ::) ::)
Would a bribe work?? ;) ;)
-
Would a pretty please make you relent?
-
A cake with a cherry on top..........a chocolate cake with a cherry on top....... ::) ::)
-
Mmmmmmmm... a chocolate cake with a cherry on top...... mmmm..... :o Can I have some double cream poured over the top.....?
Nope! I can't divulge anything - I'm waiting for two final messages and when I get them, you will get them, and I will get my chocolate cake with a cherry and double cream on top! It might be today.... it might be tomorrow.....
Patience..... we're nearly there..... :P
Lynne
I'm in a really funny mood today! ;D It must be all the excitement!
-
Hello Lynne,
vous me rappelez quelqu'un que je connais bien... et qui aime maintenir le suspens...
Michel
-
Chere Michel
Je suis très vilain mais je pense qu'il est intéressant attendre les nouvelles pendant encore 24 heures... ! ;)
Lynne
-
O ooooer Lynne .... you wicked girl .... ! ;) You're enjoying this aren't you .... ;D ;D
-
Not as much as I'll enjoy that chocolate cake with the cherry on and the double cream.....mmmmm... even if I have to buy it myself! ;)
Lynne
-
Isn't it already tomorrow in Australia?
Nanny Jan
-
Lynne ::) ;D
waiting with baited breath for the news, sounds exciting. Will have to switch computer on tomorrow morning and keep having a shufti between chores, my number of hours logged on to RC will go up leaps and bounds ::)
Susan :D
-
Are the MASONS giving us a discount then? ... seeing as a lot of us are pensioners !!lol ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
... seeing as a lot of us are pensioners !!lol ;D ;D ;D ;D
Hi Poll
Have you joined us, the bus pass brigade? ;)
Going off topic here ::)
Susan :)
-
Just in from a trip with our Craft class rained all day been to Dalton Park and city of Durham its a busy day for me tommow so may have to wait for the great mail to come through
Once more well done all
Elizabeth
-
Not fair !!! ;D ;D ;D
I am going away in a couple of hours for a week and will have no computer access.....I will go crazy not knowing lol
dollylee
-
chocolate cake, cherry on the top, double cream - is this expenses?
How about double choc chip cake, cherry on top double cream with choc flakes - just to make it look pretty - Oh cooooooommmmmmmeeee on - My chair edge cant take much more of this! ;D
.....any advance anyone - i am sure we can make her "chat" soon!!!
Mair
-
I can offer my home-made chocolate sauce..............
Nanny Jan
-
My my what a tease you are. I feel so sorry for the lady going away! I would want to put the poor thing out of her misery. I guess that you have your reasons to play at being cruel!!!! Cruella!!!
:) ;) :D ;D >:( :( :o 8) ??? ::) :P :-[ :-X :-\ :-* :'(
What goes around comes round, so they say!
This is worse than still not having got my luggage from BA since last Sunday. Me and thousands of others. I must have been a naughty girl as a child, these kind of things keep happening. Just when I think things can't get any worse, Cruella Deville comes out of hiding and is found in Liverpool.
We'll get you back lady! (Maybe look for that photo from family and friends you would not want anyone ever to see.)
tisgrannie
-
I've got the ingredients in the house I can put the oven on and make the cake if that will help ;D ;D ;D
Elizabeth
-
Awwww thank you tisgrannie.....but she is anything but cruel !!!
Often there are very good reasons for holding back and I am sure this is one of them.
Off soon to catch my plane but I keep popping in here...
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
dollylee
-
have a nice time
Elizabeth
-
Hey dollylee, she is an Angel. I for one appreciate everything she is doing, its a massive responsibility. I was hoping she ould be able to send you a pm and give you a hint really.
Have a lovely time dollylee. You are wonderful too. You have helped me with my Irish folks and I will be for ever beholden to you too.
I just hope you aren't going via BA. Though I am delighted to say a nice man knocked on my door a few minutes ago and gave me my suitcase with all my clothes in!!!!! Praise the Lord.
tisgrannie
ps sorry for being off topic
-
a pm....now why didn't I think of that ::) ::) ::) ::) :-X :-X :-X
tisgrannie...there are so many wonderful people on this site...it's such a joy.
No BA for me. I am in Canada on my way to see my grandbaby the little munchkin who is my avatar....and I do HATE to fly.
Now I am off for real .... can't wait to read the posts when I get back.
dollylee
-
Hi everyone
I've been out at a meeting and come back to all your messages..... bribery...... slander..... chocolate cakes.... ;D
That was a bit of a cryptic message off dollylee..... what did those smileys mean....?
I'm sorry to have got you all worked up - but you're going to have to wait a bit longer.... :(
D'you remember last year when we found out where Robert's gravestone was and were all waiting for Annie to come online to share the news? Well, I'm afraid it's going to be a bit like that again only it's not Annie we're waiting for!
I'm sure you've all worked it out really - you're just enjoying the suspense! ;)
Big hugs all round!
Lynne
-
Wow Lynne,
Has a lost relative of Roberts turned up ??? ???
can't wait for the next epic :o :o
Elizabeth
-
Hi I'm off to bed I can't stand it! I think its a discount at the stonemasons!
I shan't sleep a wink.
Hope its something wonderful.
You must be bursting to tell us missm.
Goodnight Godbless.
tisgrannie (With her own clothes and hairbrush)
-
It has passed the midnight hour so it is TOMORROW NOW. Is anybody burning the midnight oil bagging a view point as for a long awaited public occasion... Nothing to equal this hanging by a thread for Lynne's revelations.
Norah
-
I think i will just sit up all night,the suspense is killing me.Like Tisgranny i think its a reduction in cost.Wouldn't that be great.
I have just been reading Annies other thread about the American Indians.It brought to mind a saying they had that went something like "All honorable men are from the same tribe."And for me all Roots Chatters are from that tribe.I have never come across a more giving bunch of people in my life.I am honoured to be a part of it,if even in a small way.
And i have to thank everyone that helped in finding my family.And welcome you all as scousers,even for a short time.
Cant wait for tomorrow,i am going to eat all those chocolate things myself while i am waiting.Along with a Dairy Box that Tis brought when she came.Oh and steamed treacle pudd.with custard.Hmmm i think i'm glad she made us wait.
Regards to all. Kidsnana
-
Come on Lynne ....... it is morning .......we are busting to know.
Tazzie
-
It's evening here............ I think she want's more than chocolate cake.........what else can we offer....... ::) ::)
Does this constitute 'Cruel and Unusual Punishment'............ There's rules about that y'know ...... ::) ::) ::)
Barbara
-
Just bookmarking so I don't miss the big announcement!!!
-
Gosh you are a determined lot! I love reading all your messages! ;D A couple of you are very near the mark on one point...
I'm sorry to have left you all hanging. I was hoping to be able to tell you the article on Robert's gravestone was going to be in the Echo today. :)
Unfortunately the photos of the grave that I sent which Edna's sister took are too small for print and Echo are now arranging to meet Graham Paisley, the verger, to take them again. :(
The good news is the article has been passed and will definitely be in next week! ;D
I'm still waiting for someone else to tell you the other news.....
Lynne
Are we way off topic now.....?
-
Off topic Lynne.....us never.....
Have been looking at the Echo on line.....will the story be on the online edition ......if not you may have to take orders for it ..... ;D....I would love a copy....... :)
Well we seem to be on the home leg so I think we can wait a little longer ....even though we are going mad.
Once again many many many thanks to all who have helped in getting us this far............just shows the power of the internet
Tazzie
-
Please forward your address Lynne so I can send on the bribe chocolate cake ..... ;D ;D
And what's this..........MORE news!!!
I suppose we can wait a little longer...........if we must......... :-\ :-\ :-\
Barbara
-
Hello All,
Now we arrive to the total success of this fabulous adventure, proof that when people want to work in the same direction, anything can happen, anything can succeed.
C'est magnifique! You are ALL angels ... How wonderful work you have done! ;D ;D ;D
I am very very HAPPY, I admit that everything that is happening goes far beyond my expectations.
Do you know what would make me happy now?
It is to obtain a photograph of each of rootschat friends who participated in the research, with the place where they live, I would like to make a sort of "table d'Honneur" on my little blog.
Is that too much to ask?
I Come back with you this evening (after gardenning before rain)
Je vous embrasse toutes et tous très affectueusement
Michel
-
Hi everyone
Our wonderful news is that the fund is complete! We have all the money promised to pay for Robert's gravestone to be put back upright! ;D
Thank you all for your donations - you have achieved a wonderful thing and as you can see, Michel (and Annie) are delighted with the news! I have been touched by your thanks but it was all of you, your determination, your research skills, your devotion to our Robert that have made this all complete and I am proud to be a member of your group.
I will let you know when 'your' story hits the Echo next week! I will scan it and send it to anyone who wants a copy!
When I get home I will post a some more appropriate smileys!!! ;D
Lynne
-
WOW! That is fabulous news.
Congratulations to you all! Amazing!
This epic is worthy of being in the National Newspapers ... and on TV, as well as the Echo!
What a great human interest story ...
-
Brilliant news! ;D
Put me down for a scan of the story; have a busy week next week, in and out of the house all the time, and would hate to miss it!
Nanny Jan
-
Please put me down for a scan also...........Absolutely fabulous news. :D :D :D I'm over the moon.
Barbara
-
Congratulations fellow rootschatters you have made a Frenchman very happy give yourselves a pat on the back.
You should be able to watch the Echo Daily from the website I gave a few pages back and print it off yourselves when it appears.
Good work Lynne
Edna
-
MissM et Toutes les Rootchatters - C'est magnifique! ;D ;D ;D ;D
One scan please MissM! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Absolutely brilliant
I raise my glass to the raising of the Stone - Cheers :D
Su
-
Eggstatic...real eggstatic... ;D
-
I am just bursting with joy at this news ... I am really lost for words ... just lost for words .....
-
I am just bursting with joy at this news ... I am really lost for words ... just lost for words .....
No I wont............I wont I wont I wont............. :-X :-X :-X ;D
-
WOW !! .... terrific news ....... how wonderful is that ?? :D :D :D :D :D
My heart is full ... and I'm speechless ..... but I never doubted that Robert would be well looked after !! :)
Thank you !
Annie :) :)
-
Blimey, it's contagious.............somebody else speechless :) :) :)
Annie........from beginning to end, you've done a marvelous job. And thankyou for allowing us to be a part of it..............in my case, a very very very small part.
Barbara
-
WOW, great news - I'm speechless too. :o :o :o :o
Wonderful news - could I have a scan please too ;D ;D
Joan
-
..........and another one who can't find the words........
blooming marvellous is what it is,
Blooming marvellous ;D
-
Wonderful news, brilliant ;D ;D
Epic journey is nearly over for this truly remarkable story which has kept everyone enthralled over the months.
Feel quite emotional at the moment, screen has gone blurry :'(
Susan :)
-
Fabulous news! Well done everyone!!
You should all feel extremely proud of yourselves!!
-
I sent an email to The STEAD/STEED One-Name Study to tell them about our outcome !! ....
and the thought occurred to me ..... did we check for Bob Stead ?? ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)
EDIT .......... I was just kidding !! .... we did !! :D
-
and the thought occurred to me ..... did we check for Bob Stead ?? ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)
Think I'll have to start at the beginning and read through again :-\ ::)
Susan :)
-
I sent an email to The STEAD/STEED One-Name Study to tell them about our outcome !! ....
and the thought occurred to me ..... did we check for Bob Stead ?? ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)
EDIT .......... I was just kidding !! .... we did !! :D
That's not funny Annie..... winding people up like that..... ;)
Lynne
-
Annie !!!! :o :o ::) ;)
-
thank goodness I've been locked out of Roots ::) only kidding..... ;D
Must be Lynne's fault with all this excitement the server got overloaded ;)
Susan :)
-
To "The Collective"!!
May I say just one thing.
YYYYYYYYAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOO! (sorry Google :-[)
At last it is "tres bon tout le mond" "C'est magnifique" and coming from someone who was an unclassified at the old French 'O' level guys that spulling ain't too terrible. (notice the use of bi lingualism there)
Absolutely ^&%$**y fantastic - i confess I had doubts whether we would have boodle sufficient to carry out our canny plan but if we can get that memorial vertical and facing the sun once more, how inspirational and educational could this be to our youngers to encourage them never ever to let atrocities of WW1 andWWII ever happen again.
Well done with bells on every single one of us!
Mair
-
Wouldn't it just be great if someone somewhere reads the article when its published and says.
" Hey I'm sure we have a photograph of him in old auntie so and so 's album !"
:o ;)
-
Well you have done a marvellous job all of you. Yes all! If you think you didn't do anything, please think again. Its the spirit of you all that has kept this project going.
The fact you all feel emotionally involved in such a heart warming story . This to make sure one man who fought for each and every one of us be remembered and honoured in such a way. He was one of thousands but he represents them all. because through Robert Stead we are all making sure none of the men are ever forgotten.
I am sure Robert stands smiling with his many comrades knowing that you all cared so much and enough to see this act come to fruition. He will be very proud of you all I am sure.
Lets hope as many as possible of you can come to St Peters Churchyard in Woolton. To commemorate the raising of the headstone. We can hopefully plan a tea and cake "do" in the Church hall.
It will be an honour to meet you all fellow rooters!
God bless you all for all you do! It shows the world, is, a wonderful place.
tisgrannie
-
I have been keeping tabs on this thread from the beginning and with this marvellous news just had to pop on and say ''congratualtions'' to Annie, Michel and everone else involved in this milestone. I have laughed and cried along with you and cannot wait to see the story in the Echo.
God bless you all
Crystal
-
Hi everyone
I've finally managed to get back to my computer and find some smileys I think are appropriate for how we're feeling!
Glad you are so happy with the news! I wanted Michel to tell you but we had problems with the translations! Nevertheless his joy is obvious and I know Annie feels the same!
Let's see if I can get these smileys to work....
Lynne
-
Sorry for my "poor" english Lynne !
But YES, my joy is great !!! ;D ;D ;D
-
Your English is good enough for me, Michel(http://www.websmileys.com/sm/happy/143.gif)
-
I hope that you get lots of photos too Michel... then you will see what a lot of rogues we really are !! ;) ;) ;D
-
Sorry for my "poor" english Lynne !
But YES, my joy is great !!! ;D ;D ;D
Oh no Michel! Please do not apologise! - my French is confined to what I learned in school 30 years ago! You 'speak' better English than I do French!
A famous comedian here, Eddie Izzard believes that when the English go over to France we desperately look for the opportunity to use the words we learned in school - 'le singe est dans l'arbre...' I hope my spelling is right! His sketch on it is hilarious!
I probably didn't express myself properly for the translator. There are people in the UK who need a translator to understand the Liverpool accent when we're talking!
I'm happy that you are happy! ;D
Lynne
Oh aucun Michel ! Veuillez ne pas faire des excuses ! - mon français est confiné à ce que j'ai appris à l'école il y a 30 ans ! Vous 'parlez 'meilleur anglais que je fais le français !
Un comédien célèbre ici, Eddie Izzard croit que quand les anglais font un saut à la France nous recherchons désespérément l'occasion d'employer les mots que nous avons appris à l'école - 'le singe est sur le branche.... ' J'espère que mon épellation est exacte ! Son croquis là-dessus est hilare !
Je ne me suis pas exprimé probablement correctement pour le traducteur. Il y a les gens au UK qui ont besoin d'un traducteur pour comprendre l'accent de Liverpool quand nous parlons !
Je suis heureux que vous soyez heureux ! Lynne
-
I have been following your heroic efforts on Robert's behalf and am delighted you have "got there". It must have been a frustrating/fantastic journey. I think this story should hit the Sunday papers - how about the Sunday Express - it is just the sort of story they would love.
Incidentally, I saw a website recently called mail[at]buglemajor.com - it is a guy who will play at weddings, funerals, anything in fact. Don't know about charges. Wondered if a bugler playing the "Last Post" (or even for Michel the Marsalleis - I think I spelt in wrongly .... I am not sure you could do it justice on a bugle either).
Congratulations to all involved.
Sue
Moderator comment: email amended - to prevent spamming and other abuses please replace @ with [at]
-
What a great thought Sue! Nice to have you along ;D
Lynne & I were talking and she reminded me that Annie's summary is here, for anyone who wants to remind themselves of the journey in double quick time ;)
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,261805.0.html
Wendi :)
-
You might be getting the phone calls from the major papers now MissM, time to get your hair done again! ;D
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Where do I deliver the chocolate cake then? avec des cerises!
Su
-
That bit of news was well worth waiting for MissM.
Congratulations to everyone . :) :) :)
-
Hello, I like the way things are going. The Bugler idea made me think his old Regt! Could they be mentioned in the planning, just a thought!!
Make it a big thing might even get on the local TV , BBC North west and Granada. Wouldn't that be something. A great advert for roots!
I'll go off and dream some more, flags flying, ladies in hats, cream cakes and tea and possibly a relative of Roberts comes along on the day. Aaaahhh !
I'm a silly old dreamer.
tisgrannie
ps, I think my hubby would have used a b word not dreamer :D
-
You forgot the French-English connection, tisgrannie...
something else to toot off about. :)
-
Just to say that The Echo came today to church to take a photo of the grave and they mentioned the feature should be in the paper "soon".
