General Chat

The HMT Burke, launched 11/9/1930 was scrapped at Antwerp 17/7/1955 Jane. It was a minesweeper that was used for wreck dispersal in 1944.

This tells you quite a bit about the Liberty ships..........they were usually named after naval officers and that's what Francis Asbury Roe was.

http://www.usmm.org/libertyships.html

Evening All,

Apart from a bit of drizzle for a short time it has been fine here all day.

OH was up at 6.00am to save some of the good topsoil where some of the new slabs will be ......didn't want it going in the skip! It was still dark so goodness knows what the neighbours thought if they could hear him digging away!! :-0 Anyway he got a bit of a shock at 7.15am as the paver's labourer arrived.........we knew the paver was coming at 8.30am.

Things continue to go wrong! We found 8 slabs were damaged and the company couldn't do anything to replace them until we checked the missing pack from yesterday. This was eventually traced at the carrier's who 'forgot' to put it on the lorry yesterday. It should have arrived today by 12.00 noon, then 2.00pm, then 4.00pm eventually arriving after the paver had gone home! OH chased it the last time as I had popped out and the carriers had the nerve to tell him they were 'busy' today. If they'd said that to me I'd have asked them 'why were they giving priority to today's customers when they hadn't finished delivering to yesterdays??' That has put us a day behind getting the replacements now and it could take a few days to get them.

The men have worked really hard today, helped by plentiful cuppas and will start laying the slabs tomorrow. The skip is over half full already. There were so many comings and goings with deliveries of ballast, big sacks of builders sand, skip that we and the electrician had to park our cars up the road. OH said he realises what I meant now about not being able to settle to anything when things are being done.........he just sat down at the computer to write up some meeting minutes and the electrician wanted the power off!! lol

The buried walls we suspect are the lower walls of old greenhouses. The houses along the main road had really massive gardens. The row of gardens had a road built across and a bungalow built each side of the road (2 on each garden) and that is our close. Even then they still had half their gardens left!! I seem to recall that riding on the top deck of the bus to school years ago you could see huge greenhouses at the tops of some of the gardens......also our soil has no end of glass in it despite 10 years of removing what we see. The electrician didn't think it was though as he thought they wouldn't build greenhouses with 9 inch walls......so I don't really know. They have found anglo- saxon graves 2 fields away........near the old Fosse Way, but I don't think it is the remains of a roman villa!!!! lol

Jane, I think although expenses are usually paid at the end of Jury Service, there would be special provisions for some people to claim their expenses sooner.

Kim, that was poor there being no wheelchair access for you........you shouldn't have had to struggle up the stairs........hope you aren't too bruised and shaken. Good luck for Monday.....its good your gastro man sounded positive. OH had those procedures done a few years ago. He always jokes about things and I remember sitting in a hosptital waiting area with him and him saying 'I hope they don't use a box Brownie camera'............and then 'I hope they don't use the same tube for both!!!!' It is hard to keep a straight face at times, but it is his way of not worrying too much. On the positive side, as Fiona has said, he was fine having them done.

Sorry to hear about your 'Aunt' Sheila. It is nice she gave you her jewellery and you have kept a few pieces to remember her by. Poor Beryl .........it doesn't sound as if she will cope well with knowing what Donnie is doing.

Frank,apparently the Big fire was given all clear last thursday and sensors were put in place.There must have been a hot spot still ,that has flared up.Looks like they have caught it quickly as I can't see any smoke here.But the fire Brigade are still down our road and it's still blocked off from our house.

David it is fascinating to find out all the info ,but so sad.What a waste of lives .War makes no sense at all to me.I just hope to G** that me or my children never have to go through one.
Frank you sound like you are getting on really well with your family tree.I was going to say (like a house on fire),but not appropriate :-| :-|

Evening All,

Tired of the computer today, been on it for over eight hours. I am now wondering if I am clutching at straws, with all the names and I think, family connections

. One distant relative was classed as a vagrant (IDIOT) and was in the workhouse, as were two or three others. Must have been hard time in the London area back in the 1700s.

Another relative was deaf and dumb, and was an upholstery. Mel found one who was a ginger beer maker.

It just goes to show where you can go with all the information that is available. I am back to the 1600s now, and still looking.

It that the fire that was reported last week Jane ??? I would have thought it would have been under control by now.

Poor old Chris. I bet he's not one for sitting around, doing nothing. He might get a tasty case on Thursday.

When the next door house, which was attached to the Post Office, where we lived, caught fire one Sunday afternoon. It was the day before VAT went from 15% to 171/2% and we were in the shop altering all Vatable items before opening on Monday, Someone knoked on the shop door to say there was smoke comming from under out tiles. The fire brigade were there for six hours getting next door under control and had to get into our roof space and put out the fire there too. The stupid woman who lived there got drunk, went to bed with a cigarette burning, and up it went. We feed 12 firemen and keep them going on tea and coffee. They were in and out of their boots and waterproofs every half hour for the toilet or having a break in our lounge. They did a wonderful job, and were there till after midnight. We thought we were going to be homeless, but they saved the day.

