30th October 2003.

Dear Valerie

After reading through your website about Findon village, I am hoping you may be able to help my family in search of a relative, who we believe lived in or around Findon village prior to the Second World War. 

The only thing we have to go on is his name, Norman Stone, and that he was possibly aged between 25 and 40 at the time of the war. 

Perhaps in your extensive research of Findon village the name may have appeared associated with old photographs or records (we think he may have been a keen cricketer).  Sincerely hoping you can help us with this.

With best wishes

Claire Keyte

 

Claire Keyte, Exeter, Devon.

30th October 2003.

Valerie

....... we believe Norman Stone is the name of my husband's real father, although his mother is very reticent about giving out too many details, and this is a very delicate subject matter. 

What we have been told is his name and that he lived in Findon.  We do know that he was older than Phil's mother who was 34 when Phil was born.

It was also mentioned that he had/has a brother, who she says was an actor. 

Norman it is claimed was keen on cricket and came from quite a 'well to do family'. 

We have been told that Norman was in Exeter prison when Phil was born, however, prison records are very difficult to access. 

Given the above and the period of history we are talking about I'm even wondering if Norman Stone is his real name.  I knew that this was a long shot but that you may have come across the name when researching your excellent website. 

If he was part of the racing fraternity then he could well have travelled to Devon as there is the local Devon and Exeter racecourse and Newton Abbot racecourse. 

Anyway sometimes long shots pay off...

With many thanks for your help and time. 

Kind regards

Claire

Claire Keyte, Exeter, Devon.