Gertrude Ayton, actress of some renown?

[RedMystic]

Hi Chatters,

A special thanks to Tracey for the 3 lovely letters from Gertrude.  The earliest is from the 1950s. They confirm theaters, connections to Coronation Street performers, and bring her to life.

When I checked in with Gertrude's grandson last night, he let me know that Gertrude's youngest cousin passed away earlier this year and she too had a letter from Gertrude (Christmas 1975) among her belongings - so now I have that too. Similar to the ones Tracey provided, it references actors who were obviously close friends. It also describes what must have been a very fun Christmas party where most guests brought their instruments and had a jam session.

This has been the most wonderful search & it continues to provide pearls of joy. Thanks to all of you. 

[Alantra]

Hi RedMystic,

So pleased the letters have brought you much joy    It was only down to my curiosity that I decided to research Gertrude,  I am so happy I did now.

The letters must have meant a lot to my Nan as well, there were no other personal letters with her effects, not even from close family and I thank my father and late mother for keeping them.  I dread to think that left to any other members of the family they would have been thrown away !!!

If you have access to FB you might like to check out Blackpool's Past site, lots of old pictures and memorabilia on there.

So pleased to have met you and the other members,

Tracey.

[RedMystic]

Thanks again Tracey.

I look forward to receiving the originals.

Gertrude's grandson Howard (found through this search) was born to her eldest son with her first husband. He now has Tracey's letter scans, but doesn't want the originals. 

While I have the name of her younger son born to her second husband, the two families did not stay in touch. (One of Tracey's letters refers to one grown son coming for a visit followed by the other a few weeks later.)

I know Gertrude's 2nd son had a daughter so even if he has passed away, I hope one day to track her down. If she wants the letters, I'll turn them over to her. Until then, I'll keep them with my family history treasures.

By the way, my recent e-mails to Howard brought me up-to-date on Gertrude's youngest cousin. She is far out of my family connections, but he had asked me (on behalf of Gertrude's elderly cousin) to find out something about her father. She didn't know his first name, but had some information that enabled the dots to align.

Like Gertrude's search, it was a bit of a sleuth but Chatters came through. If you want to read about that one, here's the link.

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=596748.msg4468578#msg4468578

Thanks again to one & all. 

[Alantra]

Hi RedMystic,

I have just read all the posts a bit more thoroughly.

As I have said before I was born just outside Blackpool in Poulton-le-Fylde about 4 miles from Blackpool.

I know it is perhaps a long shot but there was a Hanson living around the corner from us, probably similar age to my Dad, born 1936 and I was friends with his daughter, we went to school together, I was born 1964, do you think perhaps he could have been Gertrude's second son. I am not sure if he is still alive because I moved from Poulton to Cleveleys in 2001, but I do know his daughter still lives in Poulton...and I could find out more information...Harry Hanson's middle name wasn't Thomas by any chance was it ?

Tracey.

[Alantra]

Hi,

I have just done a search and found my Hanson who was born in 1934 but his mother's maiden name was Cookson....a common name for the area....perhaps a cousin of your relative.... who knows.

Sorry for the error, but I really should look up first before I post.

Tracey.

[lyn.cam]

Hello to everyone who has information on Gertrude Ayton - I am her Granddaughter from her son Derek Hanson.  I think someone was talking about Poulton-le-Fylde and a Hanson living there - that would be my great Uncle Carey with his wife Bernice and daughter.  I would be interested in the letters that I think Red Mystic said they had.

I look forward to hearing from anyone on this subject as maybe some of the information is only speculation and I can possibly shed more light on the subject.

[dawnsh]

Hi lyn.cam

Welcome to Rootschat 

Everyone who has contributed to this topic should receive an email notification that you have posted and hopefully come back soon.

We have a 'no living people' policy here so if any of the people you mentioned are still alive, could you [modify] your topic and remove their names. Thanks.

Dawn

[MonicaL]

Hi lyn.cam

Welcome on board 

Red Mystic will be thrilled that you have found her post. She will pick up a notification of your post. Sure she will be in touch here   

Monica

[lyn.cam]

Thank you for your welcome.  I am looking forward to hearing from all of you.