RootsChat.Com
General => The Common Room => The Lighter Side => Topic started by: Greensleeves on Saturday 22 September 18 22:11 BST (UK)
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This evening I was reminded that nearly ten years ago, I was sitting feeling very lonely, and was surfing the internet trying to find something to hold my attention. My husband was terminally ill, and descending into dementia and I was at my wits' end. I was working on my family tree, and I had got to my Blomfield family of Woolpit, Suffolk and had hit a brick wall. So I googled 'Blomfield Woolpit'. And that's when a door opened in my life because I found a thread on Rootschat about Woolpit and the Blomfield family. I responded - albeit that the thread was a couple of years old - and amazingly I got a reply - and I so wish I could remember who it was who so kindly welcomed me onto the site and responded to my post. And thus I tentatively stepped into the arms of the Rootschat family, without having any idea of what I was letting myself in for.
Almost immediately I found I was making contacts with people, which meant that not only was I building my family tree with the help of all the clever Rootschatters, but because of the ToT boards and the Lighter Side, I was making friends too. And when my husband died, one of the friends I made on here came to his funeral to represent Rootschat, the kindness of which still brings tears to my eyes.
And now it's ten years since I joined. I have met quite a few of the people I have met on here and firm friendships have been established. And I was thinking, I wonder how many people's lives have been changed by finding Rootschat. I certainly know that my life has been enhanced immeasurably by this site, not only in terms of FH, but in terms of companionship, friendship, lots of love, lots of laughs and lots of kindness.
So I'd love to hear other people's stories of how they found Rootschat, and what the site means to them. And at the same time saying a big thanks to Trystan and Sarah and all the mods for all the hard work and for creating and maintaining such a brilliant site.
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I so wish I could remember who it was who so kindly welcomed me onto the site and responded to my post.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=258593.msg2195997#msg2195997
gives you the answer - it was william james.
Philip
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It was just over 10 years ago that I found this wonderful site. I was stuck upstairs on the computer while my windows were being replaced, so I was working on my tree as well. I found Rootschat in the same way that GS did, I googled a name and RC came up. I decided to join, looked around a bit, asked a question and as they say the rest is history.
It took me a while to poke my nose into the Totally off Topic boards, but once I did I was hooked. It was great to "talk" to people from all over the world, not only about genealogy but also about things in general. Lots of fun and laughter and lots of support at sadder times.
I've also made a lot of friends, some just to chat to on here or on Skype but some that I've actually met. GS and I have met several times over the last 5 years or so and spent holidays together. We still have a lot on our bucket list. Others I've met for the day and had lunch or dinner together.
I wonder if Trystan and Sarah realised when they set this site up just how much pleasure it would bring to people?
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I can’t remember exactly how I found RootsChat but I am so glad I did,not only for finding my paternal grandmother in circumstances I would never have fathomed myself but the friendly chat, learning things from other chatters, helping a little when I can.Letting off steam about annoyances etc
and often a good laugh.
I too am alone but as the T.V. Advert said—-“You are never alone with RootsChat”, well words to that effect.
Many thanks to the founders and all those who help so much.
It is like a friend dropping in,!
Viktoria.
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Me too over 10 yrs with a Sutherland Finney search and still searching to clarify them.. ho hum..
But have gained a heck of a lot from all of you on here..
There are a lot of you still with us and we do share a joke and work together its great..
But sadly we have lost some VIPs MIKE FROM LEICESTER ---- a mine of information, and missed greatly.
Help me with those that have left us.. cos this head is useless of late.
I remember RABBIT B super - cheeky we became great friends off Rootschat as well.
she taught me a lot.
oh dear.
10 years and I still make mistakes on here - I have been reprimanded for not explaining myself fully or doubling up (useless sometimes x sorry)
I used to be permanently on the restoration board - loved it to bits and it was full of a great crew of people, helping to restore.
But eyes and technology beat me now on that.
We had a couple of Old Hippies are you still around? NIKS mum Terry - Carol - Jim - Carolyn and on forgive me.. MJB another... I could scroll back through my posts but there are a fair few... some totally nonsensical... If your names not on here .. Its only a temproary blip on the right hand side of my brain --- I will kick it back over night and then we shall see. ha ha xxxx REMIND ME tell me where you are - please xx
Happy moments shared - terrible moments shared -
but whatever they are - Without Roots life would be boring.. absolutely.
switch on the pc and in touch with the world and at the Helm
Sarah and Trystan with all their wonderful info and assistance and some great assistants.
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In three days time I will have been a Rootschatter for thirteen years (and I'm still not a marquessate!)
I stumbled on the site when trying to find out about my father's father. Today I still know nothing about him except a name (which may be invented) and several contradictory pieces of "evidence".
BUT - I have found out so much more about my lineage, learned about many weird and wonderful, decent and dodgy, ancestors, and found cousins I never knew existed. AND had so much fun!
As time passed, my knowledge and confidence grew and I began helping other people. I am no expert and I remain in awe of Rootschatters with expert knowledge. I am one of thousands who enjoy learning, sharing,and helping.
What has Rootschat done for me? - More than I can ever hope to give back.
Philip
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Just checked and found that I registered on Rootschat in June 2009! As with a lot of others, I found it by accident when searching via Mr Google!
