The Trail of the Tonkis family...

Gramps was talking about the Tonkis family (Nan's Maiden name) and it going back to Much Wenlock, Shropshire. Gramps always talks as though Nan had Spanish blood in her due to her dark colour (funnily enough, similar skin tone to me, kind of yellowish).

Mr Hill

Gramps' Great Grandand on his Mothers side was Mr Hill, he used to build Furnaces and would be away at 3 months at a time.

Nan's Dad - William Tonkis

William Tonkis, Kathleen Butterworth (Katie Butterworth was my Nan - died 2001).

He fought in the Boer War at age 18 and fought from 1914 - 1918 in the first world war, and for some time was a Machine gunner.

Arthur Thornton Butterworth at School in Wales

Arthur Thornton Butterworth (my Gramps!) when he was 4 or 5. I think it was fan something or other in llandues. Not really sure and have no idea how to spell. Will ask the next time I see him!

Lead mines

Joseph Victor Butterworth was an explosives expert who used to blow stuff up! In Wales and the Forest of Dean he put his skills to use dismantling lead mines.

As a part of this he would have to have his licence renewed every 12 months. Although during the war he was unable to do this.

Arthur Thornton Butterworth was born!

Arthur Thornton Butterworth (Gramps!) was born in 1926. Nearly born in Wales due to his Dad's work.

Mary Butterworth - my Great, Great, Granny

Mary Butterworth lived to 92 or 93. She died in 1963.

Arthur Owen Butterworth - the engine driver!

Arthur Owen Butterworth is my Great, Great Gramps (Joseph Victor Butterworth's Father). He died in 1944 and was an Engine driver.

Joseph Victor Butterworth and gliding!

A little bit about my Great Gramps - Joseph Victor Butterworth. Died in 1976 at the age of 75. Gramps calls him 'Our old chap' and refers to him as 'Jo'.

A brief story that was interesting is on about his gliding expliots sometime around 1936 - 1939. He used to go to Long Marsten Gliding Club where he used to fly in gliders made from wood and canvas!