My ancestor Elizabeth Pennock married Thomas Gatenby at Glaisdale in the North Riding of Yorkshire, in 1799. Thomas died a few years later and Elizabeth worked the farm. She married John Leng and they lived together many years. He died and she lived into very old age. I have a sampler that she embroidered in the year of her marriage.

Jane and I visited the farm a few years ago. The owners very kindly had us in for tea and showed us the house and byre. The owner had been a friend of Alf Wight, creator of the James Herriot stories, 'All Creatures Great and Small.' What a wonderful thrill to meet new friends and to be able to walk in the footsteps of those who have gone on, long before.

I have been involved in genealogical pursuit of the various branches of my family since the early 1980's. It is a labour of love and of interest and, frankly, it's very addictive. I can help you, if you're just getting started in pursuing information on your own family. I'm best at sleuthing about: England, Ireland, Scotland, the US and Canada.