-
Great News Graham were you in the picture.
It seems so strange that we will soon be reading all about it in the Echo so we will have to check the Echo website each day this week so we can run off to get one before they all sell out with all the requests from rootschatters.
Edna
-
Hi all. What great news everyone. We could do with placing an order for the Echo for all concerned! Maybe through the Echo. Some may be happy to read it on line!! I would prefer to have one as well to keep.
It has been quiet on the link. I keep checking in to see if I have not rec'd a message.
Best wishes
tisgrannie
-
Hi Graham
That's great news! The reporter said he would give me a ring when it was going in but I haven't heard anything yet and I wondered if he was just saying that to stop me phoning him every day!
Can't wait to see it all in print!
Lynne
-
Little shivers of delight. 8)
-
More than shivers of delight I'd say ( whatever that could be !! ) ..... this is worse than waiting for Santa !! :D :D :D :D
Tis .... I'd love a proper paper .... can you get the Echo in Oldham ?? :D
Graham .... you'd make a good Private Eye .... giving us updates like that .... thank you !! :)
I guess we have to just hurry up and wait !! :D
-
Tis .... I'd love a proper paper .... can you get the Echo in Oldham ?? :D
Don't tell me after this we are gona have to get a collection together for an overseas mail of the Echo weekly to "Liverpool Annie"
What a GOOD Idea ;D
Wendi :)
-
The waiting ...the waiting....me too I would love a copy , I know I can read the web page....but I have others who I have been on at about this little adventure....they thought we were mad as well....but now well if it's in print.
Tazzie
-
Annie for you and kidsnana I will drive personaly to the Echo Office and pick you one up!!
I might even consider delivering it myself.
Any one fancy a weekend at Annie's ?
Its so thrilling isn't it.
tisgrannie
-
I would,i would. Better yet i will come and get my own.
Kidsnana
-
:o :o
Any one fancy a weekend at Annie's ?
8)
Wendi ;D
-
I even offer Irish breakfasts at my B&B Tis !! :D :D :D ...... Don't you need to do some research in my part of the world ?? ???
Wendi .... I only need one newspaper - but if you wanted to bring one too .... that would be cool !! 8)
Kidsnana ..... don't be making me jealous ....... what fun you're all going to have !! lots and lots of photos for sure !!
What the heck ... everybody's welcome !! ;D
PS ........... I might have to take you all in shifts though !! :D :D :D :D :D
-
Please could we be told on the thread when The Echo is going to print the article, if that is possible...would hate to miss it.
Norah
-
Hello all,
Graham, thank you very much for this good news.
Annie, You are lucky that the ocean that separates us is so large, because I leave well be tempted by your Irish breakfast... ! ;)
And guess what, I also would like to get a newspaper If a charitable soul wants well to see that everything is for me.
Michel
-
Michel
I have already told you I am getting your newspaper for you so you can be sure that you will have it to show off to your friends and I shall get Annies too if she wants one and send them on
Edna
-
I have just bought todays Echo and its not in that so we haven't missed it
I just couldn't wait
Edna
-
Hello my Dear Edna,
Sorry, I think I am like hares, I lose the memory in running ... you are right, I remember that... :-[
Thanks in advance
Michel
-
Thank you for your offer Edna .... but I'm hoping Tis is going to bring mine !! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Annie :)
-
I am going to see my "agent" tomorrow = that will shock him i must owe him for the past two months on the old local rag and see if I cant get a deal re the liverpool echo = even if it is in a different county - well he gets the MEN why not the Liverpool Echo - only fair for the two cities of the NW to have a bite of the cherry - if I can I will er er find some s' canny way to get it to those who require it! (cough, cough)
Let's see if we can do it first this far north - still on pedal power up 'ere lads 'n' lasses eh!
Mair
-
It'll be a first Mair, if we can get the East and the West to be joined via La Manche ;D
-
Just got todays Echo and nothing in it about the gravestone so we wait
Edna
-
It's like waiting for the other shoe to drop.................. :o :o :o The suspense is killing me..... ::) ::)
Barbara
-
Thought I'd just check - no more news then ???
They say a watched kettle never boils
::) ::) ::) ::)
-
Had a look on the online version and cannot see anything popping up yet ...... :-\
Tazzie
-
Wow... what exciting news. I finally was able to catch up with a weeks worth of postings on this thread. I was thinking about it so much while I was away I found myself in the playground explaning it all to my 20 month old granddaughter. I even got her to try and say Robert but when she did it came out more like oert lol I'm afraid she was more interested in the swings and slides than in her Nana's story ;D
If anyone would be so kind as to mail me an actual copy of the newspaper article I would be very greatful.
Thanks again for allowing me to be a part of this great adventure.
dollylee
-
Hi all
I've been keeping a list of those of you who asked for a scanned copy so I will be sending them out when it finally reaches print!
No news yet from David, the reporter but there has been big news in Liverpool toay so I'm guessing there was no room :( David said he will ring me when it goes in.
Fingers crossed!
Lynne
-
I saw that Lynne !
No ! we can wait ... that's much more important today !! :'(
Annie
-
Hi MissM, Its much welcomed news thats in the Echo and I am sure its front page news around the globe. Robert won't mind I am sure. I have not heard from the editor of the Echo regarding date of print. I would imagine he doesn't know either. I do think its when they find a space for these kind of stories. I was wondering if we could buy some copies! I would be happy to pay for them and mail them out, except of course for Annie and kidsnana (special delivery) :)
IF YOU WOULD BUY SOME COPIES I WOULD BE GLAD TO SEND YOU A CHECK!
If any one would like a copy please let us know so we can get you one. Saying we! as in the Royal we!
I am sure someone will pick them up if you can't MissM. What do you think? Is this the way to get them do you think. Its Ok to read it online but I would like the paper itself.
DDdaaa!
Funnily enough my husband was working in the centre of Liverpool today and he will be there again tiomorrow. I just thought if I pm you Tony's mobile number and David the reporter rings you tomorrow could you ring him and he could pick up however many we get asked for. Thinking on my feet here!
What do you think?
tisgrannie
-
Hi tisgrannie
That would be handy if hubby doesn't mind. ;D I will be able to get some myself but will ring if I hear anything. I'm not at home at the moment but have a list there of people who want a scanned copy and people who want an actual copy. I think Edna is taking care of Michel's and her own.
I'll let you know when I get home tonight
Lynne
-
oooer Me too please for a real copy ... will gladly pay postage costs etc etc just as long as I can have one .. pretty please ..
Poll :-*
-
Polldoll no problem, if anyone else wants one please email asap as hubby is off very early in the morning!
best wishes
tisgrannie
-
Oh bless ya Teegee :-* :-* :-*
-
Wow... what exciting news. I finally was able to catch up with a weeks worth of postings on this thread. I was thinking about it so much while I was away I found myself in the playground explaning it all to my 20 month old granddaughter. I even got her to try and say Robert but when she did it came out more like oert lol I'm afraid she was more interested in the swings and slides than in her Nana's story ;D
If anyone would be so kind as to mail me an actual copy of the newspaper article I would be very greatful.
Thanks again for allowing me to be a part of this great adventure.
dollylee
Hello Dollylee and welcome back!
Sounds like you had a lovely time with your granddaughter - have you come back refreshed or shattered? ;)
I'll put you on the list for the Echo. It's driving me mad now after thinking it was going in last Friday!!!
Keep your fingers crossed!
Lynne
-
Okay guys, here's the list I've been keeping.
If anyone is missing please let me know. Also, I've got a bit confused as to who is picking up copies for whoooom so if you have offered to buy and send one, please copy and paste the list with amendments into a new post.
So far that's Edna buying 2, and 5 others to buy and post off which I'll sort out with tisgrannie's husband..... ;) Ask me no questions..... :-X
I'm happy to scan and email copies to everyone else.
Thanks,
Lynne
Edna Copy Will buy own
Michel Copy Edna to buy and send
Dollylee Copy
Tisgrannie Copy
Annie Copy
PollDoll Copy
Kidsnana Copy
Me Copy Me!
Aspin Scan
Tazzie Scan
NannyJan Scan
Tephra Scan
SuzieSmith Scan
Treelover Scan
PaulaToo Scan
-
Lynne
I had a PM yesterday from Kezziahemm to send her one so I said yes I would get one and get her details whenn its in the paper
A bit of fun Michel said he does not want a copy he wants an original so I am getting Michel an original the rest of you can have a copy of the Echo
Edna
-
Hi I want an actual newspaper from Liverpool!!! With a great story in and wonderful photo of Roberts Grave. With Mr Paisley stood along side it. For posterity. To leave with all my other stuff to my great, great, grandchildren. To let then know what kind of people lived and where around in 2008. Kind caring people who wanted a story to have a happy ending, a story that started some 90 years before!
So I will hope that they print tomorrow as it is the last day my husband will be in Liverpool.
If David rings tomorrow MissM please tell my husband how many he must buy! I will be unavailable by phone until lunchtime and that is for a short time! School and classrooms interfere with my life!
I will leave you MissM to decide the number required. You have started a list. I will get what is on there and send them on Saturday morning. Please God!
I will check for emails before school.
goodnight Godbless
tisgrannie
-
Mornin' All !!
Lynne, please can you put me down for a scan?
Ta
Wendi :)
-
Would it be possible for someone to maybe scan a copy of the article onto this post, for all rootschatters to read and copy if they wish to? I'm very much looking forward to reading it.
-
I'd love a scan, or else Ruskie's idea is a good one!
Diana
-
Lynne
I had a PM yesterday from Kezziahemm to send her one so I said yes I would get one and get her details whenn its in the paper
Edna
Thanks Edna :-*
Susan :)
-
T have just been told that from the Echo that the Robert W Stead article is in the paper today
Norah
-
If the article is in the paper today ( ;D) will the Echo have a follow up (or a picture at least) of the headstone when it is righted?
-
I've been looking at the on-line version but can't find it! ???
Can anyone tell me where the article is please?
Nanny Jan
-
I cant see it in the on line version and I dont get it until after 2pm but will post it up if its in the Echo today http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/
I think they would be interested in the follow up story especially if we have a liverpool meet in St Peters Church after the stone is righted
Edna
-
I cannot see it either. Will today's Echo be on line yet
Norah
-
Found it!
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/04/18/honour-at-last-for-war-hero-100252-20782480/
-
I
Alastair Machray,
Editor, Liverpool Echo
I had the message from the above about the article being in today's paper
Norah
-
Found it we're in the news ....
click on more news articles under NEWS.
Follow down and click on page 3
8 one down on page 3 ITS US ! ;D
Tazzie
-
Found it! Thanks DianaM. ;D
Nanny Jan
-
Found it.
Think I'm going to cry :'( :'( :'( :'(
Anyone got any tissues?
Joan
-
Nicely written.
Norah
-
What a wonderful thing this internet is that we can find the article instantly(well nearly instantly) and read it before purchase.
Great stuff Michel will be proud to see it in print
Good work everyone
Edna
-
Nicely written.
Norah
Yes, i thought so too.
Let's hope some relatives appear now!
Diana
-
Wonderful...........I wonder how long it will be before the Nationals pick up on it......I hope the Nationals pick up on it ;D ;D
Barbara
-
Feeling really 'full up' after reading that.
Nice to have been a part of it.
-
Did you all see the "Let's Honour Our Troops" editorial item as well?
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/views/our-view/2008/04/18/let-s-honour-our-troops-100252-20784004/
-
But we didn't sign a petition................oh dear!!!
I do agree with 'his' sentiments though.
Barbara
-
Thank you for posting the links to the two articles. Absolutely wonderful!
-
Nifty bit of footwork there by the Editor, linking with the modern day troops. Nice one Ed....
Now can you give us another plug when the stone is restored?
-
Absolutely fantastic that they picked it up in the Editorial as well!
Diana
-
Can I just say .... what is the matter with the Echo ?? :-\
I'm thrilled it's in after all this time and I don't want to sound ungrateful .... but ..... we all know newspapers never get it right ........ ::)
At least Robert's name is out there .... but how will his relatives know to contact RootsChat ?? - they didn't mention RootsChat ..... and then ..... wait till Michel finds out he's a farmer !! ;D .... and then ....... they didn't even mention his name ....... and poor Graham .... look at the size of the picture .... after all that about the picture not being big enough !!
Complaining Annie ::) ::) ::)
-
YIPPEE! Just strolling around the shops, noticed the Echo, bought all my stuff, thought 'it can't be in, the reporter hasn't rung, went and had a look anyway..... YIPPEE!
Just scanning it in as we speak because there's more in the paper than online.
Good old Echo!
Yippee!
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Lynne
-
Jeeeeeeeeeeeeze Annie............you sound like a Pom ;D ;D ;D
But I do agree with you :) :)
Barbara
-
I hope this works
I am putting up the actual report from the Echo
Edna(http://)
-
Thanks Edna - I was just struggling to make it small enough to post.
Annie,
It might be my fault they got things wrong - I wrote to them in the first place. Sorry you are disappointed.
Lynne
-
Lynne dont you worry about fault just await a flurry of interest from the nationals and then you can get the right story in print
They will all be seeking you out in the next week I am sure of that
Michel found the tag on the beach while walking as he found several other items of interest some 25 years ago according to the earlier thread synopsis am I right Annie.
I have the Echo's ordered from me here and will be in the post today except for Michels and he will be collecting his in person sometime soon I hope
Edna
-
NO LYNNE !! please don't think that !!
After all the running around poor you did - to get them all the correct information ... giving them the photos etc etc .....
It's the Echo I'm disappointed in ..... I probably shouldn't have said anything ... but I feel so passionate about "Our Robert " ..... I wanted him to have a fair shake so to speak !!
And of course after all those years of Michel looking and waiting to find "our Roberts " relatives with such care and attention
You have been terrific and I appreciate everything you have done !
Annie x
-
Wish to echothe feelings for what Lynne has achieved.
The photo and article look better in the newspaper.
Norah
-
For anyone just arriving at the thread the short synopsis can be found here
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,261805.0.html
telling how the tag was found and how rootschatters have searched for the family of Robert W Stead
Edna
-
Lynne & All
How wonderful - Robert will be grinning from ear to ear, you've all done him proud!
Some things are so worth waiting for.
Good picture too.
Congratulations everyone ;D
Su
-
I have posted links to the Echo articles on the website http://shaunj.tribalpages.com/
-
It looks great Shaun
You have done a really good job of the web page and if any family members do turn up they will be proud of it too
For anyone interested who may be posting an Echo in the UK price approx 78pence first class weighed at post office
Edna
-
Annie,
I'm sure the Echo will do a follow-up when the stone is re-erected, a chance then for those RootsChatters who can attend, to give us a plug ;D. Maybe even local TV news? ;)
Seeing the story in print brings a lump to the throat.
Susan :)
-
Hi all just to let you know that my thoughtful husband didn't get the expected phone call as the Echo chap didn't ring MissM. So before he left Liverpool he went in a paper shop, had a look found the story and bought another 7 papers for you all. So if you would like one just send your link to one of us and it will be in the post. I know MissM has got some and clemetised has too. Any others just send your postal address for a copy.
Best wishe
tisgranne
-
I dont know if you all know but the article I posted up on the last page you can download it by clicking on the blue link just below the picture and it will download to your computer as I know Lynne was struggling to copy it earlier for you all
Edna
-
Hi guys ......
Lynne if you are having problems I have downloaded it from here and filed on my desktop for printing....so many thanks.
As Annie said would have been nice to see Rootschat...but finally we have the story in print.....hard luck Liverpool post I gave you two chances.
This is one that we can see through to the end after a long long journey .
Thanks to all the locals for the running around...we were with you in spirit. The photos along the way have been great.
Hey Liverpool is not that far ...and hubby is a liverpool fan...so who knows have somewhere extra to visit now.
Cheers to all....I raise my glass ;D
Tazzie
-
Hi all,
First of all i'd like to say a heartfelt well done to all that took part in the search and final conclusion of the "quest for the stone!" (isn't that a film? ::) ...anyway, as one who likes rummaging round graveyards looking for evidence of ancestor's and getting frustrated at the lack of physical evidence that is quite often nowhere to be seen, it makes me happy to know that some future researcher will at least have a chance to find their ancestors last resting place.....
As someone who has had no part in the search i think it is great what you have achieved and it's kept me spellbound for weeks as the story unfolded, ( i still have trouble figuring out how you find certain information but i guess it'll come in time).
If there is a spare copy of the Echo going i'd love a copy if possible and can send postage cost's to whoever can send me one!
Once again well done all. :)
best wishes, Tony
-
Here you go peeps http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/04/18/honour-at-last-for-war-hero-100252-20782480/
Found this in tonights echo, sorry I have not been around had an elderly relative to help sort out. When I saw this I was over joyed. Well done to you all.
-
I'm Just Thrilled to see the story OBVIOUSLY .....but just want to warn anyone that they must be careful of Copyright laws ... I would hate for Rootschat to get into trouble after all this hard work ... REALLY SORRY TO RAIN ON ANYONES BONFIRE BUT MAYBE WE SHOULD JUST USE THE LINK TO THE ECHO ..... unlesss the Echo have agreed for the article and photo to be used on a public forum ... Well done to everyone for a job well done ..
