Friends reunited after 43 years . . . by recognising their voices

KATHLEEN Francis, 91, and Marjorie Hanson, 90, had not seen each other since they worked together at a shop in Gillingham 43 years ago. But that didn't stop the two partially-sighted visitors to Shaftesbury Day Centre rekindling their friendship when they recognised each others' voices during one of their weekly visits.

Kathleen, from Gillingham, joined the group a month ago and as soon as she began speaking to other members of the group at one of its regular meetings, Marjorie was convinced it was her former colleague.

She said: "Her voice hadn't changed a bit and I knew it was her. It was great – she didn't seem to have altered a lot in looks either, although we both have a lot of white hair between us these days.

"It was such a great surprise. You couldn't stop us nattering during the first few days. We talked all about the old days working in the shop. There were quite a few of us girls working there then our boss kept us all in order. Everything had to be perfect in the store, it was very neat. We had a very happy time working there."

Kathleen and Marjorie worked together at Nigel Pothecary Fruit and Flower Shop in Gillingham for six years during the 1960s but lost touch after Marjorie left to work at a sweet shop in Sturminster Newton.

Kathleen served in the store in Gillingham while Marjorie, from Stour Provost, delivered flowers locally and fetched strawberries from Fontmell Magna to sell at the shop. The two are both widowed and have children who live locally.

Angela Jay, care officer at the day centre in Bimport said: "It was amazing how Marjorie recognised Kathleen, as neither of them can see very well at all. They were both so excited to find each other. They are very happy ladies and are still very lively . Both of them have a good sense of humour and get involved in the activities we run here."

Laura Male