You've brought back loads of memories for me with this thread, Sarah! Absolutely no help with your research but my Grandma, b 1890 in Bethnal Green, used to visit a "Mrs Spanton" in Norfolk every year. Mrs Spanton always sent me presents for birthdays and Christmas but I have absolutely no idea who she was or how Grandma knew her. I don't suppose I'll ever know now
Apologies for interrupting yor thread - normal service will now continue