Poll
-
Hi all. I am so pleased that what Michel set out to do has come to fruition. He has a host of friends he has accumalated along the way. Especially Annie.
We must remain positive here. I personally think that the Editor of the Echo pulled a blinder for us. if they didn't mention rootschat so what, you can, you can email the letter pages on there and let the readers know who you are. It was about the act not the actors. I stress the importance is showing that you cared enough.
The most important thing is that Michel set out to return a metal disc of no real significance to a family in Liverpool. By his effort he not only has Roberts name in print in a much read City newspaper that is read by expats all around the world. He has given the people of Liverpool another unsung hero. A man who fought for his country and died too young. I am sure that people will come to St Peters and take a moment at Roberts grave. Even just to see what the fuss is all about. I do feel that it doesn't matter whether the disc was found on a beach a field or on the street. It was found and because of it it created an outpouring of emotion that gained momentum and eventually after lots of peoples time and effort is now at the penultimate chapter. Robert is found and his disc is safe. He is now remembered today along with all his comrades but to me the best gift is that Robert Stead is the beacon a positive influence on people reading about the plight of todays soldier. Passing the baton on to people who will hopefully take heed and support our lads because of Robert Stead.
I am pleased with the effort of all of you on here, whatever your role. Whether you donated or not you have added the support to keep it going. I feel the Editor did the best he could with what he had. I wrote emotive stuff to him and he has acted on it. You all care and others will too when they read the story. We all have the cause within us or it wouldn't have gotten this far.
Michel must be over the moon, I am sure Michel won't mind being called a farmer! He is a very dedicated and lucky man to have met all of you on his quest.
I felt sad that MissM felt she had to apologise today, she has no need at all. I would not have taken on the task of sorting out the financial side of it. A nightmare job.
We can all thank her when as many of us as possible gather at Roberts Grave. We should be positive and thankful. We know the details and if people ask how you can pass them on. The ultimate is if a distant relative is tonight reading the Echo and realise that Robert is being looked after by his friends on roots from all around the globe. That his headstone will be erected to its former glory for all the world to see.
People go to St Peters to visit Bob Paisley's grave, Elaenor Rigby's and Father Mackenzies. Now thanks to all of you they will be visiting Robert Stead's so crack open a bottle of wine (French of course) and drink to us all. To Michel to Annie to Miss M to Graham even the editor at the Echo. I gave him some stick, let me tell you. I shall personally thank him for bringing the story 82 years along, up to the present day for Robert and our serving Lads and Lassies. lets just give thanks and see what happens next. The story continues.............
Graveside.
Its an honour to be apart of such a caring bunch of folks.
tisgrannie
-
Oh Well said Tisgrannie ... and how right you are that so many people will visit now because of that article and all because of Michel and Annie and Lynne and countless others ... I hope that we can meet up at his graveside ..either when the Headstone is restored on on some Remembrance Day in the Future .. I am looking forward to hugging all of you and thanking God for people like you .... Poll :)
-
You're right Tis !! and you have said it all ! thank you !
Annie :)
-
That was beautifully said, Tisgrannie :) :) :) :)
-
If any one would like an Echo please send your address to my pm.
dare I ask could we possibly find a photo! I just mentioned it to Polldoll.
Would that not be fantastic!!! have we checked the MGC?
Over to you Annie
tisgrannie
-
If any one would like an Echo please send your address to my pm.
dare I ask could we possibly find a photo! I just mentioned it to Polldoll.
Would that not be fantastic!!! have we checked the MGC?
Over to you Annie
tisgrannie
ooooer I could restore it if it was damaged !!lol ;D ;D
-
You name it Tis .... we've been there !! .... Oh for a photo !! ..... that would be the ULTIMATE !! :D :D
-
AT LAST........
WOW
GUN ON YER MISS M!!!!
anyone know who we can email the Echo link to Auntie and ITV/Granada? They may pick it up as GOOD news for once
Mair
-
I cant see it in the on line version and I don't get it until after 2pm but will post it up if its in the Echo today http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/
I think they would be interested in the follow up story especially if we have a liverpool meet in St Peters Church after the stone is righted
Edna
Thanks Edna for putting this in
I have just sat and read this out to my Oh and we are so pleased to be able to read this as you know we are up north
I've scanned and sent this to my Son in law as he is a strong supporter of Liverpool football team
Had no idea Graham was Bob Paisley's son .So glad to have helped
Thanks again
Elizabeth
-
TISGRANNIE !!!
I'm Tissie (it's now a new adjective) :D :D about what you have written, as all have said, I could not have done it with more clarity. Thank You.
I have to admit when I first read the "on-line" article I was really disappointed, in the same way Annie was, , no RC mention, Michel a farmer............ :P but your right, if they bring in a family member it would be the ultimate joy for all of us, and especially Michel
Lynne: don't you for a minute think of doing yourself down!!, not Annie, or any of us, meant it like that, God bless you lady this would not have happened without YOU, between you and Tisgrannie, you have pulled off a good 'un......and you truly deserve a :-*
-
Time for a great big group hug ((((())). Lovely way to end the week.
Nanny Jan
-
Bonsoir à tous,
I have just read and translate all that you have written after the publication of an article on "our Robert in" Liverpool Echo. "
Dear Lynne,
That I am a farmer or not really did not matter ... But in what is written in the newspaper there is certainly an element of truth, because before being in the drawer of my desk, where I have "recovered" it nearly thirty years, Robert's wrist tag was probably been found in fields or at least in the wild by a farmer ... Which has filed at the town hall of La Couture ... ! In fact I have been an intermediate...
And it's true that I am a man of the countryside and love nature ... I am also an horrible hunter ;)
I have not personally done all this to have my name or my job written in a newspaper, but it's true that at this stage of success I would have been proud and happy ...
The main thing is that the memory of Robert is respected and that it could again be honoured properly when his grave stone will be repaired and read by all visitors to the cemetery in Woolton ... I hope they will be numerous and may be, with a miracle, can we be in contact with a descendant or a relative who show us a photograph of our dear man.
Thank you very much for your wonderful work, You will remain forever with all the other friends of Rootschat in my heart and I am proud to have been able to get to know and to have been part time for your family.
It's deliberately that I did not mention names for fear of forgetting or offend someone, each knowing exactly its share of work in this great adventure, you deserve all, whatever the size of your speech regardless of how you intervened, my deepest respect and gratitude.
Michel
(once again, sorry for my poor english)
-
Bonsoir Michel
Dans mon école les Français, ::) merci Michel pour votre mots bon. Votre anglais est excellent!
Nous ne sommes pas des individuals, juste un grand groupe de bonnes gens!
Je vous verrai à Liverpool maintenant où ma maison est!
Bon nuit,
Lynne
-
If you're pleased, I'm pleased, Michel, if you had not found the tag we would not have had this wonderful story.
Thank you for what you have done.
-
I don't post on here often, but have been following it all with interest. What great news! I have followed the link and read the article, and shall look forward to seeing a photo of the restored grave when it happens.
......dee :D
-
hello Michel
so nice to have a happy ending , you have helped put a smile on many faces , looking forward to seeing the grave when it is restored ,we have a WW1 soldier buried in Bethune Town Cem , so we know just how you feel at finally finding the grave
Doreen ,
-
To all who requested an Echo from me, they were put in the post this morning!
Hope they arrive safe and sound. If any one else would like one we still have some left.
best wishes
tisgrannie
-
Thank you tisgrannie :-*
dollylee
-
I've still got two left if anyone wants them.
Lynne
-
Did anyone send one to Tony55 who was asking yesterday for one
Edna
-
hello Michel
so nice to have a happy ending , you have helped put a smile on many faces , looking forward to seeing the grave when it is restored ,we have a WW1 soldier buried in Bethune Town Cem , so we know just how you feel at finally finding the grave
Doreen ,
Good Evening Doreen, thank you very much for your kind words.
We must not be off topic, so I send you a personal message about Bethune Town Cemetery
Michel
-
If you're pleased, I'm pleased, Michel, if you had not found the tag we would not have had this wonderful story.
Thank you for what you have done.
Good evening Paula,
thank you very much, all the pleasure was for me...
Michel
-
Je vous verrai à Liverpool maintenant où ma maison est!
Bonsoir Lynne,
Un de ces jours sans doute... un de ces jours... :)
Michel
-
Good evening Tisgrannie,
I read and re-read with great attention and emotion your reply 472 of Friday and I totally agree with what you wrote.
Merci beaucoup.
Michel
-
I was talking to Polldoll last night, and she pointed me to this post...
Some of you may know me from the Armed Forces board where I try to help people with their military history questions...
Anyway I volunteered myself and some friends for this...As well as being with the "real" army, I do "education and entertainment" with a living history group.
We would be honoured to come up and pay proper respects to this chap and provide a guard of honour....
We are not some group who do it for a laugh ( I wouldn't be involved!) but serious historians...
He are some of us at a memorial last month with the British Legion and local dignitaries...
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l102/scrimnet/295uy5.jpg)
-
I don't know what the others think, scrimnet, but you're a bloomin hero...
How I wish I could be there!
-
That would be a wonderful thing for you do do for Robert W Stead provide a guard of honour for an honourable soldier
Michel and Annie see what you have done for our Robert
I will be there as I am sure will many others
Thank you
Edna
-
I have spoken to the lads, and it is a go-er...
What we do need...and I haven't found yet (!)... is a date so we can book it in pse (if there is one yet!)...
I may be able to get some of my regulars along (a couple of us in the group are regular soldiers) as well depending upon deployments, exercises etc...
-
We are awaiting a date to have the grave restored to its rightful position and MissM has been quoted 8 weeks so that could have been a week ago so should be late May early June but we cant be sure yet to give you an exact date.
Edna
-
If you would be kind enough to give me a shout as soon as you know, I can organise the lads....
The more notice we have, the bigger the turn out!!!
As long as their names are spoken...They are remembered...
-
Thanks scrimnet I will contact MissM Lynne and she can find out the date for you
Edna
-
Scrim !!
I'm very very touched !! thank you !
Annie :)
-
Cant wait for a date so i can book my ticket.I am so thrilled to be a part of this even though a very small one.
Kidsnana
-
Scrimnet............that's one of the most generous offers I've heard in a long while.
Please thank the other men who will be with you.
Barbara
-
This story just gets better and better! What a wonderful event this will be! I hope someone will be taking photos. ;D
Scrimnet - you and the boys look fabulous! ;)
-
Hello all. Well I am so thrilled. Firstly Michel, the Catalyst, in the emotional and moving experience we are all part of. Thank you so much for asking Annie for help. For the thousands of people who have tried to assist you and succeeded. Its a wonderful experience that by the looks of it is to continue.
May I say that realistically we will not all be there the day the headstone is actually re-erected! What we need is for Welsby's to be informed that there is world wide interest and people's travel arrangements need to be in place, especially any person from overseas. They are getting free advertisement and will on the day.
My thought is that a specific date be chosen that we all gather at Roberts grave. Due to the fact of people working would it be sensible to have a weekend day to have The Rededication Service if that is what it is going to be. What do you all think of that? Especially people who plan to come.
Welsbys have to be the ones who move on this, due to public Interest. A mention to them that it will possibly be in the national press ;) may motivate them. I will personally notify the press especially the Echo.
Regardless of the normal time scale of erecting headstones, I think in any business exceptions can be made. Especially in this case. Its not a "family" job so to speak, maybe a "rooters family" in this one. A lot will have to be arranged.
What do you all think. If Welsbys give a date, MissM can choose a date near to that to organise the get together! MissM is there as is Graham who hopefully will help. I am happy to help in anyway to organise though in Oldham will be happy to join in.
Please let us know your thoughts!
Now don't hold back folks :) as I'm sure you won't.
Best wishes and thank you Michel for your comments and gift of Roberts Story!
-
Hi Guys
Just a little thought - if you want this to be in the press, the best way to make sure is to tell them!
There is nothing to prevent you making up your own press release and sending it out to any publications that you think might be relevant (family history magazines, military history magazines etc as well as the usual press, local radio and tv). It's a great story & one that I am sure they will love.
I certainly feel that the effort that has gone into it, and the generosity of those who are freely helping with the stone, should be rewarded with a little mention ...
Very best of luck with that!
Kind regards, Arranroots ;)
-
I think that is a wonderful idea Arranroots - and if a rootschatter supplies the content (+ picture/s) you would be assured of accuracy, and the publication may be more inclined to use this rather than assign someone to write a piece. And rootschat might get a mention ;)
-
That is an excellent idea arranroots and I am sure we have someone with the capability to write that one up but before we all go running off in different directions on it then lets consider first that we must co ordinate everything first like getting a date for the repair and getting in touch with the stonemasons to let them know this could be large in the press as tisgrannie pointed out earlier
We have had the kind offer from scrimnet and his friends to do the Guard of Honour
I am sure Lynne MissM can get together with Graham about arranging something special with St Peters as this is her domain
and as for a date then the weekend is obvious to all of us as most people are available then to attend.
All these details should be in place before sending off again a press release
any other opinions on this welcomed
Edna
-
I've been following your various threads on this for months now and I think it's fabulous what you've achieved, it just shows where time, research and sheer bl**dymindedness to succeed gets you ;D ;D
Congratulations ;D
-
And rootschat might get a mention ;)
The thought did cross my mind! ::) ;) ;D ;D
I'm no expert, but if I can help with writing please give a shout!
A ;)
-
I'm sure many of you will be aware it's the Australian ANZAC day on Friday, where our fallen heroes are remembered and honoured. This week and through to the weekend, many articles will be in the local and national newspapers about groups and individuals who fought in the Great War.
If a press release is prepared, I'm sure our papers would be interested in Roberts Story. I'd be only too willing to approach the papers over here with the information.
Barbara
-
I sent to these places last week !!
Telegraph Uk on line
The Times on line
Manchester Evening News
Northwest News on line
BBC Uk both TV and website
Daily Mail !!
Annie :)
-
This just gets better and better.
Congratulations to all who have done their bit ,large or small.
Kesannah
-
Don't know if this will help anyone but it's what I sent to the Echo.
No Stone Left Unturned…Back in January 2007 a member of a genealogy website called Rootschat posted an appeal for help tracing a man called Robert Stead. ‘liverpool annie’ as she is known in the Lancashire forum was on a quest to find Robert Stead and to return to him a metal nameplate found in France many years earlier.
Liverpool annie had been contacted by Frenchman Michel who knew Robert Stead has lived in Liverpool. He found the medallion 25 years previously in a box of buttons and coins in the village of La Couture on the western front in France and took on the task of returning it back to the British soldier who must have been posted their in WW11.
After many years of struggling Michel spotted liverpool annie and presuming her to be in Liverpool asked for help. liverpool annie had to explain that she was, in fact, in Colorado, USA! They worked together on the Great War forum and found Robert had lived in the Anfield area of Liverpool, worked as a bank Clerk in Parr’s Bank before joining up and serving in the 6th battalion Liverpool Regiment and later was enlisted with the newly formed Machine Gun Corps
Liverpool annie discovered his service record and details of his life including his height, weight and chest size! Robert was wounded in the chest and thigh in August 1916 while in Abbeville and was released from the Army 20th March 1919.
Coming home after the war he married Elizabeth Neil Grant in 1921 at St Simon and St Jude’s Church Liverpool and they moved to Gateacre
Eventually liverpool annie shared the story with the rest of the Rootschatters who took up the challenge to find Robert and got to work. Michel then became a member of Rootschat himself. Sadly it quickly became apparent that Robert Stead had died young, leaving a young wife of 5 years in 1926 in Gateacre. They had no children so the search was on for siblings, aunts, uncles, anyone who was related to Robert who may like to cherish the medallion.
Rootschatters are known for their ferocity when trying to solve a problem, and also for their generosity in going the extra mile for anyone who needs help and they would not let this go. Suggestions and research was coming into the forum from all over the world and attracting quite a lot of attention. Members were using other Genealogy Websites, Birth, Marriage and Death records, Parish Registers, Graveyard plans, Census lists… you name it, they checked it!
They found the names of Robert’s parents, his siblings, his wife’s family: anyone with a vague connection to Robert Stead was checked out! Liverpool based members even took photos of the house Robert was believed to live in and shared them with the group.
At this point thousands of people were logging into the website to follow the story and the thread became so big, another two were eventually started. The bank where Robert had worked was contacted for any information they had on. The Echo was checked for death notices, cemetery records checked for graves, even the Funeral Director in the area was checked for any details they might have – in short, no stone was left unturned.
Then they had a breakthrough!
In November 2007 a friend of Annie’s visited the Liverpool Record office and found an announcement that Robert’s funeral had taken place in St Stephen’s Church, Woolton and he was buried in Woolton Churchyard! Contact was made with the Verger at St. Peter’s Church, Graham Paisley who kindly met with a group member and found the grave. Sadly it had fallen and was face down but Graham kindly put a mirror underneath and confirmed it was the stone of Robert Stead.
Although the group is still unable to reunite the medallion with anyone related to Robert, it was very rewarding to find his final resting place and it was agreed to find the funds to turn the stone over. Welsby’s the local stone mason were contacted for advice and a quote and a target was set. However the interest in this thread was so big that the amount of money required was soon passed so the target was raised and the group has now got enough money to have the stone lifted and fixed upright once again.
