To all concerned. Maybe it 'is because I'm the new kid on the block but I don't care. All I know is I have been so welcomed and assisted that it is wonderful. I came to Melbourne from Newcastle at the tender age of 19 ( not telling what year that was ) and would not live anywhere else. I would like to tell the story of how I found out I was a Varney/Hasthorpe descendant, if I may, as I had no idea until I had been living in Melbourne for 14 years. Mum & dad came down from Newcastle for a visit. What to do with them? I know, we could spend a day at the Moe Museum, so with picnic in hand, this is what we did. Mum and I were in the war section when, while looking at a glass case on the wall, she suddenly started screaming. I'm thinking, snake, huge spider, and screaming back at her " What - what - where " Pointing at the role book she said, half yelling with excitement " There, in the book, that's my uncle Reg, Reginald Hasthorpe". I'm ready to humour her at this point when she dragged me back out to the entry kiosk and asked for the local phone book. The rest, as they say, is history. Once again many thanks and I do hope I can contribute, instead of just asking questions. Lorraine Bower.