I have been trying to locate Thomas William Brown & Elizabeth Todd in Sunderland. (I only have their son’s birth certificate) Unfortunately, they seem to be a little elusive! Their eldest child James Brown was born at 44, Wilson St, Sunderland – 3rd Feb 1903 I have been unable to find their marriage on FreeBMD or 1837 online. There are lots of Thomas Browns & Elizabeth Todds, but not marrying each other. From James birth Certificate, I know Thomas William Brown was a Brick Layer Journeyman in 1903. I think I have identified the correct family in the 1901 census. Thomas William is aged 16 & said to be a Bricklayers Labourer. He is living with his siblings & widowed mother Catherine (59) at 5 ½ Silkworth Row?, Sunderland. Elizabeth Todd I would imagine would be of a similar age, in the 1901, the only one in Sunderland would be Elizabeth J Todd, 16, Jute Spinner. Living with her 6 younger siblings & widowed mother Mary A Todd (38) at 4 Numbers Street?, Sunderland. Until the 1911 census comes out, I don’t suppose I’ll know if I have the right ones for sure though! I have the 1891 Census fiche for North Bishopwearmouth 1A,1B, 1C – no trace & they would be too young for the 1881. Can anyone suggest a way forward? (or back) Thank you for any assistance. Sally Gunton Ilkley West Yorkshire

Dear All, Please excuse me asking a question which is somewhat off subject, but I don't know where else to turn. Last weekend, I was up in Sunderland visiting my mother. The weather was superb, with excellent long distance views at the coast. Driving into Sunderland over Warden Law, I could see some snow covered hills on the skyline to the west gleaming in the sun. I've been over that road many times, by car (and foot and bicycle when I was younger) but I've never seen as far to the west. My assumption is that I was seeing the Pennines to the West of County Durham, perhaps even as far as Cross Fell, but I can't be sure. The next day, I had a similar experience driving along the coast road into Marsden from where I could, I think, see the snow covered Cheviots. Has anyone else seen mountains to the west of Sunderland and others to the North? Am I fooling myself when I thought I was seeing Cross Fell one day and Cheviot the next? As I said, the visibility was outstanding, and even if I couldn't see as far as I thought I could, the views were still great. The old town didn't look too bad either - crocuses in Backhouse park were smashing! Eddie