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.
Jim Colborn, of lowestoft, Suffolk, would like to reconnect with his two best mates from his early years in the manor Park area of East london: ‘They are bob Chesney, who lived in the next road to me, and Syd Thacker, whose dad had a nearby shoe repair business.
‘i was born in 1941 at the height of World War ii.
‘i’m told i was the “early warning” when the doodlebugs went over, as i would run along the street shouting “They’re coming!” when not much more than a toddler.
‘i lived in Third Avenue, manor Park, and went to Cornwell School (named after Jack Cornwell, the boy seaman who stood by his gun and went down with his ship during World War i).
‘There, i met bob and Syd. As i was a quiet, shy lad and bob was tall and well-built, he would look after me, saying: “if anyone bothers you, just let me know.” He was good to have around.
‘We remained friends after leaving school, when we enjoyed bodybuilding twice a week at the gym owned by the famous bodybuilder bill norris, as well as dancing at the ilford Palais.
‘We also went on holiday together, to margate, then to Jersey, accompanied by my grandparents. We had lots of laughs and enjoyed a pint at the Three rabbits in romford road, manor Park.
‘i moved to lowestoft with my family when i was 21, after my dad was advised to leave london for health reasons. bob was best man at my first marriage a couple of years later.
‘i still live in lowestoft with my wife of 41 years, and have five children and ten grandchildren. i’d love to renew contact and chat about old times with Syd and bob.’ in JAnUArY, Trevor bow, President of the old Griffinians rugby Union Football Club, was wondering whether we could find former club members from 50 years ago.
‘We have just marked the 60th anniversary of the opening of bournville boys’ Technical School in birmingham,’ he told us.
‘i was there from 1957 to 1962. We played rugby in winter and cricket in summer.
Cadbury, the chocolate maker, provided facilities at its sports complex, rowheath recreation ground.
‘When the first pupils to leave did so in 1959, an old boys’ association was formed — the old Griffinians Association, named after the location of the school in Griffins brook lane.
‘Sport played a large role at the school and in 1965 former pupil Tim Field organised a rugby team for past pupils, and so the old Griffinians rugby Club was born, using the school’s facilities.
‘i’ve been involved since 1966 and am club president. During the 2015/2016 season, we’ve been celebrating the club’s 50th anniversary.
‘of the original 20 players, i’ve managed to trace all but four: Jim Fielding, Derek Hemming, Keith mcCullough and robert Peers. i hope that they will get in touch so we can include them in our celebrations!’
our excellent family researcher David Kilby tracked down Jim, now of Kenilworth, Warwickshire.
And Trevor later emailed: ‘Success! i’ve phoned Jim and we had a good old natter.
‘i filled him in as to what’s been happening with the club he played for until he moved away in 1972.
‘He remembered that photo being taken.’
So, one down, three to go!