For the past few years, on and off, I've been trying to delve into my family history, and finding it fascinating.

Information I have discovered includes:

• My great grand-father was a chimney sweep.
• My grandmother was employed as a Fancy Box Maker.
• I've discovered four relatives who were killed in the First World War, including one, Robert A. Johnston, who was a POW in Germany and was shot in the back when trying to escape from his prison camp.
• My great grand-father, James Vannan, had to apply for Poor Relief because he was unable to work because of a lung disease. He was a sailmaker by trade.
• My great great grand-father made a very good living in Earlston as a molecatcher.
• My great grand-mother had twelve children.
• Another great grand-mother collected teapots.

How I got interested in family history