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. ‘In 1958 a group of 17-yearolds began training as paediatric nurses at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow,’ writes Margaret (‘Mig’) Richardson, nee Rae, of Moffat, Scotland.
‘Four of us — Ann, Susan, Sylvia and myself — are still in contact, but it would be wonderful to hear from the others after 60 years, perhaps for a reunion!
‘They are: Isobel, Jennifer, Margaret, Zena, Marion, Anne, Helen, Helena, Moira, Mary and norma. My photo shows those who attended the finalists’ dance — from left: Sylvia, myself, Moira, Helen, Ann and Sheena.
‘We lived a cloistered life in the nurses’ home, nicknamed The Virgins’ Retreat, with doors locked at 10 pm.
‘We started with 12 weeks in training school, with a few hours each week on wards.
‘We learned the rudiments of anatomy and physiology, plus the theory and practice of paediatric nursing. And once a week we had a compulsory lesson in Scottish country dancing!
‘It wasn’t all work; we’d go dancing on our evenings off.
‘We were in Drumchapel, Glasgow, where malnourished children were prepared for operations or convalesced afterwards. After passing our exams, we were awarded the coveted badge showing the Madonna of the Chair.
‘Later we could sit the state exams and add RSCn after our names (Registered Sick Children’s nurse).
‘It’d be wonderful to catch up with the other girls.’ JUST imagine, dear readers — it’s been nearly two years since we ran the tale about Bob Hall and his missing fellow members of the 1959 Rugby First XV of northgate Grammar School for Boys in Ipswich, Suffolk.
He said he was in touch with all but eight of them. The missing were: Barry Williams (winger); Graeme Massey (centre); Dave Berry (prop); norman Gammer; John Hobbs (forward); Pete Bradley ( wing forward); Colin Lewis (hooker); and Brian Heritage.
Bob wrote: ‘ northgate ceased to exist as such in 1976 and has no Old Boys’ Association, so we hope you can find our missing teammates so they can join us for future nostalgic reunions, laughs and catching up.’
We soon learnt news of one of the missing men, namely Brian, who sadly died many years ago. But now, all this time later, we have a happy update via this email from Down Under: ‘I am the John Hobbs to whom Bob refers and would love to reminisce about our rugby days, so please pass on my contact details. I moved to Australia in 1965 and the Aussies quickly renamed me Jack Hobbs, after the famous English cricketer, and the name has stuck ever since.’
And from Bob: ‘Thank you so much for forwarding John’s email. I’m not sure where he’s been hiding since the article came out, but I’ll be contacting him.
‘We had a great reunion last year, attended by 50 — from Australia, the U. S., Italy, Spain and Lithuania, as well as all parts of the UK.’
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. A small donation will be requested for employing Gill Whitley’s services.