Chatterton and Bowlt family

Cyrus Bowlt was macebearer for West Hartlepool for 25 years and was caretaker of the Municipal Buildings where he lived with his family. This image is taken on the roof of the buildings.

Taken in 1937, the image is of Gertie Bowlt prior to her marriage to Ronald Chatterton. The picture is taken on the top of the old Municipal Buildings in Church Square where her father was caretaker and macebearer.

Girl Guides from the 7th West Hartlepool which could have been St James' or perhaps Christ Church.

Gertrude Bowlt is the girl with the flag on the left.

Taken in 1980, the photo was taken as Harvey Bowlt, 22, who at the time was studying at Capetown University, was visiting his cousin Barbara Justice in Hartlepool.

Harvey was the son of Cyrus and Grace Bowlt who emigrated to what was then Southern Rhodesia in 1948. Harvey and Barbara's grandfather was also a Cyrus Bowlt who for many years had been macebearer in West Hartlepool.

The image shows them being shown the portrait of their ancestor in the Civic Centre. Also on the picture are mayoress Peggy Watson, Kevin Keily(chief administrative officer) and mayor Bill Middleton.

Taken prior to WW2, this is Ron Chatterton's Riley 7-17 Sports Tourer. The car cost 40 guineas and road tax was £4. Adverts said the three wheeler had 'phenomenal road holding.'

The photo was thought to have been taken in Hartlepool, but with a bit of research it seems that the bus on the right belongs to Coventry. With some help from Coventry Bus Enthusiasts we discover that it is Gosford Street in Coventry and the large building in the background is the large Morris car plant. The view is apparently much changed today.