SIB FOLK NEWS NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY No 80 December 2016

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GRAPHICS JOHN SINCLAIR 2 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No 80 December 2016 ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY NEWSLETTER No 80 DECEMBER 2016 COVER SIB HIGHLIGHTS

PAGE 2 From the Chair

PAGE 3 Anne's article brought the Orkney memories flooding back. PAGES 4, 5 & 6 From Jackie Brown faces marriage, call-up and war. the Chair PAGE 7 What's in a name? Welcome to the December issue of the Sib Folk News. I can’t believe Maybe you know? that it is that time already as we have enjoyed the best harvest weather PAGES 8 & 9 we’ve had for ages. So much started Our winter programme is already under way and I would like to thank in Upper Garth, Quholm, Stromnness Tom Muir for his very interesting talk on the local traditions around birth, marriage and death which ranged from poignant to extremely amusing. PAGES 10 & 11 The October meeting was a tribute to our ancestors who fought in William Stevenson the Somme 100 years ago and Brian Budge, our speaker, displayed Bremner Royal Navy Shipwright his encyclopedic knowledge of the battle. Brian has also gathered information of all the fallen in WW1 and has requested us to ask if any of PAGES 12 & 13 our members have photographs of their relatives who died in the war. If This will keep many you have he would be very grateful if you sent him a copy. members occupied for ages The Society continues to grow with over 1500 paid up members and we look forward to our 20th Anniversary next year. We plan to issue a special PAGES 14, 15 & 16 edition of our Sib Folk News taking a nostalgic look back to October 1996 In memory of my when Gavin Rendall called an open meeting to see if there would be any grandfather, Bill Annal interest in starting up a local Family History group. It has been quite a PAGE 17 journey from then to date. Do you recognise any I would like to take this opportunity to thank John Sinclair our Editor who of these has kept up the high standard of our magazine, Jackie Harrison our Orkney warriors? Secretary , George Gray our treasurer, Dave Higgins our Webmaster, PAGES 18, 19 & 20 the committee and last, but certainly not least, all our volunteers­—they Researching my all play their part in keeping the Society running whether it's manning the grandfather — you couldn't make this up! office, helping our members with their research, arranging the meetings, keeping our website and facebook updated or making the tea. PAGE 21 Finally, I would like to to wish you all a Merry Christmas, a healthy and Odds and ends and an peaceful New Year and happy researching in 2017. interesting photo labelled 'Lyness 1950'

PAGE 22 Progress with the Robert Mainland project and a Anne Rendall great Stromness photo.

PAGE 23 Who, what, when where?

PAGE 24 Membership etc. Issue No.80 December 2016 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 3

Lillian Peace, Member No 1414 sent this letter after reading Anne Cormack’s article on the Sanday Free Kirk in Sib News No 79

Dear Anne, Later he went to Toronto, Canada. What a delight for me to read your article “Sanday My grandfather’s male siblings also left Oyce: Sinners Saved as Free Kirk Flourishes” in issue no.79 of William (1851-1907) to the U.S.A. becoming a stonemason the Orkney Family History Society magazine. and contractor for bridges and canals in Marseilles, Illinois, and Robert (1863- 1950) to Edinburgh where he Of the 30 or so names you mention in your article, became a prominent master draper. it appears that 6 in the 1843 time frame are in my ancestral database researched by my husband. Grandfather John Peace married Sarah Cozens Mills (1849-1930) in St. John’s at the Anglican Cathedral Two are my 2nd great grandfathers as elders of St. John the Baptist in 1876. They had 9 children of (John Peace, 1794-1859 and John Omond, 1791-1857), whom 7 were born in Newfoundland (2 stillborn & 2 died also as elders a father-in-law (John Tullock, 1811- in infancy). The last 2 children were born in Toronto, 1865) of one of my 1st great cousins 2x removed, and Ontario, Canada, where my mother Sara Lillian Peace a maternal grandfather (James Garrioch, 1808-1889) was born on August 26. 1888. of the wife of a 1st cousin 2x removed. In your article, James Garrioch’s wife (Elizabeth Skea, 1815-1910) My mother graduated from the 1910 normal also a maternal grandparent, received a token for her class of the Lillian Massey School of Household Science first time, as did my great grandmother (Janet Omond, and Art in Toronto. Her postgraduate dietician studies 1823-1865). were at the University of Toronto. She then undertook to establish and manage a new cafeteria for the Young Moreover, 9 of the remaining surnames (but not the Christian Women’s Association in Toronto, which was a specific persons you listed) also occur frequently in our great success serving up to 700 nutritious and appetizing Sanday database! Viz: Anderson, Drever, Hay, Linklater, dinners and suppers a day for working girls. Moodie, Muir, Sclatter/Slatter Scott and Towrie. After WW1 began, Sara Lillian Peace was appointed the Organizing Dietician for the Military Hospitals I am 82 and my husband is 84. We and John’s Commission, Canada which operated, directly or son Guy, who acted as chauffeur, have visited Sanday, indirectly, 31 hospitals and sanitaria across Canada. Orkney twice in the last 10 years and met many distant During this time she met Captain Tom Harbron (1887- relatives. Thanks to Tommy Garriock, we were kindly 1949), Quartermaster of the largest military hospital in directed to the Burness cemetery and the right crofts Canada, the Base Hospital on Gerrard Street in Toronto to meet Ian and Bunty Dearness at Oyce and Knowe, and its three annexes. They married in 1921, her original Margaret Tulloch and her son Billy at Quivals Farm and fiancé having been killed earlier in the war. My parents a number of others to meet distant relatives or extended had 4 children, of which I am the fourth. Mother died in family. We also visited Woo, the site of the derelict 1956. Omond croft and boatworks and many other sites of My visits to Orkney, and in particular Sanday, fulfilled a interest on Sanday and also on the mainland where we life-long dream of mine (and my late mother) to visit the stayed at Stenness with Alfie and Lilias Mather on our land of our ancestral family. I also enjoyed the magnificent second trip. Lilias is a 3rd cousin 1x removed. skyscapes, seascapes, historic sites, the clean fresh air and the warm hospitality extended. My grandfather was John Peace, 1849-1926, eldest son of William Peace, 1824-1869 and Janet I will be interested if you plan to write more stories Omond, 1823-1865. He didn’t like farming and with his about Sanday and am willing to share anything in our parents both dead and his uncles and aunt running the Sanday genealogy database. farm, he decided to emigrate from Orkney and he sailed from Glasgow to Newfoundland in 1870 on the ship With warmest regards, Hiburnia to St. John’s where he worked for a draper. Lillian Peace 4 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.80 December 2016

Part 5 of the Jackie Brown story Maria Sinclair Flett, the love of my life and the girl in the small hours of the morning. It left little time for I would soon marry, was the daughter of James Flett courting. Jim’s wife Mymie, after the milking of the cows, from Northbigging and Thomima Sinclair from Beboran had a ritual with small bowls which she would fill with who owned the farm of Kingshouse, in Harray. The farm milk for the porridge in the morning,individual bowls for of Kingshouse was, by Orkney standards, a large farm each person. Each evening she would have to count heads. of about 200 acres. It stood high up in the Harray hills I remember on almost three quarters of a mile from the main road. As one occasion well as commercial cattle and 100 ewes there was a herd she laid out of pure Aberdeen Angus cattle, fourteen bowls. the bulls of which were sold each There would year at the Bull Sale in Kirkwall. be a wonderful There were also a dozen breeding head of cream pigs and a few hundred hens. The on the following farm had been bought by Maria’s morning. father in the early 1920s, at which After my visit time he was also a road contractor to see Maria responsible for the roads in on her 21st the West Mainland of Orkney. birthday on 23rd Kingshouse Farm, Harray Although he had no engineering January, I would come by bus from Stromness where I qualifications, he obviously had spent my weekends with my parents. Then as the weather engineering ability as he was improved I would cycle the twelve or so miles - quite a called upon by the County Council chore in strong winds, until, after my Rousay holiday, I to build completely new roads in had purchased my beloved 500cc Rudge. Things became Sandwick, the islands of Egilsay much easier in my courtship and much more frequent. In and Wyre, and the five mile road Kirkwall at that time I was busy as a member of Kirkwall to Rackwick in the island of Hoy. Arts Club rehearsing for the Drama Festival which our A progressive farmer, he decided team won and proceeded to the Divisional Finals in James Flett of Kingshouse to experiment by breaking out and Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, with a costume play King re-seeding the heather land in the high hill - 10 acres in Herod’s Harem produced by Willie Hourston. the first year, which was a success. Eventually there were With this play we took second place out of nine qualifiers 80 acres of good grazing. but that was not enough to take us to the Scottish finals. Maria was one of a family of nine - three brothers and And when spring arrived golf took precedence over my six sisters. The brothers, Jim, Tom and Eric worked on visits to the farm. the farm, while five of the sisters were all married with As 1938 homes of their own. There was also a young farm servant advanced it was and a servant girl - the smiling Daisy Bolt. obvious that the A lover of the countryside since my years at Castle possibility of war Farm, I quickly integrated into the scheme of things on the could not be ruled farm and spent a lot of my time in the summer after work out. At the Point of and at weekends, taking part in the activities - hay time, Ness in Stromness singling turnips, cutting and carting peats, harvest time. and along the west Jim and Eric were married and lived in cottages on shore concrete gun the farm. Tom was also married and lived at the farm of Work had begun on the Ness Battery emplacements Huntscarth with Ina, who eventually inherited the farm were being on the death of her mother. constructed. Large wooden buildings were being erected Kingshouse was a lively place; there were comings and to house troops at Hatston near Kirkwall. goings by other members of this large extended family, There was always the hope that a war could be averted. neighbours would call in the evenings and leave sometimes The summers of 1938 and 1939 had been exceptionally A Issue No.80 December 2016 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 5

