Rob.L

By using census and church records, you can only reliably go back as far as the 1600s in England. Which is why I got stuck at William Wat (or Watt), who was born about 1652, on my line. Beyond that, for anyone who isn't royal, titled, or landed gentry, it's mostly down to land ownership, possible mentions in tax records, and so on. A lot of these clams back beyond then are flights of fancy, usually from across the Atlantic. I've seen worse with our Polish research, where everyone seems to want to prove they are from aristocracy if they find a name ending in 'ski'.

#32 Lizzie, I'd dispute that statement! The females in this house put stuff in at random. My OCD means that I have to arrange everything properly with all the same-size plates together, all the cups in particular order, and so on, to make it easier when it gets emptied the next morning.

I'd agree with you on that, David. Quite close to the back gate on Digby. Possibly the winter of '63?

Don't know if the back paths of the Forest would be up to it now. Never rode it in anger myself, but I recall seeing (and meeting) the likes of Barry Hoban and Lucien van Impe there as dad organised some of the races...with Jimmy Savile doing the commentary and presenting the prizes!

#9 David, Was it Watson's? For some reason, that name is stuck in my mind.

And another. That's St Mark's Church, Woodthorpe under it.

Came over our way, too.

And I should remember too, David, as the shop was next door to our house (before the Gulf garage was built), but also have a mental block!

Don't remember that one, but have many fond memories of Windale's Bakery at the corner of Roseleigh Avenue. Being sent by my mum to buy a freshly baked Hovis, butter, and a quarter of freshly carved ham on the bone for our tea. Or nipping round the back to "recycle" yesterday's unsold cakes and doughnuts.

Trevor, Absolutely no impact at all. Many people are saying that it's just a political stunt to take people's minds off the possibility of more MPs defecting to UKIP. Which is why Theresa May was virtually grinning when she made the announcement.

Wife's aunt used to live in a bungalow next door to West Bridgford Ambulance Station. It still had an Anderson shelter in the back garden. Just checked, and it's not visible on Google Earth unfortunately.

Not all were tin huts. The people of Nottingham were lucky that we have so many caves. Certainly the one on Mansfield Road made use of the cave system. You can still see the gated-off entrance

I know. I've been caught up in the tailbacks more than a few times. Still, at least I know how to get around it, either through Edwards Lane estate or Arnold Road.

Why did they decided on that daft shape, and why have they never changed it since? I hate that island!

While wandering around the web, I came upon this... http://www.ournottinghamshire.org.uk/page_id__1304.aspx My earliest memory is of telling my dad that Walt didn't serve Heinz Beans! When I finally got to ride the O2 in later years, I wished that it was still there.

Loppylugs, Most are no longer with us, unfortunately. I think John Watson is still around, but Bert Morris's pipe finally went out about twenty years ago. Lyn James is still going strong, and his brother, Ken, is a neighbour of mine. Lost track of Ron Bates, so no idea if he is still around. PP, The very same! I only got rid of dozens of boxes of his negatives a few weeks ago, so not much chance of getting any reprints.

#3 And if you have any photos of you racing during that era, it's more than likely that my dad took them!

Back in the 1930s, my dad was a founder member of Nottingham Wheelers. In fact, he met my mum on a club run. One of my brothers rode for the Wheelers. Later, in the 60s, dad was also a founder member of Nottingham Arrow, which if I recall correctly as a merger of the Wheelers and, I think, Nottm Castle. Me, I wanted to be different so joined the Sherwood when I started racing at the back end of the 60s. That club is still going strong.

I thought for a second that they were going to demolish the carbuncle. But no, they're only going to tart it up.

My preferred news source is google news, as this summarises and groups reports on subjects. That way, I can see e different slants the rags put on the news according to their political bias. The Express ceased to be a newspaper when it was bought by some bloke who had made his money out of porn (Sullivan?). Since then, it's been nothing but a comic full of crap stories about Diana, Maddie, and the EU.

#37 Because it would be political suicide for any politician to even consider doing it.

About the only parts I've seen which have been worth watching are Frances Finn's legs.

From my mate...

Years ago, I found a very easy way to avoid getting points or fines for speeding. And despite doing a few hundred thousand miles since, I've never been caught.

Seeing those massive charges for medical care rather makes us moaning about paying a few quid to park at hospitals to shame. Despite all it's failings, we should really be grateful for the NHS.