Not quite Bay Watch!

Looks like this could be Crosby beach. Tom O'D (my Dad) with Alan and me.

Some old Photo's of the O'Donnells

Just had a dig around some of Mum's old pictures that I had scanned a while back. This is Rene, Tom and Alan enjoying ice lollies. You can just see the Weld Blundell Pub, Lydiate in the background.

The O'Donnell gang

This is a great shot of us all in May/June 2010. It was fantastic to get together - we must do it more often.
From the left Tom, Alan, Kate, Patricia and Susan

In April this year my son Steve, his wife Jo and our grandsons Tom and Ollie spent 28 wonderful days with us in Dominica. Lots of adventures and fun - and of course - a few cocktails!!! Andy and I loved it.

If you fancy a look at the blog of their visit you can see it by clicking on 'Kate-and-Andy-wandering'

Next week we are back in the real world of Blackpool. Just bought a car on ebay so lets hope it runs! Hoping to use it to get up and down to Mum whilst she settles into the care home. Looking forward to seeing all the family when we get back.

Just closing up Mango Lodge ready for rental to American Professors at the local University. Hope they look after it!

O'Donnell family news

This is a good forum to bring everyone up to date with a huge change happening to my Mum - Rene O'Donnell. She has decided to move out of her flat and into a residential care home in Aughton.
Mum said she is sad to leave her lovely flat in Maghull, but she is looking forward to freshly cooked meals in her new 5* home. She moves on 15th May. It's a big step but she is struggling so much with her eyesight that everyone agrees it will be for the best.
Although Mum can't read - I can pass on any comments wishing her well. So click on "comments" below and bring em on........

I don't want to post her new address or phone number here - but if anyone wants them please email me.

Colwyn Bay 1954 - The Whiteheads and O'Donnells

A day out at the beach. Somehow all our beach shots are next to a wall - must be the wind factor!

Rene O'Donnell aged 18 - here is a little story she told me yesterday

My Mum Rene (Grace Irene O'Donnell) was telling me a story yesterday about her Auntie Grace - who she was named after. Grace Johnson was Martha's sister in law - Edward's sister. The story which is a really sad one goes like this.

Grace (born 1884) was married and had 6 sons. She was 33 when her husband died really young. With no widow's pension she couldn't support them and she had to place her boys aged 12, 10, 9, 6 and 2 younger boys in the Blue Coat Orphanage in Liverpool. How sad it that! Grace never remarried and died in 1951 aged 67. I wonder what happened to all her boys. I have added more info taken from the census and birth and death records - take a look in comments.
What is also amazing is that 2 generations later Mark and Simon O'Donnell and Stephen Powell (my son) went to the very same 'Blue Coat' which by then had become a boarding school.

Tommy and Gracie O"Donnell (Simon and Jane' Children)

Matha's spirit lives on

Andy, Kate, Wendy and Tom on the veranda at Toucari Bay, January 2010

Lynnes wedding

Rene Sue Pat Helen & Sally ? at Lynnes Wedding

Photo of Tom ODonnell (Left)

Tommy ODonnell (centre) and

Simon ODonnell (right)

Christmas 2009.

James(8) and Adam (6) showing their support for Man.Utd
A bit dissapointing for Mark who follows liverpool but at least they have good interest in both soccer and Rugby

james and adam

Painting Ollie's Foot Yellow

Thought I would try and post a video to see how it goes. This is my grandson Oliver Powell having his foot painted by my husband Andy (or 'Grandy' as he is known to the boys).

This just makes me crease everytime I watch it.
Have you got any funny vids to post? Let's see em!!!

Rene and Ted- showing off the Johnson family good looks

Ted visited Rene in her flat - and we got this great picture.

Keep a look out for the TV drama 'The sinking of the Laconia' coming on UK TV sometime soon. It tells the fascinating story of the ship that was torpedoed when Uncle Ted was on board.

Kate (O'D) with her family in the Lakes

Me in stripey top(Kate O'D)with son Steve in red top, Joanne Steve's wife, Andy my hubby and the grandkids Tom (on left) and Oliver (on right).

A lovely day walking in the Lakes.

The youngest O'Donnell grandchild

Sue Doran's Eldest daughter Colette gave birth to Sue's first grandchild (her new golden boy). Ethan Charles.
Congratulations Colette and Lee - he's a very cute little fella.

Not so sure about the side Ethan supports but that’s Dad’s for you!

A day trip from Lydiate on the Bootle Bell

This pic comes via Helen Jones and Gerry Whithead - taken in 1952 on the Bootle Bell. Who can you spot? Do you remember the day?
I can spot our Tom and Auntie Vera but struggling with the rest. Let us know what you think (by clicking on comments)

New family blog

Hi,
I’ve wanted to set up this family blog - or something like it - for a long time.
A simple blog would be a fantastic way of keeping abreast of what’s happening in the Johnson family right across the world.

There must be loads of old family pictures that we could scan and share on line. As well as looking back (and having a laugh) it would be great fun to hear from all the younger generations, and to see what everyone is up to now. I know all the Grandmas will be super keen to show off their grandkids!

Anyway, here it is. This is a public site so anyone can see it and make a comment. However, to be able add pictures and stories and to get involved you need to become a contributor. Just contact me by email (I need your email address) and I will set you up. If you don't have my email address go to www.chaletgroup.com - Contact Us - Chalet Group Office, and that will reach me.

Hopefully this blog will grow and stay fresh with regular updates, comments and pictures. What fun!

Looking forward to seeing what appears. I have added a couple of pic’s to start the ball rolling.

Love Kate
(Kathleen O’Donnell)

Wedding Day - Tom and Wendy O'Donnell

See if you can pick out all the guests. Personally I look a bit gawky!