Similar to everyone else, I have found Rootschatters to be amazingly helpful in all respects, including photo restorations, and that's been a wonderful experience. Like a lot of people it took me a while to feel confident to pop my head into the TOT boards, but was made to feel very welcome! I also discovered that there were people in TOT who are as crazy as me, but at the same time intelligent, respectful, friendly, helpful & very kind, and are a pack of nutters! Luvya all heaps, and huge respect and thanks to Trystan and Sarah for establishing what I feel is the best Genealogy forum on the net, (also the best social media)! 💞💞👍👍🌹🌹🌹
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Reality is it saved me, kept my mind busy, stopped me thinking about what was happening in my life. I share very little about me, maybe because I don't think others would be interested in knowing. At that time 3 of my 6 dogs had died within 9 weeks of each other and my dogs are my life.
I had zero expectations about RC accidently found by a simple search looking for information/resourses about a family name and having used some of the US forums where you ask a question and get no answers or irrelevant answers and it takes years to get those, so it was a complete surprise that not only was I warmly welcomed, it was also almost instant help with my FH question and that has not changed.
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Just checked my profile to see it is coming up 13 years. I remember seeing a notice about Rootschat on the notice board at my local FH society. I logged on when I got home and I think I have logged on everyday since. I have enjoyed the professionalism of the design and operation of the site; the skill of the moderators which has enabled rootschatters to share their knowledge and help.
I am continually amazed at the range of knowledge. I felt I could help in a small way with stuff about my local area. I have made friends, found rellies and broken down brick walls. A person in the UK googled my ggrandfather's name found in an old album he found in an attic. Via Rootschat, the album was returned to my family in the UK.
Thank you to all.
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I've been on Rootschat for over 10 years now, I discovered it through an internet search for my other half's Dodson tree. A lovely lady called Celia (now sadly no longer with us) helped me and emailed me so much information, I was overwhelmed by how kind and willing to help she was. I was then hooked on Rootschat.
I was fairly new to genealogy when I joined and I have learned so much from reading the posts of more knowledgeable Rootschatters. I have had photos restored by our amazing restorers which I will treasure. I take great pleasure from watching the photo restore board to see the amazing work they can do on old and damaged photos - a huge pat on the back to our restorers.
When I lost my dear dad in 2015 Rootschat helped me immensely. It was at the time Cazza59 was posting her "Where am I" threads. Focusing my mind on these threads helped me get through a difficult time, I sent a pm to Cazza to let her know how much her threads had helped me.
Big thanks to Sarah and Trystan for this brilliant forum.
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What a great post GS.
I'm still a relative 'newbie' with less than 5 years under my belt, but I also ended up here via Google whist trying to distract myself, not long after my Mam had been diagnosed with a terminal illness. I often lack confidence around people but everyone was so friendly & helpful I found myself returning again & again.
I'm still lacking the confidence to join in the TOT chats, but I will never forget how supportive everyone was when I posted about my son, who was suffering from depression. For various reasons I couldn't turn to friends & family, and I literally wept with relief when complete strangers stepped forward and helped, offering kindness, empathy and practical suggestions. Rootschat was honestly my lifeline during those darkest of days when I truly feared my son might take his own life.
For anyone who remembers that thread, I'm delighted to say he's completely recovered and moves into his first house next week, along with his wonderful girlfriend, two cats, seven guitars & a ukelele!
To quote philipsearching: "What has Rootschat done for me? - More than I can ever hope to give back".
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Searching Gibbins Family led me to The Elusive Gibbins Branch of the Family . But it was in the Leicestershire forum. Cant be mine , they came from Bedfordshire.
How wrong was I as it smashed a brickwall.
Joined and have had a lot of queries and theories tested and confirmed or denied. All part of the fun
Thanks everybody
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Been on here just over five years. Started after I googled the name of the executor of my grandmothers will. I couldn't work out why she would choose strangers when she had four living siblings, an aunt and uncle and many in-laws. I found him on rootschat and that he was a husband of a cousin. Also managed to confirm my great great grandmothers linage.
Jomot the TOT chats can be fun. I have become involved with the Global Galah Session. It was named after the Galah session that people in outback Australia had over the radio, where isolated people had a time each day when access was free and they could get on and socialise. Now it is global and on the internet. Join us, we don't bite.
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Just looked it up and November 2008 was when I found RootsChat.
I remember Mancsman so well.
He and a friend went to Manchester’s General Cemetry(Queen’s Park)
and actually cleared years and years of leaf mould off a family flat grave and sent me photographs.
Last burial 1910.How very kind that was.
I met him there later and it was so nice to thank him personally.
He has not been on for ages and I do wonder how he is.
If you still use RootsChat Mancsman ,Thankyou again and I hope all is well.
Let us know.
I would like to P.M him,how can I do that as he has not been on for so long, and would it be tactful?
Viktoria
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Help me with those that have left us.. cos this head is useless of late.
I remember RABBIT B super - cheeky we became great friends off Rootschat as well.
Xin here you go ... I am sure we all have our memories of those on the list :'(
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=761637.msg6129605#msg6129605
Ten years since I have been on here, like everyone else was googling, wondering which relative I was related to and found myself looking through the window of RC, do I or don't I, what am I getting into I thought if I join. First popped into the Chat Room, and meet many people, one who I am in contact still via Skype, didn't take me long to poke my nose into or should I say I gatecrashed into a conversation on YTG and the rest is history.
Thank you Sarah and Trystan, ten years is a long time on a forum, but along the way, have seen the many changes to the forum, moderators come and go, the hamster not turning the wheel fast enough and down goes RC, but hey the joy folks get when their bricks start to come down.
Cheers
KHP
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I am really enjoying reading how we all came to RC for the first time and it seems nearly all of us started by googling.... it's a bit like finding a door into another world!
