I grew up in Broadstairs and trained as a nurse in Thanet. I knew there were family roots in Thanet but little did I know how deep they were or how frequently I was walking where my ancestors walked.

At the first Emptage and Emtage Gathering, in September 2018, some of us attended morning service at St Nicholas at Wade Church. We all found it very special to be worshipping in the same place as previous generations.

Emily Olive was my great grandmother. She was first cousin to John Benjamin Dike who died in the “Surfboat Disaster”. He was a mariner and lifeboatman like his Emptage forbears and cousins. A memorial to those who died is visible from the hotel where we stayed for the first gathering.

I am delighted to join “Team Emptage” to help as best I can. I continue to blame Susan for sending me down the slippery slope which is the addiction of family history research. She did call “Are you alright down there?” after a few months. That remains to be seen!

Lineage:

Henry Emptage 1739 and Ann Peal 1736 – 1812
Henry Emptage 1763 – 1794 and Anne Kemp 1762 – 1824
Sarah Emptage 1789 – 1861 and William Dike 1779 – 1839
William Dike 1823 and Mary Ann Adams 1822 – 1909
Emily Olive Dike 1853 – 1940 and Harry Water Birch 1853 – 1900
Victor James Birch 1884 – 1975 and Annie E Jones