F good - so much so that the very idea that by September the Union Bank, Lerwick. We got to know George very we would be at war with Germany was unthinkable. I well when he would pop into the bank in Kirkwall for a was at Kingshouse that Sunday when Chamberlain’s chat. The news of the sinking of the Royal Oak with heavy sombre voice came over the radio; it was a sad Sunday losses was quickly known and when the staff arrived for - the 3rd day of September 1939. work on that fateful Saturday morning our talk was about The Orkney Territorials had been Harrison and the possibility of his survival. Half an hour put on alert and called to their after the bank door was opened to the public in walked stations around Scapa Flow. Home George - immaculate in a new uniform; he knew that Guards were formed all over the we would be anxious. He told us the remarkable story Orkney Islands and various other of his escape from the battleship. He had been helping voluntary organisations formed. a fellow officer in Codes and Cyphers when at 1 am they I elected to join the ambulance had decided to pack it in for the night. As Harrison was brigade under the tutelage of Dr getting ready to go to his bunk in his cabin he heard Bannerman, Medical Officer of a dull thud which appeared to come from the bow of Health, from whom we received the the ship. Then fifteen minutes later there were three rudiments of first aid. We also had enormous explosions, one after the other, amidships, and to man a telephone in shifts during the battleship started to keel up. He had a struggle to Prime Minister Chamberlain the night - a brief I detested. Dr get on deck as the passageways were at an acute angle. broadcasts ‘This country is at Bannerman was a customer of the When he reached the deck he decided to slide down the war with Germany’. bank and when I was called up he sloping side of the vessel,when it keeled over and flung snorted “This is outrageous! I cannot be deprived of my him over the other side. When he surfaced he was covered men and I shall write to the Commanding Officer” - a vain in oil and floating beside him was a wooden mat which he hope. grabbed and made his way to the cliffs six hundred yards My father at this time had left the Post Office as he away. He was a strong swimmer. He walked the two miles was crippled with arthritis and was unable to carry to Kirkwall, reported to Naval Command and was issued out his duties as a postman. When a job came up, even with a brand new uniform. though he was 65 years of age, he went to the Naval Base More than 800 men were drowned. The commander of at Lyness as a caretaker. It was not a very demanding the U47, Gunther Prien, was awarded the Iron Cross by occupation. But sadly in June of 1940 he died of a heart Hitler. attack - very suddenly. In the summer of 1940 I had decided that Maria and I Scapa Flow had been at should marry before I was called up. I had already been the heart of the war during accepted for the Royal Air Force after an assessment in the early months. In October Edinburgh. The problem, however, was a place to live. 1939 the Royal Oak had been Orkney was swarming with 60,000 troops. Officers were sunk with the loss of over renting the available accommodation all over the islands. 800 men. The Iron Duke had My problem was eventually resolved when I went to visit been bombed from the air a friend of my mother living temporarily in a cottage in and had to be beached. There Tankerness, six miles from Kirkwall, Peggy Gibson, nee had been months of air Matheson, one of ‘Billjeck’s’ seven daughters. Peggy’s raids by the Germans - the husband was stationed nearby and was on the point of first civilian death occurred being transferred elsewhere. She would be moving back at the Brig of Waithe, to her house in Kirkwall. When I approached the owner, Stenness. Whether all this old Mr Corrigall, a retired joiner, he gladly said I could bombing had contributed to have it. It later transpired that Mr Corrigall was a fourth my father’s death I do not cousin of Maria’s mother. HMS Royal Oak know, but it may have. We Matters moved swiftly from then on. An engagement all loved him very much. He was so full of wonderful ring was bought from Willie Brough, the Kirkwall stories which he told so well. He was a quiet man - I jeweller - five small diamonds set in 18ct gold. I got a cannot recall him ever raising his voice in our house. He good deal as one of the stones had a flaw which could was extremely well known in his native town as he went only be seen under a microscope. Armed with whisky and on his rounds, cracking a joke - always humorous. My a few bottles of beer, I surprised Maria who was staying brother Hughie was very like him in this respect. with her sister Dora on the farm of Redland. I didn’t go Orkney felt the full blast of the war during the first down on my knee, nor did I ask the usual question, which month with many high altitude raids by German planes in any case was not necessary. I just slipped the ring on over Scapa Flow - daylight raids which eventually her finger - with a kiss. resulted in the British fleet dispersing to the west of My next mission was to visit the Rev Cox to arrange the Scotland and elsewhere. ‘Banns’ which had to be ‘cried’ in the Harray Kirk at least On 14th October however, the Royal Oak was still in three weeks before the wedding. the banns contained the Flow lying half a mile off Scapa pier. On board was the names and addresses of the contracting parties, Lieut George Harrison,a Shetlander who was a clerk in particulars required by the Church of Scotland, A 6 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.80 December 2016

F to be announced on the following Sunday from the pulpit. It was agreed that the marriage and the celebrations afterwards would be held in the barn at Kingshouse although the usual weddings were in the church and afterwards in the village hall. I had expressed a desire to have an old fashioned barn wedding and although it entailed a lot of preparations, Maria’s family readily agreed. The 24th October 1940 dawned fair and bright. I had bought myself a new watch and I was singing as I shaved at 6 Well Park with the morning sun streaming through the window. My brother George was to be my best man so we set off from Stromness on my 500cc Rudge. Eric Linklater, the novelist and first cousin of Maria’s father, was Top left is the grooms brother, George Mackay Brown. The bridesmaid was Mary indulging in an early Baillie and the flower girl Marina Flett whisky when we arrived. whisky and home-brewed ale. After greetings, Eric said On our 40th wedding anniversary George wrote the ” For God’s sake, Jimmick, following poem, describing the atmosphere of that night: give the man a double whisky - he’ll need it.” October, nineteen-forty The barn had been First bombs have fallen. Scapa Flow cleared, flags wereIs ringed with searchlights and guns. draped on the walls, and Eric Linklater seats, or rather wooden Waves of Khaki forms,installed. The ceremony Have broken in swirls over the island. went well. There is something The nights are black as the lum, and about the barn with its large Silent, keeping dangerous secrets. wooden mill that is cosy and intimate. It has its own October, 1940. First boreal breath. peculiar aroma of straw and hay - an earthy smell. At the heart of war and winter The 80 or so guests were fed A thronged lighted barn, fiddles, in the farm house in relays. A The whirl of a dance, family friend, Jim Robertson The cog circling, spicy and hot with the malts. and his band, supplied the Red patches of war are sewn on every music. Ruby’s husband Ted Ogilvie had a notice, hand Suffering century, made, detailing the various dances and pinned to the Perpetual the loom of peace. mike. The Bride’s Cog went its rounds, alternating with GMB 24th October 1980

Here’s a great gift that won’t break the bank ONLY A 12 month subscription and full membership of the £ For10 UK delivery or £18 airmailed ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY abroad Ordering couldn’t be easier. Just open www.orkneyfhs.co.uk and log in Includes1year’s with your password. Click on MEMBERS PAGE and when it opens scroll down membership & to GIFT SUBSCRIPTION. Click on Gift Subscription (in blue) and complete the 4 magazines page that opens. That’s it. A great gift that will really be appreciated. Issue No.80 December 2016 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 7

a rose by any other name would smell as sweet?

Nicknames are usually awarded to, not chosen by the recepient, The are are susstitute for the proper name, person or place and can be a term of affection or ridicule. At one time it seems that every character in Orkney had a nick- name although it is not so common now. Lex Graigie, member 2948, with I am sure a little help from his friends, thought that this list was worth preserving. They have identified 27 but what would be more interesting is to discover how the nickname originated. So it is over to our members. The ones that you can help identify •Cheets •Oscar •Smiler, •Coalie Peter •Abbot The ones we have identified •Cincinnati Bill •Poof, •Shuggar, •Tucker •Binks •Cloggie. The Logie family of Thom St, Kirkwall. •Buller •Donkey •Black Duck •Cheet •Smiler •Punch. Bill Sinclair, Victoria St, (Worked at W Swanneys) •Shot the Otter •Pluff-a-Tootie • Poof •Shuggar •Pingo. Dave Kemp Snr. Ins Agent, The Quadrant, Kirkwall. •Bunion, •Smiler •Buller •Duffo •Black Duck •Painter. ? Spence, •Skinduck •Sporrow •Jacko •Dunts •Tommo Half- •Sleepy. Geo. Harcus, The Shop, New Scapa Road. back •Dido •Stumpy •Taffy. Pitman, Slaters Street, Kirkwall. •Corkie •Gentleman John •Gentle •The Goo • John •Toolie. Bob Muir, Docker. Treacle •Do Da • Jeemie Flat •Jumbo • Yattie •Tucker. Tommy Laird, Garrioch Street, Kirkwall. •Draffy Belly • Caleb • Spider • Comper •Happy •Polso. Jim Gibson, Mill St. (Worked at the Orcadian) Dod •Eskie •Blubber Lips •Corncrake •Vixen •Crabbie. Jim Harrison Snr. •China •Daddy Ivy •Jackson •Foosh •Dutchie •Tibbie. Newlands (Tinker) • Fushna •Cockroach •Moosh •Keeks •Kittly, •John Gab. Wine Merchant, Bridge St, Kirkwall. •Tights •Abbot •Pickie •The Duke •Chootne •Teen Tan. Jim Mackay (Cleaner Post Office) •Poopan •Swek •Rocky Mountains •Cockles •Clootie. Clootie Peter (Draper Shop). •Binks. Bill Laird (Dock- •Newsy Bob •Mairo-wi-the-sore-eye •Taffy •Asha er) Toot •Bunion •Tooshie Cooper •Piggy •Bubbles •Chuff. Izat Muir (Cook & Muir, Builders) •Bobbo Biscuit •Wowsey •Matlo •Cullya •Bagsy •Peeler, Peter Shearer (Worked at the Orcadian) •Chumpan Geordie •Eems •Buggery •Chow •Hapenny Apron. Peedie wife with a long black apron who Chow• Science & Arts •Windy Bill •Feeglo •Tool- sold buns out of a basket for a halfpenny. trik •Beetroot •Beefy Jock •Clukan •Black Bess •Cookie. George Arthur, Bakers Shop, Bridge St, Kirkwall. •Puffan Robie •Cockroach •Sheldrake •Banffie. George Ritchie, St Rognvald St, Kirkwall. •Satan Robbie •Cookie •Heppy •Nipper •Fattick •Pharay Jock. Dorothy Harcus’s father. •Teeic •Crown Prince •Valet •Captain Tom •John •Piko. James D Brass, Bignold Park Road. Tin Hole •Lintie •Sticky •Nanty •Heppy. James Sinclair, Docker, St Rognvald St. Kirkwall. •Half-a-Lug •Half-a-Tune •Toddles •Keyhole •Sooko. Dave Flett, Librarian, Laing St, Kirkwall •Peeslik •Kelly •Cogs •Bill Pudding •Monkey •Lochie Dave. Dave Marwick, The Quadrant. •Curly •Soapy •Gunner •Teetles •Parrot •Hecklo ••Westray Dave. Dave Walls, Fisherman. White St. Kirkwall. •Chocolate Maggo •General Toppy •Snacka Puss •Jimmy Halfa. Jimmy Sinclair (Record Shop & Photographer) •Mary Dyno •Shore Queen •Spurgen •Cauld Tea Remember that great football crowd photo we had in issue No 77?

