> I was fascinated with the discussion about St James Hall, especially > John's mention of the wrestling. > My Grandmother's side of the family had an all-in wrestler who reputedly > fought at St James Hall (information from my dad who can vaguely remember > him). >He was known as Tom Finney to the family but I think that this is > going to be his stage name. The only record I can find of a marriage > between his wife (Lilian >Sheppard) and someone is a Robert W Johnston in > Castle Ward in 1930 which would be about right as Lilian (one of my > Grandmother's cousins) was born in >1908 in Tynemouth district. Whilst I cannot recall Tom Finney wrestling, I remember many of the early post-war wrestlers. Stan Powton (The Unknown), Dirty Jackie Swan, Willy Fleck, were three local lads (Heaton), Flecky married my cousin Vi. Stan Powton had the wet fish-shop on Chillingham Rd., Jack Pye, Chick Knight, The Golden Ace, Bert Asseratti, The Black Mask, Les Kellet, are just a few of the names I recall seeing. http://www.wrestlingheritage.co.uk/1946.htm I also knew quite a number of the pre. and post-war boxers who appeared at "The Hall", many of whom used the "Queens" watering-hole in Wilfred St. Byker, managed by Jackie "Boy" Page. Regular customers included, Jim Falcus, Dusty Noble, Geordie (Puncher) Willis, cousin of Benny Sharkey, Albert "Tug" Fawcett, and many more. My Aunt Violet gave evidence in the murder trial at Durham Assizes, having discovered the remains of the murder victim at "The Hall" in 1957 where she was head cleaner. The case was reported in the Evening Chronicle. To the best of my knowledge, all persons mentioned are now deceased. Aalthibest Reuben