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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Wiltshire => Topic started by: Wiltshireopc on Thursday 08 May 08 09:02 BST (UK)

Title: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Wiltshireopc on Thursday 08 May 08 09:02 BST (UK)
The Wiltshire OPC project is now back up and running it can be found at: 

http://www.wiltshire-opc.org.uk

We now have 13 parishes with OPC's which leaves 594 to go.  If you would like to find out what is involved in becoming an OPC visit our site and follow the about link where you should find all the information you need. 
The OPC scheme first started in Cornwall where they have had huge success, it has since branched out to many other counties.  The underlying belief is that Genealogical information should be made freely available for all to share.
If you would like to help in a small way but feel can't take on a parish, there are suggestions on the getting involved page as to how you may be able to do this.

Thanks
Susan
Wiltshire OPC's Coordinator

Link Updated.
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Lydart on Thursday 08 May 08 09:09 BST (UK)
Good news indeed !

And welcome to Rootschat Susan.
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: las camelias on Thursday 08 May 08 09:40 BST (UK)
Come on all you Wilts Rootschatters - Susan needs your help to get up and running! 

I have volunteered to be OPC for Sedgehill, Semley and East Knoyle.   For the first few months it will probably mean answering an occasional email!   

If you are passionate about OUR county, contact Susan to find out how you can help.

LC 
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Lydart on Thursday 08 May 08 10:47 BST (UK)
I hesitated ... my only rellies from Wilts are from Tollard Royal, and there is someone down for that parish already ... I really know nothing about the rest of the county ...



 ... dither, dither ...
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Wiltshireopc on Monday 12 May 08 22:00 BST (UK)
The Parishes with OPCs so far are:
All Canning: Barbara J Beake
Avebury: Terry Waters-Marsh
Bishops Canning: Barbara J Beake
Bishopstone (nr Swindon): John Pope
Bishopstone (nr Wilton): Dot Gurd
Bremhill: Tony Woodward
Brokenborough: Jeff Gould
Charlton (nr Malmesbury) Jeff Gould
Donhead St. Mary: Dot Gurd
East Knoyle: Jan Oliver
Etchilhampton: Barbara J Beake
Little Hinton: John Pope
Malmesbury: Jeff Gould
Purton: Richard Carruthers
Rodbourne Cheney: Richard Carruthers
Sedgehill: Jan Oliver
Semley: Jan Oliver
Westport St. Mary: Jeff Gould

Please note that not all the OPCs have gone live yet, always check with the website before contacting them.
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: nahbois on Tuesday 13 May 08 06:22 BST (UK)
Thank you Susan for that info.   

I read it out of interest and then noticed you have a surname in your list "Harding" Wiltshire.   I have a Sally Harding marrying a Joseph Green in Wroughton Wiltshireabout 1810 and she died in 1831.

Any relation?  Thanks again for the info.

Sue - Australia
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Wiltshireopc on Monday 13 October 08 01:03 BST (UK)
If you haven't stopped by for a while it is worth while checking out the site - we are growing regularly.

We now have OPCs for 37 Parishes and are in the mist of having a facelift - the site not the co-ordinator!

Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: nahbois on Tuesday 08 September 09 23:21 BST (UK)
Many thanks for that update.  Well worth a look.  Have I asked you before about "Harding" in Wiltshire?   I have a Sally Harding married to a Joseph Green in the Wroughton area.

Sally died about 1831 and Joseph married Honor Brind (Harris).  Any relation?

Thanks again, Susan
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Rochdalian on Tuesday 16 March 10 07:41 GMT (UK)
Hi
Just tried to log on to Wiltshire OPC but got redirected and ended up ay a "Talk-Talk" site telling me the site couldn't be found!!

