Why did we start to research Bernard??

One day I was listening to Gentracers Radio Station and heard Jimgentracer playing Right Said Fred by Bernard Cribbins. After the record had finished Jimgentracer said he would demonstrate how easy it is to trace your family tree, by tracing Bernard Cribbins details.

We knew that Bernard Cribbins was born on 29th December 1928 in Oldham from the Internet Biography details. So by looking on the Birth Marriage and Death Index it listed Bernard's mother's maiden name as Clarkson.

We now knew we needed a marriage between Clarkson and Cribbins between 1925 and 1928. A marriage was found between Ethel Clarkson and John Edward Cribbins on 31st October 1925. The next step was to see if the Ethel Clarkson and John Edward Cribbins were listed in the 1901 census.

John Edward Cribbins was born in 1896 and was listed with his parents ??? Father ??? Bernard Cribbins aged 27 Mother Mary H Cribbins age 20, John E Cribbins aged 4, siblings Kitty Cribbins aged 2. They were living at 11 Banding Street, Oldham.

Ethel Clarkson was born 1898, and was listed with her parents ??? Father John Clarkson aged 39, Mother Mary A Clarkson aged 34, siblings, Elizabeth Clarkson aged 12, Arthur Clarkson aged 10, Ethel Clarkson aged 3, John Clarkson aged 1. They were living at 69 Glodwick Road, Oldham.

Now we knew who Bernard's parents were, the date of their marriage, Bernard's Grandparents, and other siblings of his parents, where they lived in 1901.

I mentioned to Jimgentracer that I knew Bernard Cribbins via a 3rd party. My daughter Heather up to 2004 worked as a Nanny looking after Twins Olivia and Sebastian, and Harriet who were Bernard Cribbins Great Nieces and Nephew. Heather was still in contact with the family, and I suggested should I ask if we could get permission off Bernard and his family to do a project on Bernard Cribbins Family Tree.

Looking at Bernard's ancestors we can see where the twins originate from, as on both sides of the family there are twins.
Bernard's ancestors have mainly lived in the Lancashire area over a number of years, prior to some originating from Ireland.

The professions of his ancestors vary from working in the Cotton Mills, Tailor, Violin Maker, Joiner, Railway Ticket Collector, and Property Agent.

With backgrounds as varied as this - what really was it that made Bernard take a career up as Actor/Musician?
Whatever it was, he has and is still, continuing with a very successful career.

Elsie Crombie
Lancashirelassie