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Back Row: Brenda, Wendy, Alan
Front Row: Rob, Rae |
London had been exciting – River Thames Cruise, Kew Gardens, our theatre fix with
"Miss Saigon", a bus ride to Oxford and Stratford-On-Avon, however the highlight
of my United Kingdom stay had to be Tuesday 1 June 1999. Shirley and I arrived at
Picadilly Circus Station early in the morning and managed to board the train to Swindon.
Not bad for a couple of small town Kiwis! After travelling through the countryside for
approximately one hour we arrived at Swindon.
We were early, but eventually Wendy arrived. My fear had been that I
would not recognise her as we had only corresponded, but this was not a problem. A quarter
hour in the car and we were driving through the beautiful village of Fairford, until we
arrived at Wendy’s house. Wendy’s mother had been a Magson so there was plenty
to talk about. While we were enjoying a cup of coffee, Wendy’s sister Brenda arrived,
and then Alan Magson, who had travelled down from Halifax the day before and stayed at a
bed and breakfast. Alan had been doing lots of Magson research, so we had much in common,
and lots of papers to be looked at. Later in the morning Rob Magson drove up in his white
convertible sports car, Rob has also done lots of research, so we sat around the table and
talked. We did not manage to join any of the family trees, but they all seemed to
originate in Yorkshire somewhere. Alan took a photo of the Magson crest that I had brought
with me, we also discovered the history of the crest.
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Looking at the Magson crest while enjoying the Fairford sunshine |
The weather was warm, the sunshine enjoyable, lunch was enjoyed outside.
Strawberries and cream, yummy!
The peace was disturbed and we were quietened whilst three loud aeroplanes flew over,
apparently on their way to Kosovo. The airfield is near to Fairford. Brenda took Shirley
to look at the village and the local church, which is famous for their beautiful stained
glass windows.
Wendy and Brenda thought I looked like their mother, and showed me photos of her. We do
not know where our family trees are connected, but is seems the probably are.
My home country of New Zealand was discussed. I had given them some books and leaflets to
show what it is like. Maybe one day, New Zealand will have some Magson visitors. I hope
so.
This day had to end. Alan drove us back to Swindon to catch the train to London, but it
was a truly memorable day, not to be forgotten. Now when I write to Alan, Rob or Wendy I
can picture them.
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Alan Magson |
Rae Magson
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