Dear Mr Avery,

I am doing research on the life of Mr Edward William Treadaway Hoare, ~1866 - 1927. Both Mr Hoare and his wife died young, leaving their seven-year-old son an orphan, cared for by the Royal Masonic Institute for Boys. In 1933, Mr Sidney West of Park Road, Burgess Hill, Sussex came to the school and offered to adopt the boy.

This research is on behalf of that boy, Mr Hoare’s son, now a man of 80, who is keen to learn more about his father.

I have been referred to you by Stephen D Watts, Information Librarian of the Burgess Hill Library, who has been most kind in assisting us in our research.

Can you tell us anything about the man after whom the Sidney West Field is named? Or perhaps give us guidance as to where we might turn learn more about Mr West and his family.

We would truly be most appreciative.

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