Well, Mabel Eunson, Member No 123, has come up with the ‘oth- 3540 persons, including a contigent of fully 100 from Shetland er half’ of it. Not only that but she can tell us all about it:- watched the game. “The photo was taken by James W Sinclair of the crowd watching The hockey girls had a resounding 6-0 victory’. the cup presentation Orkney v Shetland. I searched through an No ‘crowd photo’ appeared but in the following week’s paper I old diary and on Friday 28th August 1953 found that I had noted found a team photograph together with the team’s and officials’ that ‘the schools had got a half day for the inter-county. Shetland names. had won easily at football. Orkney won at hockey’. Referee W.Brittle. D.Fox, W.Sim, S.Craigie (goal), F.Hutchison, My next step was to search ‘The Orcadian’ and on September M.Tait, B.Flett, T.Scott (President), B.Grieve (Linesman), J.Don- 3rd I found the following. ‘Has Orkney’s post war mastery ended? aldson, R.Muir, R.Groundwater, A.Dainty, W.Shearer, D.Keldie Orkney hasn’t lost a game since 1948 and hadn’t lost a home (Trainer)”. game since 1929 but the 1953 game ended 3-1 defeat for Orkney. Well done Mabel and your photograph appears in centre pages. 8 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.80 December 2016

By William Stevenson. Member No 1925 This is an account of the people who lived and grew up there as a farm of 33 acres. in the 19th century and how, like many Orcadian families of that John Papla (notice different spelling) is again recorded in 1836 time, they had to make their way in other parts of the world. being summoned to appear at Kirkwall Sherriff Court on 24th Stromness was a good place to be as many ships called there and March at 12 o clock. The charge was that he had 5 Bushels of would seek additional crew members before heading across the malt at Garth which he had not declared to Customs and Excise or Atlantic. paid the appropriate Duty. This was one of many cases brought to Upper Garth is in the Quholm district of Stromness. The court in 1835/36 by William Starky, a rather enthusiastic Customs Sasines Register shows that in April 1826 John Mitchell, Writer, Officer, affecting many people throughout Orkney. John’s Kirkwall, Seised a number of houses in Stromness and various neighbour Thomas Isbister who lived in the other part of Garth farms in Harray, Orphir, Sandwick and Stromness. Included was also summoned to Court. Malt was produced by many people is ‘one quarter part of the room and the lands of Garth, par. for making home brewed ale and this was carried on until the Stromness.’ 1960’s and perhaps later. I can remember my granny, Catherine The property was sold by Edward Clouston, Writer residing Stevenson, brewing ale in Harray in the 1950’s. in Westray. John Paplay died on 2nd September 1856 of old age and was So much for the ownership of the property. The census of 1821 buried in the Stenness church yard. He was survived by his wife shows it occupied by John Oman, 35; Mary Leask, 34; Edward Betty until 24th September 1863. The farm stayed in the family Oman, 6; John Oman, 5 and James Oman aged 1. There are and continued to be farmed by their son, also John Paplay, but no other census records of John Oman and family in Orkney so most of the children made their way in the world as follows. like many others they must have moved away for better prospects John Paplay, born 1819, Stenness. John lived at Garth and is • elsewhere. described in the 1851 census as a shoemaker. By 1861 he is the The 1841 Census shows the property occupied by John head of the household at Garth, a farmer of 33 acres living with his Paplay, his wife Betty Omand and their children. John, James, widowed mother and two sisters Mary and May. He married Betsy William and Thomas were born in Stenness before 1824 and Cromarty and they had one son John born in 1872. The Census of Margaret was born in Stromness in 1826 so they must have 1901 shows John, a widower, living with his son John, and daughter moved to Garth about 1825. Exactly where John and Betty lived in law, Mary Ann Taylor from Sandwick. He died in April 1902. in Stenness I am not quite sure but the Paplay family had the farm Young John and Mary had one son, also John, who died when of Quinamarrion which his brother Peter occupied until his death only 10 days old in 1900. They emigrated to British Columbia in 1844 and the family are still there at the 1851 census. and the 1911 census shows the two Garths consolidated into one Like many others John had signed on with the Hudson Bay unit and occupied by the Isbisters. They had no more children and Company in 1790, the contract shows him to be 18 years of Mary died in Vancouver on 2nd September 1929. John died in age and, as a labourer, he would be paid £6 per annum with an Vancouver on 28th February 1952. extra 40 Shillings if he was moved Inland. The next contract in James Paplay, born 1820, Stenness. He went to sea and, on 1799 shows him to be a Steersman but the writing is too faint to his return, built Sandhurst, a small farm near Stromness. In the ascertain the details. Incidentally William Tomison from South Census of 1861, 1871, 1881 and 1891 he is recorded as a farmer Ronaldsay signs on behalf of the Company. living at Sandhurst with his sister Margaret as housekeeper in I have not found any record of his return to Orkney, but there is a 1861 and 1891. He never married and died in 1899. record of his marriage in August 1818. John Paplay, 46, married William Paplay, born 1821, Stenness. He is recorded as a farmer Betty Omand, 19, from the farm of Savedale in Stenness. at Skithquoy, Sandwick in 1861 living with his aunt Hannah The next record concerning John Paplay is from the Sasines Paplay. In 1871 he has married Ann Harcus from Eday and they Records for Orkney and Shetland. 24th August 1835 stating have a son William aged 6. that John Paplay, Farmer, Gairth, Seised, Jun 27 1835 – in the William appears at the Crofters Commission hearing in fourth part of the Room and lands of GARTH, par, Stromness; - Stromness on 14th August 1888 where it shows that Scithway on Disp. By Edward Clouston, sometime Writer, Stromness, now belongs to Mrs Williamia Velzian and William had been the tenant or lately residing at Cleat in the island of Westray, with consent for 34 years. The rent was £8 10s per year and he had arrears of of William Clouston, sometime Minister of Stromness and £17. The outcome of the hearing was a reduction in rent to £6 5s Sandwick, and John Mitchell, Writer, Kirkwall, Sept. 19 – Oct. and the arrears reduced to £8 to be paid in two instalments. The 6. 1826. So John must have made enough in Canada to buy the full transcript is on page 21 of “The Orkney Crofters”. small farm of Upper Garth. It was described in the 1861 census William and Ann both died between 1901 and 1911 and their A Issue No.80 December 2016 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 9

