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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Lancashire => Topic started by: liverpool annie on Friday 25 December 09 02:50 GMT (UK)
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Moderator comment: topic split
Following on from: Are You Sitting Comfortably Part 3 (http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,271385.0.html)
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!
Sitting here thinking of "our Robert" tonight ! ....
Hi Everybody !
I hope the Christmas Angel is good to you all this year !!
And brings you everything you want and need !
May we all have a wonderful New Year !
Annie :)
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Aw Annie ......Some wonderful memories of the togetherness this thread embodies ... .. [ :-X
Sitting here thinking of "our Robert" tonight ! ....
Hi Everybody !
I hope the Christmas Angel is good to you all this year !!
And brings you everything you want and need !
May we all have a wonderful New Year !
Annie :)
I echo those sentiments .... The very best wishes to all of you especially Annie and Michel..
Poll :)
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:P :P :P How can i find , are you sitting comfortably, and ditto part 2?
Thanks, Carl. :) :) :)
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....here are the links ...Happy Christmas !
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,206958.660.html (http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,206958.660.html)
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,261805.0.html
Enjoy ..... ;)
Poll
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:) :) :)Thanks Poll i'm sure i will, Happy Christmas to you to. :) :) :)
Regards, Carl.
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Merry Christmas all.
8) :D ;D
And thank you for bringing Robert to my attention in the past few months. A very heartwarming story.
Have a great day.
Ant :)
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Hello to all
I have come into the thread through a google search just recently and haven't read everything yet.
I am a descendent of Joseph Steads, the brother of Fanny Maria. Joseph's parents were William Steads and Eliza Clarke.
Joseph emigrated to Australia in 1866.
I have been interested in Fanny Maria's son William Harley Stead, as my cousin was named Walter Harley Stead; however, I think this was because of a passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles, rather than a family name!
Joseph married twice and had 8 surviving children, one of which was my grandfather, Walter Adrian Stead.
I am really looking forward to reading the thread (I am only at the start of thread 2), so please excuse me if this information has been entered before.
Lynette
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Hi Lynette and a warm welcome to you !! :D
I'll leave you for a while to "take in" our multi threads !!
I'm dying to hear what you know about William Harley and of course would be thrilled if you had anything on "Our Robert" ... he's become a very special soldier around here and I'm sure I'm talking for everybody when I say - we'd love to know more !! :D
Annie :)
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Goodness :o... this sounds exciting ..I can hardly wait !
Ooooer Annie ...talk about goosebumps ..
Sorry Lynette... A big welcome to Rootschat and this thread particularly .... it's a place where the most amazing things happen because of a dedicated group of people ...
Poll :)
I do hope Michel is reading this ... ;)
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What a fantastic surprise after all this time and we, all ,are pleased to hear about you and your information and to Liverpool Annie who has never lost hope after introducing the thread, what a red letter day for your perisitent quest. It shows that hope is eternal
Welcome to the family of Roots Chatters the kindest people ever and Love to Annie
Gatacre
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Hi Girls !
I think we probably wore Lyn out with all the reading !! :D :D - (I imagine Michel will be here before too long !!)
Goosebumps are nothing Poll ... I've got flip flops !! ::)
Lovely to see you Gateacre ... do you reckon the chase is on again ?? :D
Oh boy !
Annie :)
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WELL I'M AMAZED!
I have just finished reading the 31 pages of part 2 and it brought tears to my eyes. Michel and Liverpool Annie and all the rest, you are amazing. What a quest and to find success is wonderful. I will now have to read parts 1 and 3.
I have sent a message to my first cousin, who is also a direct Joseph descendent. This is all a fantastic surprise.
(I did rather get bogged down in the Euclid Hope Butterworth bit)!
Lyn Stead
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Hello Lyn,
Thanks for alerting me to this extraordinary thread. What a story.
And 'hats off' to everyone that researched it. You've helped reinvigorate my own interest in the AU branch of the Stead family tree.
Cheers - CLR
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WELL I'M AMAZED!
I have just finished reading the 31 pages of part 2 and it brought tears to my eyes. Michel and Liverpool Annie and all the rest, you are amazing. What a quest and to find success is wonderful. I will now have to read parts 1 and 3.
I have sent a message to my first cousin, who is also a direct Joseph descendent. This is all a fantastic surprise.
(I did rather get bogged down in the Euclid Hope Butterworth bit)!
Lyn Stead
Hi Lyn !
Glad you were able to see it ... I know the Butterworth family was a little out on a limb ... but maybe a researcher will find it and be happy !! :D
We're all so proud of our soldier and I won't spoil the rest of the story for you ... but we do have a happy ending ! ::)
Hi also to CLR and welcome !
We're very glad you joined us ! ... can't wait to hear what snippets you can maybe add to our story !
