Genealogy Chat

Hey all, I need everyones help on this one... I dont even know where to look. We have just (through the help of so many people on genes) relocated my partners dad. It has been 20 years since contact so we are very excited..... but there is an obstacle. Lewis (my partner), has been informed by another family member that over the last 3 MONTHS, several articles have been posted in a UK newspaper (suspect it could be a paper around the Lake District - Barrow in Furness) which implies that my partner and his sister are saying that their father assalted them. We suspect that my partners mother has posted these articles. We are in Australia, and have been informed that my partners father may be relucant to make contact because of this. My partner has NEVER posted anything in a UK paper. He is reluctant as he doesnt know what his kids think of him. We want to see that article. I know it may not be genes related as such, but this is stopping contact between my partner and his dad. Anyone who could be of any assistance will be blessed. This is obviously a very touchy subject, so if anyone would like to PM me feel free. Sorry I cant reply to your comments tonight. I am just about to go to bed as I live in Australia. We need that article. Thanks so much, Kristin

Kristin, are you saying that Lewis's mother maliciously placed these articles when she knew he was trying to contact his father? If that is the case, the editors of these publications have a responsibility to verify such claims before publishing, otherwise they would be guilty of libel.

Kristin have you tried contacting local Newspapers in Barrow in Furnace and asking if they can help? This may also be an ideal time for your partner to contact his father and explain the rumours he has been hearing do not have an ounce of truth in them, if these newspaper articles are true your partners father may be glad to hear from him to set the record straight & clear his name. I would first try the local papers to see if a story has been written. Georgina.

Local Newspapers usually have the facility to search online for articles. Barrow in Funess web address is http://www.visitcumbria*com/news.htm (replace* with .) For Other Newspapers in Cumbria: http://www.visitcumbria*com/news.htm (replace* with.) Good Luck Regards Ann

From what I understand Lewis's mother knows nothing about us trying to contact Lewis's father. I dont know what has sparked all of this. The claims according to my partner are untrue. Let the battle begin. Thanks for everyones help :-)

Kristin, I grew up in Barrow-in-Furness and the daily newspaper is North West Evening Mail, you can contact them through the website www(.)nwemail(.)co(.)uk remove ( ). I don't think that searching the website by peoples names will be helpful as to accuse people by name in print without strong supporting evidence would be stupid and libelous. When you contact them I wouldn't mention the names involved as there may never have been a story about these people, but the reporters may think there could be something in it and start investigating. There is a saying in B-i-F 'if I don't know them then I know there family or friends' its a close knit town and stories spread like wildfire. Please be careful. Are you sure that this isn't just a rumour that has been started by someone to cause trouble? Good luck! Trudi

Hey Trudi, Thanks for your advice. I really dont know where to start. Lewis spoke to his uncle for the first time last night in 12+ years. He asked if he still spoke to his mother. When Lewis replied no, and asked if she was in contact with him, he said that the last he heard of her was the article that was posted in the paper about 3 months ago where Lewis and his sister accused their father of assault. I dont see why he would make this up, and why he would say that Lewis's mum wrote the letter? I cant see why anyone would want to make up such damaging claims. Cant trust Lewis's mother as far as we can throw her... sounds like something she would do. Thanks for your help with the newspaper and your advice. Coming from Australia and having no idea where Barrow in Furness is let alone what the papers are... you have been a great help. Thanks, Kristin x