LORRAINE HONOURS THE "FAMILY DEBT" TO A DEAR UNCLE

I (Tony Flynn) was contacted by Lorraine Hibbert at the weekend with a some what unusual request, she asked if I could source her, seven shillings and sixpence in pre-decimal coins to honour a family debt and keep the tradition of a family joke going.

"My Uncle John Dixon Goodwin, was my mum's older brother and very protective of her, growing up in Seedley, Salford.

He joined the Army when he was 16 and served in the Royal Mechanical Engineers and saw active service in Korea and was there for several years, when he left the army he worked for British Rail and drove steam trains until his retirement.

He gave my Mum away at St Luke's Church on Liverpool Street, Salford and this is were the seven shillings and sixpence comes in, my parents were only young and had very little money so Uncle John lent them the money which was the cost of a wedding certificate in those days.

It then became a standing joke in the house for, many many years with John telling my Dad that he still owed the money and my Dad's reply was always, that he wasn't sure if it would work out and if so didn't have to pay him!

John died recently at Heath Cottage Care Home in Swinton aged 92, he was due to go in Broughton House but was to ill to go, he lost his wife last Christmas and had no children, which is sad because he would have made a lovely Father.

So to keep the family joke going I intend to place, seven shillings and sixpence on his coffin and tell him the debt has been paid, and I know he would see the funny side of it.

It will be a very poignant day for me as my mother passed away a while back and the date of john's funeral will be on what would have been her 59th wedding anniversary"

Since being contacted by Lorraine, yesterday, she tells me that a lady only known as Emma  from Wardley called to her house in Swinton with the money after reading Lorraine's pleas on Wardley Community Page, what a marvellous gesture.

John's funeral will be held at Agecroft Crematorium on Wednesday 17 February.