After ten lovely days with my descendants, I am hardly feeling rested in the run-up to Rootstech but I am looking forward to three days of fun, learning and meeting friends. We ensconce ourselves in a cosy caravan site some thirteen miles from the Excel Centre. Lovely though it would be to be closer to the action, this is the third major event of this kind this year and more central hotels in school holidays are prohibitively expensive. About the only downside of living in the bottom left hand corner of the country, is the cost of getting anywhere else.

We take our lives in our hands and drive in to the Excel Centre to help set up the Guild of One-Name Studies’ stand. This reinforces our resolve to drive through London as infrequently as possible. The trusty Sat-nav gets us pretty much to where we need to be. By dint of asking several high-viz clad folk, we manage to find where the appropriate entrance is. We cram the quart that is the Guild display materials into the pint pot that is our stand space. It is hard to believe that all these stands will be ready by first thing tomorrow. The excitement is certainly building.

Our journey back to the van is ‘enhanced’ by rain, darkening skies and rush hour traffic. We nearly end up in a one-hour queue for the Woolwich Ferry but thankfully manage to divert in time, in favour of the Blackwell Tunnel. After seventy five minutes, we have accomplished the journey; that’s London traffic for you. Tomorrow, the ‘delights’ of public transport.

Back in the van, I run through my talk once more and hope that I will not be performing it to one man and his dog. With so many great presentations to choose from, it is always a danger. Now to rest. I’ve no idea how folk have the stamina to include evening socialising and early morning meet-ups in their schedule every day. Alarm set for 6am, which I probably won’t need and I’m ready for the fun to  begin.

Disclaimer: As a RootsTech Ambassador I receive complimentary admission to the event and a free registration to give one of my readers. My status as an Ambassador does not entitle me to any financial assistance for accommodation, travel or meals.