St.Olav's Wirral Viking Pilgrimage 2012

Dear all,
Can I bring to your attention details of this year’s St.Olav's Day Wirral Viking Heritage walk/Pilgrimage:
This year’s walk (the 5th annual walk) goes from the site of the old Viking church at St. Bridget's in West Kirby (where there is the famous Viking hogback tombstone and also a dedication to St. Olav) to another church with strong Viking roots - St. Mary and St. Helen in Neston, where there are the fragments of at least 3 Viking crosses, one of which has been magnificently rebuilt into a painted replica featuring a Viking lady with her arm touchingly around the waste of her husband. We meet outside St. Bridget’s Church at 11.30. After a demonstration of the St. Bridget's Viking stone (and the dedication to St. Olav) around 11.40 (please do not go into the Church before this unless you are attending the morning service at 10am) and a blessing by Rev John Bleazard the walk proceeds along the Wirral Way & along our beautiful coastline, stopping for a break at the Thurstaston Visitor Centre, through Heswall and onto Neston, finishing with a cup of tea (& possibly like last year with scouse/lapskaus) and a demonstration of the Viking stonework - and the replica inside the Church.
Last years walk (which went from Neston to Chester) was recently broadcast as part of BBC2’s The Great British Story with Michael Wood – you can still see this here:

As in previous years, the July 29th 2012 walk will require a reasonable level of fitness to complete the full distance of 8 miles or 12km.  As before it will also be possible to join in for only part of the walk (e.g. joining or leaving us at the Thurstaston Visitor Centre, where we will be having a break). In common with the main St. Olav’s Pilgrimage in Norway, although we provide a guide, you come at your own risk and are responsible for yourselves.  You would also responsible for making your own transport arrangements from Neston at the end of the walk.  It may be possible for groups to share a taxi back to West Kirby.

In the interests of safety we need to give the police an idea of numbers so if you intend coming please email me
steve.harding@nottingham.ac.uk  by Saturday 28th July, 4pm. Details and the background behind the walk can be found here.

Best wishes
Steve Harding
Knight of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit

Nation of Storytellers Project

Hi all

Laura Bevan has been in touch about this exciting project.  Do you have a short story to tell about your ancestors? Over the last few years lots of people have been in touch with me with snippets, tales and gossip - its all very colourful and wonderful to read. Why not take it to the next stage and enter a short (300 words) synopsis of your story on their website.

Hi Barbara,

Hope that you're well. I'm contacting on behalf of a company called Blurb who are running a family history-based campaign which I think may be of interest to you.

The Nation of Storytellers is a campaign which has been driven by the fact that so few of us record our family history – or indeed our own lives – and that if we don’t the memories, experiences and stories could be lost forever. It was spurred by some research which Blurb conducted which found that a third of children find their grandparents’ stories ‘boring’ and would rather play on the computer or talk to their friends than listen to their history – and as a result family stories and skills (what your grandparents, relatives and parents have done or witnessed in the past) are under threat of being lost forever.)

To get people talking, and to try and capture and celebrate the rich and fantastic stories that exist in households throughout Britain, Blurb are encouraging people to enter a short (300 words) synopsis of their story – or that of someone close to them – at the website

I appreciate that you and the people that read your blog already know the importance of passing on knowledge and memories, but I thought you might perhaps be interested in writing a blog post about the campaign - or, of course, we'd love to hear one of the Ainscough family stories on the site!

Best wishes,

Laura

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Welcome to the land of ... Hope&Glory

Laura Bevan | Account Executive

Hope&Glory | 24a St John Street | London | EC1M 4AY

tel: 020 7566 9747

mob: 07517 451 119

laura.bevan@hopeandglorypr.com

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Alice(nee Cowley) married Edward Wright 1913

Thanks to Judy Whiddett for this lovely photograph. This is an excellent find for the Cowley - Wright side of the family. Many thanks Judy!

"You might like to see this wedding photo of Alice (nee Cowley) and Edward Wright's wedding in 1913. It took place in Dublin as Alice was Irish and Edward had been posted there with the regiment for which he was band master. 

My GGG grandmother Ellen (Helen) Cowley -Ainscough was Alice Cowleys aunt.  

Judy"

Francis Ainscough 1690 & Susanna Rogers 1692

Hi Barbara,  

I Have been researching my husbands family tree and the name Ainscough came up, Francis Ainscough 1690 and Susanna Rogers 1692 - their daughter Elizabeth 1723.  She married Thomas Panton and is a direct descendant of my husband. Is this the same Ainscough family as yours?

Best wishes 

Anne Slade

Date: Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:51:30 +0000

To: davidslade48@hotmail.co.uk

Hi Anne

Ive attached a simplified tree for you to look at - I cant see a Francis Ainscough in my tree around 1690 but that doesnt rule out the possibility that he wasnt related to Hugh Ainscough 1689 - before this my records are patchy. Any further evidence you have to support Francis A 1690  - place of birth etc would be really useful.

