I am the granddaughter of Charlotte Ridley and James Matthews. My father was also named James Matthews. My mother was a "flattie" but travelled for a short time with my father. We kept in touch with my aunts - Susie, Polly, Netta and Rhoda. They all married into show families (Hill, Proctor, Ravenscroft and Sedgwick). My parents split up but my mother still helped out the Ravenscrofts at local fairs. I remember operating a juvenile, pitch a penny, hook a duck and spinning candy floss with both hands by the time I was nine years old! I have very little information about the Matthews family. I don't think they were showmen. I have found information regarding the Ridley family on the census. I know my grandfather James Matthews married Mary Ann Ridley (mother of Susie, Tommy and Grace). Grace died when she was 9 years old. Tommy was killed in the war 1917. After she died, my grandfather married her sister Charlotte Ridley. My father was the only surviving male Matthews as two of his brothers died in infancy (William and John). My grandfather died in 1916, the same year as my father was born. Charlotte Ridley later married George Hodson. She died in 1936 but is buried with James Matthews Snr at Arnos Vale in Bristol. Along with my two brothers, James and Colin, I have visited the graves of John and Selina Ridley and Grace Matthews in Manor Park cemetery in London. I am so pleased to hear from you! I had no idea the Ridley family were still travelling. Looking forward to hearing from you. Kind regards Grace
