RootsChat.Com

We’ve now found out that Vera was definitely in care as a child but we can’t find a way to prove the newspaper article is definitely her mother.

Is there a way to find the Gaol records, ie. more about Veronica Clark(e), for example her D.O.B. ?Would there be court records available giving further details of her? Understandably the children would probably be protected in any records I guess? Or perhaps about Leonard Clark to see if he was indeed in the Navy and therefore the father in the article? Some kind of enlistment lists for the Navy between 1939 & 1943?

There doesn’t seem to be much in the way of information beyond 1939 about the family. The 1939 register has 3 potential entries marked as “This record is officially closed” who are presumably still living or haven’t been updated yet.

Any guidance in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. I realise this isn’t that long ago so records might be restricted.

Thanks.

My friend did suggest that neglect was a possibility, not sure where that came from originally but the newspaper article would certainly be a route worth exploring, thank you so much for that and thanks to everyone for their replies and help.

I hadn’t actually thought of the time frame and bombing raids, so worth keeping in mind and looking in to that too, thanks!

I’ve found someone with the family tree on Ancestry but not had a reply from them so far. They actually have 6 children listed in their tree for the marriage but most of it is marked Private, so this would potentially tie in with that as they have a male listed as potentially the first child if they are entered in order.

Thanks

Hi All,

I’m researching on behalf of a friend, so bear with me if I need to get back to you with answers to anything.

My friends gran was born Vera Doreen Clark in 1935 to Leonard Clark and Veronica Holliday.
Vera passed away recently and unfortunately would never speak about her family. My friend is trying to discover why, as her gran got really upset when her past/family was mentioned.

She’ not looking to dig up old wounds or lay blame, she just wants to understand what upset her gran so much.

So what we’ve pieced together so far is this:
Parents:
Leonard Clark (b 1901, Hull) and Veronica Holliday (b. 1913, Hull)
There were other siblings including an Evelyne Clark (b. 1937, d. 2007), the rest I don’t have info for.
Vera never spoke to or about her family.

There was talk of being adopted but I’ve discovered that in 1957 at age of 22yo she changed her name by Deed Poll to Vera Doreen Uren and lived with William George Uren and Doris Uren (nee Bailey) in Liverpool. She then became a nurse in 1958 for sick children. She married Arthur Wolstenholme in the 1970’s I believe who I is my friends relative.

We’re not sure if the name change is anything to do with her family issue or if it was unrelated, perhaps concealing something to get in to nursing? Would that have been a possibility then? Not sure what a name change would achieve other than distance you from your own family.

This is pretty much all we have and desperately want to find out why she wouldn’t talk to her family (or maybe they didn’t talk to her?).

The only other information, which I’m not sure if relevant, Vera had bad burns on her shoulder/neck which may or may not be of relevance. It was never discussed.

I’ve attempted to check newspapers for any kind of reports, etc., but was unable to find anything. I can’t seem to find anyone from the Clark family to ask so I’m hoping someone related might be on these forums, or a friend of Vera or even suggestions where I could look next?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Alan

And your mother is Irma?
If that's right then I didn't realise you were so closely related. My Gran (Nellie) was the sister of your Grandfather Samuel. My dad was very friendly with your mums brother David!

I'll send the website details via private message.

Alan.