I'm not sure whether this is allowed on the forum but I am trying to contact an old school friend who I haven't seen in over 45 years!! I don't use social media so can't look there.

I won't mention his name until I'm told it's OK. He went to St Werburghs primary, then St Anselms and Wirral Grammar. He worked for the Birkenhead News (many years ago) and has also written a few books based on maritime events in Wirrals' past.

I actually saw him a few years ago on the TV program 'Heir Hunters' so, on the off chance he is a Wiki Wirral member, from this information he would know who I am!

Any other advice on searching welcome too.

If he has written books perhaps you could contact him through the publisher, ask them to forward a letter to him or something? That assumes he wouldn't have moved house, of course, but it might be worth a try.

Hi Greenwood..thanks for your input. I did try the publishers - Countyvise/Birkenhead Press - but they closed 4 years ago.

I'm still not sure whether it's OK to mention my friends name in the post? Could a moderator advise me please...thank you.

I assume his name is on the books he wrote, name a few of his book titles, though I can't see anything sinister in what you require.
It would be up to him if he wanted to get in touch.

Good thinking Bert ...... can only find two books one is called DAMBURST about the tragedy in Lairds when a coffer dam failed in 1909 and the other is called True Loyals. thanks Gerry

Gerry, do you mean Birkenhead Docks, wink wink nudge nudge

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Damburst-Birkenhead-Dock-Disaster-March/dp/1901231747

Yes...that's the one... in the meantime I've found an email address and sent a message ... see if I get a reply...🙂

The reviews are very good so just bought one, think only one left now so hurry up if anyone else wants to read this.

There was a description of the disaster here, on WikiWirral, almost ten years ago - but the book looks like a 'must' for anyone interested in local History.

It's not just Amazon who has a copy, there are other sellers out there and it's unlikely to be reprinted with Countryvise going out of business.

https://www.wikiwirral.co.uk/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/277596/Coffers_Dam_Disaster.html

do you not have friends or family who could look on facebook for you. I reluctantly had to join a couple years ago as fishing club had a page. Never looked back ..made so many contacts with old friends and last month a mate i had been tracing for about 5 years joined facebook and was able to contact him (In Australia!)

At least he's selling some more books

My wife has a facebook account but couldn't find him on it (although we're no experts at searching)

I had a quick look too but didnt see anyone likely .

Theres still details for Countyvise though, and its local, just in Birkenhead, so worth a go surely. Bottom of page
http://www.publishingnorthwest.co.uk/publisher/14 There are other books by author of same name , one or two with coastal type connections - but probably not same man as it says he lives in Conneticut.

That is Unit 14 on the Argyle Industrial Estate, I'm pretty sure other companies have taken that over.

John died aged 83 in 2010, his wife Jean carried on until 2015, I don't know what happened to her. Some might remember them from the Wirral History and Heritages Fairs at Birkenhead Town Hall.

Ah shame. Looks like Gerry's reunion might not be meant to be.