Friendship Across the Pond

In 1956, John McKendrick crossed the Atlantic to spend nine months in Colne. Nearly 70 years later, now living in sunny Florida, John remains captivated by this little Lancastrian town and even subscribes to our sister magazine Northern Life.

It was through the magazine that John discovered Geoff Crambie, a dedicated local historian renowned for his vivid tales of the north’s past. Intrigued, John wrote to the Colne Life offices, hoping to get in touch, and from that letter, a transatlantic friendship was born.

“I tell him it’s raining here, he tells me it’s 90 degrees over there,” Geoff chuckles. “He’s a lovely chap. He rings me from Florida and we have a good catch-up!”

Geoff has unearthed photos of the teachers who taught John during his stay in England, along with stories from 1956 in Colne. But it’s not always about the past. Geoff also keeps John up to date on how Colne looks today, sharing videos he has made for Colne Town Council’s YouTube channel. Each of his five tours brings Colne to life with historical insights and a modern perspective on the town.

“I feel fortunate to have made a friend from thousands of miles away at my age. It’s brilliant!” Geoff says with a smile.

ColneLife Sep/Oct/Nov 25