Frome Family History group

Frome Family History group welcomed author, Wendy Worle,y to their February meeting.

Wendy described how researching her family history uncovered several stories about her grandfather that she was unable to verify or explain further, even after extensive research. Having admitted defeat, she decided that the stories would be the basis of a novel.

The novel was published in 2017 with the title of ‘Echoes of Friendship’ and is loosely based on letters her grandfather received from a German soldier; and the story of a cousin of her grandfather, Piper Findlater, who won the Victoria Cross.

As a former school librarian, Wendy wanted to write her novel from the perspective of a teenage boy called Andy who visits the World War One battlefields to learn more about his great-grandfather, Matthew.  The World War One soldiers, Matthew and his cousin James, were affected differently by the story of Piper Findlater whom they met as children. Matthew hears the melody of the fearless piper. James wants to emulate his valiant bravery. When war comes, James is quick to follow the hero’s lead. Matthew, nicknamed Mac by his comrades, finds salvation through his friendship with a German POW, Hans. They discover a common bond that surpasses their country’s enmity. Andy faces his own demons in the shape of the Squaddies, a gang of bullies who taunt him at school and on the school trip. The Anglo-German friendship echoes down the years when Andy befriends a German student, Sophe. He tells her the story of Mac’s friendship with Hans.

Wendy was thanked for a most enjoyable evening and we were reminded that the next talk would be on March 27th where Jenny Pope will talk about manorial records. We continue with our free family history advice sessions on the first Saturday in the month in the library. If you would like to come along, please book a computer with the library staff.