Tag: <span>wales</span>

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J.K.Rowling was born in Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire 1965. She spent part of her childhood in Gloucestershire and then in South Wales. At school she did well in English, arts and poetry, but did not excel in sports. At the strong encouragement of her parents she took a degree in English at the University of Essex. This enabled her to spend a year in Paris, although she later regretted not having studied English. On finishing university she worked for several years in London. This included a job with Amnesty International.

J K Rowling and Harry Potter

The inspiration for writing Harry Potter came on a delayed train journey from London to Manchester. It was on this unremarkable train journey that she became flooded with the inspiration of; magicians, Hogwarts, Harry Potter and magic trains. J.K.Rowling tells how on the journey she didn’t have a pen; also she was too shy to ask a passenger to borrow one. However on arriving in Manchester she began immediately on writing the first draft of Harry Potter. These early writings got redrafted several times over the course of the next few years, but the characters and basic plot had already taken shape.

A significant feature in the main character of Harry Potter, is the fact that an early age he gets orphaned. He misses his mother and father a lot and this becomes an important theme throughout the Harry Potter series. By coincidence shortly after beginning the writing of Harry Potter J.K.Rowling lost her own mother from multiple sclerosis. This was a heavy blow to J.K.Rowling. It also gave her additional empathy with her main character, Harry Potter.

It took several years for J.K.Rowling to finish the first book in the series “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone ” During this time she spent a couple of years in Portugal were she briefly married before divorcing after being thrown out of the house by her husband. Through this first marriage J.K.Rowling had her first child, which she had to bring up by herself on returning to the UK.

However despite having a full time teaching job and being a single mother J.K.Rowling eventually finished her first book and sent it off to book agents. After several refusals by big company’s (how they must be ruing their decision now!) the book was taken on by Bloomsbury, who at the time were quite small in the publishing world.

The book was released and immediately became a big bestseller. It sold well not just amongst children but adults as well. In fact the first book was later brought out with a special adults cover so readers would not be embarrassed with reading a “children’s book” As the Harry Potter series progressed the books became increasingly wide ranging in their appeal. J.K.Rowling has received numerous awards for her Harry Potter series.

J.K.Rowling finished the final and 7th book in the Harry Potter series in Dec 2006. The book titled “The Deathly Hallows” will be released in July 2007.

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Source by R J A Pettinger

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How often have we consumers and buyers found ourselves in negotiations for work or services at the receiving end of a quote? ‘More often than not’ would be a common response and observation. First time home buyers for example love shopping around for quotes before taking the plunge. After buying the perfect house, painters and contractors are brought in. These service providers will usually make a quote before offering their services. This has become the norm.

Receiving a quote is a comforting thought. It offers choice and security. It allows parties to make informed decisions based on their income. However a simple quote can turn into a contract in some situations. The recent judgment delivered by the Supreme Court of New South Wales in Megalift v Terminals [2009] NSWSC 324 warns parties to exercise care and diligence when negotiating a quote as an innocent conversation could turn into a contractually binding offer.

In the above case, Terminals had used the services of Megalift. The latter party was required to discharge a huge storage sphere from a barge on the former party’s premises. It was later discovered that the sphere could not be discharged without excavating some of the land. This miscalculation or oversight caused inconvenience, delay and added costs. Megalift, having provided an unexpected service, not initially quoted for, claimed the extra amount. Terminals on the other hand counter claimed for the excavation costs.

On 28 April 2006, Mega lift had sent a revised quotation to Terminals. Subsequently, both parties entered into a contract on 1 May 2006. The Supreme Court was faced with the question of whether a contractual relationship existed prior to 1 May 2006.

The facts of this case are unique in that two agreements allegedly existed. Mega lift disputed that its first letter dated 21 March 2006 was an offer capable of acceptance. According to their understanding of quotes and legally binding contracts, this was simply a ‘quotation’ or ‘budget offer’. Terminals treated this as well as the purchase order as a contract, on 4 April 2006. Based on their comprehension of legal obligations, they held Megalift responsible for breaching the first agreement.