Shelia nice to see you back, and sorry about your news.

I'm going to add one more bit to my tree, then sitting down with a few beers.

I am the nephew of stoker first class Ralph Atkinson.
He perished when HMS Bluebell (a Corvette) was sunk by a torpedoe while escorting a Russian convoy.

I have found the identity of the U boat and its captain and read of all the other "kills" by this U boat.

I have read the names of all those lost and their ranks and the survivors.

Yet it was nearly 2 weeks before my Grand Father Thomas Atkinson received a telegram informing him his youngest son was lost,
presumed dead.

Oh Thanks Mel.Now I know where Dad was in 1944.I knew he had been in Belgium(Antwerp),and made some very good friends there ,who I remember meeting when I was young.
As for the Fireman who used the loo .......He was a hunk lolol,
Just looked out the front and there is a barrier outside our drive ,and lots of blue lights flashing further down the road.So our road is blocked off.

Jane I found this on the Shipmate search site and thought you may be interested.

SS Francis Asbury sunk 12/3/44
William C. Flood NAG
I am looking for any survivors of the Liberty ship Francis Asbury, sunk by a German mine while en route to Antwerp on 12/3/44. I am the nephew of Naval Armed Guard William C. Flood who was killed. I am named after a man I never knew and would like any details anyone may have to offer. 05/15/05 William C. Brown

So nice to hear from Sheila after her long time away but now we know why! Sorry you lost your aunt Sheila and so nice to have a little something to remember her by.

I have spent most of the afternoon making Damson Cheese. The damsons have just about had it now and are going moldy on the tree and I had a job to find 6lbs.

Jane when I was first with oh he used to take off his overalls and boots in one go so it must be a fireman thing. I think his yellow waterprouf trousers are sitll out in one of the sheds under a load of rubbish!!

Chris now not required tomorrow at court,but has to ring after 4.30 tomorrow to see if he is needed on Thursday.He is now faffing about if he should go to work tomorrow.I said no as they will have covered for him already and he could have a day in the garden.I bet he will go to work lol.

Oh There you are Sheila :-D :-D.We wondered what had happened to you.
I'm so sorry about your 'Auntie'.Poor you ,it sounds as though you have had quite a time of it .You must be exhausted.I hate it when people squabble over their relatives effects.I think it is disgraceful.
As for Donnie Wonnie,what can I say. :-| :-|.I do feel for Beryl.Maybe it is best she knows .That way she won't be waiting for him to come back.Mind you he might fed up with his new piece and go crawling back to her.

Well done April for passing her Ballet Exam.How old is she now Sheila?
Not sure what to say about Moshen either lol.I think he is a very lucky man to be allowed to be staying with you again.

There are sirens going off all around here.Although I can't see the fire brigade outside now.I did just spy one go past.Maybe they have found a Hydrant nearer the fire that is easier.I just hope they have caught it in time today.I think the problem could be the wind now.

Mandy thanks for that info.I did see that it was a Liberty Ship but didn't know where she sailed.It is a funny feeling knowing that Dad was in the war but not knowing where he went or how many Wrecks he had to help clear.He used to have those heavy lead boots and goldfish bowl helmet.He was a really skinny man so it must have weighed an absolute ton

I had to laugh when the fireman asked to use the loo.He was in a real rush and stripped his protective gear and boots off all in one on the door step.Then stepped right back into them again .It was all done in a flash.Just like that lol.
In all that excitement I have over boiled my potatoes which were only supposed to boil for a few minutes :-S

Sorry for any mistakes in my thread I lost my eight five pound super glasses while away and cannot see much in this pair my hubbie really told me off about it and said I need my glasses moulded to my eyeballs. .

Oh Heck! It's all go here .The fire that happened the other week has started up again and we have the fire brigade and police outside our house.They are using the hydrant out the front.One fireman has already used our loo and mugs of tea have been dispensed lol

HELLO everyone how are you all. I returned from my my aunties who is not a proper auntie but someone I called auntie and was very deaf and ninety five.This lady developed a growth on her leg she had an emergency operation on her leg but sadly died two days later. I was left to contact relatives all scattered round England receive them and help arrange a funeral my last repect to a dear lady I loved. I was given all her jewellery while the relatives argued over her estate and money etc. I wanted nothing
but this dear soul insisted and I asked her solicitor about her wish and he said ok. I kept two pieces and sold the rest which was worth a sum of money and paid for some of my holiday to the States next April. My adopted
aunt loved gold and so she had some nice pieces.

I kept a dove and a butterfly both gold with real diamonds .

