Lilian's Tree

We had a big family reunion, in Daylesford, Vic. It was for the First Fleeter, John Nichols and it was wonderful. I've also been studying and have done 3 assignments, so far. I think I have 5 & an exam to go.  I've done some more research at the Australian War Memorial and attended a 2 day conference, in Goulburn. Now trying to get organised for Christmas.

Well I think winter has arrived several days early, it was only 6degrees, this morning.  Spent last weekend in Melbourne and had a wonderful time. Saw the King Tut exhibit, wonderful. Went to the Immigration Museum, very interesting.

Had a quick overnight trip to Canberra, last weekend. I went and saw the exhibit at the National Museum of Australia, called, Not Just Ned, The Irish in Australia. It tells the story of Irish immigration, through the lives different people. I don't want to give to much away as it is well worth a visit. Went to the Australian War Memorial, on Sunday. I  like to pay my respects to my 2 uncles, who are on The Roll of Honour.

I didn't realise that I hadn't blogged for ages. I've been attending different lectures, for family research, sewing, knitting and just the busyness of life. I'm now researching the history of my house and it is fascinating. I know the person the original land grant was given to and the people who had the house before us, but have the gap in the middle to do. Will keep you posted as to how I go.

I have just spent some time with a friend helping them sort stuff out and I became very adapt at using the shredder. I have to write a report, for tomorrow and I keep putting it off.

I've just been making inquires about meeting a friend at a local library, to do some research  and the response I got was wonderful.  When I mentioned Family Research, the lady outlined what they had, including a coffee machine and that they had local family history people there to help out. Boy the difference from when I first started to now is amazing.

I just love family tree research, finding new information, meeting new people, breaking that brick wall. This week I've organised to meet a fellow researcher on the Abberton line, made contact with someone looking for Vaughan's and went to The Police & Justice Museum.   The museum is interesting, if only to look at  Sydney's violent past and is does have some research material. I'm very impressed with the research center of the Australian War Memorial. The documents I ordered arrived on CD Rom, not paper and they were scanned with a white sheet behind each page, (the paper was so thin). Well done to them. Now to get more done.

Well Sydney has just broken a record that has stood for 150 years! 6 days of temperatures in the mid to high 30's. Bong, we got to 41! I've been trying to organise all my family tree information and have come to the conclusion that it all won't fit in to 1 drawer. My 4 drawer filing cabinet  now has 3 drawers, 1 for each of the family groups and then 1 for the other stuff. How do you organise your information? Helpful hints welcome.

I've sent days sorting information, trying to get things organised, but keep finding other bits, that take me of on tangents. I don't mind tangents, but I have to get organised! I'm reading the National Archives file on the Mummell Post Office and trying to get it in date order. When they copied it it has come out in reverse date order.  Looking for families, who lived in the Mummell area between 1850 and 1900. Anyone out there?

I have just discovered  Trove. It is an online resource that is done by the National Library of Australia.   Have a look at all it's got.  I've spent hours going through the online newspapers and have found heaps of family related information. Google trove and you will find it.

I went down to Goulburn, last Wednesday and from there went out to Mummell. Mummell is where my Grandma, Louisa Abberton nee Nichol taught school. The building is still standing and I have been trying to contact the owner. Well he was there and showed us around and gave us some more history of the area. I didn't realise that it was such a big community, in the 1880's. Now to do some more research on it!