CAN you help? I have been trying to trace the records of a home for unmarried mothers and their babies which existed in York from the 1920s until shortly after the Second World War (or possibly just before).

My inquiries show that this home was at 15 Bootham Terrace, York, and was administered by the Church Army on behalf of a local York-based charity.

I have tried inquiring at Church Army headquarters in London, York archives and various other organisations, but without any luck. Any information or recollections of the home, would be greatly appreciated.

Allan J Armstrong,

Hanover Court,

Haxby,

York.

...I AM gathering information on family history and wondered if your readers could help.

My great-grandfather Walter Blakey ran the Old Globe Hotel in Malton for a number of years around the beginning of the 20th century. The 1901 UK census places him there at that time, with his wife, Emma, and five of their six children.

Has anyone information about the Old Globe early in the century - it was demolished in 1931 to make room for the Milton Rooms - and possibly about my great-grandfather and his family?

One of Walter Blakey's children, Florence, was in management at the Royal Station Hotel (now Le Meridien York). The hotel's management has been very helpful in trying to track that one down, but their records don't go back beyond 1918.

I know almost nothing about Fred Blakey, born 1891 or 92, my great-uncle. Emma Walton's siblings included Eliza, James, Frank and Harry, and in 1881 they all lived in Mill Street, Norton. Their mother's maiden name was Eliza Burkill. Email me at bobblakey@shaw.ca - or the address below.

Bob Blakey,

171 Christie Knoll Hts. S.W.,

Calgary, Alberta T3H 2R5, Canada.

Updated: 10:36 Thursday, September 19, 2002