TV presenter Richard Madely was keen to trace his mother's Canadian background. Her father was Scottish who emigrated to Canada, but this line was glossed over with an immediate jump to Canada, and then a swift gallop, with the first 30 minutes of the programme racing 300 years back to 1690. The final half focussed on 70 years in New England and Richard's ancestors' involvment with the very early days of the Boston settlement and a massacre of Indians in Rhode Island.
I would have welcomed a better balance between the two halves of the programme. There was a great breadth to it but it illustrated the new trend by producers to jump quickly through generations to get to what they see as the "meat" of the research. It does make it difficult sometimes to keep abreast and grasp the ancestral trail. I did get a bit fed up of RM continually referring to "my great, great, great, great great, great, great, great grandfather"
The documentary evidence, though, was impressive and you had to admire the early settlers who despite the harsh conditions of the time, kept such detailed records that have survived so many generations.
The programme reminded me a bit of the Jodie Kidd espisode which ranged from England to New England and back again, but I felt covered more.
In short interesting in parts, but did not grab me. What did you think?
I have the family history bug for researching both my own family history and that of friends. If your interest is in families of the Fylde in Lancashire, this site is for you, with many photographs to enhance interest. I'll also be looking at my Scottish Donaldson connections, hints and tips, and stories that appeal. So read on, or even better, sign up as a follower. Do get in touch - I would love to hear from others who share my enthusiasm for family history fun.
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