Research Forum

Can't help with the is photo I'm afraid, but there was a Banwell family living on the approach road to Wells from the Wedmore direction. A John Banwell was a member of the Burnham & Highbridge FHS back in the 1980s. He was their families historian.

According to numerous newspaper entries a J BANWELL of Weston-super-Mare was a prolific  winner of Pigeon Shooting Competions and another (it may be the same man) won trophies for athletics at the same time (late 19th early 20th century).

Got it! The Gloucester Journal - Saturday 06 January 1912 has this report - "The death is announced of Mr. John Banwell, of Weston-super-Mare, a well-known sportsman. He was an expert pigeon shot, and had been a successful athlete. His collection of prizes numbered nearly 500."

I believe he was the Landlord of  "The Swan" in Regent Street. However on the 1911 census he is listed as totally blind for the last 2 years.

Many many thanks Pat and Roy for your help with this J. Banwell image.

I can send your info to help my Coles family contact.

Now I must do some research to see if there is a family connection.!

It maybe just that it was such an unusual photo that his relative just hung on to it?

Again many many thanks

John Rigarlsford.