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 summer will mark 50 years since i joined a group of English twentysomethings working at the exclusive il Pellicano hotel in Porto Ercole near Rome,’ says Carol Macfarlane, nee Cargill.
‘it was run by an Englishman, Michael Graham, and his American wife Patti. Celebrities who stayed there included Yul Brynner, Charlie Chaplin, Bing Crosby, Muriel spark, the Rothschilds and the Maharaja of Cooch Behar.
‘it was long hours and exhausting work. But we also had great fun partying.
‘At the end of the season, we lost touch. i recall Ginny Freeman, sheila stuart, Lesley Moore and Penny Evans. Would they like a reunion now we’re in our 70s? it would be fun to reminisce about a wonderful summer. i married a suffolk pig farmer, had four children and work as a carer.’
TWO school friends have been reunited.
‘i was at school with Donald Dunford at Dennis Road secondary Modern school in sparkbrook, Birmingham, between 1955 and 1959,’ wrote Peter Green.
‘i believe Don was living in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, some years ago. he was born in 1944-45, so would be in his mid-70s now.
‘The picture above shows Don sitting first on the left in the middle row, with me next to him. Our teacher and coach, standing on the left, is
Mr E. Jones. i left school in December 1959 and worked for 42 years in the sugar industry. Don and i lost touch when wives and children came along. i’ve lived in Droitwich spa for 30 years.
‘it would be great to see Don, have a catch-up after so many years and reminisce about school.’
Volunteer researchers Jeff Pinson and David Kilby tracked down Donald, who still lives in Bromsgrove.
Peter wrote to his old pal and they were soon chatting and arranging to meet.