So, which agreement was legally binding? Justice Bergin ruled in favour of the first one (4 April 2006), where an offer was made and accepted. Both parties were already in negotiation, discussing terms and details such as transportation and delivery. These conversations involved quotations and although no fixed price was agreed upon, it was nonetheless a contract which was legally binding. Moreover, her Honour disregarded the quotation for the purpose of a budget only. This did not prevent the parties from contracting.

How did the court reach this conclusion? A contract requires an offer and an acceptance. However, are price quotations offers and if they are, when do they become legally binding? Each case should be decided on the facts. The question is one of objective intention of the parties involved. “We quote you” has been held not to be an offer but “shall be happy to have an order from you to which we will give prompt attention” was held to be an offer in a Canadian case. In Canadian Dyers Association v. Burton it was further stated that – “In each case of this type, it is a question to be determined upon the language used, and in light of the circumstances in which it is used, whether what is said by the vendor is a mere quotation of price or in truth an offer to sell. “

The commercial context of such negotiations as well as the circumstances in which quotations are discussed, are important considerations. A way to avoid being bound by a mere estimate is to ensure that the quotation clearly states that it is not a binding offer. The next time you make a quote or accept one, just make sure you expressly convey your intention and desire to be bound by the quote.

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Source by Kyle Kimball

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Eminem’s roots can be found in Scandinavia through his mother Debbie Nelson and in South Wales through his father Marshall Bruce Mathers II.

But Eminem has mostly Scottish blood running through his veins. On both sides( maternal and paternal sides), Scottish roots can be found.

Back to the 7 th generation on the paternal side, Peter Mathers from Pennsylvania married a Scottish woman named Isabella (last name unknown). On the maternal side, Scottish roots can be found in Marshall’s family in the 6 th generation : Ailsa Mc Allister from Edingburgh emigrated to the United States –precisely to New York in 1870.

Most of the Mathers have been working as farmers in the state of Missouri.

Marshall Mathers I, Eminem’s paternal grandfather has been working as an assistant hotel manager at Plainsman Hotel in st Joseph Missouri and his wife Rae has been employed at Del Cornonado hotel in guest services.

When Eminem’s paternal grandmother Rae died recently in 2002 from an Alzheimer desease , Marshall Mathers II discovered interesting documents related to his famous son like a Christmas card from Marshall addressed to his grandmother Rae. Ethymology of the name Mathers Mathers means mower or reaper. History of the name Mathers

The name Mathers is related to the Scottish Barclay clan. The family Barclay settled down in a place called Mathers in Scotland in the 13 th century. The history of the Mathers goes back to an english immigrant Theobald de Berkeley and his son who owned the estate of Mathers. Alexander was the first to use the surname Mathers. Pronounciation of the surname Mathers

It is commonly admitted that the surname Mathers is pronounced as if there was an y in the middle of the name : Ma(y)thers .

If you want to know more about the history and genealogy of the family Mathers, you can find some interesting info here :

homepage.ntlworld.com/davepalmer/eminem/credits.htm [http://homepage.ntlworld.com/davepalmer/eminem/credits.htm] I’d like to thank the people who made up this interesting website. I discovered a lot of info about Marshall’s paternal side. I have a lot of info about his maternal side, so I hope to be able to complete his family tree as soon as possible.

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Source by Isabelle Esling

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The town of Llanelli – Carmarthenshire is located in the county of Carmarthenshire in Wales. This large town is situated along the Loughor estuary on the coast of western side of Wales. You can reach the town by travelling 16 kilometres from the northwestern side of Swansea. If you are coming from Carmarthen, you can reach the town by travelling 19 kilometres in the southeastern direction.

The town of Llanelli is well known for its rugby sports tournaments. It is also home to the tinplate industry. During the 20th century, the town earned a reputation as being the biggest town in the world.Celtic, was the language spoken by nearly 50% of the population. Llanelli is one of the seven biggest urban areas in Wales.Llanelli.

Although Llanelli is mostly urban, you will find traditional villages in the outskirts. These are communities were the population is small and where traditional culture is practiced.

The town grew because of mining activities in the 18/19th century. It started as a small mining town when coal was discovered in the area, and many industries such as steel and tinplate processing began to take shape. The LMM Railway was responsible for sponsoring the steel and tinplate industries.

