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. A BRIDE is hoping to make contact with her bridesmaid after more than 50 years.
‘ Over the years, I have tried to find my old friend Christine Willson, without success,’ says Brenda Warren, nee Charlesworth.
‘We met in 1957 when we were at Brook Secondary School in Loughton, Essex.
‘We were friends throughout our school years, often going on holiday together to a Hi- de-Hi!- style holiday camp with her parents or caravanning with my family.
‘Most days after school, I would go home with Christine. We’d listen to our favourite Sixties music on her record player and practise our dance moves.
‘We also liked to hang out in coffee bars in Loughton High Street, with or without our parents’ permission!
‘Christine was one of my bridesmaids when I married in 1966, but unfortunately, we lost touch soon after I gave birth to my son the following year. I last saw her on her 21st birthday at her parents’ house in 1967.
‘I’m now 72 and a retired secretary, with two children, four grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. ‘ My husband Stan and I moved to our home in Paddock Wood, Kent, in 1971.
‘After more than 50 years of marriage, sadly he died last year from kidney disease.
‘It would be wonderful to meet Christine after so long.’