It's a long time since I posted anything to the list, but have two things to say. Firstly I saw Fletch on Saturday at the Blanc/shard FHS annual meeting. He appeared to have recovered from jet lag and was happily taking notes and photographs galore. Also I know there is a big following on the list of Thomas Blanchard and his origins at Goodworth Clatford, England. I wanted to know if anyone has researched the family he left behind. Here is an interesting newspaper cutting: >From the Andover Advertiser Friday, 25 March, 1875 Damaging Underwood Jane Blanchard, wife of Charles Blanchard, of Goodworth Clatford,was summoned by Mr F.R.Loscombe, agent of William Henry Iremonger,esq.,of Wherwell (he was one of the largest landowners in the area at the time) for unlawfully damaging certain underewood growing in Wherwell Wood,on 25th January last. Mr Loscombe deposed:" I am a steward to William Henry Iremonger,esq. On the 25th January last I saw the defendant in Wherwell Wood, which belongs to Mr Iremonmger, with a large bundle of underwood. The underwood was fresh broken off from the stem. I have frequently cautioned the defendant." The defendant admitted the charge, and also that she had twice previously been convicted of a similar offence. She was fined 5/- with 10/6 court costs or in default to go to prison for 14 days with hard labour. She was allowed two weeks to pay the fine. (I do not know if the fine was paid)." John Blanchard john@blanchard.demon.co.uk