Hello Listers I am desperately seeking information about both of my Great Grandfathers. Firstly, on my Mother's side: Albert WATSON b. 15 Apr. 1903. d. 1 Jan 1970. He was Mayor of Sunderland in 1965. Can anybody tell me where I need to look for information on the time he spent as Mayor. Duties he performed, official documents, photos, or any other info pertaining to his time in office. Secondly, on my Father's side: Henry SWINBURNE b.May 1892. d. June 1957 He was a miner who (I think) worked at Ryhope Colliery, although I have not been able to find any sources that will conclusively tell me where he was employed. I know that he died in Cherry Knowle Hospital, but I do not know why he was in there. Any information regarding life in this hospital, what he was suffering from, documentation etc would be greatly appreciated. I have the bare bones for each of these individual (BMD, burial records etc), but I just want something that will flesh them out and make them into 'real people' for me. These 2 great men both died before I was born - Albert only 2 days before. The respective families are both reticent in talking about the past, so I have to discover everthing for myself, which is proving extremely difficult. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated Kind Regards Kay Swinburne Formerly from Sunderland, now an Essex Girl!

http://www.dmm.org.uk/colliery/r001.htm Kay, the above website will show you a bit about Ryhope Colliery. In addition, I have located Henry Swinburne and his family on the 1901 census. Please contact me offlist should you want me to send you that image. Susan ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kay Swinburne" <[email protected]> To: "SUNDERLAND Genealogy" <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2007 1:03 PM Subject: [ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND] Please help: Where do I need to search? -WATSON/SWINBURNE > Hello Listers > > I am desperately seeking information about both of my Great Grandfathers. > > Firstly, on my Mother's side: > > Albert WATSON b. 15 Apr. 1903. d. 1 Jan 1970. > He was Mayor of Sunderland in 1965. > > Can anybody tell me where I need to look for information on the time he > spent as Mayor. Duties he performed, official documents, photos, or any > other info pertaining to his time in office. > > Secondly, on my Father's side: > > Henry SWINBURNE b.May 1892. d. June 1957 > > He was a miner who (I think) worked at Ryhope Colliery, although I have > not been able to find any sources that will conclusively tell me where he > was employed. > > I know that he died in Cherry Knowle Hospital, but I do not know why he > was in there. Any information regarding life in this hospital, what he > was suffering from, documentation etc would be greatly appreciated. > > I have the bare bones for each of these individual (BMD, burial records > etc), but I just want something that will flesh them out and make them > into 'real people' for me. > > These 2 great men both died before I was born - Albert only 2 days before. > The respective families are both reticent in talking about the past, so I > have to discover everthing for myself, which is proving extremely > difficult. > > Any help at all would be greatly appreciated > > Kind Regards > Kay Swinburne