F son William was still in the farm in 1911 with a servant John signature is also on the Nanaimo Petition of 1878. Marwick from Eday. Young William eventually married Kitty His obituary in the Nanaimo Free Press of 12th March 1884 MacDonald but they had no children. reads: Thomas Paplay, born 1823, Stenness. He also went to sea and “It again becomes our painful duty to chronicle the death family lore has it that he became “moonstruck” and died while on and burial of another of the early pioneers of this district. Mr board ship in the Mediterranean. In warm climates seamen slept Alexander Papley, for nearly a quarter of a century in the employ on deck and if they went mad it was said they were moonstruck. of the HB Company and Vancouver Coal Company, as pithead Margaret Miller Paplay, born 1826, Stromness. Record of her man and weighman, died on Sunday afternoon of inflammation of birth in International Genealogical Index but she is not recorded the lung. “Sandy” as the deceased was familiarly called by the in the 1841 Census. miners was one of the early pioneers who came to this country to Allan Paplay, born 1828, Stromness. The 1841 census shows assist in developing the coal measures. The position he occupied him to be a 13 year old farm servant at Ghoe Cathesgoe in for a long period speaks volumes for his honesty, integrity and Stenness. He is recorded signing on as a ships carpenter in 1849. fairness. During those many years the late Mr Papley enjoyed There is another record of his discharge from a ship in London the complete confidence of the miners and the Company. In his in 1861. Family lore has the story of him meeting his brother delicate position of weighing the coal won by the miners, he gave by chance in Ballarat at the start of the gold rush when it was the most general satisfaction, and in any dispute his word was just a large town of tents and many ships had been abandoned taken without the slightest doubt or hesitation. He was a native of by their crew during that time. This was their first meeting since Stromness, Orkney, aged 51 years, and leaves a daughter to mourn they had bumped into one another in San Francisco some years his departure to the realms beyond. before. The arrival at Garth of a bank draft from Bank Victoria, The funeral took place yesterday in the presence of a large Melbourne, for £145 in 1857, suggests that there may be some concourse of old time friends and acquaintances. The religious truth in the story. service was conducted by the Rev A H Anderson of St Andrews He returned to Orkney and married Margaret Wishart from Presbyterian Church”. Congesquoy in 1863. They had 6 children and he farmed He is also mentioned in Kilts on the Coast. He married a Native Congesquoy until he died in 1901. American woman and they had a daughter Mary Ann, later In 1863 he is also recorded as the father of James Paplay changed to Marion. There is a record of Marion living in San whose mother Catherine Wilson lived at Weardth in Stromness Fransisco with her occupation being Domestic, when her father Parish. James grew up and farmed at Weardth and Bretabreck, died in 1884. She later went to Australia and there is a record of married Margaret Taylor and had seven children. her being a supporter of one of the candidates in an election for Peter Paplay, born 1829, Stromness. There is no Census the Hornsby Council in 1906. In 1916 she is again mentioned record of him in Orkney after 1841 when he was 11 years old. in a newspaper report on the Hornsby Council that she wrote to He went to British Columbia, with his brothers Alexander and thank the council for improvements to the roads in her district. Joseph. He prospected for gold and lived in Nanaimo where he She never married and her death is recorded in the Hornsby district worked as a blacksmith. He is mentioned in his brother Joseph’s of Sydney in 1923. letter of 1866 that he was living in a house built of wood on land Joseph Paplay, born 1835, Stromness. He appears in the 1841 he bought from his brother Alexander and was going to begin and 1851 census returns as a scholar living with his family. He blacksmith work again. went to British Columbia and was living in Nanaimo along with His signature is on the Nanaimo Petition of 1878 where they his brothers Peter and Alexander. wanted four representatives for Nanaimo in the Legislative On the 9th January 1866 he wrote to his family at Garth Assembly of British Columbia due to its much increased describing his life as an employee of the Vancouver Coal Mining population. The list of Nanaimo electors gives his address as Company with which he is not very happy and thinks he may try Departure Bay, a short distance from Nanaimo centre and the the new gold diggings said to be on the Columbia River. present day ferry terminal. He returned to Orkney and appears in the 1881 census as a He was fined by the Court in Nanaimo in 1877 and 1879 for farmer at Una in Stromness with Betsy his wife and son Joseph being drunk and giving liquor to Indians. The book Kilts on the aged 1. Betsy Hunter grew up at Una and the 1871 census shows Coast describes his death in 1880 as accidental as he was run her living there with her elderly parents. down by a railway wagon when he was drunk. He never married. Mary Ann Isbister Paplay, born 1837, Stromness. She lived Margaret Paplay, born 1831, Stromness. She is recorded as a with her family at the farm of Garth but in the 1881 census she has straw plaiter in the 1851 census living at Upper Garth. In 1861 moved to 61 Public Street, Stromness and lived with her sister May she is a housekeeper to her brother James at Sandhurst and by who was by this time married to Adam Flett. She is described as 1871 she is back at upper Garth and is a “grocer in Stromness”. a retired farmer aged 42. By 1891 she still resides with her sister By 1881 she is living at property 62 Public Street in Stromness and is described as a knitter. She never married and died in 1897. and is described as “former grocer”. By 1891 she is back at May Paplay, born 1840, Stromness. May married Adam Sandhurst with her brother James but she moves back to 52 John Flett, a flesher from Rendall, who set up business in John Street, Street, Stromness after his death and she is recorded as a Knitter Stromness, the start of the Flett, Butchers we still have today. They in the 1901 census. She died in 1909. had 2 children Mary Ann born 1878 and James Adam born 1879. Alexander Paplay, born 1833, Stromness. He is recorded May died in 1911 and her husband Adam in 1922. living at Garth in 1841 aged 8 and in 1851 as a farm worker aged The 1911 census shows only one Garth occupied by John 18. There are no other records of him living in Orkney but he is Isbister so presumably Upper Garth has been empty since then. L mentioned in his brother Joseph’s letter of 1866 buying a plot of land in Nanaimo for 110 Dollars. This was lot 7 and 8a in Block William Stevenson X1 which is now on Nicol Street quite near the city centre. His September 2016 10 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.80 December 2016

By Nicol Manson, Member No 2035 On the 8th of June 1897 the Empress of India was William Stevenson Bremner recommissioned for the Mediterranean Fleet. The ship Chief Shipwright arrived at Malta to begin her Mediterranean service. William Stevenson Bremner was born at Ring in In August and September 1898, she was part of the Westray on the 7th of February 1875 the youngest of International Squadron blockading Crete during the five children born to Benjamin Bremner and Stewart Greco – Turkish uprising there. Stevenson formerly of Pert, Westray. He was back at HMS Pembroke on 24th December 1900 In the 18911 Scotland Census the Bremner family are to until 4th March 1901. be found at 5 Wood Street Govan, in the District of Partick, On the 5th of March 1901 until the 5th of August1902 Lanarkshire. William is an Apprentice Carpenter, aged he served on the HMS Severn. It was whilst serving 16, his father a Shipyard Labourer and his sister Betsy on this ship he progressed from Shipwright to Leading a Dressmaker. An older sister Janet is also in Glasgow Shipwright, promoted on 13th of June 1901. He would working as a Housemaid to the Galt family at 24 Hillhead have been on board when Severn was used as a Coastguard Street, Govan. Janet marries John Mason a Seaman Ship at Sheerness and grounded when coming into later Shipmaster, originally from Mayfield, Westray, at 5 Harwich on 31st December 1901. It was recorded in Wood Street, Partick, on the 17th of March 1892. the service record of Captain Frederick Fegen7.On 6th On the 4th February 1896 William Bremner’s service in August until 31st August 1902 at HMS Pembroke, shore the Royal Navy2 began at Chatham where he signed up establishment. Rank recorded as Carpenter’s Mate on for twelve years as a Shipwright (No. 22) and given the 28th August 1902. Service No. 341074. His family in Glasgow disappear HMS Galatea was a Coast Guard ship at Hull and from the 1901 census records except for Janet, now Mrs William’s service dates on her are from 1st September Mason 3 and Betsy, who is living with her sister and family 1902 until 30th June 1903. at 3 Temple Street, New Kilpatrick, Dunbartonshire, HMS Andromanche was his next ship from 1st July1903 her occupation given as Draper. William’s oldest sibling to 4th March 1904. In June 1902 she was reported to James, a farmer at Westquoys, Birsay, marries Janet serve as a Naval Reserve drill ship at North Shields. Eleanor Firth at Cusiter Cottage, Sandwick on the 6th HMS Moorhen, a river gunboat was William’s next November 1908. posting from 5th March 1904 until 13th March 1906. In the 1911 Census their parents, Benjamin and William was assigned to the Cruiser HMS Andromeda Stewart, who have been married for 48 years, are now on the 14th of March 1906 until 13th of June the same back in Orkney, Benjamin is retired at Berryhill, St. year. Then the shore establishment, HMS Pembroke Ola4, his son James is working the farm along with his from 14th June to 26th December 1906. sister Ann. Meanwhile William shows up in the 1911 HMS Halycon was a Torpedo Gunboat to meet the England Census in the parish of Alverstoke, on HMS threat posed from Torpedo Boats. They were not very Andromache, Minelayer, Shore Sub-Division, Home effective and were replaced by scaled up Torpedo Boats, Fleet, Stokes Bay, Hants, his occupation, a Carpenter’s Called Torpedo Boat Destroyers; quickly shortened mate with the Royal Navy. to Destroyers. Carpenter’s Mate William Bremner’s William’s service record5 shows that from 4th February service time on Halycon has been recorded as from 27th until 26th November1896 he served at HMS Vivid2 December 1906 to 31st March 1909. It became an RNR and HMS Pembroke2 both shore establishments. From drill ship in1908 and served in the Fishery Protection 26th November 1896 to 19th July 1897 he served on the Service from 1909 to 1914. Cruiser, HMS Endymion6 “on particular service”. During HMS President2 was an accounting base as sailors have his service on board HMS Endymion he was present to be assigned somewhere between ships. All Royal Naval at the Naval Review at Spithead on 26th June 1897 to Personnel had to belong to a Commissioned warship to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. be subject to Naval Discipline, so any shore base had to His next period of service was to be on the HMS Empress have a ship as tender, this went on until the 1950s. 1st of India from 20th July1897 until 23rd December 1900. of April to 2nd of May 1909 was William’s time there.A Issue No.80 December 2016 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 11

