MISSING . . . and FOUND!
THE DAILY MAIL offers readers a unique opportunity to re-establish contact with long-lost relatives and friends. Each week, MONICA PORTER features the story of someone trying to find a missing loved one, as well as a tale of people reunited. This column is produced in conjunction with the voluntary tracing service, Searching For A Memory, run by Gill and John Whitley. JENNIFER WRIGHT, nee Jessop, is searching for her old friend Angela Applin.
She writes: ‘In the Fifties, Angela and I lived in Chiswick, West London, and went to the local girls’ school.
‘We used to go dancing at the Hammersmith P alais, t h e C astle Ballroom in Richmond, and K ensington Town Hall.
‘In 1960, when we were 19, we went on our first holiday to Jersey and had a wonder - ful time.
‘This photo was taken at Angela’s wedding in October 1960. I think her husband’s surname was Grant. Her parents, who are pictured, worked for Stanley Gibbons, the stamp people. I am in my fur coat on the far right. Sadly, not long after the wedding, we lost touch.
‘I married Len in 1961 and we moved to Essex. I worked in the civil service until our two children were born.
‘Len and I were married for 48 years, until I lost him ten years ago.
‘Angela and I will be 79 this year. I have made several attempts to find her over the years, but have always drawn a blank.
‘It would be lovely to meet up after nearly 60 years to find out how life has treated her.’ A FEW months ago, Andy Kearney told us he’s been trying for many years to find his two childhood friends, brothers Jeremy and Chris Atkins (or Thompson).
‘ We were at junior and senior school together in Coventry, but drifted apart in our late teens to early 20s as work and girlfriends came along,’ said Andy.
‘ We did all our growing up t ogether, made many mistakes and had a few successes, too.
‘We were in the Scouts and the local rugby team, where we got our bruises at the weekend.
‘When I met them, Chris and Jeremy’s surname was Atkins, but their mother must have remarried because they changed their surname to Thompson.
‘I am 72 now and living in Cornwall. I would love to renew my friendship with the two friends who helped me through my formative years.’
However, an email from Maggie Hall has brought some sad news. ‘ I was married to Chris for 22 years. He died of cancer a couple of years ago.
‘His brother, Jeremy, is still in Coventry, I believe.’
And from Andy comes this response: ‘It is a blow that Chris has passed away.
‘After I have given myself some time to reflect on how I feel, I will make contact with Jeremy.’
IF there is someone you would like to trace, write to Gill Whitley, 1 Newbrook house, New hall Lane, Preston, Pr1 5Pe, enclosing an SAe, or send an email to monica.porter@dailymail. co.uk — including a contact phone number. All communications will be answered as soon as possible. this column is researched with the aid of Peopletracer (www.peopletracer.co.uk). A small donation will be requested for employing Gill Whitley’s services.