I received this from another list. I am writing to respond on the PRO's behalf to some of the issues which have been raised on this newsgroup over the past few days. I will endeavour to keep you updated with more information as it emerges: 1) Demand - I read the debate here with some interest. Clearly we under-estimated the likely volume of usage on the first few days. Our thinking, based on the usage figures of similar genealogical web sites, was based on the assumption that we would get 1 million visitors a day. Each visitor would view a number of pages and consequently, the number of hits (components of pages delivered) would be considerably larger than this. 2) What went wrong? We have been hit by a phenomenal demand - there were 34 million attempts to access the site in the first two days (This figure does not represent 34 million separate individuals, but a number of millions of people trying to get on several times). There therefore has been acute congestion at the entry point to the site, but behind this, the site itself works and delivers images - if you can get to it. 3) What have we done about it? We are trying three approaches to remedy the problems. First, we are working with our isp to increase bandwidth as soon as is practicable, although this can't be turned on immediately as it will require additional firewall capacity. Second, we are looking to reduce the size of the pages to be downloaded by creating a text-only site.. Finally,we are determining what can be done to improve overall capacity on the site. 4) What happened on Friday night? Due to overwhelming demand, we had to restrict access. This is now being progressively restored. 5) What about the PRO's own web site? Our site is physically separate from the census site and has remained operational despite an increase in the number of visitors from an average of 35,000 a day to 1 million on Thursday. 6) Charges - can I reiterate what I said here earlier in the week - nobody will be charged if they have not received images or transcripts. If, due to a technical problem, you do have a charge on your account, we will arrange a refund. Normally a credit card session remains open for 48 hours. Recognising that users have had difficulty in accessing the site we have increased this to 144 hours for the time being. 7) Communications - by Thursday night the PRO had received 1,000 phone calls and nearly 600 e-mails and QinetiQ even more than this. We are trying to reply as quickly and courteously as possible, but please forgive us if our response time is a little slow. Finally, all of us on the team, both from QinetiQ and the PRO are disappointed at what has happened. Some of us are keen family historians and others have relatives who have that interest. We are all convinced that we have an excellent product and are working long hours to ensure that you will be able to enjoy it as soon as possible. > > > > > > > > David Thomas > > > > Head of e-Access,PRO ----------- Karen "I use Archive CD Books to help with my research." http://www.archivecdbooks.com EYES Family History http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~karenohare Liverpool Photographers http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~liverpoolphotographers

Dear Johanna Thank you very much for your kind message.. Very helpful. best wishes Anne In message <017a01c196fb$4dae22a0$88223c3e@tinypc>, johannawebster1 <johannawebster1@tinyworld.co.uk> writes >Hello,Anne...when I was a child there was a road >called THE DELL ,in ROCK FERRY near the CROSVILLE >bus station on the CHESTER ROAD,possibly named >after the property to which you refer.As for the >subject of ST.LUKES church which was bombed in the >war,my step-grandpa was one of the first on the >scene and I believe received an award for >bravery,I am not too sure of the details,perhaps >someone on the list could enlighten me,his name >was WILLIAM HATTON,thankyou,Johanna. > > >============================== >To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: >http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > -- Anne Rose

Hello,Anne...when I was a child there was a road called THE DELL ,in ROCK FERRY near the CROSVILLE bus station on the CHESTER ROAD,possibly named after the property to which you refer.As for the subject of ST.LUKES church which was bombed in the war,my step-grandpa was one of the first on the scene and I believe received an award for bravery,I am not too sure of the details,perhaps someone on the list could enlighten me,his name was WILLIAM HATTON,thankyou,Johanna.