The group is very grateful to Graham Paisley at St Peter’s Church and Welsby’s the stonemason for their kind help, time, and support for this project but the outcome and therefore the praise should go to the many people of Rootschat and beyond who helped to bring this tremendous endeavour to its close.
Michel is, at the moment still undecided what to do with Robert Stead’s medallion but he is thrilled to have found a link and a history to the man whose medallion he found 25 years ago.
Robert’s stone will not be left unturned!
-
OK, it's just gone to the Courier Mail - a Brisbane (Australia) Daily. I'll send it to the other nationals tomorrow.
Barbara
-
This was what I sent .... maybe somebody would like to take some from each and make it better !! :)
A group of people who live all over the world and are members of the free family history site of RootsChat.com have come together to bring this WW1 soldier back into the limelight !!
I would like to introduce you to Robert William Stead who nearly 2 years ago became our quest .... we wanted to find out if he had any relatives who would be interested in the tag that Michel Knockaert found nearly 30 years ago in the WW1 battlefields around his home in France .... it has been quite a wild ride and a wonderful one too .... we weren't able to find relatives but we did find his final resting place .... at St Peters Church Woolton Liverpool ... sadly the grave stone had fallen so between us - we all "chipped in " to re-erect his gravestone so he is able to face the sun again !!
Who knows what it was that endeared Robert to so many people ? - maybe it was because we could all relate to our own Grandfathers and Great Grandfathers .... but we knew we wanted to honour this brave soldier - in the eyes of the world he was an ordinary man .... but in our eyes he became a very extraordinary man and we seem to have become all the better for "knowing " him !!
The Quest
Quote
25 years ago, when I was General Secretary of the town hall of LA COUTURE, a village between ARMENTIERES and BETHUNE, just on the western front, I found, among old coins and a button of british trench coat, a piece of metal engraved in english.
Since that day, I search in the british cemeteries of my sector the grave of the man (there are many of them near my home)
In fact, with help of members of the forum and of a new friend from minnesota one day I see I mistaked, the man survived the conflict an go back alive at home in Anfield Liverpool
The memory of this men, that I do not know haunt my spirit, my best wish is to restore the wrist tag to his descent, if it exist, that is very very important for me.
Of course, no money in this history, just to be in peace with my soul, this medal is not mine, it must go back in his real place
Robert William STEAD (1896 West Derby -1926 Gateacre)
Robert William Stead was born March 22nd 1896 in West Derby Liverpool - the son of William Harley ( Master Mariner ) and Emily ( nee Richards ) Stead and lived at Watford Road Anfield Liverpool
Robert William Stead was 17 years and 5 months old when he attested to join the army for 4 years in Liverpool on 25 August 1913 He gave his address as Watford Road Anfield Liverpool the home of his father William Harley Stead who he gave as next of kin and later identified as a Master Mariner Robert who was a single man, identified his birthplace as Liverpool Lancashire - his current occupation as a bank clerk at Parr's Bank Liverpool and his religion as Church of England.
He returned the next day, for a medical examination. This revealed that he stood 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighed 10st 9lbs and had a chest measurement of 35 inches.
He was accepted into 6th Rifle battalion of the Kings Liverpool Regiment
Once in the Army - Robert William Stead became a number – 1466 to begin with - he faced a couple of months worth of drill square bashing and weapons training - in order to turn him from a bank clerk to soldier ....... Private Stead 's unit first entered the theatre of war in France in February 1915 and he was promoted to L/Cpl 28th August 1915
Yet Robert given his intelligence - was not the sort of man to remain an infantry soldier for long - in fact he was the perfect sort of person to become a member of the newly created Machine Gun Corps.
Robert William Stead # 22397 attested 20th February 1916 with 165 Brigade MGC and was promoted A/Cpl 29th March 1916 - he was sent to the Machine Gun training centre at Grantham back in England - here he familiarised himself with the workings and complexities of the Vickers .303 and heavy machine guns
He became a team player – each gun was ideally manned by a crew of eight - four men were involved in the actual firing and the other four responsible for sighting and the preparation and the bringing up of ammunition - crews in the field normally numbered six - simply because of the shortage of men.
The course only lasted approximately 6 weeks due to the intense demand for gunners. Thus Robert really only had basic training in the complexities of machine-gun warfare.
( The targets of every enemy weapon - members of the MGC were also called the Suicide Squad ) He rose through the ranks and was promoted to Second Lieutentant
Robert was wounded in the chest and thigh in August 1916 while in Abbeville and was released from the Army 20th March 1919
Coming home after the war he married Elizabeth Neil Grant in 1921 at St Simon and St Judes Church Liverpool and they moved to Gateacre .... tragically they were only married 5 years as Robert William Stead died in 1926 in Gateacre of a cerebral hemorrhage
With a picture of the tag !!
-
Marines pay tribute to Zeebrugge ferry heroes (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/tm_campaign=Northwest_email_echonewsemail%3A20080421%26headline=marines-pay-tribute-to-zeebrugge-ferry-heroes%26method=full%26objectid=20794529%26siteid=100252-name_page.html?campaign=Northwest%5Femail%5Fechonewsemail%3A20080421)
Link shortened
-
Its lovely to see the Echo have something else in tonight regarding WW1. Thought I would add above link.
regards
tisgrannie
-
I really sruggle to keep pace with this thread and I hope it is OK to "borrow" the description on the last post to update the St Peters website and keep people in touch in Woolton and further a field. When eventually you all do get together at St Peter's it would probably be good to have refreshments in the church hall which probably would have been a building Robert would be familiar with over 80 years ago. The website link is
http://www.stpeters-woolton.org.uk/index.php
If there is any problem let me know and I can remove or amend it.
-
Thanks to whoever shortened my link above.
regards
tisgrannie
-
Just a thought....
I notice that there are queries as to what to do with the ID disc once the stone has been re erected...
I've had a couple of ideas thus far...
Is there a chance - via the stonemasons - the disc can be inset somehow into the headstone? This way he is not just an anonymous headstone but a remembered soldier with his service for all to see...
Or perhaps on a small plaque within St Peters itself with an "In Memoriam" inscription?
-
So There I was ...on the phone to scrimnet late on Saturday night telling him all about Robert when he suggested he could arrange a Guard of Honour! Off I go to Yorkshire for 2 days and when I get back I find a copy of the Echo on the mat... bless you Tisgrannie and Scrimnet... as good as his word has nearly got it all arranged !!! Thank you so much Scrimnet for getting off the mark so QUICKLY ...I'd only had time to pm Annie with the news late on Saturday night and didn't dare post on here ...just in case it was too good to be true Thanks so much for putting your generous offer in writing so quickly ... and for helping me with an Old Soldier too
Poll ;)
-
Hi Scrimnet
This is a quote from Annie, reply 32 page 3
But as long as we're fantazising .... I think it would look lovely framed .... with a French inscription and hung next to the WW1 Roll of Honour at St Peters !!
Annie :)
Susan :)
-
So There I was ...on the phone to scrimnet late on Saturday night telling him all about Robert when he suggested he could arrange a Guard of Honour! Off I go to Yorkshire for 2 days and when I get back I find a copy of the Echo on the mat and Scrimnet as good as his word has nearly got it all arranged !!! Thank you so uch Scrimnet for getting off the mark so QUICKLY ...I'd only had time to pm Annie with the news late on Saturday night and didn't dare post on here ...just in case it was too good to be true Thanks so much for putting your generous offfer in writing so quickly ... and for helping me with an Old Soldier too
Poll ;)
Old Soldiers is what I does!!
(some of my boys and girls think I am one! :P :-[ :'( )
My word is my bond...
-
Also what was said was that "the tag was Michels to do with what he wants"
so please let us still keep that in mind and let Michel decide on the outcome in his own time.
Edna
-
Hi Scrimnet
This is a quote from Annie, reply 32 page 3
... I think it would look lovely framed .... with a French inscription and hung next to the WW1 Roll of Honour at St Peters !!
Annie :)
Susan :)
Some kind soul sent me a potted history of the thread...and that wasn't in it...My mistake...her fault :P :P :P :P
-
Didn't Graham Paisley post a message about the logistics of placing something inside the church? Church formalities/procedures if my memory is right.
Nanny Jan
-
Also what was said was that "the tag was Michels to do with what he wants"
so please let us still keep that in mind and let Michel decide on the outcome in his own time.
Edna
Indeed...But as a serving soldier, I have ideas of what I would like to happen to mine in the event of...
These were just suggestions...
-
Didn't Graham Paisley post a message about the logistics of placing something inside the church? Church formalities/procedures if my memory is right.
Nanny Jan
Hi Scrimnet
This is a quote from Annie, reply 32 page 3
... I think it would look lovely framed .... with a French inscription and hung next to the WW1 Roll of Honour at St Peters !!
Annie :)
Susan :)
Some kind soul sent me a potted history of the thread...and that wasn't in it...My mistake...her fault :P :P :P :P
I refer you to my previous answer... ;)
I admit I came late to this thread, and have missed most of the comments so forgive me if I am repeating stuff...
-
You're forgiven Scrimnet ;) ;) ;)...it is a very very long thread :o :o I think between us we have wandered down so many tracks and cul de sacs it's hardly surprising that some information gets " lost "in the maze eventually ... Your idea of a Guard of Honour so to speak was something none of us I believe even dreamed of ... It's a wonderful idea and I'm sure everyone is excited and grateful that we have a Rootschatter onboard who can make that happen . The Variety of expertise on this Forum is what has made this journey possible... So on we go ... another chapter in this great adventure ... ;) :)
Poll
-
Good evening Scrimnet,
Thank you very much for your kind offer, it is really a wonderful idea.
I am very pleased that Robert can receive military honours after all this time. Thanks also to your team.
very friendly
Michel
-
Good evening Scrimnet,
Thank you very much for your kind offer, it is really a wonderful idea.
I am very pleased that Robert can receive military honours after all this time. Thanks also to your team.
very friendly
Michel
Cher Michel
Merci de vos mots aimables. Je suis un soldat avec l'armée britannique et je suis également un historien. Il sera mon plaisir d'aider en cela autant que je peux.
J'espère vous rencontrer au service...
Scrimmers
-
Bon Soir mon ami ....Isn't this exciting Michel ? ;)
Polly
I hope you are getting photos of us all as you requested !! ... I have sent mine!
-
Photo...moi??
My avatar is actually me...!! ::) ;D
-
Did Michel want photos? Must have missed that post ???
Susan :)
-
See....I'm not the only one who has missed posts....
-
I really sruggle to keep pace with this thread and I hope it is OK to "borrow" the description on the last post to update the St Peters website and keep people in touch in Woolton and further a field. When eventually you all do get together at St Peter's it would probably be good to have refreshments in the church hall which probably would have been a building Robert would be familiar with over 80 years ago. The website link is
http://www.stpeters-woolton.org.uk/index.php
If there is any problem let me know and I can remove or amend it.
Good evening Graham,
it is lovely to see Robert's story on the website of St Peters, thank you very much... please save some refreshments for when I come to Woolton...
Very friendly
Michel
-
Bon Soir mon ami ....Isn't this exciting Michel ? ;)
Polly
I hope you are getting photos of us all as you requested !! ... I have sent mine!
Bonsoir Polly, yes it is very exciting... all is going so fast, I am a bit lost...
And... for the moment I have only your photograph. :-\
Michel
-
Annie, besides sending to someof the newspapers you did I also informed the Daily Express
Parhaps if the editor of the Echo is informed that there will be a guard of honour when the stone is back in situ he may decide to include it as a follow-up story. He made good use of the Robert W Stead info to use it as a reminder of what is not being done for our serving soldiers to day.
I thought that including a copy of the wrist tag on the gravestone would give an added interest to those who I am sure will want to see Robert's stone in the future.
I have seen many gravetsones in Scotland where photos of the deceased are included. A wrist tag is not a photo but a focal point of interest as it started the whole quest
I think more emphasis should be given to the tens of thousands from around the world who have wanted to follow the progress for the search of the next of kin of Robert and what was going to happen next.
Norah
-
Random thoughts:
A brass (?) plaque attached to the stone after it is raised with mention of those involved in it's 'restoration' or date of re-erection of stone. Be nice if the tag could be attached to this, but perhaps vandals/thieves could target this - expense is also an issue.
Is there any way to display the tag with some printed information about Robert, the tag and the rootschatters quest, inside the church - display case for example? I can see that it may not be possible to attach something like a frame to the fabric of the church.
-
I suggested something like this way back. To have the tag in some way framed and displayed, and the story with it. Also a pamplet printed that the church could renew, and sell as information sheets to boost church funds.
-
What a good idea Paula ,I'm sure the church will agree to this
Elizabeth
-
Aren't you all forgetting something.........?? What if......and it's a big if I grant you........but what if a distant relly sees the Echo and comes forward........ ;) ;) ;)
Barbara
-
Oh yes Barbara ! who knows is'nt ?
Michel
-
Barbara, I think that is what we are all hoping for! :D
Nanny Jan
-
Hi everyone
Welsbys have rung to say they will be removing Robert's gravestone from the site for the necessary work towards the end of May and will make several trips to St Peter's to prepare the base.
They cannot give a definite date for completion because it depends on the preparatory work required but they said if the get together can be arranged for the first week in June they will endeavour to have it ready by then. They are actually aiming for the end of May but cannot promise anything.
I will be giving them the final cheque this week so it's up to you all now to pick a date and time for your visit. They do not work weekends but it might be difficult for some of you to be there for the raising of the stone in the week so a weekend might suit you all more. There's no reason why those who live nearby couldn't take photographs of the stone going up again.
With regards to the medallion, it might be best to ask Michel first what he wants to do, then ask Graham what the Church would be able to accomodate, and then discuss all the ideas and where the funding will come from.
Lynne
Salut tout le monde
Welsbys ont sonné à-dire qu'ils seront enlevant Robert's pierre tombale du site pour les travaux nécessaires à la fin de mai et se rendre plusieurs fois à Saint-Pierre, de préparer la base.
Ils ne peuvent pas donner une date précise pour l'achèvement car il dépend des travaux préparatoires nécessaires, mais ont-ils dit si les rencontres peuvent être organisées pour la première semaine de juin, ils s'efforceront d'qu'elle sera prête d'ici là. Ils sont en réalité destinées à la fin du mois de mai, mais ne peut rien promettre.
Je vais leur donner le dernier chèque cette semaine, c'est donc à vous tous maintenant de choisir un jour et l'heure de votre visite. Ils ne travaillent pas le week-end, mais il pourrait être difficile pour certains d'entre vous d'être là pour la levée de la pierre dans la semaine, alors peut-être un week-end tous plus adaptés à vous. Il n'ya pas de raison pour que ceux qui vivent à proximité n'a pas pu prendre de photos de la pierre remontant à nouveau.
En ce qui concerne le médaillon, il serait peut-être préférable de demander Michel abord ce qu'il veut faire ensuite Graham demander ce que l'Eglise sera en mesure d'accueillir, et ensuite discuter de toutes les idées et où le financement viendra.
Lynne
-
Forgot to say earlier....
Thanks to Scrimnet and 'the lads' for offering to come along! I think it would make the day complete. I hope we can all come to agree on the same weekend!
Lynne
A oublié de dire plus tôt....
Grâce à Scrimnet et 'les jeunes hommes' pour offrir de venir le long ! Je pense qu'il rendrait le jour complet. J'espère que nous pouvons tout venir pour convenir le même week-end !
Lynne
-
With regards to the medallion, it might be best to ask Michel first what he wants to do.
Lynne
Thank you for that Lynne. Michel is he guardian of the medallion and it is his alone to decide what he wants to do with it. I find the presumtive discussion about what to do with the it very distressing. The medallion is what started Michel on this search and it is very dear to him. IF he needs some help once he has made his decision we should then be there to help him.
dollylee
-
Oh dolly, you have made me feel realy sad, now. I do hope that Michel does not think that I was being pushy in saying I would like the tag in the church etc....
It was only a suggestion.
-
I am sorry Paula that certainly wasn't my intention :-\
It is so hard for all of us not to have opinions on every aspect of this especially those of you who were in from the beginning and worked so hard to find Robert and possible family.
But I think it's very important...no matter how attached we have become to remember dear Michel and just how much this means to him. We should take our cues from him. It would be terrible at this point for Michel to feel he has any pressure on him. He may decide to keep the medallian and I fear any discussion otherwise might disrupt his peace with that decision.
I certainly didn't mean to offend anyone.
dollylee
-
They cannot give a definite date for completion because it depends on the preparatory work required but they said if the get together can be arranged for the first week in June they will endeavour to have it ready by then.
Coincidentally I had been planning a trip to Liverpool for the first or second week in June to visit family ....it would be good to be there for this !
-
That's OK dollylee, not offended.
But one does tend to forget that now he can no longer return the tag to Roberts descendants, he might want to keep it.
I think it was as well that you mentioned it.