As coal supplies grew, the tin processing industry increased production. By the 19th century, the town became the main supplier of tin in the region. This is how the nickname for the town ‘Tinopolis’ originated.However, the coal supplies did not last. The quantity of coal decreased and several mines were closed.Meanwhile, several steel processing factories were being established in Wales, and competition forced the steel plant to shut down. The economy went into a slump and focus was shifted to other activities.

Tourists to Llanelli can visit several places of interest. One of the tourist attractions is the Millennium Coastal Path. This is a 21-kilometre path along the coast spanning the Gower peninsula. You can drive from Pembrey to Loughor and vice versa. The scenery is breath taking and you can enjoy the view while cycling on a traffic free lane.

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Source by Simon Haughtone

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In New South Wales there are three Acts of Parliament which regulate strata. Together these acts are commonly called the ‘strata schemes legislation’. The three acts are the Strata Schemes (Freehold Developement) Act 1973 (NSW) which commenced on 1 July 1974; the Strata Schemes (Leashold Development) Act 1986 (NSW) which commenced on 1 March 1989; and the Strata Schemes Management Act 1996 (NSW) which commenced on 1 July 1997.

As of 30 June 2006 there were approximately 63,660 schemes in New South Wales, housing over one million people and it is expected that by 2020 over 50% of the residential population of Sydney will be housed in this type of accommodation. A freehold scheme is a scheme in which a person can buy ownership of a lot in the scheme, whilst a leasehold scheme does not allow a person to do this, instead permitting the person to buy a lease of a lot in the scheme.

As far as the management of the scheme is concerned, there are a number of functions which are given to the Director General of the Department of Commerce. The Director General’s functions can be summarised as including ‘firstly’ a role of providing information and education. The act states that the Director General is to provide information to owners, occupiers, owners corporations, lessors of leashold schemes, managing agents and the public about the Act and services provided by the Director General. The Director General’s reply to a letter concerning a query relating to a strata scheme may sometimes resolve a potential dispute, thus saving both time and money for all concerned.

The act also states that the Director General is to arrange for the mediation of disputes or complaints within a scheme or, if they consent, for two adjoining strata schemes. Finally, the Director General may intervene in proceedings before the Tribunal if the Director General is of the opinion that it would be in the public interest to do so.

Having a practical working knowledge of the this complex Act, its regulations and bylaws is essential for owners who wish participate in the day to day control, management and administration of a strata scheme. This knowledge will also help owners exercise effectively the rights and entitlements available to them. The first step in acquiring this working knowledge is to be aware of the layout of the legislation.

The Act is divided into six chapters containing approximately 249 sections, four schedules and a dictionary. The Chapters deal firstly with what is considered ‘preliminary’. It then deals with the management of strata schemes, then key management areas, then owners, occupiers and other persons with interests in the lots, then disputes and orders of adjudicators of tribunals, then administration of the act itself and then general matters.

This is only a brief summary of how the strata shcemes legislation operates in New South Wales. If you would like more information please do not hesitate to contact the author.

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Source by David A Coleman

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The purpose of this article is to show what you should look out for if you are searching for an ancestor’s surname and want to know if it is noble.

The most common noble predicates are “von”, “de”, “di” etc. (meaning “of”) before the surname. A predicate among your ancestors is by no means proof of nobility, and some families have wrongly assumed predicates to make themselves appear to be noble. In some countries the noble families do not have any predicates, but are noble nonetheless. A predicate is an indispensable part of a surname if the surname was originally constructed with it – if it has been assumed later (after the family was ennobled or generally recognised as noble) it is sometimes called a “prefix”.

A surname of a noble ancestor with a predicate or prefix should properly be registered on the first letter of the main name, not on the predicate or prefix. Hence my name, von Wowern, is registered under “W”, not under “v”.

Many noble surnames include words such as “gold-” or “golden”, “silver-“, “sword” or symbols which are used on the family’s coat of arms. Among your ancestors you may also find names constructed from animals (“Wolf”, “Lion”) etc. Noble surnames often, but not always, seem unusual and different (which of course was a way to make it stand out).

