Kiwi returns to Grantham to leanr more about her ancesteros

A New Zealand woman is keen to learn more about her ancestors who lived in Grantham, especially her grandmother Miss Fanny Sessions.

This is the fourth time Maria Wilson and husband Bruce from Central Otago have visited Grantham in their quest.

Maria said: “We have been doing this for five years and doing family trees as well. We will keep coming back.”

Working with Grantham historian Peter Reichelt, the family have uncovered much family history, including a photograph of Miss Sessions, which was probably taken at Belton or Harrowby Camp about 100 years ago.

Fanny was born in Croxton Kerrial on March 11, 1896 and met her future husband Fred Batt (NZ MCG) at Belton Camp. They were married in September 1918 in Grantham and Fanny travelled to New Zealand as Mrs Batt on Christmas Day 1918 since Fred had already travelled ahead as he was still in the New Zealand army.

The journey by steamship took six weeks, and though wondering what she was letting herself in for when she arrived at Bluff on New Zealand’s South Island, Fanny returned only once to Britain, believing she had “a better life” Down Under.

Fanny’s return visit in 1955, five years after Fred’s death, lasted six months. She returned to Invercargill on New Zealand’s South Island and died there in 1979 aged 83.

Maria recalls how her grandmother told her about her life in Lincolnshire when she was a little girl.

“I was only 16 when she passed away. I had a fond attachment to my grandmother. I have her autograph books, which feature some sad poems.”

Fanny’s parents were Sarah and Robert Sessions, a road worker. Sarah was born in Welby and some family members are buried in the church there. Sarah died in a Melton Mowbray care home but Maria cannot find where the couple are buried.

Before leaving for New Zealand, Fanny lived at 8 Albert Terrace, Grantham, for several years. Her younger life included working as a scullery maid in Scotland but when the First World War broke out, she returned to Grantham, working at the Hornsby munitions factory. She then worked as a canteen waitress at Belton camp.

Maria added: “Fred was convalescing. She probably dished him a meal.”

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