Any ideas

Bob
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: rogdodge on Monday 21 June 10 11:36 BST (UK)
Hi Bob,

The website moved. Please try this:-

http://www.wiltshire-opc.org.uk/

Rogdodge
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: searcher58 on Thursday 30 December 10 00:08 GMT (UK)
I've been trying to reasearch my friends family history and have been trying to get into the wiltshire opc site to no avail.
I've got the bit between my teeth now and just hate not being able to get any further.

jan

Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: rogdodge on Thursday 30 December 10 07:09 GMT (UK)
Hi,

It is down at the moment. Not sure when it will be back on line. I will contact the website admin.

Further to a reply from website admin.
Work is on-going. It is a complicated job and may take time.
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: searcher58 on Thursday 30 December 10 09:08 GMT (UK)
Thanks for that.  Its so frustrating when you are on the hunt and then you hit that brick wall.  I suppose I'll have to go do the housework or some other boring thing instead.

Jan
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: rogdodge on Friday 04 March 11 17:15 GMT (UK)
The website is up and running once more. Photos on a parish page are still a problem but can be viewed in the Photo Gallery.

rog
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Dizzy Escape on Tuesday 27 September 11 20:11 BST (UK)
I managed to get on to the site earlier this evening, but it won't let me now - keeps saying 'The website declined to show this webpage'. I don't live in the county, I'm afraid, but I'm interested in Ramsbury to which I have traced two completely separate lines of my tree! I have some photos which I'd be happy to upload and would be interested, possibly, in volunteering to do some transcribing.....
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: rogdodge on Wednesday 28 September 11 06:40 BST (UK)
Hi Dizzy Escape  ;)

I can't get on either. I have just emailed the website manager to advise them of the problem.

Don't worry about where you live. I do not live in the UK.  ;D

I will put a message here as soon as I get an update.

rog

Update: I have received the following information.

"Unfortunately the site has been taken offline for a few days due to malicious hacking. This time however we do have backups in place so it should only be a few days whilst we rebuild the site platform."

Sorry about the inconvenience.
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: twopins on Thursday 20 October 11 10:46 BST (UK)
Hi everyone, I am the OPC for Calne and do do the surname index on the OPC page for Wiltshire.
Unfortunately it was hacked pretty bad and so of course we now have to rebuild it.
I understand the frustration you all must have, but it will be up and running very soon.  We have of course all our records backed up so the new and improved site will be able to serve you well.

As I have access to most files if there is anything urgent that anyone needs to look up I am happy to do so
Cheers
Chris (Twopins)
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Redroger on Thursday 20 October 11 10:54 BST (UK)
Why hack an OPC site? They must be either mad, ill or both!
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: twopins on Thursday 20 October 11 12:54 BST (UK)
I totally agree with you and apparently this is the second time it has happened.

It is very frustrating but please be assured that we are working hard to get it back up and running

Cheers
Chris
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: rogdodge on Thursday 20 October 11 13:35 BST (UK)
Why hack an OPC site? They must be either mad, ill or both!

I suppose it may be - because they can!

As soon the website is back up and running I will post the information on this thread.
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Redroger on Friday 21 October 11 17:53 BST (UK)
Thanks.
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: rogdodge on Sunday 30 October 11 11:30 GMT (UK)
Just to update you.

The site is still offline due to the hackers - this is very frustrating for us all.

rog
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Redroger on Sunday 30 October 11 17:34 GMT (UK)
Whatever motivates these clowns I wonder?
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: rogdodge on Sunday 30 October 11 19:01 GMT (UK)
Whatever motivates these clowns I wonder?

Only they know.  ::)
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: twopins on Monday 31 October 11 05:51 GMT (UK)
I realise for everyone that uses the site that it is a terrible thing to happen, but if there is any good news to be taken from this is that Teresa the site co-ordinator and myself have been working like mad and have about 100 new photos to add and lots of new transcriptions,  I have added just over 20,000 names to the surname index, so once its up and running it will be better than ever.