B

On 27 Feb 2012, at 15:41, David Slade wrote:

Hi Barbara,

All the information l have is from ancestry.co.uk and it  goes back to William the Conqueror and the Kings of Scotland. Elizabeth was born in Fulletby in 1723 her sister Susanna was born in

1722, their father Francis died 1724, he was born on the 23rd of November 1690 & was married to Susanna Rogers born in 1692. His father was John Ayscough born in 1611 and his mother was Elizabeth Sherwood. Johns father was Thomas Ayscough 1587/1645 married to Mary Skipworth 1586. Thomas's father was Sir Edward Ayscough 1542 to 1612 he was married to Hester Crantham and his father was Sir Frances Ayscough  1509/1564 married to Elizabeth Hansard 1510/1558.

South Kelsey seems to be where most of them were born. I have not researched this myself it is all from Ancestry

Anne

On 27 Feb 2012, at 18:33, Barbara Ainscough wrote:

Ah! I see where you are coming from - this is the distinguished Ayscough line (through marriage) in Lincolnshire. Anne Askew (Ayscough) was one of them - many served Henry V111 in his courts.

See my blog for more info.

http://bit.ly/AqMKiU

http://bit.ly/zoP2bk

http://bit.ly/yP4zYJ

http://bit.ly/yd7f7r

Weve all tried to link to this branch but cant find a connection - sorry to disappoint.  Your branch may be connected though.

B

Matilda Cowley & John Wright

Barbara,

I would like to discuss the Wright tree with you. My mother-in-law's maiden name was Wright (she was the grand daughter of Matilda and John Wright).

My husband is the great grand son of Matilda Cowley. I am doing some family tree research and since Mike's mother (daughter of Edward Wright) died in January I have been looking at some of the few papers, photos etc that she left.

In a very small prayer book I found a list of all Matilda's (many!) brothers and sisters so this has helped me a great deal. Because of the marriage connections with the distinctive name Ainscough I have accessed the ainscoughfamily website and also wilcox and been able to spread the tree out wide but not further back than John 1700.

On Edward's list - dated 1902- it says copied from the Douai Bible in the possession of Father Ainscough. Do you know anything about this and Father Ainscough??

Am I right in concluding that both Ellen (Helen) and Thomas married members of the Ainscough family? And of course 3 sisters (Matilda, Alice & Jemima) married Wright brothers!! Edward Wright also makes my family tree design complicated because he married an Alice Cowley (in Ireland)!! I am sure that somewhere there must be a connection between the two Cowley's but as they were Irish I think that may take me years (and visits to Ireland!)!

If you are able to tell me anything more about the Cowley family I would be very interested. Equally if I can fill in some Wright / Cowley gaps in your tree I will willingly try!

Yours

Judy Whiddett

On 27 Feb 2012, at 13:44, JOHN COBHAM  wrote:

Judy, 

My Mothers (maiden name Wright) side of the family has a Wright Cowley Marriage. My  G. Grandfather Richard Wright Married Alice Cowley in approx 1868, the Alice that you mentionTheir son, Thomas Richard Wright was my Grandfather.  The Cowleys (still living in & around Mawdesley) were at that time in Bannister House, Bispham, Nr Mawdesley.Richard Cowley & his wife Alice (Swift)are buried at SS Peter & Pauls in Mawdesley. To add to your tree & further complicate matters my mothers sister Alice Wright married Wilf Ainscough  (John & Theresa) & her other sister Ellen married Cecil Culshaw whos mother was Margaret Ainscough.

Keep in touch

Kind Regards

John Cobham

Preston organ builder, Henry Ainscough (c1850 - 1923)

Graham Jones has been in touch regarding a Henry Ainscough (c1850 - 1923) - Preston organ builder.  If you have any information about Henry could you email Graham directly please.

best wishes

Barbara

On 23 Feb 2012, at 11:58, GRAHAM JONES  wrote:

Hello Barbara,

I'm not a relative, but I hope you don't mind my sending you an email. 

I'm researching the life and work of the Preston organ builder, Henry Ainscough (c1850 - 1923). Are you able to put me in touch with someone who could help me?

With all best wishes in your family researches - its so rewarding.

Graham Jones

Viking Wirral and the Battle of Brunanburh

Forthcoming seminar next Wednesday 1^st February at 7.30pm at St. Bridget's Church, Rectory Road, West Kirby and its in aid of the St. Bridget's Appeal, raising funds for the new Community Centre. The talk is Viking Wirral and the Battle of Brunanburh. St. Bridget's - founded by the Vikings, and which gives its name to West Kirby "The West Settlement of the Church" - one of very many names on Wirral with Viking origins - possesses one of the north west's greatest treasures, the Viking Hogback tombstone which will also be on display. 1st of February is also St. Bridget's Day.

Tickets (at the door) are £5.00 adults, £2.50 children. All proceeds go to the Appeal.
http://www.stbridgetsappeal.co.uk/diaryevents2011-.html

Hope to see you there!