F From 3rd of May to 12th September William is shown initial training or entry after a shore apprenticeship to be at HMS Pembroke for the fifth time in his Naval responsible for hull repair and maintenance in wooden Service. and steel ships including operation and maintenance of September 13th 1909 saw the start of William’s second anchors and cables. Also employed in Royal Dockyards. stint on HMS Andromache which was converted to a As 341074, Chief minelayer in 1910. Possibly William did some work Shipwright during that conversion as he did not return to HMS William Bremner, Pembroke until the 29th February 1912 leaving there on was also awarded the 4th March 1912 for work on the HMS Africa. the Victory Medal In 1912 HMS Africa took part in aircraft experiments and British War at Sheerness. She was fitted for flying off aircraft, with Medal. a 100-foot (30-metre) downward- sloping runway which After the death was installed on her foredeck. Ship borne aviation of his father had begun in the Royal Navy aboard Africa and by Benjamin, aged 1917 would become an important part of British fleet 76, at Lower Berryhill, St Ola, on the18th February 1919, operations. William Bremner’s skills as a Shipwright William and his brother James were the Proprietors would be invaluable in the work these conversions and Tenants of the farm. When his mother died, aged needed. His service on Africa was from 5th March 1912 81, on 4th of June 1925, William became sole Proprietor until 14th April 1914, during which time the runways of Lower Berryhill8. His brother James died at Cusiter were fitted. He was promoted twice whilst serving on Cottage, Sandwick on the 7th September 1931 aged 67. Africa, 1st December 1912 to Shipwright 1st class and On 15th April 1932, William married Elizabeth Jane then to Chief Shipwright on 1st January 1913. Hutchison from Whitehall Farm, Stronsay, her mother After another short spell at HMS Pembroke 15th April Isabella was previously from Noltland, Westray. His to 12th June 1914 William spent the start of his war sister, Betsy, who had married Charles Griffin in service on the HMS Tyne from 13th of June 1914 to 8th Maryhill, Glasgow in 1915, died in Shettleston, Glasgow, of January 1918. She was a Destroyer Depot Ship for on December the 2nd 1932, aged 60. the Eighth Destroyer Flotilla Stationed at Queensferry William and Elizabeth went on to have three children, in the Firth of Forth. On the13th of June 1914 William Isabella, Elizabeth and Benjamin. was awarded “1st Class for Conduct”. William Stevenson Bremner died on the 20th of May, 1960 From the 9th of January 1918 until 20th January 1918 aged 85. From Ring in Westray, to Govan, Glasgow, then William was to serve on the HMS Royal Oak. It was on to Chatham Dockyards and his 23 year adventure in during this time that the Royal Oak was fitted, with the Royal Navy as a Shipwright, then farmer for 41 years flying off platforms, at Lower Berryhill, St Ola, he had lived a varied and from which fighters interesting life. and reconnaissance What his thoughts would have been after that fateful aircraft could night of 14th October, 1939, in Scapa Flow, not far across launch, mounted the fields from Lower Berryhill, is anybody’s guess. L on the roofs of ‘B’ Ackowledements:- and ‘X’ turrets. In 1.Ancestry.co.uk 5. National Archives Ancestry.co.uk 1934 the platforms 2.National Archives/Ancestry.co.uk 6. Wikipedia were removed from 3.Scotland’s People 7. Wikipedia the turrets and a 4.OFHS 8. Orkney Archives catapult installed on the roof of ‘X’ turret, along with When will you write a crane to recover your family history? a seaplane7. After another posting to Write it and I will publish it and it will be HMS Pembroke from preserved for future generations. 21st January to 21st It can be as short as a page—just 900 June 1918 William joined HMS Superb HMS Royal Oak words or keep on going. Each subsequent page will require about on the 22nd June 1918. On 16th October 1918 he was 1100 words and this allows for the inclusion of a photograph. promoted Chief Shipwright, 2nd Class and on the 1st Sounds a lot but you will be surprised at how quickly the word January 1919, Chief Shipwright, 1st Class. His service count mounts up once you get strarted. on Superb ended on the 26th February 1919. The more photographs you include the less you have to write. The last entry in his service record is for his ninth Photos should be scanned at 300dpi and saved as highest quality posting to HMS Pembroke, 27th February 1919 to 26th JPGS. Text should be sent as an unformatted Word doc March 1919. On the 27th March 1919 he was further When completed send everything to me as email attachments and promoted to Temporary Acting Warrant Shipwright. I will lay it out as required. January 31st is the next closing date. A Warrant Ship-wright is a skilled tradesman with long [email protected] 12 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.80 December 2016 Issue No.80 December 2016 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 13 14 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.80 December 2016

In memory of my grandfather Bill Annal 1898 -1960 By Don Holloway, Member No 844 William Traill Annal was born on 22 February 1898 at 2 Warrens Walk, Victoria Street, Kirkwall and baptised 11th March Illustration by KC from 1900 at the Congregational Church, Kirkwall. His parents were ‘Kent Faces” which appeared in the James Henry Allan Annal (1869) and Mary MacKenzie (1872) “Orkney both from South Ronaldsay. His birth certificate shows that his Herald’ in the father James was a General Labourer, and that he had married 1950s Mary MacKenzie on the 7th November 1889 in Grimness, South Ronaldsay, when he was 20 and a farm labourer at Smiddybanks and she was 17 and a domestic servant at Grimness. James’s mother is listed as Jane Annal, Crofter and Mary’s parents are listed as Archibald McKenzie and Mary Annal. They went on to have five children, Mary Jane (1890), Margaret (1891), James (1893), Harriet MacKenzie (1896) and Bill who was the youngest. Corporal and completed an Army Education Certificate and passed a Tragedy was to hit the family on 17th October 1900, when Bill’s course in Animal Management. On completion of his period of Colour mother Mary, who was only 28 years old, died of Pulmonary Phthisis Service on 19th November 1926, Bill was posted home and transferred (Tuberculosis) at 3 Main Street, Kirkwall. It is hard to imagine how to the Army Reserve. “Military Character: - Very Good, sober reliable James, who was only 31, managed to cope with the loss of his wife and honest. A very good worker, Intelligent and has passed a course and being left with 5 small children aged between 10 and 2. of animal management.” Army Life Following 12 years in the A, On 17th Nov 1914, Bill enlisted in the Territorial Force for 4 years B and D Reserve, Bill wrote of service in the UK, at this time he was 16. He was assigned to to the Commanding Officer the 4th company of the Orkney Royal in March 1939 asking if he could be considered for a further period of service but his request was turned down and he was discharged from the Army on the 25th April 1939, having completed his 20 years of service. Family Life Garrison Artillery, but he continued Bill returned to Kirkwall in to work as a farm servant for Mr. 1926 and was working as Hugh Gibson on his farm Garson a general labourer when he in Stromness. He was not posted married Andrina Ann Clark until 1917, when he went to Bexhill to on the 29th March 1928. complete his training. He was ultimately Andrina was born on the 10 posted to the 95th Siege Battalion of British Expeditionary Force, September 1893 in Muness, where he served for 1 year and 163 days in France. His Medal Unst, Shetland and was the daughter of Gilbert Johnson Clark, a Card shows that he was awarded both the British War Medal and Fisherman, and Josephine Irvine. Coming from Shetland Ann was an the Victory Medal. It also notes that he was a Territorial, but as accomplished knitter and spun her own wool on her spinning wheel. he had not served overseas for four years, he did not qualify for William and Ann went on to have 3 children, James William (my the Territorial War Medal. I am proud to say that my Grandfather father), Margaret Elizabeth and Barbara Ann. Barbara Ann died of gave me his War Medal when I was a child and I have it mounted Meningitis when she was one. She is buried in St. Magnus Cathedral in a display case. church yard where her grave is marked by a broken stone. Demobilized from the BEF in 1919 and discharged on the 25th When I knew my Grandad Bill he was a general labourer at the April 1919, his total service in the Territorial Force was 4 Years and harbour and living in Garrioch Street, Kirkwall. I remember 160 days. Bill re-enlisted in the Seaforth Highlanders the next day Coronation day in 1953. Everyone was standing in Broad Street the 26th April 1919 and was posted to India. During his service in outside the Town Hall and the children were given a commemorative India, of 7 years and 23 days, he was appointed to the rank of Lance tin with a bar of chocolate inside. We were all dressed in red, white A Issue No.80 December 2016 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 15

and blue my family history. I had been researching my Annal family for and the pipe some time and had been unable to verify my South Ronaldsay link. band were I knew that there was a James Henry marching Allan Annal, my Great Grandfather, through the but I could not decide which of two town. I was people was his mother. You may have standing in read my SIB News story “Looking the crowd for Jane”. At that time all I knew with my was that Jean (or Jane) Annal was mother and James’s mother and that she lived in Granny South Ronaldsay. The researcher at Bill and Ann with Margaret Ann, when the Orkney Family History Society a very smart scarecrow walked past on the other side of the street was of the opinion that she came with straw sticking out of his sleeves and trouser legs. I will always from the South Parish and she remember the comment from Ann “Oh No! He’s cut up his best provided me with a set of records for suit.” Bill never failed to take an opportunity to dress up and collect a Jane Annal at Masseter. My aunt money for the British Legion and I have Margaret was also of the opinion a newspaper cutting with him dressed that there was a link to a farm at the in fancy dress talking to Jo Grimond, south end of South Ronaldsay and I the then Liberal MP. Renowned as a spent some time taking photographs persistent heckler at political meetings of grave stones at St Mary’s church. Bill was always ready to argue a point On the last day before I left for home with a politician if he felt it was needed. I spent an afternoon with Margaret At one meeting the police decided to and was able to take a number arrest Bill for being a nuisance and of photographs of the documents James Henry Allan Annal heckling Mr. Grimond so they took him and pictures that she had in her away and locked him in a cell. When Jo possession. I even got a photograph of my Great Grandfather, Grimond heard what had happened he James Henry Allan Annal, who was a Stone Quarryman and was went to the police station and demanded photographed by Tom Kent in 1920 with the Kirkwall Pipe Band that Bill be released immediately in the Strynd. I was also given a copy of the Kent Faces – No 25, because he made the meeting interesting which featured Bill Annal. I posted both pictures on the Orkney and was entitled to his opinion. Image Library and there was a great discussion about the Artist, My young life in Orkney was filled with The Poem reads: - visits to and from my Grandparents, Bill and Jo Grimond M.P. Made as any kind of man, from any kind of region, and Ann made a point of always having He’ll march barefooted down the street and mulet you for the some beneficial medication for me, “Calves Foot Jelly” comes to legion; mind. Following my parents’ divorce and my mother’s remarriage Or in blue serge, so tight and trim, at any party rally, in 1954, we moved to Aberdeen and I did not see my Grandparents He’ll heckle you till you are blue, or please you with some sally, again until our next family holiday in July 1957. We had spent a He does not boast like weaker men, a parliamentary tongue, week in Orkney visiting friends and relations and I had entered a But with goodwill and kindness he’s filled up to the bung. competition to win a vacuum cleaner in a shop in Stromness. Ann The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh had been due to visit Orkney was due to sail to Aberdeen the week after for an operation and during their tour of the British Isles after their marriage, but it had it was decided that I could stay with Bill and Ann for the week to be cancelled and they were not able to come until 12th August and come back to Aberdeen with her. I do not remember much 1960. Bill, a committed royalist, would have been in his element other than being made and would have spent a fuss of, I was taken the day celebrating out by Bill’s cousin in the only way he Robert Mackay who knew how. I have had the furniture shop been told that at one in Junction Road and a point he was on top of big car. We did go to the the harbour building last night of Shopping roof shouting, “Three Week in Stromness and Cheers for Phillip”. I did win the vacuum The day must have cleaner, which I was been too much for Bill able to take home to and with his long term my mother. medical conditions In 2007 I visited he passed away at his Orkney for the first home on the evening of time in about 35 years the day of the Queens intending to visit visit. Granny Ann family and research Bill, second from the lkeft, and the pierhead parliament once again was in Aberdeen with us A 16 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.80 December 2016

