Linda is one of two guest speakers that are joining us from ‘across the ditch’ in New Zealand.
I have been a follower of Linda’s through social media for quite some time, and in March 2013, on the Unlock the Past 3rd Cruise, I had the pleasure of meeting her in person. I must say that it is a realt thrill to finally be able to put face to avatars or blog names that you follow. Other social media nuts know what I mean by this.
After having a total ball on the 3rd Cruise, Linda has been spreading the word about genealogy cruises all over New Zealand to her genie friends, and can’t wait for the 4th Cruise to start.
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NAME: Linda Elliott
HOMETOWN/COUNTRY: Kerikeri, New Zealand
DAYTIME JOB: Retired Genealogist
Q1. Think back to your childhood … now what is your favourite memory from that time?
My Dad moving the garden gnomes around the garden before he went to work so my brother, sister and I could race out to the garden after breakfast to see what the gnomes had been up to during the night!!
Q2. There’s always ‘something’ that sparks an interest in genealogy/history? What was it that sparked your interest?
My father told me that his mother came from a little village called Goosey and the name intrigued me plus I only knew one grandparent so they were all mysterious people.
Q3. How old were you when you developed an interest in this hobby?
About 14 years old. I got given a birth certificate and a death certificate for my 15th birthday !!
Q4. What countries across this big wide world did your ancestors come from?
England, Ireland and a very distant ancestor who was from Italy.
Q5. Is genealogy/history your main job?
I was a genealogy researcher for quite a few years and now run my website.
Q6. Do you have a genealogy mentor or idol? Someone who has deeply influenced you in your research along the way?
Anthony Camp of the Society of Genealogists, London spent several hours many, many years ago giving me an outline of what made a good genealogist. In those days the Society wasn’t as busy as it is now and I think he felt sorry for this young woman who really didn’t know what she was doing!!
Q7. We all know that you family history can reveal some amazing things. Have any of your discoveries resulted in a life-changing experience?
Not sure about life-changing, but I have had some “WOW” moments such as find out that little Ann Pottinger daughter of an agricultural labourer was a descendant of a very influential family with connections to royalty. I also found that an ancestor was the leader of some riots in rural Hampshire, not to mention my criminal ancestors ………… !!
Q8. What do you find most challenging about research?
Finding enough time to do all the research I want to do.
Q9. If you had a time-machine what relative (past, present or future) would you most like to meet?
My grandmother Ada Beatrice Southwell.
Q10. Still using that time machine, you’ve been propelled into the future five years, what do you see yourself doing?
Much the same as I am doing now – blogging, writing, teaching, researching.
Q11. What value do you think social media plays in genealogy these days?
Immense, trying to do genealogy without social media/internet is like trying to play golf without the golfballs!
Q12. What do you do when you aren’t doing genealogy or history?
Spending time with my family, gardening and catching up with friends (who are mainly genealogists!!)
Q13. What do you hope to get out of a genealogy cruise?
Sharing knowledge and experience with fellow genealogists, visiting new place, mixing with like minded people.
Q14. Share with us a few (up to five) of the genealogy websites that you tend to spend the most time on?
Ancestry
FindMyPast
A2A
FamilySearch
DeceasedOnline
Q15. Do you have any wise words for those just starting out in genealogy?
Keep notes, record sources, read several good beginners books.
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For those of you who are going on the 4th cruise, here is a list of topics that Linda is expected to be speaking on, based on the Preliminary Program:
– Research like a professional genealogist: find out how
– Nonconformists (England)
– Burying your London ancestors: cemeteries, burial grounds
– Some more free English genealogy websites that I love!
– A typical English village (Goosey)
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT LINDA’S WEBSITE AND BLOG:
www.madaboutgenealogy.com
AND YOU CAN ALSO FIND LINDA ON …
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/linda.elliott.5070
Twitter @mad_genealogy
Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/1/104815451756004513886/posts