Thanks and best wishes
Steve Harding

descendants -Elzabeth Ann Ainscough 1857

On 5 Jan 2012, at 11:52, Anita Smith wrote: (anita.smith4@virgin.net)

Hi Barbara, Please find the marriage certificate of John Berry Smith - b. 18 dec 1850, Lancs & Elizabeth Ann Ainscough b. 1857 Their children are: 1 William Edward Ainscough Smith, b. 16 Feb 1881 Chorley Lancs. d.1859 m. Sarah Berry 1846 2 Percival Ainscough Smith, b. 6 Sept 1882 Chorley Lancs, d. 1960 Fylde Lancs. 3 John Francis Ainscough Smith, b. 20 Sept 1884 Chorley Lancs , d, 19 May 1958, North Wales Hospital Denbigh. John is 1st right back row, Horace is next to him (the tall one!) 4 Dorothy Ainscough Smith, b. 1892 Fylde Lancs death 1968 Fylde Lancs, never married. 5 Horace Ainscough Smith, b. 14 May 1897 Fylde Lancs death 1969 Fylde Lancs, never married. John Francis Ainscough Smith b. 1884 married 5 Sept 1921 Fylde Lancs to Anne Jane b. 28 Feb 1892 Festiniog Merionethshire death 15 Aug 1973 Llandudno Junction, North Wales. Their children are: 1 Elizabeth Ann Smith - b. 29 Jan 1923 Fleetwood, d. 3 March 1964 Llandudno Junction, North Wales. 2 James Berry Smith, b. 20 June 1924 Fleetwood. 3 David Leslie Smith, b. 1 May 1927 Fleetwood, d. 2004 Chelsea London, never married. 4 Mary Kathleen Smith, b. 9 March 1929 Fleetwood, never married. James Berry Smith b. 1924 married 28 Nov 1945, PossilPark Glasgow to Susan Clark Arthur b. 29 April 1921 Govan Glasgow d. 11 June 1985 Llandudno Junction North Wales. They had 7 children 1 died, 6 living. 1 John Francis Smith b. 11 October 1945 Possilpark Govan he married 5 October 1968, Conway, Margaret Anita Smith nee Jakins b. 4 Feb 1949. Hope you can follow what I have done, would you like some photos? I have one of John Francis Ainscough Smith b. 1884 and one of Horace Ainscough Smith, John Berry Smith, (father and mother) started the rubber company in Lancashire - I have information on that as well if you would like it. Regards Anita

Forthcoming Viking seminars:

On 7 Jan 2012, at 09:37, Stephen Harding wrote:

Dear friend/colleague,

Can I bring to your attention details of 2 forthcoming seminars:

1. Monday 9^th January, Liverpool Victoria Boat Club, Wallasey Docks, Wirral. Viking Wirral and the Draken Harald Fairhair Longship project, 2.30pm. To be attended by the Mayor of Wirral. About the largest ever longship reconstruction (35m long) coming to Wirral/Liverpool from Haugesund, Norway in 2013. We are also still accepting volunteers to help row the 35m vessel into harbour!.

No charge & hot drinks provided, - donations to RNLI welcome.

Contact Jim Bibby at the club to reserve a place: Jimbibbyanorak@aol.com tel: 0151 639 0352.http://www.wirralnews.co.uk/wirral-news/local-wirral-news/2012/01/04/viking-expert-and-rowing-club-to-reveal-volunteer-training-plans-for-project-to-sail-longship-reconstruction-to-wirral-80491-30053070/

2. Wednesday 1^st February 2012. Viking Wirral and the Battle of Brunanburh. St. Bridget’s Church West Kirby, 7pm. About the latest research and a new book about the Battle. Brunanburh is the old name for Bromborough. St. Bridget's - founded by the Vikings, and which gives its name to West Kirby - possesses one of the north west's greatest treasures, the Viking Hogback tombstone which will also be on display.

Contact Martin Harrison at the Church to reserve a place: martin@harrison5050.fsnet.co.uk

Best wishes and a happy new year!

Steve Harding

_________________________________________________________________________

Steve Harding, University of Nottingham Centre for the Study of the Viking Age, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; Tel: +44(0) 115 951 6148 (fax 6142); Mob +44(0) 78110 90635; http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/csva/people/steve.harding;http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/-sczsteve

Elizabeth Ann Ainscough birth 15 September 1857

Additional links to this family can be found on this blog here:

Elizabeth Anne Ainscough

Parents: Edward Ainscough and Dorothy Cowell

On 20 Dec 2011, at 16:51, Anita Smith (anita.smith4@virgin.net) wrote:

Hi Barbara, Ive sent you the photo of Elizabeth Ann Ainscough birth 15 September 1857 Wigan, death 17 June 1943 Fylde, Her parents were: Father Edward Ainscough & Mother Dorothy Cowell. Daughter Elizabeth Ann Ainscough birth 15 September 1857 Wigan, death 17 June 1943. Elizabeth Ann's son John Francis Smith - birth 20 September 1884 and death 19 September 1958, North Wales John Francis Smith married Anne Jane her birth is 28 Feb 1892 - death 18 Aug 1973, 99 Penrhos Avenue lLandudno Junction - married 5 Sept 1921 Fylde Lancashire, their son James Berry Smith is my father in law. (I married his son John Francis Smith, a lot of information has come from my father in law who is still with us). Hope you can follow this information. You originally entered it on the blog on November 23 2010. Regards Anita