I have become aware while researching my own family history how often I have been in places where my ancestors used to live.
This realisation occurred again yesterday when I went back to Ann Street, Surry Hills in Sydney where my great uncle, George Mawbey II, used to live.
I discovered that just a little way up the hill from his house, and on other side of the road, was a wholesale supplier of sewing materials, Greenfields, that I used to visit regularly when I was a milliner.
This was back in the late '80s early '90s when I was making cotton hats and selling them at Paddington Market .
I was also regularly in the area in the late '70s when I did lapidary in nearby Reservoir Street.
At that time I was living in East Sydney, on the other side of the main road, Oxford Street, and working in Surry Hills near Central Station.
I used to walk to work along Riley Street and distinctly recall picking up a 'vibe' when I came to Ann Street and the Frog Hollow reserve.
It's as if my ancestors have been wanting me to tell their story for a long time, and I've finally answered their call ...
