News

A search for an Australian reader's uncle, John Martin, through the pages of the Hawkinge Gazette has reunited him with two cousins but sadly he discovered his uncle, who used to own kennels in the Hawkinge area passed away in the 1980s.

Paul Martin from Queensland wrote to us in the hope of tracing his uncle, or maybe even a son, daughter, niece nephew or grandchild.

After the Gazette posted the story (click here), he has written to us to say that a cousin Julia from Yorkshire has now contacted him after reading the article.

He said: "I have sadly been told that my uncle, John Martin died in the early 1980s, however, my cousin Julia has also told me his children still live in Folkestone. She has asked that I write to her and send on family photographs so we can catch up and keep in touch.

"It's been 46 years since any contact with the family members I found as a result of the article you published.

"To date I've now spoken to two cousins Julia and Linda. Although John died in the early 1980s it opened a window to finding out more from his children about the family history.

"The search was an amazing experience. To think someone in Yorkshire, where Julia lives could read the story and then send it to her.

"Anyone who has lost contact with family members and has always thought questions such as "I wonder how so and so is?" should try to find them because its a wonderful feeling as I have now experienced when you do find them.

"Thank you to the Hawkinge Gazette for all your help and efforts in helping me to find my lost uncle. It is very much appreciated."