Burleydam WI finds there's lots in a name

Burleydam and District Women's Institute report: "What's in a name? A lot of fascinating history according to our September speaker, David Greatorex. With his unusual surname it was perhaps inevitable that he would research its origins. This developed into a passion which he is delighted to share with others.

"He covered the history and derivation of surnames and, having been given a selection of members' maiden names beforehand David explained their background. We discovered several shared with place names, suggesting that their ancestors had moved away to a new location hundreds of years previously and their former home was used to give them identity in their new community. Other names were derived from physical characteristics or occupations. Bailey from Bailiff for example. We even found that one of our member's ancestors had an important role in Anglo Saxon times as "National Guardian."

"For the competition members had to design their own coat of arms. The winner was Liz Gentil, second Eva Sadler and third Mary Stevenson.

In the absence of the President, Sarah Lunt, who was attending a family wedding in New Zealand, Vice President, Barbara Tomlinson, conducted the meeting. She explained that Carolyn Wilde had taken over as Acting Secretary whilst Doreen Hayward was in hospital.

"Arrangements for the produce show at Audlem on 22 September were discussed with several members intending to enter exhibits. Members also agreed to host an evening on energy saving on 20 September at the Community Room, Burleydam when Energy Projects Plus were to run the ClimateTalk game. This would be open to anyone.

"At next month's meeting on 2 October 2007 Dr Graham Dodd will tell us about Tales of the Marches – Legends and History. The competition will be a photograph taken of the Marches area."

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