F for a hospital visit and there was no one at home with Bill, I Bill Annal on Wednesday afternoon. The coffin was borne to the don’t know who found him. graveside by comrades of the British Legion. Among the many The Orkney Herald broke the news on the following Tuesday with beautiful wreaths was one from Mr. Jo Grimond M.P. Other their article entitled “Sudden Death of Bill Annal”. The report wreaths came from the Legion, fellow-workers at the pier, and went on to say: - “Kirkwall was shocked by the sudden death personal friends. It was notable that these tributes included on Friday of Bill Annal, known to everyone in the town, and on flowers from children in the neighbourhood, to whom Bill had intimate first-name terms with most Kirkwallians. Those who always been a fine and understanding friend.” knew Bill best appreciated most his kindness and goodwill that My Grandmother Andrina died the year after on the 24th August lay behind his bluff and forthright manner. He was the friend to all 1961 and they are buried together in St. Olaf Cemetery. children in the neighbourhood; and his loud and cheery greetings (With some more investigation I discovered that the documents to his acquaintances were heard every day as he went to work. for the Births, Marriages and Deaths were often completed by a He loved political controversy, and crossed swords with many, clerk listening to a verbal account of a person from a relative. The and he was an inveterate heckler at meetings. But his loyalties same was true of the census information and it depended on who were intense and his assistance to the British Legion, for instance, was doing the entry whether they wrote Jean or Jane, MacKenzie will be remembered. Bill loved a joke; and of late had carried or McKenzie, etc. My Jean Annal was the oldest daughter of on uncomplainingly with impaired health. Many a one said this James Annal and Elizabeth “Betsy” Wylie, and was born on 2nd weekend, with real feeling, we shall miss Bill.” March 1841 at Brain in South Ronaldsay. Jean was the oldest of Bill was buried in the St. Olaf Cemetery and the following article six children and her younger brother, who was also called James was published in the paper: - Henry Allan Annal (1849 – 1930), emigrated to Ontario, Canada “BIG CROWD AT KIRKWALL FUNERAL – M.P. SENT with his family and his two sisters Jemima and Mary and I have WREATH” been in contact with some of their descendants who have also “A large and very representative company paid a last tribute to been researching our family tree. FAMILY VIEW REPORT ON JAMES ANNAL

John ANNAL b.1761 Barbara STEWART b.1761 (or Couper). 1881 Census - Jean was 39 and a Farm Hirer at Cronstadt in South Ronaldsay, where she lived with her two children James Henry Allan Annal who was 11 and Elizabeth Cooper who was 5. John ANNAL 1767-1869 Mary (Molley) SINCLAIR 1783-1863 1891 Census – James Henry Allan Annal (22) and his wife Mary MacKenzie (18) with their daughter Mary Jane (1), were recorded living at Old Castle where they were farm servants. James ANNAL Elizabeth (Betsy) WYLIE Jean, his mother was still living at the family croft Cronstadt in b.17th Oct 1813 B. 25 June 1813 Grimness with her daughter, Elizabeth Cooper (15) Grimness. Sth Ronaldsay Sth Ronbaldsay 1891 Census - Jean 50 and was listed as a Crofter at Cronstadt in d. 1876 d.1892 South Ronaldsay. Sth Ronaldsay Sth Ronaldsay 1901 Census - Jean 60 was living with her son James Annal at 3 Main Street Kirkwall and is listed as his mother and formerly a crofter. By this time James’s first wife Mary had passed away and she would have helped look after the five children of which my Married 17 December 1840 in Orkney. Children Grandfather Bill Annal was the youngest at 3. Jean ANNAL b.2 Mar 1841 Grimness. d. 4 Sep 1915 Kirkwall John Gerard ANNAL b. 13 Jan 1844 S. Ronaldsay. d. Edinburgh 1911 Census - James had remarried and was living in Wellington Jemima Almina ANNAL b.14 Sep 1846 Sth Ronaldsay Street with his second wife of 7 years Mary Ann Shearer (m.s. d.22 May 1920 Wallaceburg, Kent, Ontario, Canada Hourston) who was 14 years his senior. All the older children had James Henry Allan ANNAL II b.28 Mar 1849 Sth Ronaldsay left home and Bill (13) was the only one still at home. Jean 70 d. 28 Jun 1930 Wallaceburg, Kent, Ontario, Canada Mary Cormack ANNAL b.14 Dec 1851 Sth Ronaldsay was now living with her daughter Elizabeth in Catherine Place. d. 18 Jul 1918 Lambton, Ontario, Canada Jean Annal died on the 4th September 1915 and is buried in St. Elizabeth ANNAL b. 26 Apr 1857 Sth Ronaldsay Magnus churchyard. d.7 Oct 1880 Hoxay, Sth Ronaldsay James Henry Allan Annal, my Great Grandad died on the 27th April 1948. 1851 Census – Jean is listed as a Scholar aged 10 and living at My aunt Margaret died in 2008 the year after my visit and I was Brain with her parents and three younger siblings. able to come to Orkney for her funeral. During that visit I met my 1861 Census - I believe Jean Annal was a domestic servant at father James William Annal for the first time since my parent’s Gruthay, which is in the North Parish near Grimness. divorce in 1954. 1869 when James was born on 19th May 1869 at Grimness, TRAILL South Ronaldsay, the birth record shows that she was not married I was intrigued by Bill’s second name Traill (spelt with 2 L’s) and as she could not read and write the certificate is signed with and wanted to know where it came from. I have not been able to a cross. find a relative with the name Traill, but I was able to verify that 1871 Census - Jean is listed as a domestic servant and age 28 there was a family called Traill in Orkney and I was even able to working at Kirkhouse, again in the North Parish. download a book from Google, published in 1883, which traced 1875 – Jean gave birth to her second child, Elizabeth Cooper the original Traill family. There is a Traill Street in Thurso. L Issue No.80 December 2016 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 17

Do you know any of these WW1 warriors from Orkney? 4 6 5

1 2 3 

8 9

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 The Friends of St Ninian’s, Deerness are commem- orating the lives of all the men on the Deerness War Memorial, all victims of WW1, and all the Deerness men who served and survived WW1. These photos were gifted to the project but are probably not all of Deerness men—does anyone have any idea who they are. If you can help please email Friends of St Ninians at: [email protected] 18 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.80 Decemberr 2016

By Eileen Wilson, Member No 1240 When embarking on family research one needs a starting point. In obvious assumption was that John T and Amie had not married but the case of my Dad’s father I knew he was born in Orkney and I had it was odd that there was no record of the births of the children. the information on his marriage certificate. I should have been off It is also odd that none of them could be found in the 1901 and running but unfortunately the information did not add up and I census. I originally assumed the “wife” Amy in 1911 was Amie had nothing on which to fall back as he was NEVER talked about. Brocklebank, but it became clear she was a stray (or a bidie-in) Quite the opposite, he was definitely not mentioned. He had died who only stuck around for four and a bit years and I have not been before I was born but I had known my Gran and my Dad’s Sister. able to identify her. Obviously getting nowhere on my own, in 2005 I contacted I picked up a story from my Cousin (as well as some of the George Gray and asked for help. After a couple of rather surreal various newly found “cousins”) that John T had “gone to prison”. phone conversations (mainly due to me not believing what George Nobody really knew why, when, where or for how long. I heard was telling me) I had an idea of my Grandfather’s family – in Fair rumours about “doing a favour for a friend”, “tax evasion”, “10 Isle to my amazement. After a few years I had built an extensive years hard labour in Dartmoor” but nothing tangible. I could not tree, discovered my Dad had had two step siblings, found some find any court records or newspaper reports and the Dartmoor new “cousins”, learnt some interesting stories and had a very good prison records had been destroyed. scout around Kirkwall. There were still some rather large holes I eventually accepted that it would all remain a mystery but into which nobody could shed light and this is the (short) story of in January 2016 I had a eureka moment. While in prison John T the Black Holes created by the most wayward Black Sheep. had written some poems and had them published on his release: Grandfather, was the second son and fifth child of Thomas and Poems composed in Prison. A selection of verse written at various Jane Wilson who had arrived in Kirkwall from Fair Isle in 1869. intervals in the course of a period of five years’ penal servitude. John T was the first of the children to be born in Orkney, 4 March My Cousin has a copy but knew no more than I. On a whim 1870 (the marriage I searched for marriages between Bonchord and Brocklebank. certificate says 1875). Bingo. I also found the births of Raymond and Dorothea Great Grandfather Bonchord. Having purchased copies of the marriage and birth Thomas Wilson was, certificates I found: according to the censuses, 16 October 1897 Frank Bonchord married Amie Edith a weaver, a fish curer and Brocklebank. Frank said he was born in 1873 and that his father an insurance agent but was Frank Bonchord (deceased), a farmer. One of the witnesses according to John T’s was L Wilson. One of John T’s brothers was Laurence. marriage certificate of 15 June 1898, Islington. Raymond Wilson Bonchord born to 1912 he was a Master Frank Bonchord and Amie Edith Bonchord, nee Brocklebank. Mariner, deceased. 6 March 1900, Forest Gate, Dorothea de Pothnier Bonchord In the 1891 census born to Frank Orcadia Bonchord and Amie Edith Bonchord, John T was a boarder in nee Brocklebank. Marylebone, London. In Pandora’s box had opened. For some reason John T married and 1911 he was in Clapham registered the births of his children under the name Bonchord. Not Junction, London only that, he had a fictitious father. Why and how come he chose together with Amy (wife that name will, I fear, forever be a mystery. Amie was born Amy of four years, no children Edith Brocklebank in 1874 in Southwark and her parents were of the marriage), his son Raymond Bragg Brocklebank and Ellen Louisa de Pothnier. I Raymond (aged 12) and then looked in the 1901 census and found a very interesting entry daughter Dorothea (aged John Thomas Wilson in West Ham:- 11). In 1912 he married my Gran, Elsie May Glastonbury, in Walsall, when he said he Frank Orcadia Bonchord.Clerk, Inspector of Taxes b. Orkney was a widower. The accepted family tree (previously completely Amie Edith Bonchord (Wife) born Lewisham unknown to me) states that his first wife wasAmie Brocklebank Cameron Duncan Wilson Bonchord (Son) born Middlesex and that they had two children Raymond and Dorothea. However Dorothy de Pothnier Bonchord (Daughter) born Islington there appeared to be no GRO record of a marriage, or the births of Laurence Wilson (Brother) Clerk commercial, born Forest Gate the children or of the death of Amie Wilson/Brocklebank. The Thomas Wilson (Brother) Practical Horologist born Scotland. A Issue No.80 Decembeer 2016 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 19