An incholate is typically the geographical predicate attached to a noble family. E.g. for the Prince of Wales, “Wales” is the incholate. Incholates in another sense can be used by Church dignitaries, e.g. “Titular Bishop of X Y “. In many cases the incholate was the family’s domains, but later developed into a titular attribute. In some families the loss of the geographical domain caused them to write the nobiliary title between their first name and the surname – hence it was no longer “Count X Y”, but “X Count Y”, as the family name became the new incholate. Any incholate found among your ancestors should be carefully examined.

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Source by Jan-Olov Von Wowern

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Her Royal Highness,

Princess of Wales,

Princess Diana,

Buckingham Palace,

London, England

S.W.1

June 6, 1987

Dear Princess Diana,

This letter was prompted by an issue of People magazine.

Actually that particular article was the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Some years ago I had an impressive dream. During the dream you, Prince Charles and myself were engaged in an intense talk. We were sitting around though quite relaxed, comfortable amongst each other (at ease as if we’d known each other for years as good friends), in an enclosed patio or spring porch – a garden atmosphere. I recall you did most of the talking — pouring out your heart to me — as Prince Charles sort of quietly listened. Perhaps it’s because we’re closer in age. I’m 27. As I began to awaken from the dream I became upset with how foolish to imagine the Royalty of Wales taking me into their confidence. I kneeled for morning prayer and asked God to rebuke such presumptuous thoughts, but asked if there were any significance to the dream that a chart I had (“The Heritage of the Anglo-Saxon Race”) loaned out months earlier be returned at Sabbath services that day.

Lo and behold, the chart was returned that day! Rather convenient, since when I arrived home I had received a memo in the mail from our local newspaper. I had submitted a question to them whether the present British Royal Family were aware of their unique Davidic ancestry — the remarkable continuation of King David’s dynasty. I felt my question could be answered while also cleverly bringing this royal fact to greater public attention if published. An unexpected turn of events occurred though! The newspaper related: “If you send us a copy of the information on King David and his relationship to the English Royal Family, plus a verification that such information has been validated and by whom, we will see to it that it gets to Buckingham Palace and that your name will accompany it.” Immediately I wondered what to send to satisfy the newspaper. The chart seemed obvious, but I still sought counsel from my minister. He advised writing a Church official at our Headquarter’s in Pasadena, California who is English and involved with our Media Coordinator. The Church official replied: “I believe the most prudent course of action would be to send the chart ‘The Heritage of the Anglo-Saxon Race’ to the newspaper for their further action.”

I sent the information to the newspaper and they sent it to Buckingham Palace. They also cautioned me not to hold my breath for any response, which was good since I haven’t heard a word yet.

Several years later, during my volunteer service at Kibbutz Ramat Yohanan in Northern Israel, a Holocaust survivor (whom I adopted as my “kibbutz mother”) mentioned hearing about some royal marital problems. I dismissed it as gossip from some tabloid trash — but then immediately I recalled the dream where you were pouring out your heart to me about something. So I thought perhaps there’s something to all these godless rumors, but all marriages have their ups and downs.

Since then I’ve heard too many royal rumors & sovereign stories about differences in your marriage. The latest People article prompted me to write you and sincerely offer my continued support for you and your lovely family. My heart goes out to you all with deep affection.

Love & Prayers,

David A. Hoover

Perrysburg, Ohio

****************

On official stationery from Buckingham Palace:

From Lady-in-Waiting to H.R.H. The Princess of Wales

12th June 1987

Dear Mr. Hoover,

The Princess of Wales has asked me to thank you for your letter.

Her Royal Highness was most grateful to you for your kind thought in writing and has asked me to send her sincere thanks and best wishes.

Yours sincerely,

Sarah Campden

*************

Note: David A. Hoover is my former name. I’ve since legally changed it to David Ben-Ariel, as related within “God-given Names.”

Memo from Zip Line (The Blade) was received November 7, 1981.

My letter to Robert Fahey of the Worldwide Church of God at headquarters in Pasadena, California was sent November 8, 1981.

The Worldwide Church of God Media Coordinator, David Hulme, responded in an official letter dated December 7, 1981 with advice about sending the chart “The Heritage of the Anglo-Saxon Race” and comment — “Thank you for writing, in what is a very interesting and unusual circumstance.”