I am so pleased to hear from Jomot that her son is recovered and that his life is looking good; I remember her worry and sadness at that time and I know how isolating illness and worry can be. And Jomot, as Nanna52 says, the ToT boards are very friendly and inclusive and open to everyone. I remember the first time I plucked up courage to post on one, and I was astounded to find that I had people replying to my comment and welcoming me. And as a result of that I made lots of new friends.
When my daughter was at uni, I ventured 'up north' to a RC get-together to meet some of these new friends. My daughter was very sceptical and raised an eyebrow, and the conversation went thus:
Daughter: You say you know these people. Where did you meet them?
Me: On the internet.
Daughter: (sigh) May I remind you what you've always told me about meeting people you've come across on the internet?
Me: Oh, but this is different. They are nice people, we are good friends.
Daughter: I reckon you'll be met at the other end by an old man in a raincoat. I worry about you sometimes.
Needless to say, there was no old man in a raincoat, I had a wonderful time and met several people on that day that I'm still in touch with.
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Daughter: I reckon you'll be met at the other end by an old man in a raincoat.
;D ;D :D Should be a warning that says read this before drinking or eating ... I nearly choked with laughter ;D
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Just checked and found that I registered on Rootschat in June 2009! As with a lot of others, I found it by accident when searching via Mr Google!
Similar to everyone else, I have found Rootschatters to be amazingly helpful in all respects, including photo restorations, and that's been a wonderful experience. Like a lot of people it took me a while to feel confident to pop my head into the TOT boards, but was made to feel very welcome! I also discovered that there were people in TOT who are as crazy as me, but at the same time intelligent, respectful, friendly, helpful & very kind, and are a pack of nutters! Luvya all heaps, and huge respect and thanks to Trystan and Sarah for establishing what I feel is the best Genealogy forum on the net, (also the best social media)! 💞💞👍👍🌹🌹🌹
Just checked and found that I registered on Rootschat in June 2009! As with a lot of others, I found it by accident when searching via Mr Google!
Similar to everyone else, I have found Rootschatters to be amazingly helpful in all respects, including photo restorations, and that's been a wonderful experience. Like a lot of people it took me a while to feel confident to pop my head into the TOT boards, but was made to feel very welcome! I also discovered that there were people in TOT who are as crazy as me, but at the same time intelligent, respectful, friendly, helpful & very kind, and are a pack of nutters! Luvya all heaps, and huge respect and thanks to Trystan and Sarah for establishing what I feel is the best Genealogy forum on the net, (also the best social media)! 💞💞👍👍🌹🌹🌹
Sorry I forgot to say that when on a trip to England I met up with 2 RC members. WILLSY, who had be been really helpful with a Scavenger Hunt on here! I met her for lunch, I think in Mansfield, and we had a great time talking FH over a lovely lunch in umm... Weatherspoons I think it was called!
I also visited the Mansfield Library, (where I had arranged my visit from NZ)' and I was able to view and take photographs of the original paintings they held by local Mansfield Artist Ann (Dawn) Paulson, who married into my Paulson/Dunnill family. Most of the paintings were a bit damaged with age, but I was able to have some of those beautifully restored by the incredible RC Photo Restoration!
I also met up with JOSIE, another RC member! She took me all around Mansfield, went to all sorts of places a bit further away, some relative to Lord Byron, and others relative to where some of my Dawn/Paulson/Dunnill Families. I can't recall the exact itinerary, but it was an amazing experience!
WILLSY & JOSIE, if you are reading this, I have never forgotten the wonderful times I had in your company, and how you were both so kind and generous with your presence and your time! Thank you! And huge thanks again to the amazing Rootschat Photo Restorer Team, you are all stars. 🌟🌟🌟
Right - now I'm about to watch "Vanity Fair" film on TVNZ - with the great Martin Clunes!
G'Night all! sweet dreams!.
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The best and most friendly user and helpful FH Site. 24/7 constant interest even if most not related to ones own researches. Learn more from RC than anywhere else.
Have to mention Forest of Dean Family History Trust which covers FofD but overlaps into adjacent counties. Same plaudits apply.
can't say the same for some other counties I would be interested in.
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I see I joined in 2011, at the recommendation of IgorStrav, while we were corresponding about our joint ancestry. As others have said, it feels like a group of friends, especially on the TOT boards, and there are experts on so many subjects, always there to share their knowledge.
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Almost 8 years ago (4th October to be precise) I joined RootsChat with a query regarding my father's mother's family in Jersey.
Got a very helpful reply from Hill.
I get a buzz out of helping others, so I made Marquessate a few years ago ;D ;D
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I just checked and I joined Rootschat in 2004. It is by far by favourite website. I look forward to sitting down at the end of the day with a cuppa and reading the posts, helping where I can and learning such a lot from the experts.
Lyn
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I thought I`d joined this wonderful site when I was still at work, which I left in 2002, but when I checked I didn`t join until 2006.
I can`t rememeber now how I found it, but I`m sure it would have been for help with my Lincolnshire family.
Thanks everyone for all the help I`ve received over the years.
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Feb 2012 for me, literally a few weeks after i started my new hobby. I knew nothing!!!
Had masses of friendly and helpful advice, and help, from many people on a number of boards (must mention Orielbenfro - no longer with us - who went out of his way to help and even drove to a couple of cemeteries to take some photos). Would probably have given up without the help and progress made thanks to Rootschat.
Still have a few brickwalls to knockdown 🙄
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I joined in 2006.