Annie :)
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Welcome Lyn
Another chapter to the story may unfold. I cant wait :D
Ant
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A new Year and a new start. Annie, I reckon we all hope that there will be more news for how can we ever forget Robert?
Your welcome Lyn is more than anybody can describe as Robert became part of our lives and he could never be forgotten.
Gatacre
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And just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water............... WOW :D :D :D This novel never ends does it ;)
Can't wait for further instalments :) :)
Welcome to RC Lyn and CLR
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Great News!!!! Michel will be so pleased that he may at last be able to reunite the clasp with Roberts living relatives, this is well worth the wait, its magic
Edna
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Well to you all - the adopters of Robert William Stead, what a wonderful group of lovely, kind, enthusiastic people.
Congratulations on the successful accomplishment in raising the headstone. It is in lovely condition and looks very attractive. You have certainly honoured Robert William.
I have now read through all 54 pages of part 3 and can get a feel for all of the obstacles you have overcome to achieve the restoration. It was worth reading the lot to feel your excitement as the tasks were successfully competed. Your persistence is truly remarkable.
I am sorry to report that I was only aware of William Harley and hadn't found Robert William until this thread, and also, unfortunately, I don't have any photos or other memorabilia. I think, though, with so many more resources being made availale online there is still a possibility of something turning up, don't you?
It has been very moving to read the posts and I wish I had been able to join earlier and contribute something. I now hope to one day visit the grave - I'll have to rattle the piggy bank a bit longer!
It has been an exciting day, but now my neck and mouse arm ache so time for bed!
Lyn
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Good Night Lyn.............sleep well. Or perhaps dream of Robert William :) :)
It is all truly remarkable isn't it, and all due to Michel, Annie and all the other contributors......they deserve a medal. :)
Barbara
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I am so thrilled to see you on here Lyn .... You must have been quite overwhelmed to see just how much work and dedication had gone into finding someone for Our Robert. What a pity there is still no face to put to his name .... but as you say ... miracles seem to happen with this ol' internet ;D I hope you find Rootschat a comfy homely place where you can always drop in and feel amongst friends .. It is the best community on the web !!
Poll
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Hi Lyn !
You said you had read 2 and 3 ... but did you read Part 1 - the original ? you might find some snippets in there to help you with your tree !! :D and a couple of photos of the houses etc !
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,206958.0.html
Annie :)
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Hello CLR
Welcome to Rootschat and especially this thread - or should I say series of thread(s) :).
From what you say you are an Australian Stead. Do you have a link to Joseph, too?
Regards
Reiver
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Hello Reiver,
Yes, Lyn has kindly pointed out to me that my mother June is Robert's 2nd cousin. She is in her late 80's. As far as we know she is the only one of her generation still living in this Stead branch of the family but we have not pursued every posibility along other branches that do not bear the Stead surname.
The relationship is along the following lines:
William and Eliza
children
Joseph and Fanny Maria
then
Walter Adrian and William Harley
then
June (and others now deceased)
Cheers - CLR
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Hi CLR !
Good to see you again ! ... can you by any chance tell us anything about William Harley ? .. any family stories etc or anything you have turned up in your researching ?
Annie :)
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Hello Lynette, and all friends :)
Fortunately Annie woke me up ... ;D
I thought the case was "dead "...!!!
There I will have to translate all the messages you've posted since November 11
I am delighted that you all are always so enthusiastic.
A big thank you to all
I'll be back soon
Michel
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Hello Michel .. it is a nice excuse to all meet up again ...that's for sure .. :)
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Hello Lynette, and all friends :)
Fortunately Annie woke me up ... ;D
I thought the case was "dead "...!!!
There I will have to translate all the messages you've posted since November 11
I am delighted that you all are always so enthusiastic.
A big thank you to all
I'll be back soon
Michel
Oh boy Michel ! - I thought you must on some sunny beach somewhere or something :D :D or snowed under at least 24 inches of snow !! :) ;)
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So you woke Michel up Annie............sounds like Rip Van Winkle!!! ;D ;D ;D
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I see I've been missing a reunion in here!! ;D (Thanks to Edna for letting me know!)
Well, this is all very exciting, isn't it, hearing from Lynette? After all the effort everyone put in, it is nice to know we have added something to her family tree!
I hope you are all well and coping with the snow if you're in the UK. If you're anywhere else with snow, you''ve probably got clear roads and pavements and wondering what all the fuss is about over here!!!
Lynne x
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Hi everyone
I have been reading through Part 2 again and all the contibutors names are beginning to click with me. Reiver, MissM, Polldoll, ShaunJ, Gatacre, Tephra, MaryA, you have all been there from the beginning, as well as Liverpool Annie and of course Michel. Forgive me if I have missed someone as it is hard to follow the content of the messages as well as the tracking the contributors.
