My paternal widowed grandmother Rhoda Ross (born in Hammersmith, London) and James Birch, a widower, Wickford born and bred, on their wedding day in 1939 at St. Mary’s parish church Wickford. James’ nephew Leonard Birch is on the left of the picture next to James, I have no idea who the other people are. At the time of their marriage Rhoda and James were living at “Hope”, Bruce Grove, Wickford. I believe James was a labourer (he helped to build Runwell Hospital, so I’ve been told). I’m just wondering how Rhoda and James met, as she was born and lived in Hammersmith London until her marriage in Wickford.
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Hello – I am Sylvia Ross’ daughter (she posted a comment here) and have taken over family history research from her. This is the only photo I have ever seen of my great-grandmother Rhoda Birch (Ross nee Matthews) and would love to hear from anyone who knew her or was related to her, or has any photos of her. Please add a comment to this article.
James Birch was my grandfather. He wasn’t “Wickford born and bred”. He was born in Gloster Street, Bethnal Green, in 1883 and moved to Wickford in 1935. Leonard Birch was his younger son (my father’s brother), not his nephew.
James Birch died in 1962 in Braintree. Rhoda Birch died in 1974, aged 93 in Wickford. I wonder if any of the older residents of Wickford would remember either of them?
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