The television series with the above title is one of my favourite programmes to watch as it traces the family trees of celebrities. But it is not just the famous who have fascinating family stories - each one of us has! One of the celebrities said "I'm pleased I did this now because it explains to me why I am like I am." None of us starts completely afresh; our characters , the way we are is often a result of our genes and the combined inheritance of the traits of our ancestors.
Last month's Family/Local History Day at Wrawby Church I hope gave some of you the inspiration and help to set about finding out more about your ancestors and tracing your Family tree. It was a privilege to be able to bring the various groups together and was something I'd hoped to do for some time. Genealogy is a fascinating interest and once you get started is addictive - so beware!
As far as my own research goes, I discover that I come from a long line of railwaymen (both from my mothers side and my fathers) stemming back to the beginning of railways - so it's no wonder I've followed in their footsteps. Others preceded me as Churchwardens of Wrawby church, a tradition I'm proud to continue. I discover that some made the Church their life's work - one from my father's side becoming a priest and missionary to the Canadian Indians, finally being mad a Canon. (he also wrote translations of the Scriptures for the Indians and books and theses have been written about him) - he was brought up and was a pupil here in Wrawby.
We do not walk this life alone - others have gone before us and so it is in our faith. This month we remember two of my favourite examples in the Church; St Thomas and William Wilberforce. For many of us, in spite of our efforts, there come moments of doubt, Thomas and Jesus' response to him shows that this is normal and healthy, because questioning our beliefs from time to time leads us on to a stronger faith. William Wilberforce inspires us to stand up for our beliefs- to challenge and fight when we believe something is wrong, even though everything seems to work against us and the odds seem stacked against us.
We are who we are because of those who have gone before us, whether it be our family or the heroes we commemorate. We, too, are creating a path for those who will follow us!
Nigel