You have certainly expanded the family tree including some rather dubious characters like Euclid!
I am sorry to disappoint you, but I have no information on William Harley Stead, except for a copy of his GRO birth certificate. He was the son of Fanny Maria and Edward Harley (the bounder!), born 6 Apr 1857.
Joseph and Fanny Maria's father, William died in 1864, their mother was already dead, and Joseph emigrated in 1865.
According to the passenger list of the Essex (provided by clr), he didn't go accompanied by a wife. He was listed as a Bell Hanger in the UK 1861 census, and set up business in Melbourne as a brass founder and whitesmith.
Joseph married twice; there were 2 surviving sons from the first marriage, of whom I have no information, yet.
There were 5 surviving children of the second marriage and my grandfather was the youngest. Joseph died when Walter Adrian was aged 7, and I suspect this is why there is so little personal information about the family. I haven't yet found any photos of Joseph.
There is still a lot to do at the Australian end.
While you are snowed in, we are on bushfire alert, including an official 'Catastrophic bushfire weather alert' 2 days ago (this means pack and evacuate). Bizarre, isn't it?
Lyn
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Just a quick mention in case anyone is interested ...theres a Rootschat meeting possibly being arranged for Liverpool this year ... here is the link...
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=429853.new#new
Poll :)
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Oooooooo I wish.......... :D :D
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Me too Girl !!!!! :-\
I've told them to take loads of pictures .... !!
I want to be homesick all over again ;)
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T'would be good wouldn't it? ... It's such a great story ..... ;)
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It's a ruddy marvelous story...........and I take me 'at off to all of you who brought it to life. :)
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It's a ruddy marvelous story...........and I take me 'at off to all of you who brought it to life. :)
Now there's a sight ... Tephra ...hatless !! Though hardly surprising with all that blue hair !! ;D ;D
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Better hatless than other clothing alternatives .... :o :o ;D ;D
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Better hatless than other clothing alternatives .... :o :o ;D ;D
.. Erm ...moving swiftly on .... ;D
I've never been to Liverpool .. I believe I read the cemetery where Robert rests is where Father McKenzie, of Eleanor Rigby fame also rests, purporting to be the inspiration for a certain pop song way back in the 60s!
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I believe it is...........and if you get to Liverpool, the docks area is fantastic, I could have stayed there for hours, but I was reliant on family transport, so had to go. Would love to go back. Ah well, if I win Lotto........... ;) ;)
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Hi Tephra,
Long time no see!
If you have a look at my website, at the bottom of the index on the left hand side is a section called Our Pics. I've put some of our own recent photos in there showing parts of Liverpool that have changed in recent years including the dock areas.
If you haven't been for a while you might like to have a look. (We have a canal now in front of the Liver buildings, don't you know!)
www.spekeliverpool.co.uk
Lynne
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.. Erm ...moving swiftly on .... ;D
I've never been to Liverpool .. I believe I read the cemetery where Robert rests is where Father McKenzie, of Eleanor Rigby fame also rests, purporting to be the inspiration for a certain pop song way back in the 60s!
[/quote
It's a lovely area of Liverpool. I hope they haven't messed up changed that too much since I was last there. :-\
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Better hatless than other clothing alternatives .... :o :o ;D ;D
.. Erm ...moving swiftly on .... ;D
I've never been to Liverpool .. I believe I read the cemetery where Robert rests is where Father McKenzie, of Eleanor Rigby fame also rests, purporting to be the inspiration for a certain pop song way back in the 60s!
It's a lovely area of Liverpool. I hope they haven't messed up changed that too much since I was last there. :-\ I know they've been very "busy" over recent years.
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Hi Lynne.......Thanks for the link......It's a great site, I've added it to my favourites.
Barbara
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got to leave me mark X don't want to loose contact with this one.
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I'm not sure if this is possible ....
I know no one has and photos of Robert, BUT would it be possible for Lyn or CLR to post photos on here of any other Stead family members from Robert's era?
I'd be interested to see some photos and wonder if there may have been a family resemblance. :D
What do others think?
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I think it's a brilliant idea Ruskie......as you say, quite possibly we'd get a feel for a family resemblance
Barbara
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Glad you agree Barbara. :)
For Lyn and CLR:
Help with how to add photographs is near the bottom of this page:
http://www.rootschat.com/help/posting.php
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Robert's second cousin Alfred, aged 29 in uniform and 36.
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Ahhhh! Lovely to see these - many thanks Lyn. ;D
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I know it's not Robert.......but doesn't seeing the pic of his second cousin bring Robert closer..... :) :)
Thank you Lyn
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Good evening all ! :)
This has not been easy and I'm not sure I understand everything, but I translated, read and reread the part 4 ...
