This book tells the amazing story of two family lines, inching ever closer through the centuries. One family went out to make its fortune in the Australian gold rush of the 1880s and the other settled in Newcastle-upon-Tyne after narrowly escaping the dreadful St. Bartholomew's massacre in France in 1572.

Set against the background of the North East of England, this story traces through the generations until relatively recent times. In it are Ernest's adventures in the USA during the great depression, George's experiences as an RAF pilot during the 2nd World War and Hilary's very own adventures growing up in the 1950s and 1960s.

Coincidentally or perhaps not - this story starts with a ship - The Ocean Queen and ends with a ship - The Logos where Hilary and Dick were living when their first child was born.

They say that life can be stranger than fiction and in this lovely story, this definitely rings true.

50% of the profits from this book will go towards funding bursaries for PGCE students at Durham University in memory of: - Edward Richardson 1998 - 2023