Listers, I have not had much luck in finding census information on my great grandfather John Farrall, who lived at 43 Bromborough Road , Bebington, until 1891, when the family moved to 48 Park Road, Port Sunlight. Apparently Port Sunlight was not officially on the map in 1891, even though people were living there in 1890-91 and was not available for input into the 1891 census - AT LEAST THAT IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD (SIC). Alas - Bureacracy Reigns!! (Hope to see some of you at the Port Sunlight Family Fair in March.) Cheers, John Farrall Burke, Virginia USA

Hello List, If some kind person should have these directories in there presents could I ask you to check out Thomas FULTON last address 1891 census 56 Cathcart Street Birkenhead. .And also Samuel BROWN 1881 census 83 Brook Street, Birkenhead. To see how long there were at these address's. Your kindness is truely appreciated. Thank You. Pat and Bill Alberta, Canada. pat0bill@telusplanet.net

Listers, This it a reposting. I would greatly appreciate it if some kind soul could do a look-up for the Wirral area (Bebington) to locate the following family. The information was obtained from the 1851 census, but the provider could not obtain the address. I am primaily interested in MARY BEBINGTON, listed as a "nurse child" with the Green family. I am searching for the address and the 1861 and 1871 information on this family, to include additional Green family members. Any information you could provide would be appreciated. Thanks Thos Green, Head Married 36 Agricultural Labourer born Bebington Hannah Green, married 40 born Stockport Ellen Green daughter age 7 born Bebington Robert Green son age 4 born Bebington Thomas Green son age 2 born Bebington John Langley stepson age 18 Agricultural labourer born Birkenhead Ann Langley stepdaughter age 12 born Lancashire Liverpool MARY BEBINGTON nurs(e) child age 9 months. John Farrall Burke Virginia Researching: FARRALL DAWSON WHITE HALL WHITEHEAD BEBINGTON

Dear Anthony Thank you very much for the information. I am most grateful best wishes Anne In message <011c01c196c3$ff052180$ec0387d9@euro.monsanto.com>, Antony Lambert Certificates <antonylambert@dialsquare.fsnet.co.uk> writes >From Cheshire B M D > > >Cheshire Marriage indexes for the years: 1896 to 1899 >Surname Forename(s) Surname Forename(s) Church / Register Office Region >Reference >DELBANCO Charles S C GAUNT Maude Tranmere, St. Paul WR BK18/3/320 > > >Might he be yours > >Antony > > > > >B M & D Certificates: Pay with a non sterling cheque or Credit Card and get >them directly from the local office of the Superintendent Registrar. See my >low tech web page for details. www.certificates.fsnet.co.uk/certific.htm >or e mail me at antonylambert@certificates.fsnet.co.uk > >The Hurst Pages: www.certificates.fsnet.co.uk/hurstpages.htm > > >============================== >To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: >http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > -- Anne Rose

Hi Anne, St. Luke's C of E Church is still there in Hardman Street, Liverpool. It was bombed during World War Two so is now just a shell. Best wishes, Karen "I use Archive CD Books to help with my research." http://www.archivecdbooks.com EYES Family History http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~karenohare Liverpool Photographers http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~liverpoolphotographers

From Cheshire B M D Cheshire Marriage indexes for the years: 1896 to 1899 Surname Forename(s) Surname Forename(s) Church / Register Office Region Reference DELBANCO Charles S C GAUNT Maude Tranmere, St. Paul WR BK18/3/320 Might he be yours Antony B M & D Certificates: Pay with a non sterling cheque or Credit Card and get them directly from the local office of the Superintendent Registrar. See my low tech web page for details. www.certificates.fsnet.co.uk/certific.htm or e mail me at antonylambert@certificates.fsnet.co.uk The Hurst Pages: www.certificates.fsnet.co.uk/hurstpages.htm

Dear List My first posting to you. I am looking for information on Charles DELBANCO b 7th April 1863 in ? Chile Christened 2cnd March 1898 in St Lukes Church Liverpool m Maude Gaunt/Gant I believe they lived in a house called "The Dell " in Birkenhead. Charles was an Importer /Exporter This information is based on family memory I would love to find any further information on this family. I hope the 1901 census will help..in time ! But meanwhile if anyone could shed any light for me I would be most grateful. Is St Lukes an Anglican church ? I have the 1851 census for Bristol Somerset and Gloucestershire I am happy to do look ups for anyone. best wishes Anne ( Wiltshire ) -- Anne Rose