Rootschat has given me recipe ideas, gardening advice, links to some distant 'cousins', friends worldwide (one I've met a couple of times), help with laptop problems, some restored photos, the opportunity to appear in some virtual pantos..............and lots of help with my family tree. Helped to distract me during stressful times; thank you. :-*
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I joined Rootschat in 2007 - afraid I can't remember how I got here. Checked my profile today and found the first post I'd made where I'd tried to help someone.
Their ancestor had been born in Wakefield, Yorkshire ca.1887 but they were being 'lured' to another of similar name born in Deeping, Lincolnshire. I suggested the birth entry for this person was in Dec.1886 Wakefield and 11 years on sure this is the right entry. With the GRO's own index now available, showing the birth was illegitimate (as many of us suspected) and the subsequent release of the 1911 census where the 'ancestor' is listed by his birth Christian name I'm now convinced that the Wakefield birth is the right one.
The OP hasn't been on Rootschat since 2009 plus I found just one online tree that incorrectly shows said individual with a birthdate in 1887 and linking him to the couple who had their son born in Deeping, Lincolnshire - shown with them on 1891 and 1901 census as born in Deeping when the subject of the OP's thread was living with another family in 1891 and 1901 as born in Wakefield, Yorkshire!!
So, should anyone come across this thread in the future I've today added my conclusions and hopefully, as I suggested back in 2007, the birth certificate of the one born in Wakefield should be obtained to ascertain just who the mother was so that the right family line can be researched and not the one the online tree is researching.
One tries ones best, but 11 years on this individual has been linked to a family that wasn't his - I've no idea whether the submitter of the tree is the same one who'd posted on Rootschat, I only know that linking him to a family whose children were all born in Deeping, Lincolnshire was wrong then and still wrong now.
Annette
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I see I joined in 2011, at the recommendation of IgorStrav, while we were corresponding about our joint ancestry. As others have said, it feels like a group of friends, especially on the TOT boards, and there are experts on so many subjects, always there to share their knowledge.
I was just going to say that I always recommend EVERYBODY who I contact via family history research to look at Rootschat, and I am so glad to see that my (remoteish ;)) cousin Top-of-the-Hill joined on that recommendation.
I have been around on this forum since 2005 - which is hard to believe - although funnily enough I was corresponding on A***y only tonight with someone in Vancouver with whose Mum I corresponded extensively in (I now find) 2009/2010.
Some lovely people here on the Photo Board restored some of her pictures, and - having sadly discovered that as I feared, she died a couple of years ago - I looked at those photos and shed a tear.
I too remember Rabbit, she was always so fond of horses, and PaulaToo where are you?
I joined on a recommendation from the BBC board, and there are still chatters whose names I remember from there.
Such help. The Mysterious Corkes in Kent, which put me in touch with Royd and two more Australian relatives of that fascinating and totally frustrating family.
I have tried to help other people, but in no way have I helped others as much as I have been helped.
Thank you all. And Tristan and Sarah.
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I ,like many of my generation(old) criticise young people for always being on
their mobile phones,but really I am in a way as bad.
I can’t wait to get on to RootsChat and see the latest posts,I am so curious to see what interesting queries there are and if I can help.
I had a few days away visiting family last week and I got withdrawal symptoms ,honestly.
Couldn’t wait to see what I had missed.
My consolation is I could be addicted to something much much worse. ;D ;D ;D. Viktoria.
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I joined in September 2004, 14 years ago, I think to try and get census info for my ancestor Mary Ann Walder born 1839 in Slaugham, Sussex. I got some good help.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=11816.msg39350#msg39350
This site is addictive and is virtually a genealogical database itself with all these queries and helpful replies which contain info on (probably a few million) deceased people.
The site has worked wonders for my research. Rootschat Genealogical Database as well as a forum.
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I am shocked that I joined up in November 2005, much earlier in my research days than I had thought! I have learned so much on here, not just about genealogy research but lots of social history, general knowledge etc. It's great that so many folk with extensive knowledge in specific fields give their time & support so freely to others. I have to say that a good proportion of my requests for help haven't resulted in further information but I don't think that reflects on the expertise on this forum, I have taken it to mean that I have covered all online resources effectively and further info simply isn't there. It's reassuring that my research skills maybe aren't too shabby :)
Although I don't post much I really enjoy reading other threads & do contribute when I think my info or opinion might be relevant/appreciated. I think there has only been one occasion where one of my posts was 'shot down' as such and that was years ago, it did put me off posting for a while, but I think the member concerned left the forum fairly soon after the event. Heyho, chalk it up to life & there's nowt queerer than folk :)
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I joined in 2006 and like Igor, the site was recommended to me on the BBC forum like Igor. I originally posted damaged photos for repair and became hooked on seeing the transformation of my cracked and creased photos, so much so, that I bought photo editing software and taught myself how to restore and colour and thoroughly enjoy bringing people's photos back to life. Thanks to RootsChat, I have a hobby that allows me to excercise my creative side whilst helping others to preserve their precious photos for future generations to appreciate.
I have had one two brick walls knocked down, had a great deal of help on the Armed Forces Board. Learned so much from the many willing and very helpful chatters and made many friends along the way. It's a real education as you learn something new every day on here.
In my experience of other forums, this one is unique and there is a wealth of collective knowledge freely given by the friendly community that is RootsChat.Long may it continue.
Carol
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Apparently I joined just over 8 years ago.... seems like longer! ;)
I am always overwhelmed by how helpful, generous and knowledgeable people are on here.
I get a massive thrill from being able to help others a little too. I really love being able to visit somewhere local to me, for people in USA, NZ, Oz, and "up country" too.
