YOUR COMMENTS re SOCIETY

I have been a member of SHARE from its inception - I have the first Newsletter dated Spring 1993. I am one of those lucky people who benefited from the great collection of material that Bruce has correlated over those many years. My story has been told before but not only did Bruce find a three way link between England, the USA and Australia which added greatly to my research, but I have continued to have contact and exchange of data with the other relatives concerned. I was even able to meet our American cousins. Congratulations and well done Bruce for all you have put into SHARE - your work will remain as a tribute to one person's dedication to family history. Thank you also to all those other people who filled roles in SHARE over the years.
Eleanor Macnamara, VIC AUS, SHARE Member 9217-020, 16 Oct 2004

Administrating SHARE must have been a time-consuming and thankless task.
Wendy Johnson, RSA, SHARE Contact 2182, 17 Oct 2004

Sorry about SHARE. You will be missed. Just as I had brilliant news for you too!
Fred Hodgson, IOM, SHARE Member 3177-385, 17 Oct 2004
Correlator's Response: The society may be all but gone but I'm still here -- please send your 'news'.

I am sorry to learn of your decision about SHARE. I personally have not used the services. However, the demise of any good organization is regrettable. So many organizations are struggling to 'stay afloat'. Thanks again, and God Bless.
Fred Whitley, PA USA, SHARE Contact 2236, 17 Oct 2004

Though I am not a member of SHARE I can certainly appreciate the effort it has taken by yourself to keep such a massive amount of information. I still have too many lines to research to devote the kind of time you have invested in just HODGSON which is why I did not take up membership. I deeply regret that the organization doesn't have enough new blood to keep it going..
Karen Allen, MI USA, SHARE Contact 3172, 17 Oct 2004

I very much appreciate your e-mail announcing that SHARE must go into hibernation, and in particular I appreciate all your personal kindness and help. Without this I could never have discovered the rich double Hodgson ancestry that has become so important in our pedigree. From knowing Bruce I am very aware how much he has personally contributed and I hope others appreciate his efforts as much as I do. I have to confess to being one of those who has gotten much more from SHARE than I have put into it. It has brought me into contact with so many other Hodgson descendants with whom I continue to correspond. I do hope others will come forth and accept the challenge to continua the work.
Balfour Le Gresley, ON CAN, SHARE Member 9850-305, 17 Oct 2004

I have just heard that SHARE is to close. Although saddened by the decision I understand it. My own one-name study has shown me how much time and effort it can take up. I enjoyed the magazine and have especially enjoyed meeting fellow members at the assemblies. I see the web pages will continue while funds last. In case it does close down, for the benefit of those who wish to search the name in the future is it possible for a copy of the data base to be sent to national genealogical societies, such as the Society of Genealogists in London? If I ever produce a one-name study as good as SHARE, I shall be a happy man.
Andrew Talbot Hopkinson, LND ENG, SHARE Member 9903-295, 18 Oct 2005
Correlator's Response: The SHARE database and family tree files may be updated and a new CD might follow for the cost of disc and postage. Unfinished memberships should get that CD without paying, subject to available funds. Watch for details here.

I am sorry to hear SHARE is going into recess. Can the web site be hosted for free by WorldConnect or similar organization and our library research be looked after by GOONS or similar? I hope the next generation of Hodgsons take up the challenge again? Thank you for all the hard work
Grant Hodgson, NI NZD, SHARE Member 9773-261, 18 Oct 2004
Correlator's Response: The society database and the Family Tree Files will continue to be accessible at RootsWeb and WorldConnect respectively. The SHARE database at RootsWeb is the original version; RootsWeb was never updated.

I'm sorry to see the Hodgson web site may go, even though I haven't had much time for genealogy lately.
Paula Ford, PA USA, SHARE Contact 9962, 18 Oct 2004
Correlator's Response: The web site will remain online for the foreseeable future. It is the society that is in limbo.

I know I haven't been among the most active participants, but you have a good site and resources for our surname. Why is it closing? Is there some way it can be saved?
Paul Dixon, TX USA, SHARE Contact 3091, 18 Oct 2004
Correlator's Response: Unless others come forward, the society will have to close down including eventually this web site.

I'm dumbfounded to hear that things are at an end, and cannot believe it. Tell me it's Not True that SHARE is finished.
Elizabeth Armitage. HI USA, SHARE Member 9443-167, 19 Oct 2004
Correlator's Response: Unless a team of volunteers comes forward, SHARE will have to close down.

Thanks to Bruce and to all the others for all the work done on the (worldwide) Hodgson family genealogy. It's been great fun, and rewarding, to learn about my family history over the years, and most of what I've learned has been the product of SHARE. I especially found the DNA project interesting, as it provided a likely link between me and Viking ancestors, but because I'm not a Hodgson by male ancestry, I could never be sure. Best wishes on your future.
Jim Wright, AB CAN, SHARE Contact 3080, 24 Oct 2004

So SHARE is almost history. Very sad because it was so unique and so vital. Sad also because so much time and effort and love has gone into it over the years. Bruce created SHARE and the rest of us let him down. Not because we wanted to, but mostly because of the huge distance that separates us. I had the feeling a year ago that Bruce was wearing out and would have to slow down and start to enjoy other things. We had looked forward to the next gathering and hoped we would be able to attend. There is always the possibility that some younger person, skilled with computers, would pick up the ball and reinvigorate the organization. Bruce can take lots of pride in the gift he has given hundreds of Hodgsons around the world of their family genealogies. I hope he takes the time now to breathe fresh air and enjoy himself. He deserves it.
Clayton Hodgson, IA USA, SHARE Member 3114-372, 25 Oct 2004
Correlator's Response: Distance should not be a problem. An international network of assistance or a team of helpers on line can save the society. Help can be a global effort connected by computers.