-
Thank you for the update Miss M .... sounds like everything seems to be falling into place !! :)
I for one - would love to see photos of the stone going up if anybody can be there ...... I don't like to say too much in case I jinx it ..... ( I shouldn't have watched the Liverpool game the other night !! ::) ) as it seems I have a habit of doing that .......... but I can't thank you enough for all the running around you've done !!
Annie :)
-
I think there should be enough of us to do that Annie .. I hope to be there .. with my trusty camera... ;)
Poll hmmm ....Your fault the own goal then!! ::) ;D
-
I wonder if Shaun would be able to put some of the pictures on the website ?
Are you allowed so many pictures Shaun ? that would be terrific if you could ... then we'd have everything up together !! .... what do you think ??
Annie :)
-
I too would like to see some photo's
Elizabeth
-
Yes I can upload up to 50 photos to the website ( I already have the ID tag there so I can accommodate another 49). Just email them to me.
-
That would be really cool !! .... maybe people could sent them to you Shaun .... when they have them .... maybe you could use some the ones Miss M took the other week to start off ... !! then you'd have them in date order !! :D :D :D :D
Annie :)
-
I thought maybe this would be of interest ..........
The Suicide Club 1915-1922
The Machine Gun Corps was formed in October 1915 as the concept of “Brigading” Infantry machine gun units into a combined military organization finally dawned upon the Army High Command.
The terrible power of the machine gun had not been fully appreciated in the higher echelons, despite the lessons of Omdurman in 1896, in South Africa 1900 and during the Russo-Japanese War 1904-05. Following on from the end of the war of movement early in 1915 it soon became apparent that it was the machine gun which ruled the battlefield, being able to inflict devastating losses on any force rash enough to raise its head above the parapets.
If any doubt remained, the losses suffered by British infantry on the 1st July 1916 would emphasize the stark realities. The role of the newly-formed Machine Gun Corps in the field was now plain. They, and they alone, would provide cover for new units moving into the front line, give constant covering and battery fire whilst in the line to prevent the unopposed build-up of enemy units, would go forward with or in advance of any assaults on enemy positions, and would remain to the last if a retreat became inevitable.
The “first-in - last-out” philosophy soon led to the Corps being dubbed “The Suicide Club” and with good reason. Over 16,000 officers and men died and three times that number were wounded. Over 8,000 gallantry awards were made to members of the Corps - including 6 V.C.s 778 D.C.M.s about 1,000 M.C.s and 3,000 M.M.s.
By the end of the War approximately 190,000 officers and men had become part of one of the largest organisations within the British Army, serving in over 70 battalions in every theatre of the conflict. Service in Mesopotamia and on the North-West Frontier of India after the Armistice brought more Medallic awards, prior to disbandment in 1922.
In its short life the Corps had made an indelible mark in the annals of British military history and established an esprit-de-corps that lasted through the decades until the last of those genuine old heroes faded away. Their memory is perpetuated to this day by the Old Comrades Association at annual observance at the Corps Memorial - The Boy David statue at Hyde Park Corner. Its biblical inscription reads:
“Saul hath slain his thousands and David his ten thousands”
The Boy David Memorial to the Machine Gun Corps in London. The Vickers Guns on each side of the Boy David (which each have a laurel wreath laid over them)
http://www.aviewoncities.com/gallery/showpicture.htm?key=kveen1161&dir=statues&tpe=cat
-
Merci beaucoup Annie pour cette belle leçon d'histoire militaire.
Michel :)
-
Thank you for that Annie..........most interesting.
Barbara
-
Just as an addenda...
The x2 Vickers guns that flank the monument are exactly that...x2 actual guns that were "bronzed" especially.
-
I didn't know that Scrim ... thanks !
I know the inscription raised a furore when the memorial first went up !
Annie :)
-
But she does not personally remember it
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
But she does not personally remember it
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I thought it, but daren't say... ::) :o :o
-
But she does not personally remember it
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I thought it, but daren't say... ::) :o :o
Be afraid ... be very afraid ... I'm making gravy !! ::)
-
Where ever you go, what ever you do....The curse of the Northern Gravy will follow you
Even if you export Gravy to the colonies....
-
There's a similar search going on in Australia today 25th April - ANZAC Day.
Off topic, but related if anyone would like to read or contribute:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=300953.new#new
-
My goodness what a link I have read all the pages already, I'll be late for work! Appetites will be whet reading this link!
Good luck Ruskie, very moving and a perfect reminder of ANZAC DAY.
Best wishes
tisgrannie
-
I have just re-created the website with a more appropriate address:
http://rwstead.tribalpages.com/
I will add more photos as and when etc
-
You've done a really great job on that Shaun ..well done ! It makes it a lot easier to remember all that has happened by looking at that ..thank you ...T'is appreciated ;)
Poll :)
-
Very well done Shaun, as Poll says, it makes it much easier.
Barbara
-
Shaun
To me you are a genius. Do you take people for lessons!!!.
Everything is beautifully arranged and very clear.
Norah
-
Thanks for the kind feedback, but I take no credit for the site design. Tribal Pages makes it all very easy - and it's free! All I have done is upload a gedcom and write a short intro.
-
lovely work Shaun, do not be so modest !!! ;)
Michel
-
Give yourself a hearty pat on the back from me, Shaun.
Well done.
-
Has anyone looked at the ANZAC link.
tisgrannie
-
Yes Tis ... why ? ... do you see something I didn't ?? :)
-
Hi Annie, Loved the link!
I wondered if any one was interested,
tis
-
Shaun
the site is great no matter how well you play down the techno bit!
Well done!
Mair ;D
-
Like everyone has said Shaun - Fab idea !
Just wanted to add my thanks,
Wendi :)
-
I agree, lovely site, bringing all the information together makes for an easier read, thank you Shaun ;)
A fitting tribute to all.
Susan :)
-
Just found Robert's birth announcement!
Liverpool Mercury 2 April 1896:
"Stead - March 22 at 74 Rockfield-road, Anfield, the wife of William H Stead, of a son"
-
Great find Shaun! Something else for the site.
Nanny Jan
-
I'm all of a quiver now ..... are we starting again Shaun ?? :D :D :D :D
It really would be lovely to find family before end of May / June ..... but where do we start ??
I'm not sure ... I've been having a look around but I'm not coming up with anything new ... are you ?? :-\
-
http://www.multimap.com/maps/?hloc=GB|L4%200SF
Heres a house for sale in Rockfield Road .... the property comprises a vacant four bedroomed mid terraced house !! must have looked just like it ::) ::)
-
Hi everyone
Has anyone had an idea about a date for the group visit to St Peter's? It might help if we can give the stonemason's a definite target and it will help Scrimnet to organise his men! I guess a lot depends on Michel and those further away as to when they can make the arrangments.
I have had a look at the calendar and these are the weekends in June.
7th and 8th
14th and 15th
21st and 22nd
28th and 29th
I personally won't be available for the last weekend as I am running a Local History Exhibition at my Church but any of the first three will suit me.
Over to you!
Lynne
Et pour Michel:
Bonjour chacun Est-ce que n'importe qui a eu une idée environ une date pour la visite de groupe à la St Peter ? Il pourrait aider si nous pouvons donner une cible définie des tailleurs de pierres et elle aidera Scrimnet à organiser ses hommes ! Je devine dépend beaucoup de Michel et de ces autres loin quant à quand ils peuvent faire les arrangments.
J'ai allé voir le calendrier et ce sont [ des i]weekends [/i]in juin.
7ème et 8ème
14ème et 15ème
21èmes et 22èmes
28ème et 29ème
Je personnellement ne serai pas disponible pour le dernier week-end comme je cours une exposition locale d'histoire à mon église mais des trois premiers me conviendra.
Excédent à vous !
Lynne
-
Poor Lynne ... nobody's talking to you are they ?? ::) ::) ::)
How I wish I could be there ....... but I will be in thought ... that's for sure !!
What an album of pictures we'll have ... I'm so excited to see all the "goings on " ....
Annie :)
-
Hi MissM, I was hoping that it would be around the week of half term so that my friend could come for a visit from Florida. (kidsnana) Otherwise there is no point her coming all that way farther on, as we would have no time to do anything with me working full time. What a shame. If she decides to come later in the summer break it will be all over! She will miss the special day anyway. We would obviously got to Roberts grave. So I will just fit in with whatever date is decided.
regards
tisgrannie
-
Me...
I'm just waiting for the date to be firmed up...But half term sounds good this end...I'll be off!!! ;)
But if the date can be firmed up pse soonest...The lad will be happy bunnies!
Aye thang yew
-
What date is half term .
I was rather hoping Michel and Sabine may have found the time to attend for the meet up but have not heard from him yet if he will be coming May or June and had been waiting for him to respond before replying to Lynne on the thread
I can make any date really myself and I think we should ask for those who wish to attend to possibly contact myself with their preferred date and we will see the general consensus for what date to have the friends of scrimnet in attendance once we have decided.
Bearing in mind the weekend of the date tisgrannie will be available also.
I think once we have the numbers of the people who are attending then the refreshments side of things can be arranged and we can let Graham know.
I also think Lynne has done a wonderful job so far and lets not leave everything up to her to have to do the lot.
Meanwhile I think the offer of help with a rootschat press release would be great and think we should have a volunteer to work with (sorry can't remember who it was) the person who made the offer of help to have it in place for the time it is needed or whatever it is to be done not forgetting to include Michel by name this time.
Edna
Edna
-
I knew there were people out there!
I haven't got a clue when half term is but I'm happy to move the dates to suit - I was basically waiting for Michel as he will travel the furthest - except for Kidsnana of course!
I just wanted to get the date sorted for Scrimnet and the lads!
I have to be on duty at Weddings the two weeks either side of my History Exhibition so I'm limited on time on Saturdays in June but I will do my best to nip along whenever it is.
So Tisgrannie, when is half term and how come it comes along much more often and for much longer than when I was in prison school? :'(
Lynne
-
Hi Lynne
Half term is 26th-30th May in this neck of the woods (Gloucestershire) should think this is the same over rest of England.
Too early for the stonemasons?
Susan :)
(I'm sure school holidays are longer or they have more of them ::))
-
Hi
Prison Officer tisgrannie reporting school holidays as recorded in previous message. 26th -30th may.
I would like to point out if you had the children we have to work with you would be happy with half terms once a month! No joking!
You probably respected your teachers way back then !! :D
Its a shame that we didn't get a bit of a rush from the stonemasons considering the advertisement they will get!
Its not sour grapes but they could push it forward a little bit! Considering.
regards all
tisgrannie
-
Just a thought ... we've waited so long for this....a few months more is not going to make a real difference .... would it not be an idea to book some time a good way ahead for definite so that people have plenty of time to make plans and there isnt the possibility of things being pushed so fast that a hiccough could occcur ( Like the chief Stonemason hitting his thumb with a hammer and rendering himself out of action for two weeks... what ?...it could happen ! ;) ;D) and make the plans of people travelling long distances in Novempointless if the stone was not ready .... Maybe those people living locally could take some pics of the stone being actually erected and then the meeting could be a month or two afterwards .... even a meeting on Remembrance weekend . I know it is a long way ahead but it may even allow people from farther afield to make plans.. Just an idea anyway ... I for one would love to go anytime but would love for there to be be a maximum turn out ...The success of things like this is nearly always directly commensurate with the amount of planning put into it ... in my humle opinion !! ;) ;D ;D
Poll
-
just to add my two penneth- i cant make weekends due to work - so whilst i will go with the majority that can - I am sure someone can take my thoughts in to the visit with them!
So i am "spiritually" with when ever anyone can make what.
Mair
PS half term is the week following Whit Bank Holiday or as is now more PC to call it the Late Spring Holiday weekend - ie w/c 26.5.08
-
Remembrance weekend is already booked for my boys and girls... :-[
Whitsun..ummm....Brings to mind the song "Dancing at Whitsun"...Quite appropriate actually...
It's fifty long springtimes since she was a bride
But still you may see her at each Whitsuntide
In a dress of white linen and ribbons of green
As green as her memories of loving
The feet that were nimble tread carefully now
As gentle a measure as age do allow
Through groves of white blossom by fields of young corn
Where once she was pledged to her true love
The fields they stand empty, the hedges grow free
No young men to tend them or pastures go see
They have gone where the forests of oak trees before
Have gone to be wasted in battle
Down from the green farmlands and from their loved ones
Marched husbands and brothers and fathers and sons
There's a fine roll of honour where the maypole once stood
And the ladies go dancing at Whitsun
There's a straight row of houses in these latter days
Are covering the downs where the sheep used to graze
There's a field of red poppies, a wreath from the Queen
But the ladies remember at Whitsun
And the ladies go dancing at Whitsun
It's all about the village ladies dancing the morris, as all the men have been lost in WW1..(only 50 long summers as it was written in the 60s...) so as to continue the traditions
This is how Womens Morris started....
C'est cinquante longs printemps puisqu'elle était une jeune mariée mais vous pouvez encore la voir chez chaque Whitsuntide
dans une robe de la toile blanche et des rubans de vert
aussi verdir que ses mémoires d'aimer
Les pieds qui étaient bande de roulement agile soigneusement maintenant aussi douce une mesure que l'âge permettent
par des plantations de fleur blanche par des champs de jeune
maïs où par le passé elle a été mise en gage à son amour vrai
Les champs qu'ils se tiennent vides, les haies n'accroissent libre
aucun jeune homme pour les tendre ou les pâturages disparaissent
voient qu'ils ont disparu avant où les forêts d'arbres de chêne sont allées être gaspillées dans la bataille
Vers le bas des champs verts et du leur a aimé ceux a marché des maris et les frères et les pères et les fils
il y a un rouleau fin d'honneur où le mât s'est par le passé tenu et les dames vont danser chez Whitsun
Il y a une rangée les maisons blanc en ces derniers jours couvrent les bas où le mouton employé pour frôler il y a un champ des pavots rouges,
une guirlande de la Reine mais les dames se rappellent chez Whitsun
Et les dames vont danser chez Whitsun
Il est tout au sujet des dames de village dansant les morris, comme tous les hommes ont été perdus en longs étés de WW1..(only 50 pendant qu'on lui écrivait dans le 1960s...) afin de continuer les traditions C'est comment "Womens Morris" a commencé....
-
Good evening all,
Sorry I am late but I just finished translating the latest posts in recent days.
Do not worry me to set a date, for my part I can not conceive of going to Liverpool without Annie, I'll wait as long as it takes, and like Mair I'll be spiritually with you if you decide to do a ceremony in the weeks ahead.
Michel
-
Here's a (poorly mixed) version...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGMNc8DEb8Y
The cadences on the last line of each verse are a bit odd...but still a good effort...
(for the technically minded...should be a IV-V cadence not the VI-IV it seems to be...)
You can hear it here...
http://www.last.fm/music/Maddy%2BPrior%2B%2526%2BTim%2BHart/_/Dancing+at+Whitsun
-
Song now has translation in French....(see above!)
-
Well it all makes sense now. Michel you are correct! Annie its up to you I totally agree. We can have the gathering when Annie can come, and Michel and the rest shall plan accordingly. The stone can be erected as officialdom do. Then organise a grand day for the gathering.
As polldoll quite eloquently puts "we've waited so long for this....a few months more is not going to make a real difference"
Over to the rest of you.
It is Annie and Michel's baby!
regards
tisgrannie
-
Sorry but I'm not able to face the drive from Dorset to Liverpool but if anyone wants a navigator.........
I'll be there in spirit if not body.
Nanny Jan
-
I think it's lovely that you'd be prepared to wait for us "Colonials " and I'm touched ! :)
What a "knees up" to look forward to ..... ( Kidsnana get in practice !! :D )
I'm putting the pennies in my "penny jar " as we speak !! ( there's a pub across the street as I recall !! ).....
Lynne ...... this may help the stonemasons not to feel any pressure and do the job in a wonderful way !! ( of course we know they'll do that anyways !! ::) )
I've been checking the newspapers to see if anything has been written yet .... but I haven't found anything ... ( I wish they'd let us know without having to search every day !! ::) ... but they probably won't !! ) so if anybody sees anything before me ... please yell !!
Annie :)
PS With a bit of luck - Scrim won't be singing to us !! :P
-
This came today .... I'm scared to get excited ........ but !! ......... better get your hair done Lynne !! :D :D
Annie
Thanks for very much for your e-mail. We were not aware of the story, so sorry you have sent it before without any response.
We have passed the details on to our "sister" team on the BBC Liverpool website, as they are able to do local features in more detail and have made our colleagues at Radio Merseyside aware of the story.
Thanks again for contacting us. If I, or my colleagues on the news team can help you with anything else, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Clare Purdy
broadcast journalist
BBC News Interactive
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/default.stm
-
Well Annie you have made my day! A knees up that will be, kidsnana will be thrilled, as I am sure everyone will be. The only problem I would see is the story losing momentum. If its too far down the line.
It does take pressure off everyone! Thanks polldoll for the delay suggestion and many thanks for the chivalry of Michel, what a gentleman. Annie get cracking! What a do to look forward too!
As long as its a weekend for all us workers!
How good is this going to be? I feel so excited now at the prospect, gosh knows how many will turn up now that Annie is coming!