I keep "recent unread" book-marked to my tool bar, so that I can catch up easily while I eat my porridge.
Many thanks to the lovely Roots Chatters that have put themselves out to help me, and to those who keep the site functioning for the rest of us.
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As well as all the wonderful discoveries that Rootschatters have made for me, and trying to help others, Rootschat is the only website in the world that makes get up at a decent hour in the morning! (It's always my first go to site while I'm having my breakfast)!
GO ROOTSCHAT!! 👍👍💞
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What a great thread this is that Greensleeves has started ..
Where do I start on beginning to express how much RootsChat has done for me .. it has done so much ..
I have had questions answered .. I have had the joy of being able to help others .. I have learned more about history .. I have been engrossed in reading great stories .. I have learned about how to post photos (I am completely, well almost completely hopeless with technology things) ..
This has also kept me going when feeling low and frightened. There was a time when I was going to have to have a health procedure carried out to investigate something which could have been quite serious. I am not a very brave person and the wait to have this done and get results sometimes had me in tears and really quite down. I remember one day, it was my day off, I was really quite low at this point but I had promised a RootsChatter to do a look up for them at the archives. I always believe in trying to stick to my promises, so as low as I felt, I set off on the bus to do this. I got out my Kindle on the bus en route too and began posting on things which caught my notice .. before long my low mood was lifting. Thankfully, when I did get the procedure carried out and the results came through in my case it turned out to be nothing to worry about after all.
I don't know if I am the only one but I can sometimes claim that RootsChat also keeps me fit .. Saturday night on the way to work .. missed my bus stop on account of being too engrossed in looking at RootsChat .. had to run back literally to the previous stop to be in time for my next connection. This doesn't happen all the time but I must confess that this is not the only time this has happened. Also, Sunday on way home from nightshift I was going to do at look up at the library for a RootsChatter .. the local studies is on the 6th floor .. there was a big crowd around the lift .. could any of them want a microfilm reader, I wondered. I must be first! I must be first! I told myself and so decided to make a dash up the flights (with my heavy bag) to ensure I was one of the first ones up. This type of thing sometimes happens when I go to the archives and try to speed walk in, in a dignified sort of way to ensure I beat the others to a microfilm reader.
I did once nobly give up my microfilm reader once to a lady, in a mad spirit of generosity. I thought she may have travelled a great distance as she seemed quite disappointed. However, she seemed that much in a hurry to get on, she never even said thank you - just jumped in my seat!! :o
I visualized myself wrestling her to the ground and reclaiming my microfilm reader amid the staff cries of "Bravo! Bravo!" However, I know that in reality that this would not happen and in reality such a response would likely have resulted in me being carted off by the police and banned (horrible thought! :o).. not to mention she was a much bigger woman and I likely would have come off worse in any scuffle .. ;D ;D ;)
To quote Oscar Wilde .. 'No deed goes unpunished', I guess.
Oh well, I agree with Viktoria in that I could be addicted to much worse things than genealogy and RootsChat. ;D ;D ;D
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It's opened the world up a bit more for me, not just in an international and geographic sense but also in a technical way, having learnt so much from so many threads over the years and helping with much more than just genealogy, numerous times I have realised I know something because I've come across it via RootsChat ... quite often helpful for quiz answers :)
I put together and read the eulogy for my brother's funeral at the end of 2005 and my oldest niece was particularly interested in his timeline and photos to add to what she had done of family tree. Then in January of 2006 I received a lovely letter from a relative of her generation, following up on my brother's death notice and the likelihood of a connection being an unusual surname, she was the granddaughter of my dad's cousin 8) My niece then found one of her posts on RC while googling the same surname, profile matched etc ... so that was the start of my navigating the RC site, finding threads and frequent user posts rather interesting though I was still reluctant to join up to online forums. With some tweaking of what was viewable to guests, it became a bit harder to flit and I eventually decided I should register in 2007, took a wee while to make a post but that took off a bit, particularly when I got my first digital camera in 2008. I was able to photograph records and at cemeteries and check that images were OK before coming home, also made a few visits for others.
... And then I started cluttering up the TOT galleries with 'everything under the sun' photos :P
Received some wonderful restores of a few special photos on the photographic board, on and off I dabbled in a few restores for others as well.
The great contacts and friendships formed are what really makes RootsChat special for me. Like GS, my younger daughter was in disbelief when she heard I was going to stay a few days with one of my online RC friends, going back on my views I guess when she planned a trip with 2 girlfriends from school, meeting up with 3 young guys from another school across the city they 'knew' from online... worked out fine I reminded her ;) As did my trip to stay with Wiggy in 2011, generously offering me a room at hers while I had a few days before rest of my family got together in Melbourne for a celebration. I've met up with a few other NZ'rs also and KHP and I do an annual trip together for another joint interest.
So thank you RootsChat, Sarah and Trystan ... but a special merci beau coup to all of you lovely contacts and contributors for what I've received, plenty to repay!
:) mare
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I see that I actually joined in October 2009, after "peeking round the door" for some months.
I'd already had a tree that my grandfather had done, decades before, and as work pressures had eased, I had time at last to check it out - by and large it was very accurate, in what it had, but it was fascinating adding to it and fleshing it out.
As others did, googling our fairly unusual family surname quite quickly led to "Rootschat", and although I was already fairly well informed then about that surname, it was good to see that others were researching it. (My grandfather had the theory that all of that name were related, and came from the North Meols area originally)
But then I joined, and I posted in the "Beginners" about for help on how I might trace unfindable people,on another line, after some years of trying in vain to establish where my great grandfather and his daughter, my ( long dead, but much loved in my childhood) grandmother came from. I really knew only where they had married ( and that she wasn't from that area), and when, and, from the certificate her father's name and occupation.