As advised, I sent the chart “The Heritage of the Anglo-Saxon Race” to Zip Line December 12, 1981. (The chart had been given to me by an English couple in Jerusalem the year before during our Feast of Tabernacles celebration).

************************************************

THE QUEEN’S ROYAL DESCENT FROM KING DAVID THE PSALMIST (similar to “The Heritage of the Anglo-Saxon Race”)

Not All Twelve Tribes of Israel are Jewish?

The United States and Britain in Prophecy

The Plain Truth About the “Lost Ten Tribes” and Why You Need to Know!

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Source by David Ben-Ariel

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English law is held in high esteem; London is among the leading legal cities in the world; and talented and qualified lawyers continue to seek to become English solicitors.

Job prospects are decent for lawyers in the UK and by becoming an English solicitor, you increase your employability. Once qualified, you will be able to practise law cross-border, finding employment in England, Europe and further afield in countries including Australia, South Africa and Russia. In addition, you broaden your professional knowledge, understanding and experience which similarly broadens your career prospects.

As a qualified English solicitor, you will be in a stronger position to offer your existing and future clients more legal services. As well as finding employment as a solicitor in England and Wales, your wider career prospects are enhanced when you gain the QLTS. You may choose to practise law in your home jurisdiction, in which case you will benefit from an improved professional track-record and marketability. Or work as an English solicitor in London. Or perhaps even find a role in an international law firm which has a base in the EU, and live and work anywhere in the world.

Whichever career path is right for you, being an English solicitor will bring you more business and greater financial rewards. And this is enhanced by the high standard of competence associated with newly qualified solicitors of England and Wales thanks to the method of assessment – whether you choose the fast-track QLTS route or the domestic route.

Under the existing Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme, the QLTS (previously, the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test, the QLTT), international lawyers as well as barristers in England and Wales, are assessed to ensure they meet the necessary standards required to practise English law. Those admitted to the Roll of Solicitors of England and Wales through the QLTS have an even greater professional profile thanks to this high level of testing.

The QLTS training places international lawyers on a par with domestic lawyers, making for a more level playing field. The same standard expected of domestic lawyers is expected from overseas lawyers wanting to apply for the QLTS and lawyers who pass the QLTS have the same level of competence as lawyers qualified to practise English law through the domestic route.

Now is certainly a good time to become an English solicitor, as the financial implications of the recession start to ease and the employment markets open up once more. The QLTS offers two major improvements to candidates compared to the QLTT – there is the English language test and the removal of the experience requirement. These are both positive developments for international lawyers wanting to train as English solicitors.

As a result of these enhancements to the QLTS, more confidence is instilled in successful candidates. There is rigorous testing of all applicants’ practical skills as part of the course. This ensures no one experiences discrimination as everyone is treated the same and assessed to the same standard – although of course because the means of testing is objective, issues regarding ages and disabilities of candidates will naturally be taken into consideration. Candidates who meet the necessary standard will be admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales. Clients will therefore know that all qualified English solicitors, regardless of their route to qualification, are competent and have the professional knowledge, skills, behaviours and ethics needed to perform legal duties well.

The QLTS is an affirmative step for all international lawyers, and barristers in England and Wales, seeking to train as English solicitors. The system is fairer but equally stringent and allows only the highest calibre of lawyers to pass the QLTS assessments.

If you want to become an English solicitor, a big factor in determining whether you’ll pass your QLTS course is the course provider itself. Without excellent teaching, informative materials, a support network, and experienced staff to guide you through, passing will be more difficult. The QLTS School programme offers a dedicated approach to the QLTS assessments – and because it’s completely focused on the one test, students really benefit from an array of advice and support that is always available.

The QLTS School is committed to helping international lawyers become English solicitors. Our website has information for every stage of the process, from what you need to do to be eligible for the QLTS to applying for the course. There is advice about careers, the benefits of practising English law, and guidance for every step of the course.

With over ten years’ experience and thousands of international lawyers who have successfully qualified as English solicitors, the QLTS School has an excellent reputation and a high candidate pass rate. The QLTS course is comprehensive and convenient, and you will have all the materials you need to study – including distance learning courses, video and audio lectures, and access to the online study portal – and the freedom to study when it suits you. The study portal lets you communicate with other candidates, as well as access all the teaching tools including videos, audio and PowerPoint presentations.

