These life-long friends have more than one reason to celebrate this Guild year.
The foursome, who met as 11-year-olds in 1953 at The Park School, Moor Park Avenue, Preston, will be reunited for the Preston Guild and will celebrate turning 70 in the same year.
Barbara Renshaw, Sandra Bradley, Ann Mashhad and Sylvia Luton all took part in the 1952 Guild when they were 10-years-old but only became friends the year later when they started their first year at the school.
Barbara, of Moss Lane, Lostock Hall, Preston said; “We didn’t know one another when we took part in the procession and only realised we had all taken part in it when we met at school.
“Our annexe of the school was at Winckley Square so everybody called us Winkles.”
Sylvia emigrated to Hokitika, New Zealand in 1964, and later moved to Brisbane, Australia but will return to her hometown on to take in this year’s Guild celebrations on August 31.
Barbara said: “We’re attending the Guild Hall reception and we’re going to go to the torchlight procession, we’re really looking forward to it.
“Sylvia is here for six weeks and as she only visits England every five years or so we’ve got a lot to catch up on.”
The ex-pat last came over to Preston in 2005 and in 2009, Barbara, Sandra and Ann all flew over to Brisbane to return the favour.
Having all turned 70 this year the friends will make time for celebrations together in Blackpool, having a meal out and taking in a show.
Barbara said: “In 1952 when we were all 10-years-old we took part in the Hoop Pageant - we didn’t realise at the time but we we’re in the shape of a Union flag.
“We just thought we were doing exercises with hula hoops!”
The former newsagent, who keeps in touch with her friend Down Under via Skype, is looking forward to this year’s Guild celebrations.
“The 1992 Guild passed me by as we were busy with the newsagents so it will be nice to watch the processions.”
Barbara and her husband ran the newsagents on Leyland Road, Lostock Hall between 1984 and 2002.
Comments