I know she has lots of friends online!
best wishes all,
tisgrannie
-
We'd all better stock up on gravy and brown sauce before she gets here then.... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
This came today .... I'm scared to get excited ........ but !! ......... better get your hair done Lynne !! :D :D
Annie
Thanks for very much for your e-mail. We were not aware of the story, so sorry you have sent it before without any response.
We have passed the details on to our "sister" team on the BBC Liverpool website, as they are able to do local features in more detail and have made our colleagues at Radio Merseyside aware of the story.
Thanks again for contacting us. If I, or my colleagues on the news team can help you with anything else, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Clare Purdy
broadcast journalist
BBC News Interactive
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/default.stm
Hi Annie
Well that is good news! ;D I did wonder about North West Tonight because it's a half hour programme and loves local stories. Anyone else like to volunteer to meet the cameras...? I'm very shy.... no, really, I am! I don't think the TV will come without a few people to film to be honest.
Maybe we should just set up 2 webcams for Annie and Michel to be interviewed!
I will still try to go along on the day of the fixing of the stone to film it regardless of whether the TV are there or not! If anyone else is coming around that time let me know and I'll show you my posh hair do! ::)
Are we leaving the bigger get together now until next year for Annie and Michel?
Lynne
-
Hi Prison Officer tisgrannie reporting school holidays as recorded in previous message. 26th -30th may.
I would like to point out if you had the children we have to work with you would be happy with half terms once a month! No joking!
You probably respected your teachers way back then !! :D
Its a shame that we didn't get a bit of a rush from the stonemasons considering the advertisement they will get!
Its not sour grapes but they could push it forward a little bit! Considering.
regards all
tisgrannie
Hi Tisgrannie
I was actually terrified of my teachers and our Headmistress was a dragon but there were a few teachers who were lovely and consequently I did well in their subjects. They made a terrible time in my life slightly more bearable, a time from which I escaped aged 16 like I was being set free!
I think you deserve a medal for your work. It's not a job I could ever do, so Well Done! I'm sure you would have been one of my favourites!
Lynne
-
Aw thank you, I get cuddles every day and young lads stop their cars to say Hi Miss. The cheeky lads seem really genuine. One must have only been about 18 and he was driving his wife!!!! He was thrilled to introduce me! I filled up! They grow so quickly!
I hope that the "meet" is still this year!
Hope all is well with you, thanks for your continued work MissM you seem to have a job on here I guess you figured that out!
If its the weekend when the stone is up I will come over and stand with you, check your hairstyle out as well. Its not a blue rinse is it? Oh my goodness I bet it is! :D
Tata for now,
tisgrannie
-
Hi Annie
Well that is good news! ;D I did wonder about North West Tonight because it's a half hour programme and loves local stories. Anyone else like to volunteer to meet the cameras...? I'm very shy.... no, really, I am! I don't think the TV will come without a few people to film to be honest.
Maybe we should just set up 2 webcams for Annie and Michel to be interviewed!
I will still try to go along on the day of the fixing of the stone to film it regardless of whether the TV are there or not! If anyone else is coming around that time let me know and I'll show you my posh hair do! ::)
Are we leaving the bigger get together now until next year for Annie and Michel?
Lynne
Hi Lynne,
I missed the original search and have struggled to keep up with this thread but if I can get about 2 weeks notice, I can certainly get time off w*rk and come up to Liverpool for fixing ceremony with my camera.
Glen
-
> If its the weekend when the stone is up I will come over and stand with you, check your hairstyle out as well. Its not a blue rinse is it? Oh my goodness I bet it is!
Tata for now,
tisgrannie <
BLUE RINSE!!!! Not on your nelly! My hair has beautiful shades of chestnut, auburn, mahogany and blonde in it...
.......Alright.... it's just brown....
And the blonde bits are more white..... okay, grey.....
There... you got it all out of me.... I'm getting old!!!!
Maybe I am ready for the blue rinse...
:-[
::)
:-\
NAH! BLUE STRIPES MAYBE! ;D - I'm not THAT old!!!
Lynne
-
They're called 'Natural Streaks'..........well, my hairdresser calls them that ::) ::)
Barbara
-
I got scared .... I couldn't find us !! ::) ::) ::) we've been unstickied !!
Is there any news at all ?
Annie :)
-
Doesn't seem like it, Annie.
I'm a waitin with bated breath too.
Stick it in your Favourites, then you won't loose the thread again.
That's what I do with ones I'm interested in.
-
I wonder if they have taken the stone yet ? ... I 'm j ust waiting too Paula and Annie ... I imagine the next surge of posts will be when Miss M has something to report about the stonemasons progress ...
-
Good news. The headstone has been removed by Welsby's today and even better news is that it is the correct stone! They have put in the foundations and taken the headstone away to clean and fix to the plinth. Speaking to the stonemasons the headstone will be fitted this Friday and evidently the press will be in attendance. Time is uncertain at the moment as there are 2 church funerals on Friday so we will have to work around them. Probably looking at the aftrenoon but I should know more in the next day or two.
Graham
-
That's wonderful news, Graham. :D
-
Oh great, the excitement grows.
-
So...Do we want to go ahead with the Military presence and all the rest of the RCs in attendance, and if so when?? :)
-
Good news. The headstone has been removed by Welsby's today and even better news is that it is the correct stone! They have put in the foundations and taken the headstone away to clean and fix to the plinth. Speaking to the stonemasons the headstone will be fitted this Friday and evidently the press will be in attendance. Time is uncertain at the moment as there are 2 church funerals on Friday so we will have to work around them. Probably looking at the aftrenoon but I should know more in the next day or two.
Graham
That's terrific Graham !! :D thank you !!
How exciting !! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
-
Now what?????????
Oh my goodness, how exciting. I just told my husband we will shoot over to Liverpool if needed and take photos and then post them on here!
Great news, eveything comes to those that wait!
I guess its now up to Annie and Michel!!!!
As soon as they can organise, then so can everyone else!
I can't wait!!
best wishes everyone
tisgrannie
-
HI All
Having been reading this thread and am amazed at what a brilliant job you have all been doing. Congratulations.
All the best for Friday.
Sandy
-
Well this is exciting news! ;D Thanks for telling us Graham - I haven't heard diddily from Welsby's so was completely unaware anything had happened so my thanks to Edna for letting me know.
Edna and I are going to try and go, probably Friday so I hope to see some of you there. I'm working until 1.30 so it will be afternoon for us. Maybe we should all wear a Remembrance Day poppy if we can get hold of them so we recognise each other?
See you there,
Lynne
-
Hi MissM, I have missed you, hope you are well.
I will be coming over from Oldham and don't finish school until 3.30 on Friday so you will probably have been and gone. Will you be taking a photo by any chance? Isn't it wonderful thats its coming together. So exciting isn't it.
Chat soon
tisgrannie
-
Hi tisgrannie
I missed you too! It has been too quiet around here!
I'm hoping to go up in the afternoon after work and I will definitely be taking my camera with me. It's a good job it's digital because I'd probably need several rolls of film with me!
I hope we do get to meet up and I can't wait now to see the stone upright again surrounded by people who really care.
Lynne
-
Wow how exciting :D The hairs stood up on the back of my neck when reading Graham's post, can hardly believe the headstone is nearly in its rightful position.
Susan :)
-
Oh what great news.
In a world full of trouble's where our present day serving soldiers are treated with contempt when they return from war it is so refreshing to see what can be achived.
To all who can attend on Friday god bless.
Do you know what ....I AM PROUD TO BE BRITISH !
Tazzie ......who will be there in spirit Friday
-
Congratulations everyone for a job well done :)
Three of us so far for Friday afternoon are there anymore who may be interested in being there to see the stone in place and meet up with us.
Robert W Stead has made friendships happen all this time after his time on this earth and he has no descendant's but lots of friends coming together to remember him.
Edna
-
Wonderful news ;D ;D ;D
Its been so quite here recently. Well done to everyone ;D
I gather no long lost relatives came forward after the article in the Echo then ?
I too will be there in spirit on Friday.
Joan
-
Here's another one for the "spiritual" gathering.
Nanny Jan
-
I will also be there in spirit. I can't wait to see the pictures.
tisgrannie.... I just realized I forgot to thank you again when I received the Echo in the mail. Thank you also for sending the whole paper....it was great to read about that day in the life of Liverpool.
dollylee
-
Fantastic news - whilst I do not want Friday to get here too soon, I do on the other hand want it to be here on time and not too far away as we have waited so long for this to happen.
-
Hello Mair, welcome to RootsChat.
I'm sure one G&T will be allowed. :)
-
Hello Mair
Why are you posting under that name and why are you a newby as you are our very own Mair arn't you are you using another computer or something
Edna
-
Thank you Graham for this fantastic news.
I'm sure it will be especially emotional for all who go to the church on Friday, and for all who have been following this thread.
You have performed miracles.
-
What wonderful news.........and what a credit to all of you involved in the search.
I'll be saying a little prayer for Robert Stead on Friday.
Looking forward to the piccies as well.
Barbara
-
Congratulations everyone, and thankyou Graham for bringing us up to date.
I too will be there in spirit. I look forward to seeing the photos.
Kesannah
-
How about a Robert Stead Memorial thread, where the pictures could be placed, and later we could all add photos of our own military relations..................
It would be a nice tribute to the bravery of these people.
-
I too will be there in spirit,cant wait to see the photies.
Well done everyone.
Kidsnana
-
Wonferful news Graham !
Of course I too will be there on friday in spirit and I look forward to see the pictures.
Michel
-
I met the stonemason in the churchyard today and they were returning the plinth. It has been polished and looks like a new stone. Beacause the church has two funerals in church on Friday they are now hoping to replace the headstone tomorrow. I will report back if there are any further developments.
Should you have the oppurtunity to visit St Ps please introduce yourselves. I am around this week till Sunday then I have a few days off.
Graham
-
Boy ! they're "clipping along " aren't they Graham ?? :D
It sounds like it looks wonderful .... I'm so heartened to hear that ..... lump in the throat time now !
Thank you Graham - Our Robert is doing well in your care !
Annie :)
-
Splendid Graham !
Robert is really in good hands with you
Michel
-
Oh Wow ... I wish I could be there but I have got prior commitments this weekend that just cannot change. :'( :'( I dohope that one day we can have a proper planned meeting of the rootschats members with Annie and Michel able to attend .... maybe next year. It is after all a huge and not inexpensive task for them to travel the hundreds and even thousands of miles . It may be possible this year or next year even ...but one thing is for sure ...and that is that I will be there for that . .. well done everyone for seeing this wonderful story through to such a heartwarming end ... You are all stars! :-*
Poll
-
Hi everyone,
Just to let you know I am meeting Edna on Friday afternoon to go to St Peter's as planned and we should be there around 2.30 so if anyone wants to meet up with us, for identification purposes we'll be wearing walking a little black dog! ;D
SCRIMNET: I don't know what to suggest for you and the lads as there will only be 2 of us (and the little black dog...) and later in the day, tisgrannie. Maybe the weekend is a better time for others who want to go so I'll leave it up to the group when they want to go. I would love for your act of remembrance to still happen though.
Lynne
-
Hi there, Its kind of sad that we are all restricted by time or distance on what was and is such a great achievement. The press will want a showing of some sort I would think. Without the main players i e Michel and Annie it won't have the impact I wouldn't think.
I realise that for Robert anything that happpens will be a tribute to him. I'm being selfish in thought that it should happen when ALL involved can be there. Robert WILL have his headstone in place as is fitting. It shows the world someone cares. Having the full squad of folks who helped to make it possible is another part of the quest.
Joy he shall have his grave fixed, he has Graham and the locals to see that at least. Possibly people will come out of curiosity as they do for Eleanor Rigby and Bob Paisley. Thats if the press cover it, by just the headstone being replaced. It would be as when they came to view it in the first place. Maybe a shot with Graham, it will finish off the story regarding the headstone. I doubt they would come out today to do that, what do you think?
I really expected and would like the original idea of as many as possible gathering together in Celebration with Michel Annie and Miss M joining Scrimnet and his friends honouring Robert then in to the Church Hall for tea and biscuits!
I am just going off to school, feeling very happy but also sad we can't all be coming together in a week or two.
Well done and thanks to all of you who have made today possible. You are all Hero's.
tisgrannie
-
It's just a shame that the final thrust came with so little time betwixt the details being advertised and the date being upon us... :-[ We couldn't get things arranged and an amount of the boys and girls together (Bank Holiday Weekend...free leave!)
There is nil blame here, just an observation...
Perhaps a date near to Remembrance Weekend...
We have big parades to do on the day per se, but I'm sure we could sort something around the date...And thus get more RCs to gather!!!!
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
Sounds good to me scrimnet, as it lies with Annie and Michel. It is up to them.
As soon as they know I am sure we will be next!!
best wishes
tisgrannie
-
Hi everyone
I've finally had a call from Welsbys to say Robert's gravestone is finally upright and proudly displaying his name to the world![/b][/u] ;D ;D ;D
My disappointment at the very late notice is tempered by the fact that Welsbys have smoothed out the broken parts of the stone, cleaned it, re painted the letters and put new chippings in front of the gravestone to finish off the whole effect.
I really wanted to get pictures of it going up but ultimately, it's back where we wanted and for that, I'm really pleased!
I asked if they had arranged for the press to attend but he knows nothing about that so that looks like something to be arranged when we have our Guard of Honour and people there in physical form instead of spiritually!!! ;) Mind you, there are a lot of people in spirit there already...... ::)
Hopefully we will have photos of the stone tomorrow and you will all be able to share in the joy of seeing it upright once again!
Lynne
Salut Michel
le VE a finalement eu un appel de Welsbys pour dire Robert' la pierre tombale de s est finalement droite et fièrement montrante son nom au monde !
Ma déception à la notification très en retard est gâchée par le fait que Welsbys ont lissé dehors les parties cassées de la pierre, nettoyées lui, le Re a peint les lettres et a mis de nouveaux ébrèchements devant la pierre tombale pour finir l'effet entier.
J'ai vraiment voulu obtenir des images de lui allant vers le haut mais finalement, dos de s où nous avons voulu et pour celui, I' ; m vraiment heureux ! J'ai demandé s'ils s'étaient chargés pour que la presse soit présente mais il ne sait rien à ce sujet de sorte que des ressembler à quelque chose être arrangé quand nous avons notre garde d'honneur et personnes là sous la forme physique au lieu de spirituellement ! ! !
Occupez-vous de vous, là soyez beaucoup de personnes dans l'esprit là déjà ...... Si tout va bien nous aurons des photos de la pierre demain et vous pourrez tous partager dans la joie de la voir montant de nouveau !
Lynne
-
Hi Lynne !
I'm very pleased too ....... it really doesn't matter about the press for now .... the headstone is the main thing at this point .... and I know all the work you have put into this venture ..... again many thanks from me ...... you'll never know how much this has meant to me personally and the thought that Robert will - from here on in - will be able to face the sunshine ( and the rain and the snow !! :D ) is a delicious thought !!
I can't wait to see the photos ..... I'm like Taz ..... this makes me more than very patriotic .... !
I love America but there's nothing like the British at times like this - to make me feel proud ! :D
-
Everything went well today and the stone is in place .I'll try and attach a picture with this post but I'm not to clever on this kind of thing! The picture was taken before the kerbs were finally in place so the plot looks better than the picture.
-
Thank you for posting a photo Graham; it's wonderful to see the stone restored.
Nanny Jan
-
That's great news Lynne .. I hope that we can quietly work towards a meeting planning it with care and sensitivity for everyones situation to make it one of the best meetings ever. Maybe then would be the time to invite the press to do a followup story... even if its a a year hence on the anniversary of this day . so with that in mind I am now booking 22 nd May in 2009 as a possible date to meet you all !! ;D ;D ;D
Poll
Oh wow Thank you Graham ... wow HOW WONDERFUL THAT LOOKS ... GOSH it really brings a lump to my throat ....
-
Hope this shows the inscription a little better.
Graham
-
It's beautiful ! ......
And we have the pictures to prove it !
It's kind of hard to believe after all this time ..... but I'm so glad we brought him in from the cold !
What a wonderful day this is turning out to be ! :)
-
Oh that's better Graham ....what a beautiful job they have made of it .. Gosh ... I can hardly believe that we have come so far on this journey ... What an emotional moment for all those involved ... take a bow everyone ... a simply awesome result ...
-
Thank you Graham and well done all concerned. I'll post the picture on the website.
http://rwstead.tribalpages.com/
-
Look
Today my heart was filled with joy,
As the Sun shone down on me.
A hundred voices called to look,
And the sun shone down on me.
So many hearts all filled with pride,
As the thoughts they were of me.
So many people around the World,
And their thoughts were all for me.
Many spirits joined as one,
To raise again my stone.
From metal tag to stonemason,
Tis raised again my stone.
Friends of old made friends anew
And the World's a better place.
For many minds had thought alike,
Now the sunshines on my face.
:D :D :D Well Done Everybody! :D :D :D
-
Susie that was lovely and it said everything for us
Graham thank you for all of your efforts and for sending the photo
Lynne and I will see you tomorrow afternoon and see the gravestone for ourselves and perhaps take another photo or two.
Lynne thank you too for a job well done in the organisation with Welsbys and also collecting in the funds that we raised we could not have done it without you.
