In an era where friendships can be as fleeting as the latest social media trend, the story of four women who have maintained their bond for over half a century is nothing short of remarkable. It's a tale that reminds us of the enduring power of friendship and the joy of reminiscing about the good old days.

The women in question—Marion Bamforth, Sue Morris, Carol Ansbro, and Mary Helliwell—have recently captured the hearts of people around the world with a heartwarming gesture that speaks volumes about their lasting connection. They recreated a cherished photograph from their youth, taken during a carefree vacation in 1972, now 50 years later, in a stunning display of friendship and nostalgia.


The original snapshot, a vibrant image of the four friends arm-in-arm, strolling along a beach promenade in Torquay, Devon, is a time capsule of their teenage years. Dressed in the fashion of the day – mini-skirts and thongs – with the backdrop of a classic 1960s Ford Corsair, the photo is a testament to the joy, youth, and adventure that defined their early days together.


Fast forward to 2024, and these friends, now in their seventies, decided to honour their special milestone by revisiting the seaside town where their original photo was taken. The idea, sparked by Sue Morris, who has always been the group's archivist, was initially met with hesitation. Concerns about braving the autumn chill in mini-skirts and the challenge of finding similar vintage clothing were real. Yet, the spirit of camaraderie and the desire to celebrate their enduring friendship ultimately won over any doubts.


The preparation for the photo recreation was an adventure in itself. The women scoured thrift stores and online second-hand sales to find clothing that would evoke the essence of their 1970s attire. The day of the photo shoot saw them huddled in a public bathroom, swapping their warm coats for the carefully selected outfits, and helping each other with hair and makeup – a scene reminiscent of their teenage years.

With the help of hotel staff and a couple of other friends, Jane Brook and Carole Connell, who were also on the original trip, they located the exact spot where the first photo was taken. The result was a near-perfect recreation of the original image, capturing the same spirit of friendship and joy that had been present 50 years earlier.

The emotional impact of seeing the two photos side by side was profound for the group. It was a moment that brought both tears and elation, a reflection of all the life experiences they had shared in the time between the two snapshots. The recreation was not just about reliving the past but also about creating a new cherished memory that would join the tapestry of their shared history.


Their story, once shared with their local newspaper, the Halifax Courier, quickly captured the imagination of the public and spread across social media. It inspired countless others to consider reconnecting with old friends and perhaps even recreating their own special memories.

The secret to their lasting friendship, according to Sue Morris, is about 'making time' for each other. Despite life's demands – raising families, careers, and personal challenges – they never let their bond fade. They've stayed connected through messaging apps, regular video calls, and planning future get-togethers, like their upcoming trip to Blackpool.

Their story is a powerful reminder that true friendship can withstand the test of time. It's about being there for each other through thick and thin, celebrating the highs, and supporting one another through the lows. As Carol Ansbro poignantly put it, 'Knowing that you've got people that genuinely care, it makes you feel safe.'

For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, this story is a beautiful example of the friendships many of us cherish. It's a call to reach out to those dear friends we've journeyed with over the years, to share old memories and create new ones. So, why not take a leaf out of these ladies' book? Dig out those old photos, give your friends a call, and maybe even plan your own reunion. After all, as these four friends have shown us, some friendships truly are forever.