The Blairs of Hertford ** A Legacy of Family Love Across Continents

Katharine and husband Nick hosted the Blair gathering at Christmas 2022

Strong family bonds of continuity and transformation across continents

Thom and the late Myrtle Blair’s family are unique in many respects. 

Half are in America. Yet, the generations — four children, five grandchildren, and Lottie and Keith’s Mason and Meadow,  have one thing in common.

What marks this family is a healthy tradition of transatlantic travel. And Christmas 2022 proves it.

Our hosts, Nick and Katharine Blair Pole served a succulent turkey dinner and delicious sides. Enjoyed by all, the season was a feast of pleasure and purpose that John Bull and Uncle Sam would have enjoyed.

Daughter Lucille, a resources manager in the insurance industry in New York, and her sister Gage, in Maryland State’s consumer protection in Baltimore, were with us.

As teenagers, they lived in the family home on West Street, Hertford and were educated at Presdales School. Later, they sought greener pastures in America, but return frequently with their sons Liam and Max respectively.

University graduate Sam, Katharine’s son, fled London’s no-hope job and housing scene to teach in Las Vegas public schools. After dinner, he shares his goal to raise students’ skills, talents and drive.

Londoner Nick, a shiatsu practitioner and teacher, was our special day “chief chef” along side Katharine.

Liam, a financial consultant, assembled us for the Christmas photo above.

Lottie a health and skin care expert, chatted about her breakthrough trends. Husband Keith, a motor transport trainer, helped carve the turkey.

Violinist Max, Gage’s son, has entertained the folks at Braziers Field, Hertford, with his concert pieces and medley.

The trans-border visits of the British wing are equally enriching. When in America, the Blair daughters, music educator and violinist Ellen, and Katharine in antique textiles have a special interest. Nonna Myrtle’s New England family hails from  Savoy, a centuries-old hill town in Massachusetts.

Media arts enthusiast Indigo, Katharine’s daughter, has explored the food, culture and politics of New York while visiting Lucille and Liam.

Zooming and WhatsApping on the social media fill in the gaps in time zones and continents.

We are all keen explorers of Hertford’s historic ambience. No ravers among us. But the royal teacups and tea towels from the Hertford Castle Christmas Market stalls make joyful gifts.

Nothing beats taking a break at the Woolpack pub, packed with brewing history. Enjoying a quick tipple before our fish and chips at the Salisbury Arms is a delight.

Visits to the Castle Hall’s seasonal events and the Hertford Museum are our favourites. All raise our spirits.

There’s time, too, to share memories of the arc of love between the generations.  Nonna Myrtle (1927-2017) and Thom’s mother Lucy Gage of Montserrat, British West Indies (1899-1988) are interred in the All Saints churchyard.

Exploring Hertford’s diverse past is a must for everyone.  The Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies Library preserve the documents of Black history, heritage and culture.  An example of minority inclusion that transborder UK/US families can relate to.

Mason and Meadow were the icing on the Christmas cake. So, the baton of hope and purpose goes down the line; from the eldest Thom at 96 years. Exceptionally, the youngest are fine-tuning the legacy with their own emerging British experience.

The Christmas finale always hits the sweet spot with gay laughter watching our history unfold in family albums and articles.

Family members include: First row Mason Rowlatt, Indigo Blair Pole. Professor Thomas L. Blair, Meadow Rowlatt and  Keith Rowlatt, 2^nd  row Nick Pole, Lottie Rowlatt, Katherine Blair Pole, Ellen Blair. And from the USA:  Max Blair Jacobs,  Liam Blair Ford, Lucille Blair. Zoomed with: Gage and Marc Jacobs, and Sam Blair Pole, Katharine’s son.