Edna
-
What a beautiful stone (sitting here with a tear :'()
Thank you to Graham for helping us in this task and posting photo, to Welsbys for doing such a marvelous job in restoring to its rightful position and not forgetting MissM for her organisational skills ;D
Everyone involved should give themselves a very well deserved pat on the back :D
Susan :)
-
Hi All
Seeing the stone in all it's glory is humbling and beyond words.
Annie with all the research and assistance you give to others you must be overwhelmed.
Everyone involved must be credited always for their support in giving this soldier a
place again to be visited forevermore.
Sandy
-
Hello everyone.
It is good to see the stone back in place and looking so good.
Thankyou Graham for posting the photo and the help you have given.
Thankyou to all who contributed in whatever way they could.
LEST WE FORGET.
Kesannah
-
I have just managed to nip down to have a look at Robert's stone but was way too late to photograph the men actually putting it up which is what I really wanted to do.
Welsbys have done a wonderful job in restoring it and it is all polished, even the kerb stones around it. The new chippings had been added by the time I got there and the whole grave has been levelled as a lot of the graves have sunk and been displaced. Every word and flower has been repainted and shows a lovely design which isn't on any of the other graves of a similar age. I really wasn't expecting it to look so nice!
I'm going to add my photo to Graham's just to show you the chippings in place and a close up of the design.
I can't wait to go back tomorrow with Edna in the proper daylight - even at dusk, it is very impressive and more beautiful than I had imagined!
Lynne
-
OOPS! SORRY! Forgot to resize.... ::) (*)
Suzie, I love your poem! What a talent you have there and it just sums the situation up so well. Thank you! Lynne
(*) Moderator Comment: done :)
-
Hi Graham & Lynne....
How wonderful to see the photos and to see the stone looking so new and clear. They have done a fantastic job at Welsbys.
As for resize Lynne.....nah! its big, bold & looks beautiful ;)
looks like we will be planning a trip at some point.
Michel....... & our Annie
What started as a small request has generated a much wider response so again Thank you for the thought to re-unite the "tag " with the family. Roberts family has grown in a new direction now.
Tazzie
-
What a wonderful conclusion to the thread, all involved should be very proud. I will be there in spirit tomorrow as distance to travel is too great. Regards Lincsbabe
-
Too full up to think of anything to say....
So pleased.
-
Just all round lovely !
A happy day Rootschatters...&...special thanks to Lynne.
If Welsbys have done a "normal job" it should be an inspiration to all trades persons, and those who look to revive a grave.
Wendi ;D
-
Hi all, I guess MissM and I had the same idea. I arrived graveside at about 7pm. Having rushed my poor husband straight out from work.
What a feeling, I had rang Welsby's to see that the grave would be finished. She asked if I was one of the friends off the internet. I proudly said yes I am indeed.
I have to say that it was very emotional for me indeed. Its my younger brothers Anniversary today. I felt you all with me. I was so inspired after seeing the headstone previously face down! If I had the powers you would have all been there. Michel for wanting to find the rightful home for Roberts Tag and Annie for her big heart and starting the quest. Thank you all. I feel very proud to belong to the best club in the world. "Roberts Club". What would he think of us all? I stood contemplating that something of this magnitude would have him overwhelmed.
I think that collectively Welsbys need a big thank you on the excellent job they have done on our behalf. They have gone that bit further I assure you. It looks brand new and so amazingly tidy. I was concerned that the grave next to Roberts has its Cross leaning rather menacingly towards Roberts grave.
I have to add my photos after going over to take them and see for myself. I also took another two of people in the same Cemetery. I hope you don't mind. Graham thank you for all you have done especially the photos a lovely thoughtful gesture.
MissM what can I say, it would have been wonderful to meet you at Roberts graveside. Someday soon I hope!
May Robert Rest in Peace.
Well done all of you.
tisgrannie
-
Another photo. This the grave next to Roberts can be seen leaning.
tisgrannie
-
Gosh ... it really is quite overwhelming ... I have to say I just knew we would get there in the end . ;) Michel will just be so, so thrilled ... wonderful photos folks ... just wonderful ..
-
A photo of another very well thought of man.
tisgrannie
-
What a woman you are Tis ! ... I can't believe you and your good man drove all the way from Oldham !! thank you so very much for your thoughtfulness !!
The pictures are lovely ..... Welsby's really are to be commended for their terrific work !
I just lit a candle for you and your brother and Robert ...... I'm sure the "boys" are watching all this with amazement !!
Annie :)
-
I must add my congratulations as well. All that I was thinking of saying has already been said.
Tisgrannie, as you have concerns about the cross next to Robert's leaning, perhaps a word to Graham may be in order - he may just keep an eye on it. Chances are it has been like that for many years and will continue to be OK for many years to come. From what I have learned from rootschat, the safety of stones has become a bit of an obsession, so it may already be being watched.
Robert's grave looks absolutely fantastic - Welsby's have done a marvellous job. Is there any way we could all get together to thank them .... I don't know how, maybe a virtual card signed by us all. And not to forget Graham, I'm sure all this is not part of his usual job description, but he has gone beyond the call of duty to help - and what a result!
And the rootschatters, what can I say that hasn't already been said? What an amazing bunch you all are!
-
You're right tisgrannie, what a wonderfufl job Welsbys have done. In the photos the stone looks shining new.
It seems everyone has 'done their bit' and the end product has been worth the wait.
A big WELL DONE all round.
-
I love you Annie, your my inspiration. believe me I got more out of it than anything else.
Thank you for the candle. You are in my prayers.
love
tis
ps the hubby, he is so good to me. No tea ready and over to Liverpool we went.
-
Wonder how much it would cost to have the cross fixed ?? ( I'm just kidding !! :) )
Ruskie's probably right ..... it's more than likely been that way for years ... now poor Graham is going to be bombarded with us all asking about the grave next door !! :D
His Dad's grave looks wonderful ! that was nice Tis !!
Shaun is going to have a load more pictures to put on the site from Miss M and Tis .... did you guys see the others he put on there ?? :)
-
Yet more lovely photos, thank you Tisgrannie ;D
My son has been following this thread, apart from having a great interest in the two World Wars, and spending a few years at Liverpool Uni, he pointed out to me tonight the uncanny resemblance of his name, he shares the same christian names and the first and last letters of Robert's surname ::)
I hadn't noticed, perhaps my subconscious had!
Susan :)
-
Wonder how much it would cost to have the cross fixed ?? ( I'm just kidding !! :) )
I should think that just needs a bit of underpinning! ;D
I'm pleased to see that this cemetery is not like most of he others I have seen where for reasons of "Health and Safety" any stone that looks even a bit tilted to one side is pushed over face down, and left thus...Or even in the case of one Northern one vistied this year, broken up and used as road blocks!!! :o :o :o :o :o
-
I hope youu dont mind me using one of the pics posted ... Thought it might make a nice memento . I posted this field of Poppies for Robert on Remembrance Day last year......
Poll
-
Polly Perfect. We should all print one off as a momento. Its absolutley beautiful Thank you so much.
You were very welcome on the Echo, So glad you enjoyed it.
tisgrannie
-
Well done, one and all.
Monday is Memorial Day in the US...the equivalent of Poppy Day. Lovely timing.
Cheers,
China
-
What a wonderful outcome to a most memorable quest. The stone looks just marvelous now.
Poll, your picture is just perfect - thank you.
Barbara
-
Although the cross next to Robert's grave looks a problem, the men from Welsby's were happy that it is quite safe at the present time, As with all monuments within the churchyard we try and keep an eye on them for signs of change and this would particularly be the case for a grave that is visited on a regular basis. We'll do our best at St P, particularly in view, of all your hard work.
-
Graham Thanks so much for the mention of the next grave to Roberts. Its such a shame at the way nature takes its course. Its a lovely Churchyard and I know you will keep an eye on things.
Thank you very much for the time and effort you have put into this quest. Its greatly appreciated by us all. Sorry I couldn't get over sooner yesterday I maybe could have met you. But the future awaits, I look forward to it. Its a beautiful looking Church. also I would love come to Service sometime. If I get there at the right time.!
Thanks again
Best wishes
tisgarannie
-
Doesn't he look great standing up so proud. He must be the envy of the row :)
What a terrific result...well worth every penny.
Beautiful pictures Poll....I am sure everyone is saving a copy. Tisgrannie you have a wonderful hubby.....but he does look a tad hungry lol
dollylee
-
Hi Tisgrannie
I can't believe we missed each other! We were probably there within half an hour of each other and we also took photos of the great Bob Paisley's grave with Alan looking on - good job we have these OH's to pose in our photos!
I love the poppy on Robert's stone - I may take one with me to leave as well. Maybe we can gradually build them up into a bouquet!
Just a note about Welsbys - there is an email address on their website if anyone would like to send them a message of thanks - enquiries @ welsbys.co.uk - *without the spaces!
Lynne
* I've amended the email address as it wasn't working.
-
Hi Lynne
Just sent an email to Welsbys - what a remarkable job they have done to the grave!
It must be quite awesome to see it for real - the photos are very emotional and I suspect a few tears have been/will be shed graveside!
As a 'distance' participant, I would like to thank all those 'on site' who have done so much running around and to thank all who have participated in any way big or small.
I feel very proud to be a part of it and am determined one day to go and see it for myself.
Wonderful photos everyone - Thank you.
Su xx
-
I've also sent an e-mail to Welsbys thanking them for a magnificent job, they deserve heaps of praise.
Barbara
-
My email sent - a very nice website they have there too ;)
-
What a beautiful stone and remembrance. Robert was well loved by his family. Now, a larger family have done so much to bring this long trail to fruition and we must not forget the really hard work put in by the Roots Chatters at the beginning as well as being thankful to Lynne and others who have given so much of their time to make this a reality.
Norah
-
I've tried to email welsbys but keep getting it returned I hope we havent overloaded their website??? :o
-
Poll, I just googled welsbys and found their site that way - then sent the email via 'contact us' .... see:
http://www.welsbys.com/
-
I am pretty sure No 74 Rockfield Rd still exists , do we have a picture , if not I will volunteer ( dont know how to spell that word , not used to it )
Al
-
My computer at home refusing to work since yesterday evening, I have discovered the avalanche of messages and photographs of Robert's grave that this morning coming to work and I admit that I am speechless at the sight of Result ...
I can not find words strong enough to express my feelings and my joy.
As I said to Annie a few days ago, the loop is closed.
I will try to come back with you tonight if the technologie want well... :)
-
My e-mail was returned as well Poll, I'll try Ruskies method :)
Barbara
-
I've just realised, on Welsby's website is has @lwelsby.co.uk but when you click on that, it comes up in the address as @welsbys.co.uk ...............there's no 'l' in front of welsbys.
Hope it works this time.
Barbara
-
Ok I'll try that too ;)
-
That seems to have solved the problem Barbara.. thanks Ruskie for your tip too but I use Firefox and that link involves Internet Explorer as ones browser. Thanks all the same ;)
-
Glad it worked Poll. :D :D :D
Barbara
-
How nice that is was done for this weekend,great for us living in the U.S.As was already stated its Memorial Day weekend,not that to many really remember.I am sad,i was supposed to be coming home today,i would have been putting my own poppy on the grave with my dear friend Tisgrannie and we would have put one for you Annie and Michel.Oh well, maybe for the ceremony and then i will meet some of you very special people.
The church yard has happy memories for me, i used to work in Woolton and on a sunny day we used to go and sit and eat our butties,such a pretty place.Now it really has a place in my heart
for always.
I am turning into a gozzy four eyes typing through my tears
Thanks to all of you, Kidsnana
-
Aw Kidsnana .. never mind .. I think people are realising that it is something that needs quite a lot of forward planning to make a meeting of Rootschatters on this occasionreally special. We'll think of all sorts of things we can do and with enough time we will be able to ensure thateveryone concerned can be given enough time to maybe make their own preparations and arrangements .. I suggest we maybe start another thread in a few weeks for say Roberts Pilgrimage andwe can work towards that then ... Poll
-
Hi everyone
Thanks for sending your thank yous to Welsby's. Having seen the stone and talked to Graham, they really did put in a huge effort and went far beyond the remit of standing the stone back up so it's good for them to have the feedback from all of you. It looks beautiful. :)
I managed to go again today with Edna and I made two little poppies out of card with our names on to keep Tisgrannie's company! We met Colliecuts, a new Rootschatter, and his wife and we all had a coffee in St Peter's courtesy of Graham. Edna will post the photos later in which we held hands across the grave to encompass all of you who were with us in spirit. (Lump in throat again!)
It was lovely to meet fellow Rootschatters and I look forward to meeting more of you in the (hopefully) not too distant future.
Lynne
-
Thank you Lynne, lovely :)
Yes indeed, lump in the throat and tear in the eye!
Susan :)
-
Have the Liverpool Echo featured the restored stone? I know they did an article few weeks ago.
Nanny Jan
-
I am about to upload some pictures which some have turned out blurred but just as well as my face has not been on the internet before sorry Lynne and rootschat friends.
Edna
Moderator Comment: Images Resized for easier viewing
-
sorry Mods I thought I had resized these but It had not worked out and now I need your help
Thank you
Edna
-
This one is for tisgrannie as she is worried that the cross is going to fall I can assure her I have fixed the problem
Edna
Moderator Comment: Image Resized for easier viewing
-
Thank you Mods
The top Photo is the group handshake for all those there in spirit and I am small fat blonde and Lyne is the young pretty one
The next pic is collycuts and partner along with Graham and Lynne and I am sorry the pics are blurred but I took my small camera which isn't perfect but handbag size.
Plus you wouldn't really want a clear picture of me trust me.
I had a great time today meeting friends from rootschat and Graham and Lynne very kindly collected me from the train station and colliecuts and Mrs collicuts took me back there on the return so thank you all for your kindness
sorry I made a mess of posting the pictures but thanks to the mods they got there in the end
Edna
-
hi all
Is this not just fantastic.?
May I take a moment of your time whilst you are sitting comfortably
Is it not also fantastic of how the plight of Robert's tag has brought out the good in people - from all over the place! That's what I also hold up as a result too.
Well done to you! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Mair
-
So glad that all the hard work put in by such a dedicated group of Rottschatters has had such a wonderful ending.......and thankyou for all the pictures ....... :D :D
......dee
-
Sorry I forgot to add the most important message that Graham said to relay that his boss the Vicar said that if we want him to do a small memorial service when we have a rootschat get-together at Roberts Graveside then he will do it for us so isn't that wonderful news.
Annie,Michel,and all of us sometime next year with Scrimnet and friends doing the salute to Robert and tea and sandwiches in the Church hall and we might just invite the Echo to come along and join us if they behave themselves.
I have Grahams card with his personal contact details if and when required.
Edna
-
Well Edna where do I send my contribution for the scaffolding on the Grave next to Roberts. You are a riot and my kind of lady. I think that was so funny!!
Isn't it all wonderful? Very theraputic, a massive feel good factor. Are you in the NW?. Getting the train, just curious. Can't wait to meet you.
The photos were brilliant you got the point across, beautiful gesture.
Thank you so much for your contribution. Lynne you are lovely, Sorry about the Blue Rinse jokes. My goodness you are a baby!!! You can call me grannie!
I feel so good, thank you all!
Kind regards
tisgrannie
-
Tisgrannie
I dont usually walk with the stick any longer but brought it for you it folded up in my bag
I am a scouser living in Southport 12 years now but its nice to add a bit of humour as we scousers are renowned for and yes Lynne is beautiful and also a very wonderful person too and we have become good friends through this thread
I cant wait for the big day when Annie and Michel will appear at the church and we can all have a group hug for the man who brought us all together across the world its just so amazing
Graham asked me today what is the next quest and I replied its the Anzac thread and explained a little about it. I do not have the URL to show you now but someone will post it for me I am sure of that.
We had a wonderful meet today and I felt proud to be a part of it.
Edna
-
Here is the link to the Anzac thread:
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,300953.0.html
The difference with this one is that several ancestors have been located for both the soldiers involved.
And there is a love story here too ;)
-
I will browse the link, thank you so much. My best friend kidsnana's sister lives right in the centre of Southport! So glad that you are getting to get together, lucky so and so's. Can't wait for the suggested memorial Service. Sounds perfect to me.
I am in my caravan with hubby, weather for half term looks iffy. Typical!! I feel good though so will enjoy the break. Plus my new gizmo gadget from orange is working. I can use my laptop!!!
No withdrawel pains because I can't get on line.
Goodnight Godbless all.
tisgrannie
-
. Lynne Sorry about the Blue Rinse jokes. My goodness you are a baby!!! You can call me grannie!
I feel so good, thank you all!
Kind regards
tisgrannie
;D ;D ;D - LOL!
I never thought I'd still be called 'young' in my late forties!!! It's a good job Edna's photos are a little blurred..... it smooths the wrinkles out!
The Outlaw (Alan's Dad - not an official in-law - yet...) calls us the young ones quite often but he is 83 and it's all relative..... sorry about the pun! ::)
If we disagree about something he says 'well I'm old and you young ones like different things to us pensioners'. :D
Lynne
-
Good Morning all , I feel I have to put the record straight, Edna and Lynne are two lovely ladies , dont believe any of this rubbish about weight and wrinkles,,
you know for a short while I thought they were talking about me .