FJohn T was being creative yet again. He was presumably prisoners did not know that in doing what they did they were employed as Frank Bonchord and his son Raymond was for some taking part in criminal transactions”. Another newspaper sums it reason now Cameron Duncan. Also brother Laurence, who was up, “They sent into the Inland Revenue authorities claims for the born in Orkney, now hailed from Forest Gate. I had by now abatement of income-tax in fictitious names, and upon receiving decided that my illusive Grandfather must have been pathologically the money they sent in forged receipts.” One should not be proud incapable of filling out forms correctly. This became more than of wrongdoing but it was brilliant. It would appear they had been apparent as I went on to unravel the prison saga. quietly doing this for years before getting careless. A very recent Searching the Central Criminal Court records for Bonchord story I have been told is that in 1897 Frank and Amie went to instead of Wilson, I found court proceedings of two trials on Pompeii for their honeymoon - courtesy of HMRC! 9 September 1902. One for Frank Arcadia Bonchord and Having illuminated these very murky holes I then found I had Arthur Edward Brocklebank and another for Annie Edith uncovered a minefield. What happened to Amie and the children Bonchord and Dolly Summers. “To obtain and acquire large when Frank/John T went to prison? The received wisdom sums of money from the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, with is that she died and that the two children were brought up in intent to cheat and defraud”. The proceedings are not complete Orkney by their Grandparents. They were certainly in Kirkwall and rather difficult to follow but no evidence was offered against from 1912 onwards. John T claimed to be a widower in 1912 Annie who was found not guilty. Dolly Summers was found when he married my Gran and Raymond and Dorothea both guilty and given six months hard labour. Arthur Edward stated on their marriage certificates (1929 and 1935) that their Brocklebank (alias Laurence Wilson) was found guilty and Mother was deceased. In that case why is there no record of the given 18 months hard labour. Frank Bonchord (alias John death of Amie? Hunting for Amie I kept coming across a 1911 Thomas Wilson) pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and census entry in Coventry that had an Amie de Pothnier Hurley, sixteen other indictments for forgery and was given five years daughter, aged 7. The mother (and wife of 9 years) was Amie penal servitude (in Dorchester not Dartmoor). E Hurley. I found a tree on ancestry that contained this girl and Laurence (Arthur Brocklebank) said that what he had done contacted the owner. was at the instigation of his brother (Bonchord) and that he Family research comes with the warning to be prepared for knew absolutely nothing about the business of an Income Tax whatever you may find but until now I had never imagined Agent and had no knowledge whatever that anything was wrong. this. Amie de Pothnier Hurley, born in 1904 (November Summers said much the same. A newspaper report said, “.. 1903 actually) in Forest Gate, was the daughter of Amie Edith to the best of his (Bonchord’s) knowledge and belief the other Brocklebank/Bonchord/Wilson and Claude Hurley. A 20 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.80 Decemberer 2016

F Their second child, Claude, was born in Coventry where they Raymond’s grandchildren in Canada and this is all news to them. remained until Amy died. In the 1911 census Claude claimed However, the grandchildren of Claude and Amie knew that Amie to be 31 and his wife Amie 32 whereas in reality Claude was 27 and Claude hadn’t married and they knew about Frank, Raymond and Amie 37 and they never married. Claude died in Flanders and Dorothea. It is from them I got the honeymoon in Pompeii in 1917 but Amy lived until 1956 (John T died in 1941, his son story. They knew that Frank had gone to prison but were ignorant Raymond in 1953, his daughter Dorothea in 1957 and my Gran in of the possibility that Amie had been implicated. Their view is that 1967). This means that the marriage to my Gran was bigamous Amie and Frank decided to live their separate lives and not bother and my Dad and his sister therefore illegitimate. I have checked each other, although apparently Amie missed the children and kept with a Registrar and there is no apparent reason the Bonchord a photograph of them with her. I am of the inclination that by the marriage was not legal although he did commit perjury. time John T was released from prison Amie had made a new life This took time to assimilate. It does seem incredible that such for herself with Claude and their children and John T decided not a secret remained just that. How John T and his brother Laurence to cause trouble. His children were safely with his family and he (who was a frequent visitor and was living with Raymond and his seems to have had no trouble finding a new wife. family when he died) managed not to let the cat out of the bag is The Hurley grandchildren and I are now feeding each other as amazing. The third brother, Thomas (who was living with them much information as possible in the hope that between us we can fill in 1901), forbade any of his family having any contact with John in some of the gaps. One major gap is what happened to Raymond T but his grandson did not know why. John T’s parents, Thomas and Dorothea when John T, or Frank as they know him, went to prison. When and how Amie met Claude we don’t know and he could well have not welcomed another man’s children. The Hurley grandchildren were told that “the Salvation Army people were looking after them in Orkney” (John T’s three surviving sister were all Salvation Army officers). They maintain that the children didn’t stay with Amie, but by 1903/1904 Raymond should have attended school and, according to George, there is no record of either child in Orkney at that time. Frank/John T was arrested in Glasgow – what was he doing there? He had in his pocket a letter from Arthur Brocklebank/Laurence warning him that the police (the “Tecs”) were after him. Maybe he was rapidly taking the children to one of his sister. Barbara Wilson, who had married Staff Captain William Stoddart, was in Dundee in 1901 but unfortunately the Salvation Army’s records do not state where she was in 1902. After all this activity life has now quietened down again and I find myself pondering whether or not I like my Grandfather. He was certainly an interesting character. I had a major battle with the Taxman a few years ago (and won) and I now know that John T was beside me all the way. It’s a shame I didn’t know it at the time as he should have been part of the celebrations. From the photographs I inherited, and have been able to identify, he was very fond of Raymond and Dorothea and they of him. Strangely he is conspicuous by his absence in nearly all the photographs. He appears to have been fond of my Gran and she of him. My Gran’s niece said he was a tyrant and my Father (and his sister to a lesser extent) had a turbulent relationship with him and my Father was This is a photograph of the three brothers, John Thomas, Laurence and Thomas certainly psychologically damaged by something that happened Wilson. It was taken by the Orkney Photo Co but we don’t know who is who. probably before I was born. At his trial John T admitted his guilt and tried to take all the blame and according to one of the Hurley and Jane, were very religious and members of the Salvation grandchildren his poems, “reflect that he is rethinking his life and Army. They raised Raymond and Dorothea, at least from their they express regret over what has happened”. The snag is he then teenage years, and my Gran stayed with them after she and John went and committed bigamy and perjury. T married (I think this was their honeymoon, somewhat different Neither my Father nor his sister were christened and my cousin has to Pompeii). Surely they would not have condoned the situation. told me that John T took her Mother to a mosque, a synagogue, an They must have believed that Amie had died. Where did that Anglican and a Catholic church and then said she could decide which “information” come from and what did John T know? In this religion, if any, to follow. He then gave her a Bible in which he wrote: day and age it is quite common for couples not to marry and we don’t question the status of any children from such relationships This book’s composed of many parts but that acceptance is very recent. Anyway, John T “married” my Some good but none without a fault Gran. If my Father had found out it would have been devastating. Reveals a world of human hearts Is this why any mention of my Grandfather was strictly taboo? Please take it with a pinch of salt. My Cousin has decided that Gran and our parents didn’t know 12 February 1927 JTW and it was the shame of prison that had to be kept buried. I am The family tree can be found on http://www.bayanne.info/ not so sure as the book of poems did the exact opposite and Shetland/index.php (and others) and part of our story is told in proclaimed it to the world. I am sporadically in contact with Carol Tweedie’s wonderful book Fair Isle Ghosts. L Issue No.80 December 2016 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 21

This picture is simply labelled ‘Lyness 1950s’ and I don’t know where it came from. Everyone looks quite sombre and I wonder what the occasion was. If the person who contributed it gets in touch I will be peased to credit them. Ed.

