“Go back to your books, to your armchair. Plant your trees, watch them grow. If more people valued home above gold, this world would be a merrier place.”

— Thorin Oakenshield

Latest Posts


  • Mary Irene Maclaren – Education

    Mary MacLaren went to boarding school at the tender age of 6 years old. She went to the Victoria Square Convent of Mercy. She stayed there on and off until she was 16 when she returned to Bruce Rock to… Continue reading

  • The Oakdens of Kniveton, Derbyshire

    When researching family history you find that sometimes you can quickly go back in time tracing a particular family because they have conveniently lived in the same area for generations! Combine with that a careful attention to having all children… Continue reading

  • John Potter (1811 – 1887)

    John Potter was born in 1812, son of William Potter and Elizabeth. He was born in Thringstone, Leicestershire. John and Mary Garner marry on the 5 September 1837 in Packington, Leicestershire. In 1841, John and Mary (Garner) are living in… Continue reading

  • Skool Dayz

    I went to Primary School in the country wheatbelt about 150 miles east of Perth, Western Australia. We lived about 7 miles out of the town and had to catch the bus to school. One of my most vivid memories… Continue reading

  • The New Immigrants

    I found this great article in the 1910 Western Mail – and “Interview” with James Clarke. Some of his opinions are quite quaint!! Kumminin would have been so different to Rugby England!! If any of you have family stories that… Continue reading

  • Richard James Potter Clarke

    This week I have written about Richard James Potter Clarke – the only son of James Clarke. If you have anything to add – or any corrections- please let me know! This week I have written about Richard James Potter… Continue reading