STORIES OF OUR LIVES
Barker, Bax, Peard, Corney, Morris, Fish plus Pike, Dunlop, Wallis, Tutty and some other names.
This website contains my explorations into the ancestors of the Barker Family, in particular for the descendants of Ian McClelland Barker and Nellie Fish.
Here you will find family stories, family trees and documents of interest,
plus some creative factional writing.
I have also included a few of my own memories with those I have known,
as well as anecdotes told to me by other relatives.
This is a work in progress. Any contributions are welcome: especially photos, memories, corrections etc. My contact details are at the bottom of the page.
I want to acknowledge my father's sister, Aunty Lynette Degotardi, who did substantial research into both of her parents lineage (Norma Peard and Charles Barker) which she put into a file and distributed to family members. This was pre-internet so she must have worked very hard to gather evidence.
PS I have a spare hard copy of this if anyone is interested.
Here you will find family stories, family trees and documents of interest,
plus some creative factional writing.
I have also included a few of my own memories with those I have known,
as well as anecdotes told to me by other relatives.
This is a work in progress. Any contributions are welcome: especially photos, memories, corrections etc. My contact details are at the bottom of the page.
I want to acknowledge my father's sister, Aunty Lynette Degotardi, who did substantial research into both of her parents lineage (Norma Peard and Charles Barker) which she put into a file and distributed to family members. This was pre-internet so she must have worked very hard to gather evidence.
PS I have a spare hard copy of this if anyone is interested.
Our history is collective history, and is meant
to be passed down to future generations.
Growing up our family was very isolated. I knew nothing about my family history and I barely knew my grandparents on both sides. There were no aunties or uncles or cousins who played a role in my life. So it was understandable, that for many years I was completely focused on moving ahead, like a kangaroo. No reversing into the past. Trying to understand my parents and family experiences led me to writing about them and before long I began delving further back to uncover my ancestors. I believe now that the past, present and future are intricately connected and time is not as fixed as I once thought.
My aim is to bring our ancestors to life as people who had hopes and dreams, who loved, struggled, celebrated, fought, cried, despaired, raged, laughed.
As people who raised children, worked hard and forged ahead despite the incredible difficulties and tragedies they faced. They were resilient, strong, resourceful people who paved the way for us to live our lives.
We exist only because they existed. Their stories are part of
who we are today.
I hope you enjoy reading about our ancestors and
learn a thing or two along the way.
PS Its mind boggling to think about how many ancestors we have.