Just want to say thank you all for your patience....
Cheers
Chris
OPC/Calne and newsletter editor
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: rogdodge on Thursday 17 November 11 08:04 GMT (UK)
The site is back up again!  ;D

If you find any glitches please contact the website administrator.

rogdodge
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: twopins on Thursday 17 November 11 08:16 GMT (UK)
Hi ..you beat me to it..yep up and running ..all OPC's are now checking their pages for errors etc, cosmetically it is a little different, but it was important to get the info on.
Thank you to everyone who has been so patient and understanding....happy searching to you all
Cheers
Chris
OPC Calne and lots more 
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Redroger on Thursday 17 November 11 16:31 GMT (UK)
Will have a look later, don't suppose Teffont Magna is there yet?
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: rogdodge on Thursday 17 November 11 16:35 GMT (UK)
Will have a look later, don't suppose Teffont Magna is there yet?

It is but not much on it yet. It is but in need of an OPC volunteer though. ;)
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: cathyaus on Thursday 17 November 11 21:38 GMT (UK)
Redroger
Teffont Magna needs you as the OPC  ;D - you obviously have some connection to that parish & it is a welcome change from doing your own Family history research and you get a better understanding about the Parish that your ancestors lived in !

I am one of the new OPC's by the way & am looking after the Dinton page - it would be so nice to have a neighbour !

You only have to give a bit of your time - I am in Australia & still signed up. I don't have any access to any BMD records at the moment but I have added to the Dinton page in other ways.

Have a look at the Teffont Magna page then have a look at some of the other pages that have OPC's - some have added very little - others have added lots of information. If you are interested - contact Teresa the Adminstrator - she has been very helpful to me.

The thing that appeals to me about the Wiltshire OPC project - you get ownership of a parish (or parishes if you choose) & you are able to look at your Parish page & say "I did that" whereas with some other projects - I think you are only a part of a transcribing crew.

Have a think about it Redroger - you know you want to sign up...... ;D  (& Teffont Magna is only a small parish - very manageable)

Cathy
OPC Dinton, Wiltshire
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: twopins on Sunday 20 November 11 00:56 GMT (UK)
so true Cathyaus, just a small amount of time is needed, I like you live in Aus but I am the OPC for Calne and as you know I do the surname index, the newsletter, and lots of other transcribing, and sorting out the spreadsheets that have been sent in with the wrong format.  Teresa and I are flat out all the time finding records and it would be great if we could have more volunteers. a little as an hour a week would be great to get some of these unloved parishes up and running
Cheers
Chris
OPC/Calne
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: John in Fram on Thursday 02 February 12 11:06 GMT (UK)
Hi All

The Wiltshire OPC site is in the process of being rebuilt after last years hacking attack. Unfortunately in the last few days the site has gone down again because of another mindless intrusion

We are endeavouring to upload all data to the new site but this is a large task which will take some time to complete

John Pope
OPC Admin Support

Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Redroger on Thursday 02 February 12 12:19 GMT (UK)
Thanks for the tip John, Regarding the hackers, are they just brain dead, or using these attacks as test runs for cyber terrorism?
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: eregli_gene on Monday 27 February 12 09:29 GMT (UK)
They could be die-hard enemies of Popery.
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: maroldme on Wednesday 04 April 12 20:11 BST (UK)
Hi Does anyone know if we will be able to view a list of people laid to rest in their cemetery?
Once the project will be completed. I e-mailed but didn't get a reply to my question.
I know they are busy..but....
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: cathyaus on Thursday 05 April 12 00:46 BST (UK)
Hi maroldme
You will only be able to view a list of people laid to rest in the parish cemetery - if the OPC for that parish has actually gone around & listed the people in the cemetery. I know for myself - I am the OPC for Dinton & live in Australia - so that wont be happening for the Dinton parish.

Which parish were you enquiring about ??

