Hi everyone,
I have a bit of news to share!
The Liverpool Echo has just rung me to talk about Robert's grave! I sent them a shortened version of everyone's efforts to reunite Michel's medallion with Robert, and the subsequent quest to lift Robert's gravestone. The reporter is trying to put together the story and asked me quite a few questions about how we were all involved and why.
I hope I got this right but I said firstly we wanted to help Michel after all the years he spent trying to find Robert. Secondly we all felt that Robert had become part of our individual families having learned so much about him, that he had become 'our' Robert (which is a very Scouse expression!) and that after his brave contribution in the war we were sad he died so young and had no one to remember him. Putting his stone back up will mean he is still remembered.
I told him 30 odd people had sent donations from England, Wales, Scotland, France, Spain, Australia and the US but hundreds (is that right?) have been involved in the search for information and the threads have had 1000's of hits. I said this is an unusually high number compared to normal requests for help.
The reporter, David asked if there would be anything on the stone or nearby to give the story so I said that was up to the Church Council but we would love that if it is possible. Edna, maybe we can ask Graham Paisley about his ideas on this? He asked what was happening with the medallion (which he's asked for the photo of and I'll email this afternoon) but I explained that was Michel's decision and hadn't been decided yet.
He doesn't know yet if it will make the paper but he is hopeful that with the righting of the stone it will become a local interest story! He wants Annie's email address (if that's okay with you Annie) because I don't want to become the main person in this quest with coming to it so late!
He has asked me how long it will take and I said we are still trying to raise the last £150 (sorry mods!) but it's looking very hopeful. In the meantime as it will take 8 - 10 weeks for the stonemason to fit us in, should I go ahead and put a small deposit down so they can order the equipment? What do you all think?
I am still hoping Welsbys might be tempted to give us a donation when they hear about the Echo so I'm going to let them know as well!
Oh I'm all excited now.... Fancy being interviewed by the Echo!!! I need to go and lie down in a darkened room for a while...... :-D
Well Done everyone!
Lynne
