The Story Archive

Over the years I have discovered many a fascinating ancestor and solved quite a few family mysteries.

These are some of my stories.

Teresa Collis 28/10/25 Teresa Collis 28/10/25

Remembering Nan

Without memories like these, Honora Veronica Walsh might just be an entry on a pedigree chart – a name and some dates – for future generations. Of course she was so much more than that….

Teresa Collis 3/5/24 Teresa Collis 3/5/24

Marion’s Story

Like so many before her, Marion had travelled far from her home in search of a better life. Travelling from her native Ayrshire to Melbourne and then Geelong, and on to New Zealand, she endured loss and hardship.

Teresa Collis 26/4/24 Teresa Collis 26/4/24

The Cost of a Coat

John Kirkman stole some cloth to make a coat. It would change his life forever.

Teresa Collis 12/4/24 Teresa Collis 12/4/24

Unscathed

A young jockey and horse trainer, Syd Collis joined the 3rd Light Horse Field Ambulance in 1914. In the words of his younger brother George, Syd “came through the war unscathed”. This is his story.

Teresa Collis 29/3/24 Teresa Collis 29/3/24

The Pet of the Circus

My grandfather told a fabulous story about his great aunt Ethel who was a contortionist in the circus and travelled the world. But it was just story….or was it?