Friends reignited by flame of love after 52 years
Published: October 24, 2007
UK — THEY say absence makes the heart grow fonder – and one former Blackpool couple are living proof.
Childhood sweethearts Vernon Fewtrell and Ann Thompson have been blissfully reunited after a staggering 52 years of being divided by a continent.
The couple first met as pupils of Layton and Claremont Schools, and both attended St Mark’s Church in Layton. Vernon was 12 and Anne was 14 when the friendship blossomed. The pair spent many happy hours together going for walks and talking and soon love grew between the pair.
Sadly, they were separated when Ann’s parents emigrated to Canada, taking her with them.
Gradually the couple lost touch and more than half a century passed. Earlier this year, Ann, who still lives in Canada, was browsing the Friends Reunited website and came across the name of her former beau.
She got in contact and the pair met up this September at Vernon’s home in Peterborough.
He said: “I got an e-mail marked ‘do you remember me?’ I just couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Ann’s name after so long.
“She said she was coming over to England for a family wedding and asked did I want to meet – which of course, I did.
“It was wonderful to see her face, I never would have recognised her. She is every inch a Canadian lady now.”
The pair had each been married during their years apart but both retained fond memories.
They were both adamant that they should revisit Blackpool during Ann’s time in the country.
Vernon, 64, added: “It was amazing to come back to Blackpool for a few days – it was
like reliving our youth.
“We were like children again, walking down the Prom hand in hand and strolling down the piers.
“I think it was being back in Blackpool in fact that rekindled our love after all these years.”
When Ann’s trip was at an end, the couple realised they didn’t want to be apart any longer.
In the middle of November, Vernon is upping sticks and heading to Canada to brave the bitter winter for a six-month stay with his sweetheart.
The couple will then decide what to do.
Vernon added: “We speak on the phone for two or three hours a day and miss each other dreadfully. I can’t wait to get over there to see her, so we can get on with our lives.”
Ann, 66, added: “It was absolutely delightful to be with Vernon again, and we particularly enjoyed our time in Lancashire.
“My feelings are growing by the day.”
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