Old friends

Back in 1960 I did temporary work in London where several Australians were doing similar work. I had my son in July 1961 and then became a stay at home mum. I had exchanged addresses with a girl called Eleanor Clarke but we then lost touch. Many years later, my husband and I thought we might like to visit Australia. I sent a letter to Eleanor to her old address, in Glengowrie. The letter was passed on and on by neighbours and I finally had a reply from Sydney where she then lived. She had married an Englishman, Fred, from the office where we had worked together and in fact had lived in England for 5 years before they emigrated as a £10 Pom. I have a vague recollection of him. We then were in touch by email. When my letter finally reached Eleanor, they were actually on holiday in England, staying with Fred's brother, Richard and his wife. We finally had a holiday in Australia about 5 years ago and arranged to meet Eleanor and Fred. We spent a memorable day with them in Sydney. They were very hospitable and as thrilled as we were. </p> <p>Our hobby is now croquet. We play at Northampton and are always on the look out for new members. I was in touch with Eleanor who mentioned that her brother-in-law was looking to take up croquet. We had been playing with a new member called Richard for several weeks before we became aware that he was in fact Eleanor's brother-in-law.<br /> Eleanor and Fred were in England this year and Richard and his wife Joy, were able to bring them to visit us one sunny day in June, which we all enjoyed. </p> <p>But for the emails we would not have known that Richard was Fred's brother and that I had met his sister-in-law over 40 years ago in London. How is that for a coincidence?