A PAIR of childhood friends who had not seen each other in 70 years were reunited at a vintage memory event in Bettws yesterday.

Around 50 people from Willowbrook Community Home, Capel Court, Wellwood House and Glyn Anwen all came together at Willowbrook to enjoy a variety of 40s and 50s music and memorabilia.

Ten different topics were covered at the event, which included clips from the Queen’s Coronation to various displays with things such as household items, perfumes, and cigarette boxes for residents to touch, feel and smell.

But the best for Willowbrook resident Jeanie Burrows and Doris Hill, from Wellwood House, was seeing each other after 70 years.

Both the 83-year-olds lived on the same street in Shaftesbury, Newport when they were growing up as well as attending the same school, and playing hopscotch in the street together.

Mrs Burrows said: “We went to the same college and we went to Brynglas together, we were 14 when we left school.

“It’s lovely. It’s bringing back fantastic memories, lovely memories about our school days.”

Mrs Burrows said she spotted Mrs Hill as soon as she came in and recognised her straight away.

She said: “As I was walking down I saw her and thought, I know that lady.”

“I still couldn’t quite believe it was her.”

As well as bringing together old friends, the day encouraged the residents to share their memories.

Willowbrook’s manager Helen Jeffery said: “We have held two events like this and they’ve gone down really well.

“It uplifts them [the residents] and if you look at their faces it’s just delightful for them. They love to see people coming into the building and joining in.

“We’ve held days like this before, but this is our biggest one.”

The day was brought together by an initiative between Linc Cymru and the Active Aspirations project, which has seen £12,000 donated to similar projects that have taken place over the home for the past two years.

All the homes that were involved in the day are also part of Linc Cymru’s Extra Care housing scheme, which enables residents aged 60 and over to live independently in their own homes with support tailored to their needs.