Can you identify the Hartlepool women in this photo?

But after two years of study, he is hoping to find out more via a helping hand from Hartlepool Mail readers on one particular aspect of his family tree.

The genealogist is keen to know who is in the main photograph on this page which shows his grandmother Emma Herring.

Garry, 53, told us: “The lady in the front at the right, was my grandmother Emma Herring (formerly Woodward) and I am told the lady in the front row, second on the left was a very beautiful lady called Jean Pearson , and she tragically died at a very young age.

“I was wondering if anyone can identify the rest of the ladies in this picture. It looks as though they are on a day trip somewhere.”

Garry added: “I started my research into my family about two years ago and it has been very interesting.

“My grandmother Emma Herring was my father’s mother. She worked in the Brierton Hospital for many years and was a really spirited lady with a great sense of humour who worked hard.

“She lived in Pilgrim Street in the 1930’s and then lived in Hope Street, and finished her days living in Glen Grove.

“She was later sadly stricken by a series of strokes and had a bad fall, which limited her mobility before passing away in 1974.

“I believe the lady stood directly behind her in the picture was her sister-in-law, Dolly.”

Garry also explained more about some of the other people in his family tree.

He said: “My grandfather was William Birks (Balsh) Herring who worked on the Hartlepool Docks for any years, but was sadly injured and had to retire early.”

He added: “He lived in Pilgrim Street, Duncan Road, and then Westmoreland Street where he resided at the time of his death in 1970.”

Garry said William was a victim of the Asian Flu epidemic that was ravaging the country at the time.

And there is another aspect of his past that many Hartlepool people might identify with.

“Our relations are the Morgan’s (of Morgan’s Tyres),” said Garry who also wanted to pay tribute to various people for their help in his genealogical research.

“I would like to thank Ernie Morgan for his invaluable contribution to my research, and the Robinsons.”

Now, hopefully, comes your part in the story.

If you can help Garry identify the unidentified people in the picture, get in touch by emailing Chris Cordner at [email protected].

And why not get in touch if you would like us to feature any aspect of your own family tree. Perhaps there’s someone famous in your lineage, or you may need a helping hand to delve further back into your history.

Or perhaps you need help on a specific aspect of your ancestry, such as in tracing a particular person.

Let us give you a helping hand by publishing your story.

Email [email protected]