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. ‘THIS photo was taken in the winter of 1962-3 and shows the Outlaws Bowling Team,’ writes Bob Hanson of Macclesfield, Cheshire.
‘From left to right we are Johnny Smith, Barry Brook, Mick Hargreaves, Dave Lumby and me.
‘Originally, we were members of Branch Road Methodist Youth Club in Lower Wortley, Leeds, where we formed a five-aside football team, which graduated into a successful full 11-man team.
‘From that was spawned the Outlaws bowling team at the bowling alley below the Silver Blades Ice Rink on Kirkstall Road (now occupied by Yorkshire TV).
‘Our matches were played in the late-night Tuesday league, and I had to run down Merrion Street from my night school class to catch a bus in time to play.
‘Mick had the highest average over the season; no surprise since he excelled in any game involving a ball.
‘Dave scored our only 200plus game with a 208. And John and Barry consistently kept the score respectable.
‘In summer 1963, I left for Manchester, then Glasgow, and lost touch with the team.
‘Many years later when I returned to England, I met a local girl who told me Dave had married Christine, with Mick as best man.
‘John, Mick and Dave still live in Yorkshire, but of Barry we have no trace and hope this column will find him.’ TWO months ago, Carolyne Martin (nee Samuels) told a jolly tale of her teenage years during the Swinging Sixties.
‘My sisters and I formed a three-girl harmony group. Helen is my twin and our younger sister is Marion. We were from St Albans and joined up with a group from Hatfield called the Tudors.
‘In 1965, we came third in the Melody Maker National Beat Contest at Wimbledon Palace Theatre. Judges included Kenny Everett, then a Radio London DJ.
‘The Carolines were a cross between The Hollies and The Supremes, and we toured with stars of the era, such as P.J. Proby. Aged 15, I wrote a song called Love Made A Fool Of Me, which was recorded by Polydor records.
‘It was re-released in 2009 by the Eclipse label on an album called The Girls Are At It Again — 1964-69.
The album, which was renamed The Next Collection, was released again this May by Cherry Records.
‘I’m sure the Tudors will be thrilled about the re-release. It would be wonderful to reunite with them: Dave Dickenson (rhythm guitar), Keith Stone (bass), John Hostler (drums) and Roger Bevens (lead guitar).’
Good news: all present and correct! Dave has been found, and Roger emailed: ‘I was excited to read about The Carolines. I’m in touch with Keith and John, so we’ll all share great memories.’
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.