Created by skilled legal professionals who have worked extensively with international lawyers and understand their needs, the QLTS School programme provides you with everything you need to pass your QLTS assessments and go on to enjoy an extensive career as an English solicitor.

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Source by Taylor Hannon

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What is Bara Brith Cymraeg? (Pronounced barra breeth come-rah-g)

Although Bara Brith is quite often referred to as a cake, it is traditionally a bread.

Bara means bread, brith means speckled and Cymraeg means Welsh. So, “Bara Brith Cymraeg” means “Welsh Speckled Bread”. You now already know enough Welsh to go into any bakery in Wales and order this national classical masterpiece…….Providing the baker speaks Welsh of course!!

The name Bara Brith was originally used in North Wales only. In the south, the name Teisen Dorth was used (teisen means cake, and dorth/torth is loaf). Bara Brith is eaten throughout Wales and is readily available from tearooms, cake-shops and food markets. I lived in Wales for quite a lot of years, so I have sampled quite a few while I lived there.

This recipe was given to me by a lovely welsh lady who is no longer with us. She told me that it had been handed down from generation to generation and it is in her memory that I have decided to pass it to others. I am sure she would have been delighted to see this article in print.

Before the advent of baking powder and other chemical raising agents most ‘cakes’ were in fact fruited breads. In this instance the bread is ‘speckled’ with dried fruits.

BARA BRITH is a popular delicious Welsh recipe for a scrumptious bread with a difference. Not only is it a fantastic tasty accompaniment to afternoon teas, it is a great addition to your Christmas fayre, and makes a tasty gift too!!

Here we go:

Ingredients you will need:

450g (16oz) mixed dried fruit

400g (14oz) strong plain flour

15 ml (3 teaspoons) dried yeast

5ml (1 teaspoon) mixed spice (see end for an explanation of variants)

150ml (quarter of a pint) of full cream fresh milk (lukewarm)

75g (3oz) unsalted butter

75g (3oz) soft brown or Demerara sugar

1 egg beaten

1 (teaspoon) salt

1 (teaspoon) sugar

Clear runny honey

Into the warm milk put the sugar and stir gently until dissolved, then sprinkle on the dried yeast and leave in a warm place until “frothy” (approx 10 – 12 minutes).

Sieve the flour, spice and salt into a large bowl. Rub in the butter, stir in the dried fruit and brown sugar. Put the beaten egg, yeast liquid in and mix all together thoroughly until it is an obvious dough and not sticking to the sides of the dish. On a floured surface, with floured hands knead the dough until smooth and pliable (approx 10 minutes.)

I find a large polythene bag with a teaspoon of vegetable (cooking oil) inside, then squidged around to coat gives a perfect vessel to put the dough into. Close the open end and leave in a warm place until it is twice the original quantity. When you’re happy it’s doubled in size, don’t wait – it won’t get any bigger. (Oh, sugar!! My mind’s wandering!!)

Yeast is a living organism, once activated it will only do its job for so long.

Whilst the dough is rising mix some soft butter and oil together and smear all over the inside of a 900g (2lb.) loaf tin. Take the dough and knead it again for 2-3 minutes, thus giving the yeast a ‘final nudge’. Shape the dough to fit the tin and put onto a clean tea towel, pull over to cover and leave to rise again to above the top of the tin. You can tell this by the level of the towel. When you see this, set the oven to 180°c (350°f) gas 4 for approx. 2 minutes. Then uncover the loaf tin and put into the oven for approx. 1hr 15mins. Turn out your Bara Brith onto a wire cooling rack. After approx 15 minutes whilst still warm, glaze all over with the runny honey. Delicious and even better served with welsh cakes, this is another original recipe passed to me by the old lady in Wales who certainly had her own way of doing things. She told me to use fresh ground cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander and ginger for this Bara Brith recipe. The shop bought mixed spice contains all of that plus cloves, pimento and cassia (a Chinese cinnamon). I noticed a favourable difference, so don’t bother with the pestle and mortar!!

