The journey to discovery

In 1993 Cliff and Joanne enrolled in a local community college to learn about Genealogy. Once a week they went along to learn the ways in which to trace our family history. Everything was going along well until in June the Trams at Parramatta Park burnt down. The journey of finding our heritage came to a halt.

Some 15 years on, while Jo was reading the Daily Telegraph newspaper she saw someone asking the where about of “Hoskinson’s Creek”. It was Robyn Currell of Tamworth. Jo was soon in contact with her via email, suggesting that Joanne may have some information from when Cliff and she were researching.

Joanne took a few days to respond as she didn’t have much information at all. She certainly didn’t know the location of Hoskinson’s creek. Joanne did realize though that she didn’t know much at all. Cliff and Joanne really didn’t even skim the surface when it came to discovering the past. So before Joanne responded to Robyn she spent some time on the Internet hoping she may discover a little more about her past.

The Internet proved to be very valuable for her as she endeavored to ascertain where she came from. With more knowledge under her belt she felt confident enough to contact Robyn. Joanne was soon to find out that Robyn was at this stage very new to tracing the family tree and was mainly concerned about Albert Edward Currell, Cliff’s oldest half brother. Robyn did pass on what information she had and some proved most useful.

While surfing the net Joanne located Ron Currell in England whom is a descendant of Luke and Sarah Currell. The data Ron forwarded over to Joanne was priceless. And in turn Joanne has been able to fill some of the gaps in his facts.

With knowing there are relations out there gave Joanne the drive and determination to follow through and find her extended family even if only on paper as for all her life the only Currell’s she has know have been her own immediate family.

There have been countless emails, phone calls and even road trips to ensure memories are not lost. With Cliff gone and not having him here to ask questions it is quite hard to realize what sort of early life he had. To piece together what information we can now for the future generations is imperative.

One thing this research has done for Cliffs children is bring them closer together again, as for a few years there they had drifted apart. For Joanne one memorable thing was while sitting at Linda’s dinning table with her and Beth. Watching the way in which Linda relived her memories with us, the love and warmth that flowed from her. While reminiscing about Steven Beth couldn’t bear the heartache she was feeling and it all became to much for her, Linda consoled her in such a compassionate way, that, that memory will be long lasting for Joanne as she was thankful to have been there to witness it, The love of sisters.




Reminiscing over Lamb cutlets



Joanne taking notes of Linda & Beth's memories

Next instalment Road trip Number 1...