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 a missing loved one and a tale of people reunited. Produced in conjunction with voluntary tracing service, Searching For A Memory, run by Gill and John Whitley.
‘IN NOVEMBER, we’ll hold a reunion to mark 60 years since attending Strode’s school for boys in Egham, Surrey,’ writes John Phillips, 71, a retired teacher living near Bath.
‘It was a grammar then, but is now a sixth-form college.
‘We’ve had get-togethers for years, but this one is special. From a year group of just over 60, we are expecting 30- plus pupils, plus two members of staff, at an event being held at the college.
‘I have been trying to trace Dave Price, one of the 1958- 65 cohort. He was in the rowing team that won the school fours at Marlow Regatta in 1964.
‘If we can find him, all four crew members would be at the reunion. Dave left Strode’s the following year for Weymouth Grammar, but we kept in touch.
‘I trained to be a teacher at St Luke’s College, Exeter, and Dave became a Devon and Cornwall police officer.
‘He was best man at my 1969 wedding, but we lost contact. I would love to see him at the reunion.’ BACK in February 2017, Barry Pickup of Chorley, Lancashire, was looking for an old school friend he hadn’t seen for more than 50 years.
‘With Alan Howarth, from Preston, I was a boarder at Hutton Grammar School from 1952 to 1958,’ wrote Barry.
‘The last I heard, he was studying at the London School of Economics. He may be living in London or have returned to Lancashire.
‘My photo shows my 21st birthday party in 1962 in Leyland, Lancashire. Alan is on the left and I’m holding a tankard, trying to look cool.
‘We had many happy times before Alan moved to London and I married for the first time. I’m now 75, a contented singleton with four children and two grandchildren.
‘I spend my time walking, travelling and enjoying good food and wine.’ We haven’t yet heard from Alan — but another chum who attended the party has got in touch.
Alicia Pearson, nee Simpson, emails: ‘Sorry it’s some time since this article was printed, but I put it to one side then couldn’t find it!
‘I am in the dark dress in the photo and remember Barry’s 21st very well.
‘The other girl is my friend Christine Brierley. We went to Winckley Square Convent School, Preston. It would be good to reminisce.’ Barry and Alicia are now in contact.
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. A small donation will be requested for employing Gill whitley’s services.