I've just seen the message on the web site posted by David Hodgson. I had a feeling something was amiss having only received one journal this year. Maybe it's a good idea to put everything into safe storage for a while; I know the work Bruce did had become a yoke around his neck over the last few years--keeping things going on his own. I thank him for his efforts in helping me contact relations far and wide. I remember his first presentation at The Salutation Inn on Framwellgate Moor DUR ENG (May 1989) and have enjoyed meeting him and other Hodgson relations over the years at Keswick, Scarborough, Durham City and York. I wish Bruce good health and a less demanding time in the future.
Joe Hodgson, YNR ENG, SHARE Member 8915-021, 25 Oct 2004

That SHARE is closing down is most distressing news indeed. Despite the time, energy and commitment Bruce has contributed to the enterprise since its inception. It was clear that he could not continue to shoulder such a heavy load forever. Despite the contribution of a core group of helpers, too much was required of too few. Sadly, this is an ever-increasing trend in modern society. I retain fond memories of attending the SHARE gathering at Durham in 1997, and in particular the time Bruce spent in joining me on my visit to my ancestral home at Carlton Miniott YKS. His kindness and assistance to me during my visit will never be forgotten. I would like to express my sincere appreciation especially to Bruce for his hard work and dedication over the years and also to the core group of committed helpers, Peter and Shirley Hodgson, Trevor Knight, David Hodgson and Joan Hodgson for their splendid contribution to SHARE. The society will be greatly missed.
Ray Hodgson, VIC AUS, SHARE Member 9593-185, 6 Nov 2004

Thank you for maintaining SHARE Hodgson.
Patricia Blackstock, ON CAN, SHARE Contact 3252, 12 Nov 2004

Saddened by news of shutdown of SHARE. Obviously people become disinterested when their "needs" are met, not realizing the ongoing potential. Alas! All the best from a fellow senior.
Michael Conn Hodgson, BC CAN, 9624-206, 12 Nov 2004
Correlator's Response: The interest will continue as long as I'm able, albeit much slower and more paced.

We received the news to close down SHARE. We are so very sorry that this has to happen but we do understand as it is a great deal of work to keep everything up-to-date. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. Most societies that we have been connected have problems with membership falling off and not many younger people joining or taking on positions. I guess that all the SHARE records will be transferred to as many other systems as can be done and not trashed. We always looked forward to receiving the newsletter as it was so interesting and informative. Thank you for all the newsy articles and the time taken to produce them. It became obvious that the organization was becoming harder to maintain. It is a pity that we are so distant around the world and it is not easy to meet; computers are not the same as personal contacts. We look forward to the proposed final edition of the newsletter and will miss it so much afterwards. Will we get a final updated CD and a list of members, to be paid for if the society runs out of funds? I hope all the committee members can take a lot of satisfaction from what was done on our behalf and know that it was all so worthwhile to so many Hodgson researchers worldwide.
Stan and Laurel Hodgson, QLD AUS, SHARE Members 9420-095, 22 Nov 2004
Correlator's Response: Again, distance can be overcome via our home computers with an international team of helpers. The proposed final SHARE Journal may not come to be. The material on this web page was to be part of that final edition. Now that it's all here, it pushes that last issue further away. Also, the call for any last contributions for that final issue has brought no materials or ideas from anyone. No problem. Another CD is still a possibility that Bruce or anyone willing might tackle in 2005.

I was saddened to read that SHARE is closing. I was directed to you by someone in England. I have referred to your web site on many occasions; it is a well laid out and very informative. I wanted to attend one of your gatherings in England, but had to content myself with the photo postings. I was interested in the DNA studies conducted by Geoff Hodgson. Thank you for your help that pointed me to where I am today.
Peter Bowman, QC CAN, SHARE Contact 3019, 23 Nov 2004

I have just begun serious research into my ancestry and regret to find that SHARE is closing down (actually going into hibernation). Best wishes for the continuation of SHARE.
John Geoffrey Sanford Hodgson, UK, 2237, 24 Nov 2004

I am sorry that SHARE has become a burden. I do hope that itcan be kept alive, if only as a website resource. Thank you for your work for the Hodgson clan.
Tony Hodgson, 18 Dec 2004

Sorry that SHARE had to close. Thanks for all your hard work.
Joyce Needham, UK 3102, 22 Dec 2004

Very sorry to learn of SHARE's hibernation. Its maintenance has been shouldered by a small core group for quite some time. An impressively enormous undertaking I must say, and a job well done. I only wish I were in the position to be of assistance to your team. However, my lack of experience in genealogy and computer skills I'm afraid would more than likely render me ineligible. My heart and good wishes are with you. I have every confidence that SHARE will come out of its hibernation awakened with a new energy.
Ti Hodson, MT USA, 3281, 2 Jan 2005

Thanks to all above for writing. We'd love to hear from you, please e-mail Bruce Hodgson.