Have you got a favourite Make sure that you preserve your copies of Sib Folk News Genie...ology source? for future generations Our March edition of Sib Folk News in an attractive SIB News binder. celebrates the 20th anniversary of Beautifully finished in simulated the Orkney Family History Society. dark green leather with gold It will be a collection of past articles blocked spine. and some new material featuring Each binder will hold twenty subjects helpful to the genealogist. newsletters. Open flat at any If you have any sources which you page for easy reference. Price have found to be particularly helpful £6. and supplied boxed. For in your research please feel to share postage to your area consult them with us in this special issue or www.orkneyfhs.co.uk under the publications link. if you wish to expand them into an article so much the better. As there is quite a bit of work to be done on this edition would you please let me have any contribu- tions by the end of January—earlier sinclair would be even better. Any material which did not make it into this issue would, of course, appear in a subsequent edition of the newsletter. Please email to [email protected] 22 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Issue No.80 December 2016

An update on the progress in getting Pilot Sergeant Robert Mainland’s name added to an Orkney War Memorial Just a note to update members on the progress being made with having the name of Pilot Sergeant Robert M Mainland added to the If you’ve not come across the Guild of One Name Rousay War Memorial, June issue of the Newsletter. As a result of the Studies, or GOONS as it is memorably known too, publicity this received and with invaluable assistance from two former it is well worth checking out. According to GOONS ‘Orkney girls’, contact was made with his close family relatives and a “A one-name study aims to research the genealogy nephew and niece indicated that they would be honoured to see his and family history of all persons with a given sur- name added to a War Memorial in Orkney. Subsequently, the Kirkwall name (and its variants)”. Within that overall aim, a Branch of the R.B.L.S. submitted an appropriate proposal to Orkney study might focus on distribution of the name or try- Island Council, the owners of such Memorials. I believe they, in turn, ing to reconstruct the genealogy, sometimes with a consulted with the Rousay Community Council and I am very pleased DNA project too. On the GOONS website you’ll find to be able to advise you that permission has now been granted to have a register of almost 9000 surnames, some with ded- the work carried out and the name of Robert M Mainland added to the icated websites, and a range of studies at different Rousay War Memorial. stages of development. A few names that might be Due to the onset of winter, the Monumental Sculptor has indicated that of interest include: Annal, Brough, Frisken, Hepburn, the work will not be undertaken until next year. In the meantime it is Hercus and Irwin. See: http://one-name.org/ for more proposed to hold a short public service to formally unveil the addition information. of Robert Mainland’s name to the Memorial and the suggested date for this to take place is the 25th April, 2017. His nephew and at least one Thanks to Jane Harris ([email protected]) niece plan to travel from the Manchester area to Rousay for the event. Member no 1503, for drawing our attention to this I would like to thank you for your assistance for what has been a suc- website. I am sure that many members will enjoy cessful project . Norman Logie. Member No 1266. delving into it.

Here’s a great photo of the staff of Stromness Post Office

Can you believe it; 42 people and they all worked at Strom- Brown, Rita Logie, Eileen Corbett, Mrs Chapman. ness Post Office, which doesn’t even exist today. I don’t Middle Row L to R: Lammie Campbell, Unknown, Mrs Wylie, know the year it was taken but I am sure some member will Margaret Hancox, Winnie Sinclair, Lily Velzian, Margaret Suth- be able to tell me. Also two or three christian names are erland, Mary Fawns, Ada Inkster, Peggy Gordon, Rob Heddle missing but apart from that everyone is named thanks to (Bullet), Jemima Sinclair, Mr Angus (Father of Alan Angus). Lex Craigie and Ian Taylor of Stromness. Front Row L to R: Danny Watt, Annie Garson, ? Sinclair (Fire Lex tells me that the lady in the front row, 4th from the right King), Georgie Corbett (sister of Winnie Omand), Unknown, is Emily Taylor—Ian’s mother Kitty Watt, Doddie Robertson, Willie Craigie, Annie Baikie, Back Row L to R: Bill Law, Willie Cooper, Alan Angus, Sam Emily Taylor, ? Linklater, Nellie Adams, ? Wilson (Father of Wylie, Ian Garson, John Thompson, Charles Clouston, Stewart Wilson Fair Isle). ? Linklater Jim Gunn, Tom Shearer, Mamie Turton, Hugh If you can help with the missing names let me know. Ed Issue No 80 December 2016 NEWSLETTER OF THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 23

that it is even better than the old printed edition. To find it open upwww.orkneyfhs.co.uk then log-in with MEMBERS’ your membership number and OFHS password (if you have DIRECTORY forgotten this you will see the means of recovering it). Once you have logged in the welcome page opens. Now Some time ago we decided for rea- click Members Page in the left hand column. On the page sons of economy—prohibitive postage that opens click Members Directory from the menu across costs—to stop issuing our annual Mem- the top. This takes you to the search page. Simply type in the bers’ Directory. name of the member you are looking for or their membership It seems that many members are not aware that a regular- number and click the panel to the right of these. ly updated Member’s’ Directory can be readily accessed on Eureka! You’ve got it – all the OFHS mermbers with that our website and when you discover this I think you will agree surname allowing you to locate the one you want. L

Who,What, When, Where? Probably Westray, but what was the occasion? Anne Rendall found the photo in a box and would love to know more about it. So would I and now so would you. Anyone come across it before? Ed.

At the risk of becoming a pain in the wotsit, I just mention, one more time, the need for articles to keep our newsletter a ‘going concern’. We have over 3000 members but still struggle to fill 24 pages four times a year. I’m not looking for award winning literary material—just tell your story as it is and we’ll all enjoy it. Don’t worry about grammatical errors wot you have wrote; I’ll tidy it up (if I spot them) or our proof readers will do the necessary if re- quired. If not, not to worry; your fellow members are more interested in what you have to say than if your participle is dangling! Page 11 has more details of what is required. THE ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY

rkney Family History Society was formed in 1997 NEW MEMBERS and is run by a committee of volunteers. Membership of the Society is through subscription and O It is similar to societies operating worldwide runs for a period of 12 months from date of application. where members share a mutual interest in family history Our magazine, ‘Sib Folk News’ is available to members and help each other with research and, from time to every 3 months unless they have agreed to ‘opt out’ (see time, assist in special projects concerning the countless new rate structure) as all issues are now available online. records and subjects available to us all in finding our Our ‘Members’ Directory’ can also be found online at roots. www.orkneyfhs.co.uk following links members page/ The main objectives are: Members’ Directory. This lists members’ contact details 1 To establish a local organisation for the study, and their research interests. collection, analysis and sharing of information about Members will receive a password to access the individuals and families in Orkney. members’ pages on the website, details of which are 2 To establish and maintain links with other family shown on the Home Page. history groups and genealogical societies throughout the A great deal of research can be achieved through UK and overseas. these resources at www.orkneyfhs.co.uk. 3. To establish and maintain a library and other reference facilities as an information resource for RATES FROM 1st SEPTEMBER 2013 members and approved subscribers. 1. All UK Membership and overseas members 4. To promote study projects and special interest opting out of receiving a printed copy of Sib Folk groups to pursue approved assignments. News (available on our website) £10.00 We are located on the upper floor of the Kirkwall Library next to the archives department and are open 2. OVERSEAS - Surface Mail £15.00 Mon–Fri 2pm–4.30pm and Sat 11am–4.30pm. 3. OVERSEAS - Air Mail £18.00 Our own library, though small at the moment, holds a variety of information including: NEW MEMBERS – DOWNLOAD THESE The IGI for Orkney on microfiche. and SEND WITH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION The Old Parish Records on microfilm. Visit www.orkneyfhs.co.uk/docs/mempack.pdf where The Census Returns on microfilm transcribed you will find a New Membership Application form and on to a computer database. a blank Family Tree. Please complete these, print and Family Trees. send with the appropriate subscription to The Treasurer Emigration and Debtors lists. at the address below. Letters, Articles and stories concerning Orkney EXISTING MEMBERS CAN RENEW ONLINE and its people. Existing members wanting to renew their subscription Hudson’s Bay Company information. can now do so online. Just Log In and use the link from Graveyard Surveys (long term project). My Details on the Member’s Page. You can, of course, This material is available to members for ‘in house’ still send your subscription to the Treasurer at OFHS. research by arrangement. Locally we have a Members’ Evening, most months, with CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE a guest speaker. Overseas members, paying in their own currency, should We produce a booklet of members and interests to check the exchange rate to ensure the correct amount allow members with similar interests to correspond with is forwarded. Our bank will accept overseas cheques each other if they wish. without charging commission. We regret that foreign We also produce a newsletter 4 times a year and are Postal Orders are not acceptable in the UK. always looking for articles and photographs of interest. Members residing in the UK may pay their subscriptions A stamped addressed envelope should be included if by Bankers Order and if they wish can have their

these are to be returned. Back copies of the magazine subscriptions treated as Gift Aid donations. Forms are can be purchased at £1 per copy. available on request. We can usually undertake research for members who live outwith Orkney but this is dependent on Cheques should be made payable to:- the willingness of our island members giving up their ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY spare time to help. Any costs incurred, such as fees for and forwarded to The Treasurer certificates, will require to be reimbursed by the member. ORKNEY FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY Orkney Library & Archive 44 Junction Rd. Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1AG Scotland. Telephone 01856 879207

General enquires should be addressed to the office in writing or to Treasurer George Gray (e-mail: [email protected]) General Secy. Jackie Harrison (e-mail: [email protected] Research Secy. Enquiries should be sent to George Gray until a new research secretary is appointed Editor. John Sinclair (e-mail: [email protected]) Orkney Family History Society website— www.orkneyfhs.co.uk Articles in the newsletter are copyright of the Society and its authors and may not be reproduced without permiss- ion of the editor. The Society is a registered charity in Scotland and a member of the Scottish Association of Family History Societies. The Society’s newsletter, Sib Folk News is registered with the British Library under the serial number ISSN 1368-3950. The Orkney Family History Society is a Registered Charity in Scotland SCO26205 MEMBERSHIP subscriptions etc