Working or Not Working?
At home, I wonder if I’m perceived as somewhat perverse and illogical. Why would I want to go out early to examine archival records on a ‘Not Working’ day?
Should I need to justify myself? Arguably not. However, if retirement offers the opportunity to pursue interests, then surely one should pursue them most vigorously whilst one still has vigour? I’m sure scientists would say this was even good for one’s mental health.
If someone was interested in trains, no-one would think it odd if they wanted to find out where a loco was, at different points in time, and where it went – the track layout and the timetables. It follows, then, that real people, especially in your own city, and with a connection to your own institution, are every bit as interesting and worth researching.
[Incredulously] How many books? How many hours?
So … I know a lot about the trumpet major’s youngest daughter, but if I find a new avenue to research, then naturally, I want to explore it. And this has been a most interesting and fruitful day, combing through half a dozen large and bulky old handwritten church minutes books. I now know when the lady in question began her quarter century of service as a church organist, and when she resigned. I’ve seen her resignation copied into the records. (But it’s unclear precisely why. She gave a slightly vague explanation. Ah, well.)
There’s plenty more in my notes that I shall mull over. Just time for a quick coffee before I examine one last document …