Cathy
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: maroldme on Thursday 05 April 12 02:35 BST (UK)
Hi Cathy: The cemetery that I am wanting information from is in  Pewsey Wiltshire
area....Marie
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: cathyaus on Thursday 05 April 12 05:00 BST (UK)
Hi again maroldme
I just checked Pewsey parish on the Wiltshire OPC site & unfortunately there is no one looking after that parish at this stage - maybe we could entice you to "adopt" this parish seeing as you have some connection to it  ;D

Cathy
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: maroldme on Thursday 05 April 12 16:38 BST (UK)
Hi Cathy:  I do not live in England but my lineage of my ancestors did. What type of work and how
long would I have to help out. I couldn't offer to take on a full parish. Maybe a small job.
Let me know...and I will think about it. Marie.
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: cathyaus on Friday 06 April 12 11:26 BST (UK)
Hi Marie

I am glad I didn't scare you off with the suggestion of joining up  ;D

The new website for the Wiltshire OPC project is     http://www.wiltshire-opc.org.uk/genealogy/

Some people join up & adopt a parish to look after but there are no time restraints on adding infornation if you do decide to adopt- if you have a look at some of the different parishes - some people have added loads of information - others have added only a little bit. My opinion is someone looking after a parish adding a little information is better than no one looking after it.

Other people don't want to adopt a parish so they volunteer by transcribing records when they can.

There are quite a few of us that have adopted a parish but we don't live in England - makes it a bit hard in some ways - like you can't just go out & take your own photos of the parish you have chosen. In my case I have found a wonderful man that had taken photos of Dinton - I contacted him to ask permission to use them on the site & he agreed. I would be lost without him in regards to having photos connected to my page.

If you are interested - I too was a bit hesitant when I first enquired but took the leap of faith & haven't regretted it (only in the beginning when I was trying to add information to my page & kept having problems - turned out that as I was using Internet Explorer - that was causing heaps of problems but have since switched to using Mozilla Firefox & its been plain sailing since.)

I was volunteering as a transcriber for familysearch.org but found that you never got a sense of achievement. With the Wiltsire OPC project - you get "ownership" of the parish & therefore the page for that parish & you decide what information you put on it. You get to look at your page & say " I did that!"

If you do decide you want to help out a bit - contact Teresa - she is the administrator & is very very helpful - nothing is too much trouble for her. I can't put her email address here - but you will find a link on the website to send her an email & she can fill you in a bit more about what you can do in the way of volunteering - in whatever capacity you feel comfortable with.

Cathy
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: maroldme on Friday 06 April 12 19:01 BST (UK)
Hi Cathy: Thanks for all the info. I am really busy right at the moment but I will contact the person at the project
just to inquire about maybe offering a little help when things get back to normal here.  :P 
In the meantime  I  will take a look at some of the other parish's like you suggested.  I have signed onto the site
so I have the e-mail for Teresa.  ;D
Someone mentioned about hackers doing a number on the site information. Do you know anything about this??
If that happened  :o it must be frustrating to the person working on the project..
Well thanks a bunch......I'll let you know if a take a little of the project on.. Cheer :) .Marie
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: KGarrad on Friday 06 April 12 19:15 BST (UK)
Maybe it's me, but . . . .

I can access the homepage fine.
But when I click on "Access the Parish Directory" I get an error "403 - You are not authorized to view this resource"?
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: youngtug on Friday 06 April 12 19:32 BST (UK)
I think you need to register to gain  access.
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: wendymac on Saturday 07 April 12 00:28 BST (UK)
Hi Everyone.

I have tried to login to OPC but have forgot my username and password. Tried to re-register but it just keeps telling me reg has failed, don't know what to do now apart from throw the computer through the window - really fed up now been trying for ages. Has anyone else had this problem???

Think I'd better go to bed  :)
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: cathyaus on Saturday 07 April 12 06:52 BST (UK)
Hi to those that are having problems with the Wiltshire OPC site

Because the site has been hacked into a few times - to overcome this you have to actually sign up / register & login to gain access to the rest of the site such as the Parish Directory.

Cathy
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: cathyaus on Saturday 07 April 12 06:55 BST (UK)
Hi wendymac

There is a link under the login for entering if you have forgotten your username or password - have you tried that ??