>From Wallasey news Charter supplement 1960 "Yates Brewery" " Yates Brewery was just half a century old when Wallasey got it's Charter of Incorporation. The town celebrates a golden anniversay. The brewery marks a century of progress The company now has 13 houses in Wallasey These include off-licences Among the oldest are the Perch Rock Hotel, New Brighton and Queen's Inn Liscard - one of the oldest buildings in Wallasey, with a history dating back some two hundred years The Saddle Inn, Withens lane is another hostelry with an interesting story. It was originally two picturesque cottages owned by a Mr BELLIS (whose family still live a few doors away). Yates bought the property in 1887, when a Mr WILLIS grandfather of the present licensee became tenant The Black Horse in name at least has been in Wallasey for two hundred and thirty two years. The old building was demolished in 1931. The new premises were built on the site and designed in striking Tudor style Big and imposing, the Leasowe Hotel, in Reeds Lane Leasowe was built at a time when houses in the immediate neighbourhood were few. The brewers were looking ahead. It took the licence of the Travellers rest, which had been a Wallasey Village landmark for very many years" ............................... Caryl

Happy New Year everybody. I'm trying this from a new angle as I cannot find reference to the birth of 'our' HENRY EVANS. According to family folklore Henry and his wife Suzannah (nee PEERS) had a pottery business - they either sold pots or made them or something, in Birkenhead. This would have been between 1894 when they married and 1906 when Suzannah died. They had CHARLES EVANS in 1902 and WILLIAM ROBERT EVANS in December 1903. He was born at 20 Seabank Cottages. Does any of this ring any bells with anyone? Thanks Juliet

>From Wallasey News Charter supplement "Birkenehead Brewery" "The Birkenhead Brewery was founded in the first half of the nineteenth century, when the brewing business's of two families were combined. These were the ASPINALL's and the COOK's whose separate breweries were situated in Cleveland Street and Oxton road Birkenehead On Aug 29 1865, they amalgamated and formed a limited company under the companies Act of 1862 with the title of The Birkenhead Amalgamated Brewery Co Ltd. This was later changed to The Birkenhead Brewery Co Ltd. It is probably the oldest established joint stock brewery company in existence In 1948 the company aquired Mackie and Gladstone (Birkenhead and Liverpool) Ltd now called Mackie (B & L ) Ltd wine and spirit merchants and in 1951 the mineral water manufacturing business of Moorhouse Bros Ltd was added to the group of companies ........................................ Caryl Liverpool Marriages and Obituaries http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~liverpool/main.html Liverpool Snippets http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~liverpool/snippets.html Liverpool Churches (also has Wirral churches) http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~liverpool/churches.html

>From Wallasey News Charter Supplement 1960 "Bellwoods" "Founded in Liverpool about 1890 the firm moved to it's present premises in Wallasey road before the first world war. They soon became well known as pawnbrokers and jewellers. There were quite a number of pawnshops or "uncles" as they were known in those days, but as the trade dwindled most had taken in their last bundle many years ago and now only two remain :Cookson's of Poulton road and of course Bellwoods On the death of Mr Phillip BELLWOOD in 1955, Mr E W BROOKS and Mr BELLWOOD's sister continued with the business. Mr BELLWOOD has served 37 years with the firm. He is very well -known among Wallasey tradespeople and particularly Rotarians as he had been their honorary secretary for the past two years He played a big part in organising Wallasey's Refugee year fund of which he is honorary treasurer .................................................... Caryl Liverpool Marriages and Obituaries http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~liverpool/main.html Liverpool Snippets http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~liverpool/snippets.html Liverpool Churches (also has Wirral churches) http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~liverpool/churches.html

