Pen pals meet for first time-after 70 years
Two old pals who began corresponding during World War II have met face-to-face for the first time – thanks to the Reformer.
Earlier this year we told the story of Joy Cooper, 80, who lived in Rutherglen, Victoria.
As a child Joy had pen pals in Rutherglen, and decided to try and track them down before she visited Scotland for the first time a few weeks ago.
And her old friend May Calder saw Joy’s story in the paper and got in touch.
The two ladies then went out for dinner to the Radisson Blu, meeting in person for the very first time, more than 70 years after they initially got in touch with each other.
Joy said: “It was the highlight of my holiday to meet up with May and her daughter Denise.
“They came to the hotel that the tour I was on stayed in and we had the best night chatting away.
“The things I remembered were quite different to what May remembered.
“She couldn’t recall some of the things I have kept, like beautiful satin Scottish handkerchiefs, and a lovely clock, but she still has a custard powder tin with my name on it!
“We talked about her grandparents, because her grandfather used to write to me - I still remember one where he said ‘the sirens are going I’m not I’ll put the kettle on and have wee cup of tea’ .
“Unfortunately I only had one night in a Glasgow hotel, but it was wonderful to meet May at last.”
May’s daughter Denise went with her mum to the meeting, and said the two women chatted away nonstop.
She added: “They chatted away like budgies!
“It really was a fantastic story.
“Mum couldn’t believe it when she saw Joy in the paper and was really excited to meet her. They lost touch after they were married when children and family life was busy.
“It was wonderful for me to witness this meeting. Joy was a really lovely lady and we hope to see her again one day.”