An email from Canada

We have received this email from Vancouver, Canada, which may jog some memories for some of you:

I am an avid birder near Vancouver,Canada researching my family history in Ashtead and Surrey via the internet and whose great grandparents, James MATTHEWS, his wife Catherine Eliza ETHERINGTON, and their 13 children lived and worked at West Lodge Ashtead in the 1880's throught the early 1900's. The family, including my grandmother, Rayne Annie MATTHEWS attended St. Giles Church and my great Uncle Reece (a choirboy) also "helped" the organist and sometimes jammed the pedals - the monkey!!

 

I have several photos of West Lodge gates (with my family playing on bicycles), and of the fields and a "lane' in Ashtead c 1890's - early 1900's. I also have a photo card called "Monarch of the Herd" of a spotted deer stag with my grandmother employed as a domestic (Annie MATTHEWS) age 15 years in 1893 at Ashtead. I still have Annie's Bible given her March 7, 1887 at Ashtead Sunday School. Keep up the good work - I will keep enjoying your site.

My great granduncle Pte. William MATTHEWS is remembered at your Ashtead Great War site. Well done.

Some of our Swallows and Hummingbirds have left for South America. Our Bluejays (see left), Crows, Starlings and Robins stay at sea level all year round as do our Pacific marine birds like Blue Heron, Kingfisher, Grebe and Cormorant. You have also undoubtable met "our" Canadian Geese - which are quite pests.

Sincerely, Elizabeth