We Love The News: Joyce tells us how it reunited her with her long lost friend

The 91-year-old was not shocked by the situation – people showing their support for carers during lockdown – she was surprised to see her old mate John Castleton, who she lost touch with almost eight decades ago.

Joyce, from Purbrook, lived in Somerstown when she was seven years old, in a row of houses that has been long since demolished.

It was while living there that she became friends with John, who she affectionately calls Johnny.

She said: ‘He was out on his doorstep ringing a bell to say thank you to the nurses and the NHS when The News took a photo of him.

‘When I saw it, I couldn’t believe it. I said “it’s you!”. I have an old photo of us all back then and it’s got his name on it, the same name as was in the paper.

‘He is older than me so he’s 98 now. It’s incredible.’

It was the first time she'd seen her old mate in more than 80 years, and has led to them getting back in contact and 'becoming the best of friends'.

As a result, Joyce and her daughter, Val, now visit John every now and then for a distanced natter and to take him a strawberry cream sponge cake.

SEE ALSO: The News launches its We Love The News campaign to promote the value of buying a newspaper

Joyce credits The News for helping them get back in touch.

The great-great-grandmother says it’s been a staple of her life ever since she can remember, and that she started buying it herself when she was 19 years old.

‘My mum took it,’ she said.

‘She used to get the evening edition, back when there was one. There was always a copy on the table.

‘I love the community news, obviously, and I always turn to the births, deaths and marriages first.

‘It’s surprising to see the people who have died.

‘There are lots of people who can’t get the internet, so they rely on this. Not many people put it in the paper any more but I think it’s still so important.

‘It is sad when someone dies and it’s not marked properly.’

Joyce, who was married to Ernest for 59 years before he died in 2008, says she’s had 54 different jobs in her time.

Now long retired, she keeps herself busy with her friends and family, but she always makes time to read The News.

‘I love The News. I love everything about it. I read it from top to bottom, every single word,’ she said.

We Love The News

The News has launched its We Love The News campaign to share some of the ways that our newspaper has touched the lives of our readers.

Whether that’s by being featured, or promoting a good cause, or uncovering some wrongdoing, or just simply landing on your doormat every day, there are many ways in which The News plays a part in our readers’ lives.

We hope to celebrate these stories - and by doing so remind everyone why buying a newspaper is such a wonderful thing to do.

If you would like to be featured, and shine a light on the ways The News has helped you, your cause, charity, campaign, or business, email [email protected]

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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