I got brilliant immediate help from ( among others) Redroger on railway engine drivers, Posteria and millymcb, and was awed immediately by their skills and kindness.
It was some time before I felt that I could offer any worthwhile help to others, but felt so pleased when I managed it .... and quite a long time before I ventured on the TOT and other boards, eventually I started doing the Quiz, and even - as someone else said - a "Virtual Panto" or two! My cats also pushed me off the keyboard after a while, and helped develop my strong streak of fantasy even further than the Panto!
I've not met up with others, but am always so grateful for the help and suggestions on here. I must be addicted to it, for I usually manage to pop in if only to look around, most days....
And like others, I'm so thankful for the wonderful folk who keep us all going. Where would we be without Trystan and Sarah, and all those who keep us busy seeking and finding?
Thanks for starting this thread, Greensleeves. It's made many of us think back, in a very pleasant way.
TY
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It has given me family.
I recommend this site to anyone who has ever asked me which site is good for information for resources.
It makes me smile when I go back on posts that I have been able to help with.
All I can say is that I have learned so much through this site on where to research, that I finally found my Mum's twin sister (they were separated) and found my aunties children, my 6 cousins. I was able to help find my half sisters full brother who was adopted. Then 8 years after investigating this 'Mack' line, and finally being able to visit my Grandmothers grave I had asked a question about the grave as there was no headstone to be told that it was not a pauper grave, she had been buried by a member of the family!!!!! Turned out this was a half brother to my mother and her twin that we had no idea existed . From this person who had 2 children (another 2 cousins :) ) and finally a photo of my Grandmother and stories about her and her parents who I have come to know so well from census and newspapers.
We are having a family reunion next year...
I think the rootschatters are amazing... such a friendly welcoming bunch of people.. Thank you Trystan and Sarah.
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I could echo a fair number of the sentiments expressed so far.In my case I am convinced it has helped my brain stay active while a part of it dies off,and,where would I have been this last couple of years,as the nights draw in,without the panto of the "gloriously bonkers" Theatre Production Company?
Regards
Roger
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Helped me feel less lonely. Especially as people on here understand when I get excited by a new find.
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Rootschat has been part of my life since 4 February 2006 when Patricia (Jones the Search) took just over half an hour to help me with a French Huguenot question and I was amazed. In recent years “Life” as interfered a bit and limited my appearances but I can never forget the help received, the fun I’ve had and the friends I’ve made and in many cases met. I too remember dear Rabbit and the hilarity we shared as we both tried to get the hang of photo restoration and all the help we received from Paula, Gadget and Pels (3 of many) on the photo board whilst we mucked around trying, and invariably failing, to improve the pics.
Also I can never forget my distant cousin in Australia, Charlotte, now sadly no longer with us. Charlotte and I had originally “found” each other in early 2006 via a Manchester Surnames board, then I discovered Rootchat (cannot remember how), I signed up and suggested Charlotte did the same. She joined the day after me and so many of our mutual Yorkshire family history questions were answered. I’d like to think we helped a bit too. And then there were the TOT boards, once I’d plucked up enough courage to say something. Yes - in addition to the wealth of knowledge readily shared on here, the friendship of Rootschat has helped me through some difficult times and I will always be so grateful for that.
Maggie
PS. Excellent thread GS - it’s good to remember.
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When my mother was receiving chemo she made a chance remark about her mother, this sent me to look up my grandmother's birth the next time up to London, this in fact started the whole procedure of family tree hunting, I met a lovely lady who I met for lunch every Tuesday in Middleton Street, Meliora by name, over the years she guided me to different sites for other research, it was she who told me about Rootschat, so in 2005 I joined Rootschat and have been a member ever since, I don't profess to know as much as so many other RC'ers but I help a bit and often ask advice, it is good fun and very interesting and have got to know a lot of interesting people but only by name, in my mind a subject that almost never has an end, most of us have a brick wall of some kind or another, I am hoping the 1921 will reveal my lost soul.
Meliora has since passed on and I suspect many might even remember her, she was very knowledgeable
I often wonder what I would be doing if I hadn't have taken up this hobby
Keep up the good work RC'ers
Louisa Maud
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how many of us are now 'smiling from within' reading these wonderful posts...
OOOO u2 Sarah and Trystan.. bless you xxxxxxxxxxxx
fillin up
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ps dont ever ever dare alter the formatt again.. it scared me to death to switch on and find things in silly places that time.. :) :) ha ha ha
xin
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Thanks for this thread GS.
I see I joined in January 2009 - so almost 10 years ago. I endorse all of what has been said - lots of help lots of brickwalls broken down and some extra family found.
So many friends made and Photos restored while learning all the time.
My one biggest brickwall remains just that - I don't think the information is out there as so many very knowledgeable people have searched.
The TOT boards have been such fun along the way.
Many thanks to Trystan and Sarah for the site and for keeping it running so smoothly, and to all who have helped with all my queries. I hope I have been able to help occasionally too.
Wiggy
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OOOO u2 Sarah and Trystan.. bless you xxxxxxxxxxxx
ps dont ever ever dare alter the formatt again.. it scared me to death to switch on and find things in silly places that time.. :) :) ha ha ha
xin
Really had to second ( third... fouth) Xin's comment ( and said by so many others too) well run, well managed to the correct degree especially online where comments can get way out of hand or plain and simply nasty in too many online forums and to achieve this balance is much, MUCH more than luck. Thank you to the two of you as well as the hard working people who manage each section.
