Hi Merry Christmas to you all. 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. Obviously Tom Finney was a famous name in another sport which has made an internet search very difficult. Does anyone know of any books or websites etc or even an history society covering All-In Wrestling, especially in the Northumberland area in which I can find some details. Even if it doesnt contain any reference to this particular person, it would be interesting to know more about it. Just to expand the family a little, just in case there is someone out there who may know of them:- Margaret Spark daughter of Abraham Spark and Mary Ann Douglas(s) born c1881 in Howdon Panns. She married Sam Sheppard who was from Keighley, Yorkshire born around 1881 as well. The Spark family lived in Crofton Street and around but then moved to Blyth in the very late 1890's and some still live there. Margaret and Sam Sheppard had 4 children according to my Dad. Lillian born c1908 and Gordon who we think went to live in Hartlepool. I have found on the indexes an Abraham Spark Sheppard and it would be amazing if he wasnt one of the children, considering the name. I dont know who the fourth one was but apparently it was a girl. There may have been more. Lillian married "Tom Finney" - I dont think they had any children and by the time I met her in the early 1970's she was on her own and living with Aunty Maggie, or Margaret Sheppard in the Gosforth area. As I said before, the only marriage I can find for a Lilian Sheppard in the area, at the right time, considering the surname variations is to Robert W Johnston in 1930. Any information, ideas, contacts would be fantastic. Have an amazing Christmas everyone. I must now go and stuff Henry the turkey so that we can eat before midnight. All the best Mandy Buchanan _________________________________________________________________ Add your Gmail and Yahoo! Mail email accounts into Hotmail - it's easy http://clk.atdmt.com/UKM/go/186394592/direct/01/