What does this mean?

I have a full-time job so am only able to assist FWL in the evenings and at weekends. I am allocated specific cases, either new ones or ones that have already had some investigation, and look into whatever is required – sometimes identifying the birth record of the deceased, or descendants of any relatives, addresses for points of contact, etc.

 

How long have you worked for FWL:

Since 2022

 

Tell us a bit about you:

I have an aged cat called Antonia who is the light of my life! Apart from seeing to her every need, I am obsessed with history and family history in particular – I am studying for a a Higher Certificate with the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies, I run a one-name study and a one-place study, and I try to ‘do’ my own family history when time permits.

Last year I undertook to try to learn some crafts so now know I am not a knitter or a crocheter or a calligrapher but can marble paper, quill pictures, and create something out of clay (even if it isn’t recognisable as anything in particular). Sport-wise, I used to have a season ticket for QPR FC and still follow them but from the comfort of my armchair now; I don’t drive so walking is a big part of life and this year I’ve followed challenges via an app so have walked Hadrian’s Wall, taken an Aztec Trail and even walked across the English Channel (not that I’m claiming any special powers, of course!). At the moment, I’m walking from Windsor to central London… The challenges make my walk to and from work a bit more interesting anyway. I don’t watch a lot of TV but do like to go to the cinema and theatre, and various exhibitions.

 

What are your aspirations?

I plan to take early retirement in autumn 2024 and then move to the West Country (I live in Greater London at the moment) – haven’t thought beyond that really!