Hillam Historians receive many interesting queries and communications from all over the world through this website. It is our window to the wider world, a constant source of unexpected treasures.

After an initial contact through the site, a fascinating exchange of correspondence has developed between Francis Nelson and Paul Scholey, and was reported in the April-May 2010 issue of the Hillam News.

Francis sent us the photograph which was taken on 28th June 1949 to commemorate the planting of the current Ringtree and the installation of the new seat. The occasion marked the 70th birthday of benefactor Mr Harry L Lyon of Hillam Hall.

Francis also told us that the previous sapling, planted before the war, had been snapped off about a foot from the ground. It was subjected to an attempted repair with a six-inch nail. Not surprisingly, thus ‘doctored’, the tree did not survive.

Thanks to Francis’ list, and also to website exposure and long-term memories of some Hillam Historians, we believe we have managed to name all the people on the photo. The decisions on the names were not without some dispute, so, if your recollections stretch back to the 1940s, why not see if you agree with our conclusions?

1.  Frank Poole, railway signalman and clerk to the parish council

2.  Bill Brookes, grocer and parish councillor

3.  Dick Gundill, chauffeur and groom to Mr Lyon

4.   Walter Turton, pensioner

5.  Joseph Leach, farmer and county councillor

6.  Jack Nelson, joiner

7.  Mrs Olive Wood, ex-ATS

8.  Mrs Stephenson, widow

9.  PC Hudson, village bobby

10.  John William Nelson, county council road man

11.  Miss Ethel Stephenson

12.  Mrs Gundill

13.  Mrs Elsie ????, née Horton (later altered to Elsie Turner)

14.  Daughter of above