It seems that whether you are born and bred here, or are lucky enough to spend time living in Godmanchester, the town creates a strong impression in people's memories.

This is very evident from the wonderful messages I receive from around the world posted to the web site guestbook or e-mailed directly to me. Messages have been received from people spread worldwide, from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and of course from those elsewhere in the UK. Some are simply messages fondly recalling their time here, others are looking to renew friendships.

In addition, there are many people searching for relatives or friends from the town. One particularly good story was the contact I received from Australia from someone trying to reach their cousin here with whom they'd lost touch. It was a little unnerving telephoning the local resident to explain I had a message from their relative, as one never knows what history can exist between people. However, I needn't have worried as he was delighted to have made contact again.

Juris Wilde contacted me, and I passed on his letter which the Town Crier reproduced in full in April. As a child, Juri had been displaced from Latvia after the war and spent a number of years in GMC, before moving on and now living in Australia. He contacted me as he was planning his first return visit and hoped to meet with old friends. The article resulted in his receiving contact from one of the families and I hope he will enjoy his holiday in the area.

Of course, genealogy is becoming very popular and there are a number of entries on the site from people trying to trace ancestors and their family trees. Pop over to www.godmanchester.net and click on the Guestbook you never know there may be someone looking to reach you! Remember you can gain free access to the internet at the library.

Perhaps these names mean something to you? David Mangold, Crestville, Florida; Jane Dunaway (nee Burton); Sally Wallace is now in Florida; Collette Feldmeir, New Jersey; Anne Hadley now living in Denver Colorado. Nicola Lovering (nee Ellender) now in Suffolk; Becky Carr; Helene Frapwell (nee Street), New Zealand; Clare Bentman now at Bangor University; Eileen Copeland (nee Hollington); Donna Sansum, Australia; Dawn Camp, now in the Swiss Alps; Lin Callison, now in Bowie, Maryland; Nick Norman, Denver Colorado; Rick Bass, born in GMC and now in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Andrew Whitman perviously the Minister of the Baptist Church from 1985-1996, Bill MacDonald lived here 1984-88, now in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Julie Harrison, New Jersey.

Godmanchester certainly leaves a very strong impression on all those it touches.

Stuart Bond

© 2001 Godmanchester Community Association