----- Original Message ----- From: "mr derek lambert" <dereks@rokerman.ndo.co.uk> To: <ENG-DUR-SUNDERLAND-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 2004 3:29 AM Subject: [genealogy] [SUNDERLAND] 40 thieves > I remember the term 40 thieves very well, it refered to various business men in Sunderland at the time who were doing very well for themselves by slightly shady dealings, I could mention a few names, but they may still be around !!! > > Derek. > Derek, Although I fully understand your reticence regarding naming names, can't you give us a few clues? eg, the original query mentioned lawyers and accountants. Could you at least nominate the range of professions and/or types of business that you believe to have been involved? Otherwise, we could appear to be casting quite a slur on the reputation of the entire business community of 1950s Sunderland. Though I suppose, if there were really only 40 "thieves", that would leave a remarkably large number of honest traders. Alternatively, please email me off-list with the surnames of all your suspects, and I will respond to any that I recognise with knowing nods/surprise as I see fit :-))) Tim.