Some years ago, I developed an interest in my family history and it was during this research that I became frustratingly aware of how little I knew about the daily lives of my immediate relatives or their forebears. Hard facts could be gleaned from public records such as births, marriages and deaths, but nothing personal. Unfortunately, many had by this time departed this life, including my parents, taking with them what could well have been fascinating stories. For example, I have little or no idea about the early years of my father or mother or their parents, my grandparents.
Now in my ninth decade I thought I should at least try to prevent further loss of family history by writing my own memoirs and hence, maybe, encourage others to do the same.
I am not a writer, my background is in engineering, so this work is proving to be quite a challenging task, more especially so since memory seems not to improve with age and sometimes even plays tricks on me.
My story will not be written chronologically, neither, at the time of first publication, will it be complete. It is a ‘Work in Progress’ and hence will be published piecemeal, even revised from time to time. Comments and suggestions are welcome editorially, also on content, accuracy or indeed on anything that may improve the whole.
This is the first Web Site I have set up which means I am still learning but have a profound desire to keep it uncluttered and easy to use by even the most ‘computer illiterate’ and, for my own benefit, easy to maintain.
I am indebted to one of my sons for providing the domain name and hosting the site on his Server. He regards himself as a Digital Entrepreneur, being expert in all things relating to computer Hardware and Software development.
If you have not already realised or discovered I must confess to being a Christian or should I say more accurately, a spiritual work in progress as a disciple of Jesus Christ. I hope this will not put anyone off reading this offering, indeed feel free to challenge, correct or even admonish, for I have no formal theological training whatsoever, a fact that I am rather grateful of to be truly honest.
In expressing opinions, I will try not to be too dogmatic but rather couch them in such a way that hopefully they will provide ‘Food for Thought’ or stimulate discussion. Further I would ask that you do not judge me too harshly for the inelegant way I may have expressed those opinions, I have done my best.
Professionally I am a retired Electrical Engineer and Lecturer in the Further and Higher Education Sector, have management experience and extensive DIY expertise. For the rest you will have to wait as my story trickles out.
Bryan S. Ashton
Renhold, Bedfordshire.
14th. March 2017