>From Wallasey News Charter Supplement 1960 "Allanson's" In the year 1860 when Grange Road was known as Grange lane, John ALLANSON and his sister opened on the site of the present store a small draper's shop - no different from any other draper's shop in those days. John ALLANSON and his sister soon became known as the keenest drapers in the North of England, and customers came to their little shop from all over Lancashire and North Wales >From that small beginning, extending on a similar policy as that laid down by John ALLANSON, and added to every year by new additions to meet the growing public demand, there developed the present day large store in Grange road In 1934 it was converted into a public company and there are now hundreds of share holders from all over the country On September 29 1940 when Birkenhead was subjected to heavy bombing by the enemy, Allanson's store was hit by a shower of incendiaries causing a tremendous fire which destroyed half of the building and much valuable stock The present store is operated on two extensive floors and everything required for furnishing a home can be purchased" ...................................................................... Caryl

I've got hold of an old Wallasey Newspaper Charter supplement 1910-1960 In the paper are several interesting articles about the history of Wallasey, the Wirral and several local businesses. I'll post a few extracts Here is one: "Hundred Years Progress at Panter's Bricks" "Possibly the oldest business in Wallasey S Panter BRICK Ltd was founded over 100 years ago (now over 140 yrs) by Mrs Margaret BRICK, the great-grandmother of the present Mr BRICK in Abbotsford Street Seacombe. In their early days Panter Brick's not only sold boots and shoes but were manufacturers also. As the business developed branches were opened in various districts Seacombe, Egremont, New Brighton, Hoylake and in their present premises in Liscard road, the road which will become Wallasey's main shopping centre Although the business has seen many changes with the passing years one of it's oldest traditions remains, that of "shoes to measure". Panter's Bricks no longer make your shoes, but they remain as keen as ever to ensure that you wear shoes that really fit Mr Roger Panter BRICK took charge of the business in 1950, his father Alderman Samuel Panter BRICK - a member of Wallasey Town Council for 30 years since 1920 and Mayor in 1934-35 - having died suddenly at the age of 79 while visiting another son in Johannesburg S Africa. Soon after the war he bought the well known billiards hall in Wallasey road for conversion into a shoe repair factory." .......................... Caryl

hI lISTERS - Have not had a reply to a previous request if anyone could do a lookup for me of the 1901 census (with 34 million hits on Thursday cannot access it on-line) Heres hoping that perhaps my message was not clear and wondering if SKS could look up the EVANS family. In 1891 Richard EVANS was Sunlight village all by himself. in 1891 he married Elizabeth Frances Glazebrook in Holy Trinity Church in Birkenhead. his address was given as 9 Sunlight Cottage , which I presume was the same place in Sunlight Village, Bibbington Now Elizabeth was born 11 Sept 1872 she was listed as 8 years old on the 1881 census at 1 Booth St. along with whole family. Her address on marriage certificate 1891 was given as 34 Russell St. I have been looking for information on Richard EVANS and father Charles for a long time now and this is the closest I have gotton. He should be on the 1901 census along with wife and several children Rebecca Florence Lamont, born 1891, Eleanor born 1892, Charles died as infant, Georgina born 1900 These are the main family I am looking for but others could still be in the Birkenhead area in 1901. I know that Charles had other children who were in the area maybe Tranmere for some Elizabeth, Pamela, Annie, Georgina, Joseph and Lloyd(believe died in area 1940's) Now where were they in 1901, I believe they were in Sunlight Village as Richard was working for Lord Lever and they didn't move until about 1903 to St. Helens. This is a lot of work and information required but would have shown all the facts that I know as one never knows when a little peice of information will give a searcher a clue to go on. I would be very glad to receive one piece of information from one person and if two could help oh I would be so happy. Thanking in advance for any help I can get. Regards Joyce Crete, Paris, Ont.