If I understand correctly, we now have the team in both parents of Robert, can you confirm?
It is wonderful to see the face of the second cousin of Robert, I am moved ...
Michel
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"Oh boy Michel ! - I thought you must on some sunny beach somewhere or something or snowed under at least 24 inches of snow !! "
Oh Annie, should I be on a sunny beach for warming my old bones...!!!! ;)
Michel
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Hello Michel .. it is a nice excuse to all meet up again ...that's for sure .. :)
Hello Polly
did we need excuse to meet up again ?
Michel
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Hi everyone
I was up at St Peter's Church in Woolton today for a meeting so I took the opportunity to visit Robert's grave.
We had a light layer of graupel (something between snow and hail!) last night leaving the ground white but the sun was out so it's been a beautiful winter's day here.
The heather I left last year looks like it's given up in the cold to be honest, but the stone is still looking smart and proud! I took a couple of photos for you in the snow!
Lynne
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Great Pics Lynne,
It is good to see this thread continuing with new found family members
Edna
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Hi Edna
It certainly is! It's what we were all wishing for!
Hope all is well with you,
Lynne x
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Hi Everyone
I have just been contacted by a descendent of Harriet Ann Steads and Richard Butterworth's daughter, Mary Hope Butterworth (a sister of the roguish Joseph Steads Butterworth and Euclid Hope Butterworth).
I have directed him to this thread as well as the Robert William Stead website, so hopefully he will sign in sometime. He didn't know about the Butterworths, so all of the research you all did will be of great benefit to him. Another distant relative for Robert.
Regards, Lyn
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Thanks for the pics Lynne. :-*
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Well here we are many years after we started this big adventure I know it's been a while.
Finally I visited Liverpool for a couple of days and got to pay my respects in person to "our" Robert. I booked a Beatles tour which included a visit to Woolton to see the church hall and the church yard. I told our driver Steve all about the story of looking for Robert and his family. How we found his grave and the story that ran in the Liverpool echo about our fund raising to restore his headstone.
Steve was amazed at our "little " story and the journey we'd been on and would love to add his story to his visit.........If that's ok with anymore of Roberts family on here?
Any newbies who read this believe me it was a epic piece of work and an honour to have played a small part in the process.
Best wishes all.
Tazzie
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That’s so nice to hear Tassie. Woolton is a nice part of the city … so happy you were able to make the pilgrimage.
The search for Robert really is an amazing story about the determination and generosity of rootschatters. So sad that we have lost our wonderful liverpool Annie.
It would be amazing if Robert’s story could be included in the Beatles Tour.
I feel a re-read coming on now. :)
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I will enjoy reading this in the morning
Hope it's easy to find part 1 2 & 3
Tazzle Did your Beatles tour include John Lennon's house . It's just as it was in 1950 when my father was a student lodger there.
Is there a summary of this story somewhere .? I.ll have to look up Woolton
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Brigid, if you go to page one of this thread there are links to the earlier threads.
John Lennon’s house was purchased by Yoko Ono and donated to the National Trust. It was then restored back to how it looked in the 1950s. St Peter’s Church, Woolton is only a short walk from the house.
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Thanks Ruskie
Yes I went on a national trust tour that included Paul McCartney and John Lennon's houses .Id have loved it just for the 50s vibe never mind the Beatles history but to mee John's house was where I could visualize my dad playing harmonica .singing and studying
The list of students who lived there is in a book in dining room .my dad's surname is misspelt he was there from 1948-50 and walked across to Birkenhead to court my mum and regale her with stories of his strict landlady ! Never mentioned the 8 year old and would have assumed he was John Smith so didn't know he'd grown up to be famous !
I.ll ask my mum about Woolton...girlfriends were not permitted inside MENDIPS we should book a tour together so she can go inside 75 years later !
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Hope you enjoy the story Brigid.
The tour was very good but John and Paul's houses were closed as we booked an afternoon slot to miss the crowds on the tour buses. It worked very well.
Tazzie
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I've not had time to start reading it's daunting so many pages ...is there not a summary of each section or resume of the story anywhere . I tried to go to part one and comment so I would find it again but comments are closed .
I remember that the tours were quite expensive .
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Part one of these threads is closed so no more replies can be added. It’s an an old thread of over 70 pages, so to be expected. You can always reply on this thread. :)
I started reading it again from the beginning - got as far as about 15 pages into part two. There was talk of a summary, so presumably it is there somewhere. Maybe one of the regular contributors will recall where the summary is.
It’s worth reading the entire thread with all the twists and turns, especially since we all know what happens in the end. I had to smile in part one when Annie said that Robert was not in St Peter’s Woolton. :'(
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ive now reAD ALL of part 4
+ a bit of part 1
i.have to ddo it in small chunks ..that's taken a strain on eyes