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. ‘After reading your article about the Otter Swimming Club,’ writes retired banker John Dance, 81, of Storrington, West Sussex, ‘it brought back memories of my days playing water polo with Woodside Swimming Club back in the fifties and Sixties.
‘We used to play matches locally against the likes of redhill, Sutton and Cheam, Bermondsey, Wimbledon, Peckham, etc.
‘We also played water polo matches at Clacton-on-Sea, Lymington, St Leonards-onSea and elsewhere.
‘the club arranged a mile swim up the river thames, near Maidenhead, and we’d return for eats and drinks at a house along the river.
‘We also entered in the race between the two piers at Brighton. Happy days!
‘We used to meet at thornton Heath baths and had an annual supper, where we used to invite all the local clubs.
‘every year, one of them was made a “Bogger” — we gave them a lavatory chain as a token. It was all good fun.
‘ Our water polo team included the late Alf Slater, Geoff Baylis, John Goldsmith, Prof Medhurst, Bill Kennedy and the Hoveman brothers.
‘My claim to fame is that I played water polo f or Home Command at the rAf championships at St Athan during my National Service.
‘It would be nice to meet up with other former members of the club to talk about old times and how life’s treated us. Your column does a lot of good in bringing together people who’ve not seen each other for many years. I think you deserve a medal.’
Hmm. I’m thinking maybe the DSO and bar . . . doubles all round! IN JANUARY, tony taylor was looking for old Army mates. ‘We met up in the royal fusiliers orderly room at Dover on the battalion’s return from the Sudan in 1955,’ he explained.
‘there were around seven of us — mostly east end boys — all jazz lovers, and we rented a wireless to listen to jazz. I ended up playing jazz semi-professionally, and moved to the Continent 30 years ago.
‘My mates’ names are: Mickey Geare, George Wilton, roy rivett, Al Pitcher, Dick Cutter and Mick Madle. I’m in contact with one other, ted Oakley, who lives on the Isle of Dogs, where I’m originally from.
‘During summer 1956, the battalion was moved to Chelsea Barracks, London, to do public duties, while the regular guards were training.
‘On August Bank Holiday, I was on duty in the Bank of england when we heard about Nasser’s start of the Suez Crisis. the battalion was sent over, but, as it was less than three months till my demob date, I stayed at Dover.
‘On demob, I returned to my carpenter job, but also really got into jazz, playing the guitar, tenor banjo and double bass. I now live in the South of france, and still play jazz at 78. It’d be fantastic to meet up with any of the “boys” after so long!’
We’d earlier garnered one ‘boy’ — George Wilton. Now, John Burnett has come forth: ‘I was transferred to the fusiliers at Dover in December 1955 from my regiment in Scotland.
‘I spent the next 18 months there, except for the temporary move to Chelsea Barracks, then to egypt in October 1956 for the Suez do.
‘I recognise some lads’ names and it would be great to meet again and reminisce.’
Sadly, we also learned that Dick Cutter has passed away.
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.