I had a nice time with her friends and the local people .I was told my her
daughter that she used to go to the local shop on the corner and shout to the man serving Any broken biscuits left .He would say yes love and she would shout try mending a few then and run off. When not doing that it was round to the chip shop . The man in there would say hello Rosie and Rosie would say any chips left mate. The man serving would say yes Rosie how many would you like and Rosie would answer dont cook so many then. She ran off one day and it was a different man and he chased after her and slapped her ear she said .

I found so many interesting books and pictures when sorting out her things with a couple of very grabby relatives the relatives seemed to have there eye on a very nice painting of some children but could not find out who it was painted by but expect they will.

Well Mohsen the son in law is back and living here but not getting anything but his food and board.He is looking for work and going to do a taxi driving course. All is fine at the moment but I am not saying anymore on the subject. . I find him most helpful and he is trying hard to not offend anybody. But he stated he was going home for eide which is like there Christmas .Michelle said how are you affording to go I am not giving you the money so he did not answer but never said he wanted it so one assumes he must already have it. Mohsen worked while there to get his fare home flights had doubled since the Libians invaded Tunisia.

My hubby is not happy about .Mohsen .Ashley my son came here while moving to his new flat and decided on red for everything. He paid for his stay and its all gone towards our holiday in the states.

Anne glad you had a lovely time on your holiday.

Aprils just passed a ballet exam and lost a lot of weight. Mat had a dreadful cold when I returned and Jess was so worried.

Amanda love your photo with your long hair your very attractive when young. And Jane yours is so cute.

Fiona I do hope you will be ok with your digestion my hubby had that problem years ago and had his gal bladder removed.It was in the days of operations by the knife and he does have a dreadful bulge where they operated on his middle bits he always moans but is fine now. No more nasty acid and burps.

Jane see Chris is doing jury service. My brother did that a case about someone stealing rabbits not impressed bored him to death.

Well dear Donnie did not return and Beryls been gutted. I saw Donnie in the city with pink tinted hair walking along with a girl who looked like she had been starved very tall like him and her hair was purple she had a large ring through her nostril and when I spoke to Donnie he said Oh Sheil me mate and this girl said whoes she your mother. I said no but his wife will be pleased to meet you. Donnie choked and said Sheil Sheil Sheil he was like a grammer phone record. I said Donnie Donnie Donnie.
He grabbed thingies arm and pulled her into British Home stores.

I have not told Beryl .I got a shock when I visited her yesterday her hair was a mess and she had bags under her eyes from crying and told me she was about to commit suicide. i said well wait until i have gone I have just been to one funeral. Beryl screamed at me Rat my Donnies gone and you joke about it. I left was not in the mood I am afraid. I shall confide
with her three daughters Pandora, Elvira ,and Cassandra and see what they want me to do will tell them I saw Donnie.

Frank hope your wife enjoyed her birthday.
I have to go and cook dinner . I hope everyone is well
and Kim sorry your not so good have been thinking of you, found a froggy
joke which made me laugh. Hows our fairy god mother can you wish for me that Beryl does not kill me when she finds out about her lover boy husband who seems to have developed a stutter and pink hair. Oh and a
tall purple haired zombie like thingy for a girlfriend.

Have a lovely evening all .hope everyone is well and happy have to read your threads later so much housework to catch up on.

Jane, it looks like the Frances Asbury was an American Liberty ship , she carries troops from United Kingdom to Normandy.
She was mined in 12/3/1944 10 crew died .

Your most welcome to come to dinner Mel, can you be here by 5-30 :-D

Keeps clouding over now ,looks more like rain .

Mel, I have been adding the Wrights, Saggers, Watson,Broads, Coomes.

Thanks Mel and Mandy.Mel,Dad used to dive and help clear wrecks,so that is definitely the ship.
Chris is on his way home again lol Another wasted day :-S

I must watch Doctors now!.Mel you watch it don't you.........Poor Jack!!!!!

Liz just as well you had a wet room!! Hope everything is ok now.

Kim what an awful ordeal you having toget up stairs :-| Surely they should have wheelchair access somehow.

Mandy can I come to dinner with you tonight please?

Frank Can you tell me who you are adding to your tree.

I am sure something is wrong.

Mel

Morning everyone,

Still windy this morning , but not cold ,i'am sitting here with the back door open .

Jane, you could send for your fathers war record , this will tell you where about's he was posted to, and the ship he was on ,and all movements , i think its about £30 , i'am going to send for my fathers when i get round to it ,although they take a long time to come through.

Kim, fancy having to climb stairs !! i would have thought they would have had a lift , at least they're getting on with it and not keeping you waiting to long , you've got to keep positive ,and as you say the doctor seems confident so that's good too.
Hope your not to bruised after your fall.

Pat, you want to get back to the people you got the coat from ,thats not right sending it out like that .

Right ,now i want to have a look on line for a nice recipe for a suet crust topping for a steak pie i'am making .

BBL