I find this recipe provides enjoyment three times over:

1. The sheer pleasure of preparing and cooking it

2. The delightful unique aroma while it’s in the oven

3. Finally, eating it!!

I really hope you enjoy the outcome of this recipe and that also your family and friends are suitably impressed.

Tucked away somewhere I have a special recipe for traditional Welsh cakes but that recipe is for another day! Iechyd da! (Cheers in Welsh!)

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Source by Christopher Phillips

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You know it, you love it-the Granny Smith apple. The gleaming chartreuse skin. That brilliant crunch. The perfect balance of juicy-sweet and tongue-curling tart that makes it the ideal eating and cooking apple.

But did you know there really was a Granny Smith?

Born Maria Ann Sherwood to a farming family in the lush agricultural area of Sussex, England in 1799, she married Thomas Smith, a farm laborer, when she was 19. They settled in the parish of Beckley, worked the land, and started a family.

In 1838, the Smiths were tapped by government agents looking for farmers willing to relocate to New South Wales, Australia. The British colony had been founded 50 years earlier as a penal settlement, a place to send convicts. But as more and more free settlers arrived in New South Wales, agricultural workers were desperately needed to feed the developing colony. Prospective emigrants were offered attractive financial incentives to make the move.

The Smiths took advantage of the opportunity, packed up their five children, ages 1 through 16, and boarded the Lady Nugent. The voyage from England to Australia was long and difficult, 13,000 miles on the crowded ship. The Smiths landed in Sydney in November, 1838. By 1856, they owned nearly 24 acres of rich farmland in the district of Ryde, outside of Sydney.

The Smiths were “orchardists,” farmers who specialize in tree fruit. Maria was particularly passionate about apples. On their land, the Smiths grew apples and pears, as well as vegetables, which they sold at the Sydney markets. Maria was also a skilled baker, well known for her fruit pies.

It’s said that one day a salesman at the markets gave Maria a box of crabapples from Tasmania for her pie-making. She toted the fruit home, baked her desserts, and tossed the peels and cores onto the garden compost heap along with the rest of the orchard rubbish.

Soon, Maria found an apple seedling growing in the compost. She lovingly nurtured the tiny tree until it eventually bore fruit-the deliciously tart, green beauties we know today. There in her compost, Maria had unknowingly crossed the crabapple with the domestic orchard apple, it’s believed.

The earliest documented account of Maria Smith’s apple appeared in the June 25, 1924 edition of Farmer and Settler, in an interview with Ryde-area fruit-grower Edwin Small. Small remembered that in 1868, Maria had invited him and his father to look at an apple seedling growing by a creek on her farm. According to Small, Maria explained the seedling had developed from the remains of some French crabapples grown in Tasmania.

By the time of her accidental apple discovery, the much-loved Maria Smith was affectionately known by her community as “Granny.” Sadly, she died two years later, in 1870, well before the commercial success of her namesake apple. She was buried at St. Anne’s Cemetery in Ryde, where her headstone still stands.

In 1890, Granny’s fabulous fruit first appeared as the “Smith Seedling” at the Castle Hill Agricultural and Horticultural Show. The next year, “Granny Smith’s Seedlings” took top honors there for best cooking apples, and farmers in the area began growing their own.

In 1895, Albert H. Benson, Fruit Expert for the New South Wales Department of Agriculture, deemed “Granny Smith’s Seedling” appropriate for export. Indeed, Granny’s apple is noted for staying firm and crisp longer than other varieties. While Benson began the first large-scale cultivation of the Granny Smith, Granny’s son-in-law, James Spurway, and later his son Fred, are credited with early propagation of the apple and its expansion in Australia and export to the United States.

Today, Granny Smith apples are enjoyed all over the world-eaten out of hand and transformed into delectable pies, sauce, and juice. In Australia, a festival in Granny’s honor draws thousands of people annually. Edna Spurway, great-granddaughter of Granny Smith, attended the 2008 event in Ryde.

So the next time you take a bite out of one of those glorious green Grannies, say a little “thank you” to Maria Ann Smith of New South Wales-the real Granny Smith, apple-lover to her very core.

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Source by Susan A. VanHecke