Hi All, I have just received a snippet of information and wondered if anyone was looking at the Rake Lane Cemetery records in the near future would they have a look to see if they can locate the details of the grave containing Jesse (Jessica) WALSHAM who died 3d Nov 1944 in Birkenhead. Also in the same grave could be Sam Walsham, Julia Walsham. Sorry no grave numbers or any other information. Is this an unreasonable request? I offer look ups in Birmingham in return. Many thanks, Sue. Research Interests:- Liverpool and Lancashire CALLAN, DILLON, GARVEY, Ann HOLT b1835, HUGHES, LEAH, LEEKE, MANSURE, McLENNON, ROBERTS, THOMPSON, UPTON, WALSHAM Norfolk:- WYER and/or variants - early 1800's. Wirral:- Henry CLARE, DILLON, EDMONDSON, MORRIN, WYER/WYRE West Yorkshire:- BARRACLOUGH, BARRON/BERRON, BASTOW, BLAMIRES, CHARLESWORTH, CLOUGH, EDMONDSON, FIRTH, GARTHWAITE, ILLINGWORTH, JOWETT, KNOWLES, LUMB, MITCHELL, NEWSOME, PRIESTLEY

Hello Listers, Here are the details of the family I am trying to make contact with any descendants Edward David GRIFFITH-JONES bn 1867-1868 and Mary Ann RICHARDS bn 1865-1866 Children: @1901 census Address of where they lived are Seabank Cottages , Tranmere 38 Aspendale Rd, Tranmere Robert GR-J bn 1886-87 married a Margaret Ann, may have a daughter Mary Francis who married an ELLERSHAW David Gr-J bn 1889-1890 married Ellen Wheadon? committed suicide in 1929, buried in Flaybrick. George Gr.J bn 1891-1892 Elizabeth Ann Gr-J... bn 1894 my Nan married George LEA, my granddad Mary H.GR-J BN 1896-1897 possibly married a S. PRYCE/W.TURNER Margaret GR-J 1898-1899 married John Walker Sarah F. Gr-J bn abt 1901 possibly married a S. PRYCE/W.TURNER E. GR-J bn ??? Lydia GR-J, still unmarried at 1929 F Gr-J bn?/ Anyone out there connected , please get in touch. (\~~/) (=','=) (")..(") Wendy You're no bunny till some bunny loves you ----- Original Message ----- From: <BIRKENHEAD-D-request@rootsweb.com> To: <BIRKENHEAD-D@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, January 04, 2002 6:00 AM Subject: BIRKENHEAD-D Digest V02 #3 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.307 / Virus Database: 168 - Release Date: 11/12/01

Hi listers, Reposting my interests, all in Liverpool and Toxteth park, some of whcih came from Cheshire firt then moved back to the Wirral, here are some details FOXLEY....all of them.. they are all related... because I traced them all :-). This is my main line of interest, they go back to Cheshire in Northwich and Leftwich, from a John and Hannah Foxley, the families coming to Liverpool about 1851. some of the families stayed in Liverpool and some came over to the Wirral. WEEKS, Emily Waterson, born 1881 to Robert J. B WEEKS and Emma Jane WATERSON, who previously married someone named HALL and had a daughter named Robina, possibly. They have a grandchild in the 1901 Census named Mary J. WRIGHT AGED 8 years. James WEEKS, born 1886, is the father of Alan WEEKS, the TV presenter. WATERSON, EMMA JANE born about 1840 daughter of Edward WATERSON born I.O.M? and Mary Jane COWLEY. HIDE, all those descended from Frederick Henry HIDE , aka Featherstone Henry HIDE registered in Shoreditch LONDON abt 1839 married Mary Ann SPILLER born St. Germans Cornwall 1836, he was her 3rd husband, the other two being James William TUCKER and Samuel OLIVER... all sailors and no deaths certs found for the first two hubbys' yet...... . they lived in Bran St., Lothian Street and Bowman St, Toxteth Park. from 1880's till 1899. Their son Frederick Orlando Spencer HIDE was a Police man and lived in Yates St. Mary Ann could never get her age right , she was always about three years younger on census, marriage certs except when she was young and at home with her parents. that's all, would like to hear from anyone connected to the above. (\~~/) (=','=) (")..(") Wendy You're no bunny till some bunny loves you --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.307 / Virus Database: 168 - Release Date: 11/12/01