Knowing that Ken Magson and Syd Tranmer (his mother was a Magson) lived in Ontario, I contacted them before our arrival. Between us we organised a meeting time – Sunday 23 May 1999. Ken and Patsy travelled from Cannington, Syd and Chris from Brantford, both approximately one hours drive from Toronto. Suzanne gave Patsy detailed instructions on how to find the house on Glen Manor Drive. Just as well they did not ask me! Syd and Chris were the first to arrive, followed not much later by Ken and Patsy, and what a great day we had. There was much to talk about, information to share, family trees to look at. In my possession was a family of Syd’s branch of the family, sent to me years ago by his distant cousin. Ken was interested in a letter from a person with Magson connections, who lived nearby to his parent’s home. Lunch was enjoyed by all, before returning to more conviviality. Patsy, Chris and Shirley were not left out of the conversation either. Ken told us a little of his life in the Canadian Navy and his travels, now-a-days as well as looking after several websites, he works as a chef at a rural hotel. A busy man! Suzanne then spoke up. She was intrigued by the resemblances between Ken and my family, particularly my nephew. Similar colouring, body shape, even personality apparently. It seems all the Magsons must be connected, even if a long way back. A great day, eventually it was time to say goodbye, but we hope to meet again some day. My one regret is that we only took a few photos, somehow we were too busy talking. Below is a photo of Chris looking at a booklet about my home town of Ashburton.
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