Synopsis

The book begins with a genealogical history to the present day enlivened by anecdotes to their credit and otherwise of the Bicheno ancestors. The next section deals with the individual lives of Chris and his wife Madge until their marriage. This involves various house purchases and the horrors of old houses.

Along the way the doughty couple had 6 children, gave house room to numerous pets, some exotics such as tarantulas, a three legged lizard and a series of rabbits. A long hatred of dogs by the author disappeared under the onslaught of three Westies.

Next under the microscope come the careers of Chris and Madge. Chris spent over 30 years working for Southern Electric as a computer techie and rose to great heights. Madge's career of necessity was somewhat different since her family has always come first. Money considerations, then social interest led her into jobs concerned with children in schools and out. She is a very formidable lady who must have the energy of half a dozen.

All six children's lives are described briefly as are the grandchildren. Then the book moves into 'ancillaries', such as the transport the family has used, and abused, at various times in their lives.

This is an eminently readable book, which is a template for anyone who might wish to write a family history, one hopes with as much humour and flair as this volume.

Dione M. Coumbe LL.B(Hons); International Genealogist

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