Jane’s quest sparked by suitcase discovery

THE simple act of opening a suitcase has led one former Littlehampton woman on an incredible voyage of discovery.
Jane Bétrom, left, has been on a voyage of family discovery compiling her exhibition. She is pictured alongside museum archives and exhibition officer Lucy Ashby, rightJane Bétrom, left, has been on a voyage of family discovery compiling her exhibition. She is pictured alongside museum archives and exhibition officer Lucy Ashby, right
Jane Bétrom, left, has been on a voyage of family discovery compiling her exhibition. She is pictured alongside museum archives and exhibition officer Lucy Ashby, right

When Jane Bétrom’s mother died in 1998, she inherited a small travel box filled with old family photos and memorabilia – a gift which sparked a 16-year quest to uncover her family’s hidden history.

Jane has managed to unearth a wealth of history taking her across the globe and seeing her discovering how her family had links to Charlie Chaplin, the Titanic and even royalty.

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Jane, who grew up in Littlehampton and Wick but now lives in France, has now opened up her past for all to see in a fascinating exhibition at the Littlehampton Museum, in Church Street.

Speaking about her heir-hunting hobby, the 68-year-old said: “It’s become both a fascination and obsession for me because until I have tracked down all the details it’s a bit like losing a piece in a jigsaw puzzle.

“‘We have got this piece but where will it go?’, I think to myself. I just find myself spending hours and hours researching my family history.”

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