To the Genealogy Officer, Society of Genealogists

 

It has recently come to my attention that we were invaded by the Normans in 1066, which means that we have been subject to French rule for the best part of a thousand years, which is quite worrying when you see the way they drive.

 

It is my intention to redress this balance by taking the fight back to the Normans by embarking on a busking tour of Normandy, equipped only with my singing voice and a ukulele.

 

However, my friend Jolliphant has pointed out that there might be an element of hypocrisy in this.  He says that Corder (my surname) is a French verb that means “to tie up” or “to string”.  Apparently, it’s an infinitive, but Jolliphant does go on and on – in fact he’s infinitive himself!!

 

I’m a bit worried that I might, after all, be French.  I wondered if you could reassure me that this wasn’t the case by having a quick look in your records. 

 

If it is I might have to tour under a nom d’ukulele. 

 

Perhaps you could drop me a line to let me know.  Alternatively, I have to come up to the smoke on the thirteenth of next month and maybe I could pop in and see you in the afternoon about three o’clock – do let me know if it’s convenient.  Would it be all right to bring my pet whippet Gloria?  She doesn’t like to be left on her own and has something of a continence problem, but I will bring plenty of kitchen towel.