If you still can't get access send me a PM & I will give you the email address of the administrator so that you get access
Cathy
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Milliebert on Sunday 10 June 12 13:01 BST (UK)
I know I'm new here, but I am not new to researching my ancestry, (although three years is not as long as some of you!) but I would happily take Froxfield Parish.  I live in England, am desperately trying to find information about my Froxfield connections and hitting brick walls.

I'd also be interested in Aldbourn(e) and Chiseldon.

Point me in the right direction!!  ;)
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: cathyaus on Sunday 10 June 12 14:01 BST (UK)
Hi Milliebert
If you go to http://www.wiltshire-opc.org.uk/genealogy/ & register then you can contact Teresa who is the administrator & let her know that you would like to be the OPC for Froxfield - which is vacant. Aldbourne is already taken but Chiseldon is still vacant also.

Good luck & welcome to the OPC team
Cathy
OPC for Dinton & Compton Chamberlayne
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Captain2 on Sunday 10 June 12 14:44 BST (UK)
I'm a regular user and contributor to the site and I think there may be a problem as I too  am unable to access the site ...   :-\  I have sent a message to Teresa to make her aware of the situation.  Please don't give up .....  :) I'm sure there is an explanation.

Angie for ...
(Bratton- Wiltshire)
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Trancesgirl on Sunday 10 June 12 15:34 BST (UK)
Please note that the Wiltshire OPC Site can now be accessed at

http://www.wiltshire-opc.org.uk/genealogy/

We regularly update the site with new additions etc so its well worth adding the site to your favourites

We still need volunteers to take on parishes or just to transcribe the odd record now and then

Teresa Lewis
Administrator
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Redroger on Sunday 10 June 12 17:43 BST (UK)
Have just applied to join the site.
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Trancesgirl on Sunday 10 June 12 19:04 BST (UK)
Have just authorised your access - thank you for looking at the site
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Trancesgirl on Sunday 10 June 12 19:16 BST (UK)
Wow well done my Australian OPC's spreading the word and recruiting.  To answer the query about Pewsey cemetery or churchyard - we have a lady at present who is photographing these in the Chippenham and Devizes area - this takes time but as she finishes one set she moves onto another.

John Pope is then creating an index to these headstones - so if your relative was commemorated with a headstone keep checking back .  We are also publishing the images taken in galleries to compliment the index.  We are curtrently working on Chippenham London Road Cemetery.  We have published Bremhill - St. Martins and a few of the smaller parishes around Chippenham. 

The new site is nearly fully funtioning apart from teh odd hiccup with registration.  To browse the site you no longer need to register or log in however if you wish to contact an OPC or the admin team then registration is required.

For those of you who have shown an interest in taking on a parish - please contact me - as the team say - you do not need to live in the area nor spend countless hours on the project.  A few minutes transcribing allows us to publish so much more. 

If anyone would like to transcribe we have a growing database of source material that could be put your way - for more info please contact me - Teresa Lewis either via the website or here.

Thanks for all your support

Teresa

Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Redroger on Sunday 10 June 12 20:01 BST (UK)
Have just authorised your access - thank you for looking at the site
Thanks for that  :)
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: shevvy on Tuesday 25 December 12 00:47 GMT (UK)
 :)

I would like to put up my hand for westbury please.  I am in NZ so can offer limited support.

cheers

Siobhan
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Trancesgirl on Tuesday 25 December 12 04:15 GMT (UK)
Hi Siobhan

We would be delighted for any assistance you could offer - please contact me via the web site at http://www.wiltshire-opc.org.uk/genealogy/ and I can send you more details

Teresa Lewis
Wilts OPC Admin
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: marionjean on Monday 04 February 13 15:41 GMT (UK)
coups anyone help with inormation on bennetts, benet, from the east and west grimstead areas of wiltshire please
Title: Re: Wiltshire Online Parish Clerks
Post by: Trancesgirl on Monday 04 February 13 15:55 GMT (UK)
Suggest you register at http://www.wiltshire-opc.org.uk/genealogy/ and lodge your interests on the site - I believe there is an OPC covering West Grimstead