MISSING . . . and FOUND!
‘FOR many years I’ve been arranging a reunion of lads from the 2nd Stoke Newington (St Mary’s) Scouts,’ writes Geoff Watts. ‘We welcome any former SNOBS (Stoke Newington Old Boy Scouts.
‘I’d like to make contact with any of those in the picture, particularly Colin Whitaker (centre of the back row, in front of the flagpole).
‘Colin and I went to the same school and lived within 200 yards of each other in Stoke Newington, North london. He was a Spurs supporter while I am an Arsenal fan. I am to the left of Colin in the picture.
‘I know of the whereabouts of ten of the 18 people in the photo, but would also like to hear from Gerald Whitaker (brother of Colin), the Clark twins (Derek and Ian, I think), 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. Stoke Newington scouts: Geoff Watts, Colin Whitaker and pals Roger Oliver, Colin Parlett plus three others whose names I have forgotten. The picture was taken in 1959-60.
‘From the Wolf Cubs, Scouts and Senior Scouts to Queen’s Scout in 1958 and Rover Scouts, I had a wonderful childhood and adolescence, much due to the fun I had in Scouting.
‘In 1964, I married Brenda Pearce, who I met at Woodberry Down Comprehensive.
‘ I spent 30 years in the Metropolitan Police and then, in 1993, achieved an unlikely childhood ambition and became a bus driver.
‘ I worked for london & Country in leatherhead, then Stagecoach in Worthing, retiring aged 65 in 2007. I’m an active member of the Rotary Club of littlehampton.’ BACK in February, Don Fawcett of Portsmouth wrote: ‘In January 1964, I joined the Royal Navy as an S50 Entry Artificer Apprentice at HMS Fisgard, Torpoint.
‘After 12 months’ training I was transferred to HMS Caledonia with 80 other apprentices who had been selected to be engine room and shipwright artificers.
‘In September 1967 we went our separate ways and were posted to serve on various warships.
‘We plan to hold a reunion in Edinburgh this spring, marking the 50th anniversary of our joining the Navy. Though we are in contact with most of our entry, there are several we haven’t been able to contact.
‘We hope you will help round up some of the missing: Phil Burnden, Pete Emery, Barry Rose, Bob Stewart, Vince Palmer, Mike Thurbon, Dave ‘ Scouse’ Wallace, Charlie Warburton and John Rodwell.
‘I went on to complete 22 years in the Navy and was lucky enough to serve when we had a worldwide fleet, visiting the U.S., Australia, Hong Kong, Malta, Gibraltar, Singapore and many other wonderful places.
‘My picture shows some of the lads I joined up with. From the left they are Andy ‘ Oscar’ Wilde, Mike ‘ Sam’ Thurbon, David ‘Jed’ Stone, Pete Emery and Dave Green.’
So far we have rounded up one of Don’s old compadres. Barry Rose, living in Dollar, Scotland, has been in touch.
And Brenda Ashcroft emailed: ‘I read the article with interest. My late husband, Ken Ashcroft, was one of the 1963 intake. Does Don remember him, by any chance? Ken served on HMS Danae, Malcolm and Triumph, as well as HMS Collingwood.
‘The article brought back many happy memories and I hope that Don is successful in his search.’
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 Trace Smart (www.tracesmart.co.uk). A small donation will be requested for employing Gill Whitley’s services.