Wollaston hall
A history group decides to research the history of their town and try to track down a missing manor house that was dismantled piece by piece in the 1920s. The Web has revolutionised their research, and we've found out more about the mystery of Wollaston hall...
Jenny Adams-Barbaro talks about using the internet to trace her family.
Were you an experienced computer user when you started searching for
your father?
No, I had my computer for about six months prior to the search for information
about my father. I had no formal training on a PC but I was already a good typist
with a sense of adventure and an aptitude for technology! At the time I bought
the computer we had a male au pair and he was a fantastic help - he helped me
with the computer and I helped him with his English.
How did you go about it?
When I first discovered the Internet I could see that it had many uses, but
searching for family members did not immediately spring to mind. I just got
this idea out of the blue and typed in my father's name. I knew that he had
passed away, but I wanted to know more about him and thought that the Internet
was a good place to look for information about the Billy Cotton Band Show (my
father was solo trumpet player on this programme), which would be a good starting
point.
What websites were useful?
The Jewish Gen website was excellent. I had to really catch up with the technology
to get into the message board on that website, but that was like unlocking a
door once I had mastered it.
How has the Internet changed your life?
I go online most days. I really enjoy doing research. I also e-mail my new family
and friends in the USA. I can chat online with my newly found sister who lives
in Northern England. I have inspired her to buy a computer and she has a webcam,
I haven't got one yet, but I hope to soon!!
Was finding family members an emotional experience?
Yes, it was an emotional rollercoaster for me after all of these years of wondering,
and procrastinating, I had finally found the other half of me! I have begun
to understand myself a little more through the eyes of my sister, Laura, who
is able to fill me in about my father's personality and life.
Have there been any developments since Well Connected spoke to you last
year?
I have found other friends of my father via the Jewish Chronicle. They have been
able to provide me with pictures of my father.
Are there any more relatives you have contacted?
I have discovered that I also have a half brother, Gregory, who suffers from
Downs Syndrome. I am hoping to meet him soon.
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Content last updated: 31/03/2005