I took a picture of 74 Rockfield Rd just in case it had not been done before , and thank you chatters for giving us a reason to visit Woolton again
Al
ps aha!! a clear picture of Edna ( on the left ) the other is the ex Matchworks girl
Moderator Comment: Image re-sized for easier viewing
-
Hi Al !
Thank you for the pictures ... how nice of you and your good lady to go and check out Our Robert !! :D
The 74 Rockfield Rd photo is cool .... without going through everything - I believe that's where Robert's Mum was living isn't it ?? ::) now you've made me stop and think ... I'd better check for sure !! :D :D
I should also have said welcome to our sometimes crazy thread !! ::)
Annie :)
-
74 Rockfield is where Robert was born, Annie. The family home.
I've hesitated to put that one on the website - it's someone else's home now.
-
Just as I found it you tell me Shaun !! :D
That's what happens when you get old ..... you remember seeing things but can't remember where !! :D :D :D
Maybe we can keep it on the back burner if by any chance we ever get permission to use it !!
-
Thanks for posting the picture Al. It's a lovely house and in very good order. Is there a basement - it looks a little larger than some terraces?
Not sure about taking photos of other's houses .... people must do it unwittingly all the time .... and now google are doing it/have done it with their "street view." Looking at the blinds on that house and the one on the left, it looks a bit like offices rather than someone's home?
-
Hi All
Ruskie the blinds in the houses are the up-market vertical blinds so many
people have here in England in-stead of nets.
I am still with nets myself :) I don't like the way folk can see in even if at an angle.
Not that I have anything worth looking at.
Can not see anything legally wrong with someone's house on the internet. :-\
Estate agents have hundreds on-line as you also said google are now doing the
same. Might be polite to ask though in hindsight.
Sandy
-
Not just Google... :o :o :o
There is website called www.zoopla.co.uk which will give you a 360 degree 3d view of ANY address in the country!!! :o :o :o
They didn't ask my permission, no registration needed.... ::) ::)
AND they tell everyone how much your house is worth and how much you paid for it... >:( >:( >:(
Try it...Spy on your neighbours! See how the house price credit crunch is affecting your friends! Oooh errr!! :o :o :o :o >:( >:( >:( ::) ::) ::)
-
Goodness me Son you had me really worried there. ;D ;D ;D
No details for ours thank goodness. We brought it too many years ago.
Luckily we know how much the folk paid for their recently next door and it ain't
right nor is the date of sale as they had already moved. Sigh of relief. ;D
Sandy (aka MUM)
-
Hello all !
thank you very much for sharing the photographs of these young and charming Ladies 8) and congratulations for your kind meetings at Woolton.
Al,
nice to see where Robert was born.
Michel
-
http://www.stpeters-woolton.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=166&Itemid=131
Updated St Peters Website of Roberts Gravestone restoration and also the story of Robert W Stead.
Edna
-
Thanks Edna (and Graham) I've put a link to that page on the data website.
http://rwstead.tribalpages.com/
-
Isn't that a great piece Graham's put on St Peter's website? It really gives the full picture of Robert's story and hopefully, might ring a bell with any distant relatives who might see it.
Thank you Graham for putting the whole story up and for your gracious hospitality on Friday.
Lynne
-
Thank you Graham yet again. That is a lovely inclusion in the Parish Newsletter, hopefully it may ring a bell. Is there a free local paper in your area? Just curious as we have "The Advertiser" a weekly that is read by many. I just wondred if you had one. I would be happy to contact them if you do!
You are doing a great job. Well done
tisgrannie
-
Thank you very much Graham for your wonderful job for Robert's memory and for the inclusion in the newslater.
Michel
-
Morning everybody !........ the sun is shining here ....... hope you have some too !! :D
I can't remember the name of the reporter at the Echo to ask for permission for RootsChat to reprint the articles here on "RootsChat in the Public Eye"
http://surname.rootschat.com/lexicon/rc-media.php
Would it be possible to ask do you think ?? and also I think it would be nice to reprint the article in St Peters magazine ! ( I sent Graham a PM !! ) if anybody can think where else we've been .... please give Berlin Bob a shout !! :D :D
Enjoy your day !
Annie :)
-
Hi Annie,
The answers are rare ... it seems that everyone is sleeping ... ;)
Michel
-
Hi Michel
I think everyone is waiting for the big finale......... ;D ;D
Barbara
-
Hello Michel, Long time since we had a response. I wondered if there had been anything in the "Echo" regarding the Grave.
I look forward to a speedy conclusion to this tale, your quest, with the ultimate finale of all meeting around Roberts Grave.
We can do no more than wait until Annie and yourself decide to come to Liverpool. I shall look forward to that day with great excitement and pleasure.
best wishes
tisgrannie
-
I think Lynne may have the answer to Annies question I will contact her and ask as I know she is very busy at the moment and has not been on rootschat.
Edna
-
Hi Edna
Thanks for the message! I've missed a lot of posts!
The man at the Echo was called David Menon and his email address is phenomenon 84 @ hotmail. co. uk
I'm going to go and read all the other posts and see what I've missed! Hope everyone is keeping well and happy and if you're anywhere near South Liverpool on the 28th/29th please pop into Speke and have a look at my history exhibition.
Once that's over I'm taking the rest of the summer off everything historical! ;D
Lynne
-
Hi everybody ... long time no see !! ( I think I've been having withdrawal symptoms !! ) :D
Thanks Lynne !
Berlin Bob wants to be able to add this achievement to the RootsChat in the Public Eye !!
Sorry you've been working hard !! ::) ::) ::) ::) .... but it'll be worth it when you see the pleasure it gives to other people !! :D
Enjoy the rest of your summer !! you'll be able to sit back and relax and take it easy !! :D :D :D :D
Annie :)
-
Has anybody seen "Our Robert " lately ..... is he OK ?? :-\
I just so wish I could get there .... I think of him every day !
God Rest his Soul !
-
Kind thoughts Annie
I too wonder if anyone has been back to his grave
Elizabeth
-
Hi Annie, when are you planning on coming? It would give us all a quick boost again. I shall go see Robert soon. In New York at the moment arrived today. I was in North Carolina for a couple of weeks came back from there on Friday.
I wondered about when the Big Finale was going to happen. Its up to you and Michel. We are waiting in the wings!!! Bring it on.
best wishes
tisgrannie
-
This must have been telepathy, Annie, as I was thinking to day that life does not seem quite the same without the final curtain for Robert. Hope you are keeping well.
Best Regards as Always :)
Norah
-
Hi Girls ! :D
I'm so glad everybody's still thinking of our man ! thank you Elizabeth ! .... I'm not sure when I'll be there yet Tis ... but I'm thinking it probably won't be till next Spring now ! :-\ ... which would still be a lovely way to start off a new year - don't you think ??!!
ESP Norah ... I believe we all have it on this thread !! ... lovely to see you !
Annie :)
-
Just shows how close we feel to those whose names appeared so often and altho we have never met one feels are real friends who we miss
Kind Regards to everybody
Norah
-
Oooh yes I will be ready for that Annie .. I've already got your room ready for you ! ;) I'm hoping to get to see Robert before the Autumn sets in though a part of me wants to wait to see the stone for the first time when both you and Michel are there ... I just so hoped we would find a photo of him eventually .... something happens when you find am image of someone you seem to know so much about .... one day maybe .... Love to all of you who visit this thread xx Poll
ps Tisgrannie !! Wow you get about a bit !!! :o :o ;D
-
Annie, Spring would be lovely.
It is part of missing the kinship we all shared. It was fascinating to check in each day to see what was going on.
Hi polldoll. I am taking advantage of my school holidays and making the most of being able to still get around. As I am getting older and having a bus pass I want to take all chances to get away. My next planned jaunt is Christmas in Florida. A warm Christmas mmmmm. Also we shall get in some War Graves in France no doubt.
Best wishes all.
tisgrannie
-
Tisgrannie!!!
You're not trying to tell us your bus pass takes you to North Carolina, New York and Florida are you?
I know some of us are getting on a bit, but we're not that daft! ::)
Hello everyone! Nice to hear from you all - I've missed you! ;D
I haven't been back to Robert's grave but I am planning to go on Remembrance Sunday after my Church service. I should be able to get some poppies to leave there so I'll do it in the group's name.
Just so you know, my History Exhibition was a huge success with over 120 people coming over the two days which was more than I could have dreamed of. I've put some of the photos on my Speke Liverpool website if anyone wants to visit and will be adding more old photos of the area and it's people over the next couple of months.
Good to hear from you all,
Lynne
-
Hi Miss M, Because of my bus pass it only cost me 2 Pounds 70 pence for the taxi to the station then free to the airport ;D
Good to hear from you. Well done on your day. Will look at your site, I had a great Archives Day for my schools 100th fantastic turn out.
Remembrance Day sounds good. Thank you from us all.
Chat soon
tisgrannie
-
Hello all,
I see with great pleasure that this link is not extinguished ... I monitor all days ...
I await with great impatience spring ... Winter may seem very long this year ;)
avec toute ma sincère affection
Michel
-
Nice to hear from you Michel
each time I get a mail from this thread I live in hope that a family member to our Robert is contacting rootschat
Elizabeth
-
I know the feeling Elizabeth .... WE LIVE IN HOPE ! ;)
Hello Michel... Good to hear from you on here again too ... ... ;)
Tisgrannie ... I shall be joining you soon .... as the owner of a bus pass .... not joining you in Florida !! .... :( (..wish !)
Poll x
-
I should apply for mine
the only thing is I like to drive and the bus stop here is too far from my home if I have a lot to carry
Elizabeth
-
I drive, so if needed I can drive and park at the station.
I look forward to driving to St Peters in Woolton for our get together.
Hope its sooner rather than later.
best wishes
tisgrannie
-
Happy Christmas to all of Roberts friends !!
Have a wonderful holiday ........ :D
-
Lovely,
Thank you Annie, Happy Christmas to you and yours and a fulfilling New Year.
-
Thanks Annie; wonderful card. Happy Christmas to you too. :)
Nanny Jan
-
Beautiful card Annie, where did you find that? They would be nice to buy actually.
I love old fashioned stuff.
A very merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year to all on this topic. I hope 2009 sees us all around Roberts grave in Woolton. I am saying my prayers and lighting candles,
Best wishes all.
tisgrannie
-
I hope we can get together too tisgrannie .... one day ...one day ... lOVELEY card Annie . ;)
-
I posted you a reply before but something went wrong here I am again
Annie this is a lovely thought and i was just thinking about our Robert the other day
May he rest in peace and Annie may you have a very Merry Christmas and all the best of health for 2009
Elizabeth
-
Poll what a beautiful little girl you were!
Have a very Merry Christmas,
love
tisgrannie
-
To everyone in Roberts adopted family.
Best wishes to you all wherever you are and maybe we will all meet in 2009.
Happy Christmas
Tazzie
-
And so say all of us,
And so say all of us.
I hope Robert knows about his adopted family. and he looks on us with pride.
Best wishes
tisgrannie
-
Hello everyone, and a very Merry Christmas to all of you!
I visited Robert's grave on 11th November to leave a heather from all of us and it is still looking good. In fact, in stands out amongst the other graves now it has been repaired so lovingly.
My very best wishes to all of you, and I hope 2009 is a happy and healthy one! :)
Love Lynne
-
What a lovely thought MissM to leave heather on Robert's grave.
Beautiful card from yesteryear Annie :)
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Peaceful New Year.
Susan :)
-
Wonderful card Annie, thank you very much.
Lovely gesture MissM.
I wish all of you merry christmas and happy new year.
Michel
-
To all the friends of "our Robert", for all of his new" family ", I send, on the eve of New Year, my sincere good wishes of joy, health, happiness and success.
I will never forget you ... ;)
Michel
-
All the very best for the New Year, michel and Annie, without you we could not all have enjoyed these wonderful threads....
-
Happy and Healthy New Year to all,lets hope we can all meet up this year.
Kidsnana
-
Now that really would be nice ... you never know .... ::)
-
If I win the $30 million on Lotto this Saturday, I'll pay for us all to meet up for Robert....... ;) ;)
A Very Happy New Year to you all.
Barbara
-
Doh ... so if its just the 2nd prize of 25 Million ...the deals off then ....??? ;) ;) ;D.. spoilsport !! ;) ;D ;D Happy new one to you too Barbara :)
-
I started a new thread this morning because I couldn't find this one !! :-\
Just so he knows I'm thinking of him !
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,418609.0.html
Annie :)
-
Hello Annie!
How spooky to get your message just now....
I was out shopping earlier and, on seeing the potted heathers thought 'I should have visited Robert's grave today'... great minds think alike!
I will probably go at the weekend just to make sure all is well.
I hope all is well with you and our fellow posters, as it is here.
Big hugs,
Lynne x
-
Wow that is spooky ... though not unsurprising really ... Robert has become one of the family that we remember along with grandads and uncles from the past each year . I t was really poignant that there were no veterans left this year at the Service at Westminster ... A real emptiness that seemed to only exaggerate the void left by the loss of so many lives over the years right up to the present . I do still hope we can meet up in Liverpool one day Annie, Michel and all those on his thread who helped solve the mystery of Robert's whereabouts ..... maybe one day ....
Poll :)
-
Hi Girls !
I'm so glad you remembered too ! ;)
I was wondering about adding Robert to the Liverpool site thats just starting ! .... what do you think ?
Here is the link to the site ......
http://liverpoolremembrance.weebly.com/
Annie :)
-
It is indeed strange as I had been thinkng of Robert and all who took part in the hunt for his family. That there are no others left now from the 1914-1919 war makes one think that they should never be forgotten for as children we had our fathers in that conflicyt and now being of the much older generation I have been passing on all I knew from my father and that of my husband from his father to my grandchildren and grt. grandchildren.
Gone are the days when everything stopped on the 11th hour of the 11th month every year People stopped in the steets and men took off their caps . The silence was uncanny.
To some now, that time seems too long ago but having read two surviving records of WW1 of two uncles and the injuries they sustained makes one hope that the real history of that terrible time will still be taught to the children of this country.
It was good to hear from you again , Annie. YOU are not forgotten
Best wishes
Norah
-
Norah ! ... lovely to see you !
I remember when I was a kid - how everybody stopped what they were doing at 11 o'clock ! .... things change I know but ...... :-\
Though I was at a lovely Remembrance service on Sunday - there were hundreds there .... and that seemed to make up for the indifference we see so much of today .... anyways it was a very special day for us here .... and I laid my poppy on the grave of an American soldier who died in November 1918 .... so close to coming home ! :-\
Annie x
-
What a fabulous idea that is Annie ... the site is very interesting ... I love the fact that memorabilia and photos relating to names make them as real to us as their loved ones and descendants . I 'd love to see Robert on there ... It would seem fitting .....
-
Annie,
Today, which we always think of as the real remembrance day, Donald and I were just talking about those who lost their lives even hours before the end of WW1 but it is happening all over again in Afghanistan and it makes one despair.
It was a lovely gesture to remember in the US.
Norah
-
Well I did it ! ... I sent Roberts story to Ant and Ged !!
So keep an eye out for it ... hope you guys like it ! :)
http://liverpoolremembrance.weebly.com/
( though it might be a while I think Ant's broke his wrist ::) ... looks like Ged'll be doing the work for a while !! :D )
-
Aw Annie ... What a fitting end to this story ... What a journey it was too . You and Michel were so instrumental in driving this story forward and galvanising the efforts of so many people to find our Robert . Thanks
Poll
-
What can I say? an incredible story. I found it so moving to read through these threads and watch this story grow. A lovely tribute to Robert.
You should all be very proud of what you have achieved, it is a wonderful thing that you have all done. Bravo.
Robert's story has been added to the Liverpool Remembered website.
http://liverpoolremembrance.weebly.com/index.html
We feel proud and honoured to have him included there.
Thank you all
Ant and Ged
-
Nothing much i can add only its such a pity we could not find a living relative .This would have been something great to have
Rest Robert in Peace
Elizabeth
-
To Ant & Ged.....
Many thanks for adding our Robert to the site. We all owe so much to his generation and that debt should never be forgotten.
91 years since the guns fell silent but I sometimes wonder have we really made progress.............. this is still a sad time for many.
God bless
Tazzie
-
Brought tears to my eyes reading the tribute to Robert in the Liverpool Remembered site. Thank you Annie for sending Robert's story.
Maybe one of these days we will all get to meet around Robert's grave.
Susan :)
-
A fabulous tribute to Robert from Ant and Ged - great work guys.
I'm very impressed.
-
No thank you.
All we had to do was add him to the site. Without the wonderful efforts of so many here then there would be no story to tell.
We are proud and Honoured to have Robert on the site.
Ant and Ged
-
Here again is the link to the website containing the family history data that was collected by Rootschatters in the search for relatives of Robert Stead in 2007/8.
Some of the data is hidden but if you would like a copy of the gedcom file just send me a PM.
http://rwstead.tribalpages.com/
-
I've added the story of this search to the
RootsChat in the Public Eye page:
http://surname.rootschat.com/lexicon/rc-media.php#honour
Bob
Continued here: Are You Sitting Comfortably Part 4 (http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,431066.0.html)