Q and A with Jane Rivett-Carnac

Jane Rivett-Carnac researches some family history at the Cranbourne Library. 180996_02. Picture: STEWART CHMABERS

With Jane Rivett-Carnac, volunteer researcher with the Narre Warren & District Family History Group

1. What’s the most fascinating part about being a member of the Narre Warren & District Family History Group?

Finding the unexpected connections that six degrees of separation moment when you find the person you’re talking with has a connection to your past. Solving a puzzle or brick wall for someone else and sharing the moment of discovery.

2. What is something people don’t know about you? I used to teach ballet.

3. What is the most memorable moment in your life? Achieving a childhood dream, with a visit to Vienna and the Spanish Riding School in 2012 and in 2014 standing at the home of maternal ancestors at Tiverton in Devon 160 years after they came to Australia.

4. What is your favourite television show? The West Wing, Gruen and MASH.

5. At school, I….was co-editor of the school magazine, favourite subject was British and Australian History.

6. What is your favourite place to visit in Victoria? I have two, a day at the State Library or a trip to Warrnambool when it’s whale watching time.

7. What is your favourite book? International: The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund De Waal. Australian: Under the Coolibah Tree by G F Young.

8. What has been your most embarrassing moment? Accidently spilling a tray of tea and coffee over my boss, could happen to anyone but not good if it’s Reg Ansett.

9. What do you work towards in your free time? On the rare occasion of free time I spend it lost in a book, I’ve been known to start a book at lunchtime and finish it at 3 in the morning.

10. Where would your perfect holiday destination be? Six months in the United Kingdom so I could walk in my ancestors footsteps.