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Rootschat has given me access to all sorts of genealogy advice. The members and moderators are great and very helpful without exception.
I always mention Rootschat to people exploring family history for first time and a long time!!
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Been a member for some years and can only say without the help of other members many of my "brickwalls" would still be exactly that. The talent of experiance of members is so diverse, its incredible what people find and you can't. For me its best forum and believe me I have tried many in past, but none can touch Rootschat members help.
Just as a side note to compensate for all the help I started a posting "Italian Research" and in return have helped many members. I have not always been successful in a few cases.
We are a great team together and lets shout it to everyone.
Steve62
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its incredible what people find and you can't.
I have said this before and my thoughts are that other people don't have the emotional attachment we have with 'our own' FH.... which tends to make us look where we think they will be and not look in places where we think they were not.... other people don't have that emotional connection
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its incredible what people find and you can't.
I have said this before and my thoughts are that other people don't have the emotional attachment we have with 'our own' FH.... which tends to make us look where we think they will be and not look in places where we think they were not.... other people don't have that emotional connection
I agree. I know there have been examples, even here, where people have said "That can't possibly be my relative, they never moved from xxxxxxx." or "Can't be mine as they didn't spell their name like that." With patience and skill people have proved without doubt that, "Yes they are your relatives because....." - and then explained the reasons and shown records etc. In one way, it is far easier searching for someone else rather than looking for your own relatives.
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its incredible what people find and you can't.
I have said this before and my thoughts are that other people don't have the emotional attachment we have with 'our own' FH.... which tends to make us look where we think they will be and not look in places where we think they were not.... other people don't have that emotional connection
I agree. I know there have been examples, even here, where people have said "That can't possibly be my relative, they never moved from xxxxxxx." or "Can't be mine as they didn't spell their name like that." With patience and skill people have proved without doubt that, "Yes they are your relatives because....." - and then explained the reasons and shown records etc. In one way, it is far easier searching for someone else rather than looking for your own relatives.
Yep happened to me in my research brickwalls at least a couple of times .......and the RCs proved otherwise. I dismissed what I found as " she wasn't born in xxx" like the newspaper report said ....the newspaper got that bit wrong but not the rest of the records which I hadn't followed
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A truly global community, RootsChat is probably unique for allowing Welsh-speakers like myself to post in our first language (thankyou Trystan!) and for providing us with our own Welsh-language board. ( I eventually left a family history board run by the BBC as my Welsh posts broke the English-only rule). It is a pleasure to be able to help RChatters with research and translations of MIs and death notices; Rootschat has also provided me with invaluable research links, not to mention its being an ever-growing and treasured compendium of social and political history. Hir oes and a long life to RC!
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Rootschat, and my Family Tree hobby have seen me through the last ten or more years - can't quite believe it - in fact with Rootschat I think it is much more. This past couple of years, things have slowed down - have done a good percentage of my research thanks on many occasions to rootschatters help and guidance. In particular this past 18 months, I have been unable to do much FT wise, due to caring 24/7 for my OH. But even now, when time is precious, I still find time to check out the latest RC stuff. Being able to switch my brain to other things, (also with another non FT Italian site, where I can practice my Italian language interest) - just helps me to keep going. As a carer, I recommend any of these sort of hobbies to keep the brain going - and to "change tack" completely from the worries of everyday life. And Thank you to all who work hard for this site - it is truly appreciated!
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I've been a Rootschatter for ten years now. I think i Googled something and came across it by chance.
I know I was an "onlooker" for a while before I tried a post - trying to figure out how the site worked.
Most of my family are in Ireland and I live in Dublin, so I was used to going to the various archives in person for 10 or 12 years.
I'd done a little in London and Belfast, but it was wonderful to meet people online who could help with my various relatives who'd gone to USA, Canada, Australia, etc. In addition people who knew more about UK Archives, War records etc.
I've been able to help a little, but nothing like the amount of help I've received.
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Great thread started by GS....now 6 pages long and yet no-one has mention that they have had their photos restored in answer to the question "what has Rootschat done for you"!!!!...so come on you guys...get posting and give us something to do.
Carol
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I joined in 2006.
Rootschat has given me recipe ideas, gardening advice, links to some distant 'cousins', friends worldwide (one I've met a couple of times), help with laptop problems, some restored photos, the opportunity to appear in some virtual pantos..............and lots of help with my family tree. Helped to distract me during stressful times; thank you. :-*
I must have been whispering! ;)
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Of course, Carol, there must be hundreds of people who have benefitted from the skill of the people on the restoration boards. I know that I have, so thank you.
Then there were the wonderful people who helped me find a death for which I'd been searching for years, and the lovely person who offered to translate some old German birth and marriage records - the list just goes on and on.
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When I recommend Rootschat to family history researchers I always recommend that whilst wandering about seeing what it's like, they check out the Photo Board to see the wonderful restorations carried out by such talented restorers.
I have had relatives brought back to life by sensitive colourations as I'm sure many have.
And once was reduced to tears by someone who cut out from a group shot and enlarged a picture of my dad, aged 10.
I'd not asked for it - it was done because someone evidently just knew what it would mean to me. It really did.
And what happy memories of working out where pictures were taken! From the smallest clue Rootschatters can deduce the solution
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The “Cazza” series?
Happy days(and nights!)...
