Kia ora Rita

Sorry to hear of your loss.

When we lived in Woodend, North Canterbury a few years ago, we lived in a subdivision established by a James family. One of the lanes was named Lydney Lane, so I assume they named it that for a reason!

I wonder if they are a part of the Forest of Dean mob that has migrated in dribs and drabs to North Canterbury like my FoD ancestors? Do you know of this branch of the James family?

I only met one of them - the widow of one of the James brothers, called Pauline James. We lived not far from her and equidistant on the other side of us in the subdivision was her brother in law (brother of her late husband), but we never met him.

I could contact Pauline for you if you are curious. It is only the James/Lydney Lane coincidence that suggests a connection.

Best wishes, John