By Bob Solly

Lynne Burlingham has been working with Nicholas McNair’s tree and has amalgamated his information with her own records (no small task). Some of the dates needed amending and there were some spelling anomalies, but in general the information was the same. Many thanks for the work done. I have kept the files separate, but do plan to amalgamate into our main database.

Tony Storey advised the Committee members that the Times-on-line project was being tested in July. For a short period we were able to download references to Solley from their database (going back to 1785). Although time consuming (easier if you have broadband), I managed to print out about 100 occurrences whilst the opportunity was there.

As you might expect most of the appearances were in the births, deaths and marriages, although some were in relation to letters from the public. Others related to Henry Solly (founder of Working Mens’ Clubs) and one poignant letter dated January 1857 related to the loss of the Broadstairs Lifeboat.

From Stephen Holness:

I should be sorry indeed to check the laudable sympathy which is being displayed on all sides towards those brave fellows who succeeded in saving the crew of the American ship Northern Belle, now a wreck on the Ness Rock, near Margate. But, sir, I fear without your kind assistance the most melancholy part of the affair will be entirely overlooked.

The Victory lugger, belonging to Margate, with a crew of nine men on the first appearance of danger to the ill-fated ship put to sea, regardless alike of the boiling surf as of their own lives and property, on their mission of mercy, when, on nearing the object of their perilous attempt, and in sight of hundreds of persons on the cliff, she was struck by a tremendous sea, and every soul perished.

Now, Sir, these poor men have all left wives and families entirely unprovided for. I trust I need not say more to place them side by side in the public sympathies with their noble compeers of the Broadstairs lifeboats.

The Victory, a well known boat to many Margate visitors was worth from £300 to £400. Enclosed is a list of the names of the crew as forwarded to me today; - Isaac Solly aged 46; John Smith aged 63; George Smith, aged 29 (father and son); William Emptage sen, aged 52; John Emptage, aged 29 (father and son); Charles Fuller aged 34; Henry Paramor, aged 27; Frederick Batt, aged 22; Abraham Busbridge, aged 35,

I have no doubt that Messrs Cobb and Co., the Margate bankers would gladly receive subscriptions is aid of these poor men’s widows and orphans.

The insertion of this note would, I am confident, greatly assist so desirable an object and much oblige your very humble servant.

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