Yes, my grandmother was born Selina McLeay and she married my grandfather, James Alfred Keeper, in 1904. That’s her photograph above in her back yard in Cranberry Street, Bethnal Green. Although born in London, my sisters and I can trace her family history right back to the Battle of Culloden Moor. Selina is one of seven Selinas in our family – the name mostly passed on from mother to daughter – but all were known by the shortened version of Lena. My nan and grandad, James (known as Jim), had four children : James (born in 1905), Selina (born in 1908), Margaret (born in 1910 – sadly, she died at the age of 2) and, lastly, my dad, Joseph (known as Joe). My dad was born in 1929 after his father returned home from serving at Ypres in the Great War as a corporal. My grandmother had eighteen sisters and two brothers. My sisters and I have the majority of their Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates due to researching our family tree. One of my nan’s sisters was named Louisa so I wouldn’t be surprised if your great-grandmother was her cousin. I hope so in any event. My dad, Joe, married Henrietta May Agombar, who was known by her nickname of Minksy, and who also descended from the French Huguenots. Together they had three daughters (no sons) : Lesley Anne, myself and Lorraine Teresa. Many of the McLeays lived in Sceptre Street, Stepney at various house numbers before WWII. This street took a bomb and was redeveloped after the war to what is known today as Bancroft Estate, but please do not confuse this street with Sceptre Road, which is still in existence nearby, as they are not the same and this confuses a lot of people. Our mum died earlier this year at the grand old age of 93 – she loved singing! Lesley, Lorraine and I are excited about this piece of news about your great-grandmother and we hope to hear back from you, Peter.

With kind regards,

Linda Christine Copeland (new Keeper)