Margaret May Berridge

Baptised along with Susan Lilley on the 29th January 1864. Source: Rushden Methodist Circuit Baptisms 1864-1867.

These notes were taken from notes from my [Stephanie Thompson’s] cousin Carolyn Twyman (nee Booker) when she and husband Philip Twyman visited England in 1997. They had met May Berridge on a number of occasions as they lived in UK for some years and visited May often. May had a huge amount of history that she shared with Carolyn and Philip. You have got a photo of Carolyn (nee Booker) and Philip taken with May on one of their visits.

We know that Robert Wright Hales had a 2nd wife Sarah Annie Whiteman b 1876. They married in April/May 1909 in Wellingborough Vol. 3b Page 356. However when Robert died he had a joint gravestone with Eliza his first wife. They are buried in the St Laurence churchyard and the inscription reads:

“In loving memory of Eliza, the dearly loved wife of Robert W Hales of Ditchford Mill who fell asleep in Jesus February 4, 1906. Aged 57 years. Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also. And he praiseth her. Also Robert Wright, husband of above March 2, 1911. Aged 58. At rest”.

Details of Robert’s estate in the index for 1911 read: “Robert Wright Hales of Ditchford Mill Irchester Northamptonshire died 2 March 1911 at Higham Ferrers in the said county. Administration London 9 May to Sarah Annie Hales, his widow. Effects 361 english pounds 7 shillings. Sarah lived at 32 Corporation terrace, High Ferrers, Northants.

From all accounts Sarah Annie Whiteman was a rather severe woman and did not have much to do with his former family. They may have even separated before he died hence his being buried with Eliza. We believe she remarried and lived in Rushden.

According to Richard Hales (he is still alive and we met him a couple of years ago when he was in New Zealand) Robert had a brother who had 2 sons. Will Hales lives in Sharnbrook and Albert Hales died early ‘70’s and his widow Florrie died September 1979. They had 2 sons Fred and Norman. Norman Hales was living at [details removed for privacy] Sandy, Bedfordshire.

Carolyn and Philip have a delightful letter in Eliza’s hand writing. Jon, I am not sure where this letter comes from but I have seen it when we visited with Carolyn and Philip a few months back. I think Carolyn may have got it from May Berridge.

It reads:
“Dear Christian Friends, with pleasure I write a few lines to your respecting my present feelings. I have to thank God that ever I was brought to know myself as a great sinner before God”.........

Notes kindly sent to me by Stephanie Thompson (née Clark)

“Bob and Hilkka lived in a small modern home in Barrow in Furness. He worked on the submarines there. worked for a defence company at some stage and had made a few trips with them to USA for training etc. He was softly spoken and quite a private man. He was very happy with Hilkka, but was discreet about his other family.

“During WW2 he trained with the RAF at Perth, Scotland. His son Michael became a Dr and we think that he practices in Manchester. Steven married Pauline and had a daughter, Lauren. Pauline died in September 1995 and Steven was very distraught. We understand that Bob passed away in 2009 and unfortunately have lost touch with the family since then.”

This information is taken from an email sent to Stephanie Thompson by Philip Twyman who married her cousin Carolyn (nee Booker). They visited with Bob regularly when they lived in the UK.

I only know of Stephen’s existence from email, where contact was informed of him from a telegram. I could not find him in England birth index. I did find evidence that his parents may have moved to Canada, so perhaps he was born there.

According to email from Philip Twyman, Stephen married Pauline and had a daughter called Lauren. Pauline died in September 1995 – see notes for Robert John Berridge.