Callaghan Family Archives

Family history

In 2016 Kathy researched the Tyson and Graham family lines: the family of Ross's mother, Madge (nee Tyson). Both families originated in Cumberland, England. The research went back 7 generations.

This document can be downloaded here: Tyson and Graham family  

In 2020 Kathy completed extensive research into the Shetland Island ancestors of her father Eric Oscar Andersen. The families she researched were the Sandisons, Tullochs, Inksters, Isbesters and Porteous's.

This document can be downloaded here:  Our Shetland family

In 2021 Kathy completed another significant piece of family history research. This time it was the life and family of Jack and Nell Jones, Kathy's grand-parents. (Parents of Kathy's mother Joyce). During the research Kathy made contact with some long lost cousins which was very exciting. You can watch the story of this discovery here: Wendy's story.

The full document can be downloaded here: The life and family of Jack and Nell Jones.

Annual newsletters

Every year from 1983 on we sent out a Christmas newsletter detailing the year's activities. 

Click to see these newsletters below:   

  2023  2022  2021  2020  2019  2018  2017  2016  2015  2014

  2013        2012      2011      2010      2009       2008      2007

  2006        2005      2004      2003       2002      2001      2000       

  1999        1998      1997       1996      1995      1994      1993

  1992        1991      1990       1989      1988      1987      1986          

  1985        1984      1983                                                  

Things my parents taught me

When our children left school we gave them a special record of "Things my parents taught me".

This can be read here:  Things my parents taught me

Audio and video interviews

Over the years we have interviewed quite a few of our family members. These interviews can be heard by clicking on the following links, then clicking 'Download' on the page that opens up. Some of the files are large so may take a little while to download and play.

Isaac Tyson Age 90  An interview with Ross's grandfather, Isaac Tyson, on his 90th birthday. Recorded in 1972. here is a transcript of this interview (as the tape is sometimes a little hard to understand). Isaac Tyson.

Madge Callaghan and Norma Bayly 1981  Ross's mother Madge, and her sister, Norma, give a detailed account of their lives, It includes lots of interesting information about Ross and his brother, Brian, as they were growing up!

Madge Callaghan and Norma Bayly 1985   A follow-up interview with Ross's mother and Auntie.

Videos of the Tyson girls: Madge Callaghan, Joan Williams and Norma Bayly.

Tyson girls recite 1990

Tyson girls poetry 1990

Tyson girls 1990

Tyson girls The egg 1990

Tyson girls 1994

Aunty Norma tribute. On the occasion of her death in 2018.

Eric Andersen 1987   Kathy's father, Eric, gave a detailed overview of his life in this interview. It was recorded in 1987 not long before Eric died.

Joyce Andersen 1987  We also recorded Kathy's mother, Joyce, in 1987. Joyce describes her life in England and New Zealand.

Debbie's tape  Recordings of our daughter, Debbie, from the day she was born through till she was 10 year's old.

Sarah's tape   Recordings of our daughter, Sarah, from the day she was born in 1981 and through her childhood.

Phil's tape  Recordings of our son, Phil, from birth to age 18.

Simon Dawson  A short recording done while Simon was on holiday with us in Wellington in 1985. Simon died of leukemia soon after this.

Our family in 2015

From left: Phil, Debbie, Dan, Ross, Heidi, Blake, Kathy, Michael, JJ (front), Sarah, Isla, Luke, Fraser