Regards
Roger
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I was looking through, and thoroughly enjoying, re-reading all the posts on this thread recently, Carol, and what I noticed most was that, apart from mentioning help with FTs, the second most numerous vote of thanks went to the photo restorers on the Restoration Board so I think a pat on the back is more than due there! I was also interested to note that some people also mentioned the panto, which 'Despair' listed as the 'gloriously bonkers' Theatre Production Company. So, if we do another panto this year, we will be calling it The Gloriously Bonkers Theatre Production Company ;D Thanks for that, Roger :)
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Yes I agree with all the great comments about this wonderful Free resource and when I recommend it to friends, they can't believe that there is so much on offer without having to pay a subscription. In common with many other chatters I started out seeking help from the many knowledgeable people on here and ended up giving something back when and where I can, mostly through restoring or dating photos but the source of photos of late seems to have dried up ::)
Thanks for posting GS....it's good to read how people have benefitted not only from research help but from a social aspect too which keeps us coming back, which is especially important for the lonely and isolated individuals.
Carol
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This is a wonderful thread to read. I hope you don't mind me joining at this late stage, I was on holiday when this was posted.
I joined in April 2009 and I posted a photo of a soldier from the 1800s for identification. I had great help and got the answer from John Young. To my dismay, I find I never thanked him for his help and one of my pet hates is when you don't get a thank you. I would send him a PM to thank him at this late date, but he hasn't been on Rootschat for a year.
From this woeful beginning I posted many queries and got many detailed answers, it is amazing to see the work that complete strangers put into help others.
I must also add my thanks to the Technical people who have helped keep me going a few times.
Like Carol (Treetotal) I discovered the Photo restoration site and was fascinated to see the wonderful transformations done to damaged photos. This fascinated me and I started to restore some but never posted them. I then found the courage to post some restorations and I still do. It is like magic when a badly creased and torn photo is brought back to life.
I am an elderly lady suffering from arthritis in my hips, knees and ankles, but amazingly my hands have escaped from this terrible affliction.
So what has Rootschat done for me? As I am confined to sitting for long periods of time it has given me a new lease of life. I read it every day searching for anything I can reply to. I can sit for hours restoring photos and I have had great help with all my queries.
Thank you everybody for this wonderful site and to Trystan and Sarah for starting the ball rolling and please keep your photos coming to the restoration board.
Pat
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I was looking through, and thoroughly enjoying, re-reading all the posts on this thread recently, Carol, and what I noticed most was that, apart from mentioning help with FTs, the second most numerous vote of thanks went to the photo restorers on the Restoration Board so I think a pat on the back is more than due there! I was also interested to note that some people also mentioned the panto, which 'Despair' listed as the 'gloriously bonkers' Theatre Production Company. So, if we do another panto this year, we will be calling it The Gloriously Bonkers Theatre Production Company ;D Thanks for that, Roger :)
👍👍
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It has connected me with distant cousins, a school colleague and new friends. Love this site.
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I looked to see when I joined and it was in April 2009. Where has all that time gone?
It is lovely to see that a lot of the people who were here when I first joined are still here.
Some though have disappeared and I so hope they are ok.
I have had more help than I have been able to give and am really grateful.
Long may this site remain. :)
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I looked to see when I joined and it was in April 2009. Where has all that time gone?
It is lovely to see that a lot of the people who were here when I first joined are still here.
Some though have disappeared and I so hope they are ok.
That's the only problem isn't it - you suddenly think. "Oh xxxxxx hasn't posted for ages." I guess, unless friends or relatives know passwords, there would be no way of letting RC know if anything had happened to them. :'(
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That's true, groom. Not only do they need to know the password, but also to realise how much of a community this is.
TY
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We do get contacted by family members by email, or by the 'Contact Support' button, and by post too.
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I have put some information about websites I use with my will. Now all the children have to do is find it!
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I've learned a lot from RootsChat, I've had a lot of help, given a lot of help and it's kept me informed. It's inspired me to take on projects following up on research on here.
Blue
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I have put some information about websites I use with my will.
Me too - I call it my digital will. Also have left instructions for Mr Josey or a son to post on the 'Common Room' here, so you'll know when I'm gone ;D.
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I have put some information about websites I use with my will.
Me too - I call it my digital will. Also have left instructions for Mr Josey or a son to post on the 'Common Room' here, so you'll know when I'm gone ;D.
I don't think anyone would do that for me although probably a bonus to everyone if I wasn't coming in.
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I have had a wonderful half hour reading these posts. I joined RC in 2015, so a relative newbie! The site was recommended by a friend who posts on here.
I had been trying to find out what had happened to my half siblings after they left UK in 1959. It was a shock to find I had them in the first place! It didn't take long before a kind person found their mothers obituary and there they were as large as life.... we did meet in 2016, just the once as it involved flying to California but sadly that's been it.. Still we discovered info and photos we shared and now there are no more question to be asked and wondered over.
I'm really grateful for the help I've had on that and other queries I've had too. So many knowledgeable people on here and all for free.
This is how social interactions should be helpful, fun, friendly and much more besides.
So I thank the originators of this site and they should feel really proud for providing such a great site for the benefit of all.
I enjoy dropping into Chat too and feel I've made some good friends there too.
One day. Might have the knowledge/ confidence to help others...
Caroline
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I started with Rootschat in 2010, and after making simple errors like not providing sufficient information to start with :-[ have received much information I could not on my own. As has been stated, too close to the action to see the bigger picture.
Also a great thank you to the photo restoration people, especially those who took the time and effort to restore a photo of my MIL as a baby. Brilliant
And thanks the Tristan and Sarah for creating the website in the first place. I would have great difficulty sorting out some ancestors without Rotschat.