Hello Spectator

Many thanks for researching those dates. I was studying away at Loughborough when Harry died though I recall coming back for the funeral; I think its the last time I saw his granddaughter. As far as I can remember he only lived a few weeks in Wharfedale, 9 weeks seems to ring a bell.

I didn't get much opportunity to do any real research last weekend but did locate the 1911 Leigh Rangers photo; Mick Bolewski is the club president and there is a Tom Yates also on it as the treasurer who I think is Harry's older brother, Paddy O'Neil is not on it. I also located a WW1 picture of Harry in his Army uniform, embroidered christmas cards and post cards written from the front, a February 1956 presentation photograph which simply states 50 years with one company and some photos of him with drink in hand ca Christmas 1980. There are many more documents to look through but I only have a brief opportunity to do so when home at weekends. Harry's son, also called Harry, was Deputy Mayor in 1977 and moved to Devon to be with his daughter after his wife died. Although he has also passed away, he may have took some posessions with him to Devon that could be of interest. Luckily I found a contact address for Harry Sr's grandaughter at the weekend and will follow up.

That's really good news. As it happens, I have details of a Thomas Yates who also had rugby and brewery connections and may be a relative of your familyMr. T. Yates (Leigh Journal, 6 August 1937)

The funeral took place at Leigh Cemetery on Tuesday of Mr. Thomas Yates, who died on Saturday at the Bradshawgate Inn, Leigh. Mr. Yates was 53 years of age and been at the Bradshawgate Inn for three years. Prior to that he was at the Volunteer Inn for six years. For 30 years he was employed at Leigh Brewery as a driver, and was well known in the town. In sport he was keenly interested in Rugby League football, and for many years was a referee and a member of the Rugby League Referees' Society. He was connected with Bedford. St. Thomas's Church, and a service was conducted there by the Rev. G. Willett, prior to the interment.

Looking forward to hearing more.