I post this message 8th July 2000.
Someone called David E Brown replied. If you still log on I wondered if you would get in touch. I lost you re-mail address etc. But I think we may be distantly related after all!!

I was told by a great aunt that I met only once when about 13 that my grand
father's family had had money. She mentioned that something had happened and as a result money was lost. Unfortunately I'm not really sure of the details. I do know that (I think it was his brother) Freddie Oates had a painting and decor-ating business, possibly in Douglas. My grandfather's name was Robert Oates, he married Emily ( again , not too sure) who died of tuberculosis. They had 10 children, my dad being the youngest. I had an aunt, Dorothy, who had an illegitimate child. My dad has now passed away and I am interested in finding out more about my Manx heritage .
Thank you !!
Helen Robinson