Dear Ed, I AM trying to trace anyone in East London in the 1940s and 50s who knew a Harry Aplin who lived in Stepney around 1947 and was a musician at the Hackney Empire. This is my last hope as I have exhausted every channel over the years in my search for my father
Dear Ed,
I AM trying to trace anyone in East London in the 1940s and 50s who knew a Harry Aplin who lived in Stepney around 1947 and was a musician at the Hackney Empire.
His address was in Oley Place, Stepney Green, until 1965, according to the electoral registers in Bancroft Library.
What happened to Harry after that I don’t know. I would be grateful if anyone could tell me anything about my father or his life, no matter how small, such as religion, nationality—absolutely anything.
I am adopted and was told by my natural mother when I traced her before she died that Harry played violin at the Hackney Empire in the 1940s.
I have tried for years to trace him and about 20 years ago found his address and went to what was Oley Place in Stepney—but sadly there was only a patch of grass as the houses were no longer there.
I am 61 years old now and that part of my life is a mystery. It would be wonderful if I had some information that I could pass on to my children about their family tree.
I don’t know his birth date, which has meant fruitless searches on websites. This is my last hope as I have exhausted every channel I can think of over the years.
Cleo Lear (formerly Valarie Gower)
Greenwich, London
Tel: 07908-613668
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here