Projects
Latest update: May 2012
Our new website, boatfamilies.org.uk (please note: clicking the link will open a new window) is now up and running. This website has been developed by two members of our Society and is a credit to them both. It holds names of over 12,000 people who either worked on the local waterways, or were related to those who did. Our existing CDs , especially Burscough Boat Families and the St. John’s Burscough C. of E. then provide further details.
Due to the excellent work by a member, we are privileged to offer the CD of the Scarisbrick Tithe Map 1839. We now have two more Tithe Map CD's, Tarleton & Rufford, again due to work by another member. You will find full details in the Sales - CD section
The Tithe Map (and much of the boatfamilies website) are examples of records which exist before the 1841 census. We already offer some early records and we intend to develop many more. Members enjoy a 10% discount if they buy directly from us (we welcome sterling cheques) and members are welcome to visit our Library and store on Monday afternoons. It is also possible to buy our products through the Parish Chest website, where you can use other methods of payment – such as credit cards. Please don't forget our new address (shown at the top of the page).
Our work on Ormskirk Graveyard records has been greatly expanded. We were honoured to be invited by the Ormskirk Parish Church, to record their graveyard-record books. We were able to use our new camera & special lights for which we received a grant from the North West Federation of Family History Societies. The church then assisted us to obtain special permission to photograph their records which they had deposited at the Preston Record Office. This contact was also useful when we photographed the Tithe Maps mentioned above.
The New DVD of Ormskirk Graveyard (see "Sales") is selling well. It clarifies the original positions of many of the stones now used to pave the paths & adds information on the Owners & Occupants of many of the graves.
The CD of Becconsall old church graveyard (All Saints) has given us great challenges, but is now completed.
The Maghull (St. Andrew’s) transcriptions are now available.
St. Andrew’s has also allowed us to photograph their grave records and these are now published as 'Church Books' - please see the 'Sales - CD' section for more information.
The records for the OLD (or Unsworth) Chapel & Graveyard at St. Andrew's have also been completed & are available on a DVD.
Our Transcriber has been seriously ill but is now on the mend & has offered her services yet again & we all wish her good health.
Another Member, who moved to Australia has transcribed extracts from the local newspaper. These are a fascinating set and, again, details on 'Sales - CD' section.
We have obtained a number of copies of early Oddfellows Society records for our area. These include names of many members, including those who were receiving payments for sickness. We will sell the excess stock and transcribe much of the information for publication.