Debbie Hearn
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debbiehearnuk.bsky.social
Debbie Hearn
@debbiehearnuk.bsky.social
I love genealogy, plants, beach walks and life. I'm a big believer in happiness research and other science-backed ways of making life better.
A great podcast. I listened for the adoption theme and found so many others besides. Can't help with the John Wilshaw in-law, but I agree re local knowledge, which helps me so much with my Berks, Hants and Wilts ancestors and I miss with the others in their several other counties.
December 11, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Berkshire records, everyone! Always interested in Kintbury and nearby villages. I remember Sir Gordon Richards in the village. Fr. O'Kane would stop the car to exchange racing tips with him, when he was giving my family a lift to church at St Cassian's. Jockey Lester Pigott occasionally, too.
This month’s Just Catalogued blog looks at church records. As well as parish records, there are newly available nonconformist records too. Find out more in our latest blog in the series: royalberkshirearchives.org.uk/blog/just-ca...
December 9, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Hell, yes, to this! I've just been to family get-together and learned that my cousin's life-and-soul-of-the-party wife has a very challenging cancer. It's been a precious opportunity for eating together, warmth, bonding afresh and knowing that whatever happens, we're there for each other.
When we remember the finite nature of life, each day becomes precious and even mundane moments are worth appreciating
December 7, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Reposted by Debbie Hearn
We hope you've enjoyed delving into our archives with us for Explore Your Archive week! 💫

As a final note, we just want to say: our archives are also your archives. We look after them for you, and everyone is welcome - for research, interest or enjoyment!

#EYAYourArchives #ExploreYourArchive
December 7, 2025 at 9:59 AM
I'm using Ancestry's Network tool for the first time, having fun. Have just added a churchwarden named Thomas Rant and am enjoying that name possibly more than I should! 🤣The group consists of the Rector and his entourage and they're a floating tree so a little separate from my ancestor. #genealogy
December 6, 2025 at 11:04 AM
I'd like to bublycise this spelling just seen on @findmypast.bsky.social . 😁
December 5, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Who remembers coins in Christmas puddings? Well, here's a different ingredient:
Who is this woman, proudly wielding a Christmas pudding?

Find out by reading our Book of the Month blog for December: devonandexeterinstitution.org/whats-in-a-p...

You can also pick up Christmas cards featuring this image from our Front Desk.
December 3, 2025 at 9:34 AM
A timely reminder for November, I think. 🙏🏻
Be kind to yourself, you’re doing your best and that’s enough

Image: www.instagram.com/dearbeautifu...
December 2, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Feeling christmassy after a visit to see the decorations at Arlington Court just now. (National Trust) The theme is the story of The Nutcracker Suite and it's been wonderful, especially the tree decorated with dried flowers.
December 2, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Reposted by Debbie Hearn
It's time for @ARAScot #ArchiveAdventCalendar! Who remembers searching catalogues for Christmas present ideas? Duncan Simonds and his brother did just that in 1928 when they sent their mother clippings from the Hamley's catalogue of items they wanted for presents. #Presents 🎁
December 1, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Reposted by Debbie Hearn
Every act of kindness makes a difference. Help create a happier world this December with our Kindness Calendar. Please use & share 💕🌍🎄🙏 #DoGoodDecember actionforhappiness.org/do-good-dece...
November 30, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Earlier: I learned for the first time about the 1403 invasion of the Breton army. So where does this leave me with my 2% Breton DNA (apparently)?! 😁
November 28, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Today, I have taken advantage of a free ride to Plymouth. I've been surprised to learn various connections to this part of Devon, in my family tree. I will combine sightseeing with a little light Christmas shopping. 😊
November 28, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Reposted by Debbie Hearn
Can you help @dearmyrtle.bsky.social find Hannah Hudson in Bisham, Berkshire, UK, and therefore smash her brick wall?

Find out more in our latest episode:

familyhistoriespodcast.com/2025/11/25/s... #genealogy #ancestry #FamilyHistory
S10EP03 - 'The Kindly' with DearMYRTLE - The Family Histories Podcast
Host Andrew welcomes DearMYRTLE to the podcast, and hears about her grandmother and namesake's experiences in 20th century nursing.
familyhistoriespodcast.com
November 27, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Well, folks, I believe I've found a family member who was involved in the Berkshire Swing Riots. Christine Millard, the vicar's wife, wrote a play about the Kintbury riot, when I was a child. Lots more research to be done, so I'll revisit in the future. #genealogy www.hungerfordvirtualmuseum.co.uk
Welcome
The website for all of Hungerford's heritage and history.
www.hungerfordvirtualmuseum.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 1:27 PM
I'm feeling 'two' today and I don't care who knows it. 🤣
Which one are you feeling like on this Monday morning?

Shelfmark: Bodleian Library MS. Bodl. 264, found on Digital Bodleian! Explore the manuscript and what other characters it has to offer: https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/ae9f6cca-ae5c-4149-8fe4-95e6eca1f73c/

#MedievalMonday
November 24, 2025 at 1:58 PM
It's a beautiful day for making the Christmas pudding. Make a wish. 😊
November 20, 2025 at 11:43 AM
It's a beautiful day for making a Christmas pudding.🍮
November 20, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Reposted by Debbie Hearn
Happy International Men’s Day! 🎉

Today we are celebrating all the amazing men in our lives.

Today reach out to a man you care about and let him know what you appreciate about him, let him know you are there for him if he ever needs to talk 💜

www.actionforhappiness.org
November 19, 2025 at 11:50 AM
The old window is channelling the sun nicely, this morning.
November 17, 2025 at 9:50 AM
We had an absolute ball at the immersive sound, vision & animation art event today. My birthday present from one of my sons & his family. In the abstract hall which immediately put me in mind of the late 1960's, my soon to be six granddaughter was moved to interpretive dance. 🥰 Surprising enough 1/2
November 15, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Reposted by Debbie Hearn
Happy World Kindness Day! 🌍🩷

Let’s celebrate by doing one kind act for others.

Let’s send ripples of kindness around the world for World Kindness Day!

#happiness #worldkindnessday #worldkindnessday2025 #wellbeing
November 13, 2025 at 9:13 AM
I have just now discovered that my ancestor, Mr John Wooldridge, was buried three hundred years ago, today, on 11 September, 1725. He died at thirty-nine, having lost two wives and at least two of his children.
November 11, 2025 at 10:15 AM
I've been leafing through 18th century parish registers for the South Hams area of Devon, England, where I've found several maternal and paternal surnames co-mingling. Any minute now, I'm expecting to find that I'm my own cousin! #GenHour 😁
November 6, 2025 at 8:06 PM
This happened today: "It's the last of The Traitors tonight." "I'll dig some more." 🥔🥔🥔😂
November 6, 2025 at 7:43 PM