Newspaper article reunites distant relatives in Norfolk

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 07:02 · Archive

John Sandford met distant cousins Mary and Rex Sexton after a newspaper article revealed a family connection.

John Sandford, 82, from Oxfordshire, shared childhood memories in a newspaper article about living above 96 St Giles Street in Norwich, published at the end of September. He had lived there with his parents Doris and Norman Sandford until leaving for the University of Cambridge in 1963. Sandfords Butchers, the family business, operated from the address and later moved to 81 St Giles Street when his parents relocated to Little Melton.

The article prompted Mary and Rex Sexton, from Mattishall, to contact the newspaper. They had been researching their family history for 20 years and discovered a connection: Mrs Sexton's grandfather's sister, Rebecca Elizabeth Thurston, had married Mr Sandford's grandfather. Both families therefore shared the same great-grandparents, Thomas Thurston and Sophia Green.

The couple got in touch hoping to meet Mr Sandford, who fortunately had a trip to north Norfolk already planned. They met in Holt for the reunion. Mrs Sexton said there was much to discuss, noting that both families had worked in the butchery trade. Her aunt and uncle had run the Tuns Inn near St Giles Street. She gave Mr Sandford a copy of the Thurston family tree, which he found "amazing" to see.

How it is being reported

• Relatives meet for the first time after newspaper article reveals family linkJohn Sandford meets distant relatives Mary and Rex Sexton after uncovering links between their families through a newspaper article about St Giles Street.Eastern Daily Press · 20 Oct, 06:00
• Relatives meet for the first time after newspaper article reveals family linkJohn Sandford meets distant relatives Mary and Rex Sexton after uncovering links between their families through a newspaper article about St Giles Street.Norwich Evening News · 20 Oct, 06:00

In this story: John Sandford · Mary Sexton · Rex Sexton · Norwich · St Giles Street · Mattishall · Holt · University of Cambridge

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