Two cousins have been reunited with each other after more than 60 years thanks to the Croydon Guardian and the researchers of a local history book.

In an emotional meeting last Thursday (November 8) 72-year-old Cliff Marlowe, from South Norwood, and 68-year-old Brian Roote, from Whyteleafe, met for the first time since before the Second World War.

Their amazing story unfolded on October 25 when both men responded to an appeal in the Croydon Guardian for contributions to a new local history book.

Researchers, collating memories for the Book of Addiscombe Volume 2, made the connection when both Cliff and Brian turned up to be interviewed on November 1 to talk about their family-run business.

Steve Collins, one of the authors of the original Book of Addiscombe, said: "One of the delights of this kind of research is when you come across the same snippet of information more than once.

"This particular memory of the French polishers on the Lower Addiscombe Road we had heard before and, considering it was family-run business, assumed they must be related.

"Now I've seen them it's obvious they're from the same family they look so alike!"

No one was more surprised about the discovery than Cliff and Brian who have both been amazed at the coincidence surrounding their reunion.

Cliff, from Norhyst Avenue, exclusively told the Guardian: "I couldn't believe it when the researchers told me they had been contacted by my cousin.

"Brian lives in Whyteleafe and the strange thing is that I've driven past his house every Sunday for the last 12 years on my way to the snooker hall in Redhill.

"The last memory I have of Brian is when I was eight and he was four."

An ecstatic Brian, from Godstone Road, told the Guardian: "I am so overwhelmed.

"Up until two years ago I lived in Thornton Heath, just a couple of miles from where Cliff lives and then I moved to Whyteleafe.

"Cliff and I are kindrid spirits. We're so happy to have found one another and we intend to keep it that way."

November 14, 2001 12:30