Rosemary Field <r.v.field24@...> wrote to Oliver on 24 June 2009:
>
> I'm not sure if you'll be able to help, but I found a reference to a
> company called Bolton & Lakin on your website.

My great grandfather was Henry Bolton, partner in the firm of Bolton and
Lakin of Queen's Head Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, the builders of Hilsea
Lido near Portsmouth.

I understand from my aunt that he was involved in quite a number of large
building projects from the 1920s onwards, including Weymouth Harbour Bridge
(1926) and Elmdon (later Birmingham) Airport (1939). My grandfather (also
named Henry) worked with him prior to World War Two, but started his own
company during the war and was involved in a lot of construction work for
the MoD. I gather that Mr Lakin left the firm at some point, but don't have
any details, as my aunt was only young at the time and doesn't know much
about the actual events.

I have a copy of Janet Smith's book and note that she mentions that the firm
were involved in constructing other lidos, although the firm doesn't seem to
be mentioned again in the book. I would really like to know more about the
buildings that my great grandfather and grandfather were involved in
building, so if you have any further information about the lidos concerned,
I'd be very happy to receive some details. Alternatively, if you have any
ideas as to how I might find out more about the company and its works, I
would be very grateful for any suggestions.

I'm lucky enough to live in the Wharfe Valley near Ilkley, so we're regular
visitors to Ilkley Lido. It's very popular in the Summer, despite the fact
that the water is always really cold, even in hot weather.

I hope you find the above of interest and I look forward to hearing from
you.

-------------------------

I already forwarded this to Ian Gordon & Janet Smith.

Anyone else have suggestions?

Oliver