I live in the Cotswolds with my wife Jane..A neighbour is Ed Aldridge who has been of great help to me in designing this website and teaching me the basics of HTML.

After uninspiring school years but a rather more successful working career, I took early retirement to spend more time with Jane who had sustained a serious illness leaving her with a lifelong painful walking disability. It was around that time that I took a greater interest in our family history of the Buston's and Lambert's of Northumberland.

It was also the time I worked for two construction companies, which now no longer exist. Firstly, Unit Construction of Liverpool which was legendary in that part of the country and still holds fond memories for many who worked there. Then to John Mowlem, a much larger London based firm, which provided opportunity to develop the niche subsidiary company I managed. I am still grateful to the many kind and decent senior directors who worked for both and I know there are many of my ex colleagues who feel the same.

Jane helped to transcribe the letters found in the Oak Box and over the years we have made many enjoyable trips together to Northumberland seeking out more information from places ranging from the graveyards and churches of Berwick-on-Tweed to the splendid towns of Warkworth and Alnwick. Despite her disability she has been an encouraging and uncomplaining companion throughout and always showed great interest in the two families

Encouragement to build a website first came from my oldest friend, Alan B. We both were born and raised in Stockton-on-Tees and have been pals since we were around 11 years old. Alan was very experienced in genealogical research and a volunteer adviser in family history for many years .Alan and his wife Linda accompanied us on trips to Northumberland and is still always on hand with any help I may need.

. Over the months the website has attracted interest from Australia and Tasmania, Canada, South Africa, USA and the UK for which I am very grateful, as they have brought much fresh information which I've included where I can.