Give them a hug from us Sharon. I know that this is off topic, but the point of my original message was not only to thank Anne and Les but all the other regulars on the list who help us all out. This list is one of the best as over the past four years I have been on it I have noticed that most people do thank those that have helped in their research. A little thank you for even the tiniest piece of info passed on through the lists goes a long way. And often strikes up a good friendship. The IOW has always been one of my favourite places so this list is a fitting tribute. Chris Hayles (proud to have an Island name) -----Original Message----- From: Sharon Austin [mailto:mamagull@yahoo.com] Sent: 27 August 2004 05:17 To: ISLE-OF-WIGHT-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [IoW] Ann & Les.... I too am another of those that is indebted to Ann and Les; she was researching for me, and at the same time for my Dad's first cousin in Australia. Didn't take long before Ann put the two of us in touch with each other, and my father was absolutely thrilled to know that there were other cousins still floating about this good earth. He had NO idea that his uncle had emigrated to Australia - and so knew nothing of the family living 'down under'. Fortunately, when my husband came up with the idea last spring of me making the trip to the UK this fall, Dad immediately declared that HE would cover the airfare. One small way to thank me for all the cousins I have been digging up. But it is Ann who really deserves the accolades, and I do plan to get together with the Barretts for dinner while I am there. Will take photos, and post them so that not only will we all know of these incredible people, but we'll all be able to put faces to the names! I'm also looking forward to meeting others from this list while I am on the Isle; there are cousins from 2 of the four immediate lines I am researching (SAVAGE and MURSELL - my grandfather's family) still there, and on the mainland grandmother's SHAW and REED family as well. I am looking forward SO MUCH to meeting Ann and Les - will give them hugs from all of you! Sharon in the final countdown stage to departure on Sept 21..... --- All of our outgoing mail is checked and certified Virus Free by regularl updates Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.735 / Virus Database: 489 - Release Date: 06/08/2004