Photo mystery uncovered thanks to conscientious act by Levin man

Do you know these people? Photo was taken in July, 1962. WGP 18Mar20 - Do you know these people? Photo was taken in July, 1962.

A lost photo of huge sentimental value to a Levin woman has been returned, thanks to a conscientious member of the public.

The photo, picturing a woman beside her three sons before a wedding in 1962, was handed into the Horowhenua Chronicle front office by a member of the public just before the outbreak of Covid-19.

The man came across the photo while reading a magazine during a wait at the doctor's surgery and handed it in the hope that it might be circulated, as it could be of personal value to someone.

And it was.

The only clues on the photograph, dated July 1962, were on the back of the photograph, where its said, in very neat hand-writing:

"Alison and Graeme's Wedding".

"My Three Sons."

"Jade Green Outfit."

Levin woman Noreen Ottenhof recognised the handsome man in the middle as soon as she saw him - her late partner Graeme Roberts, pictured with his brothers Don and Norm and their mother Unita.

Ottenhof said Roberts, her partner of 10 years, died in 2015, aged 77. To have a photograph of him returned evoked fond memories.

"It's quite precious. It's one of the few photos I have of his early days. It really does mean a lot," she said.

"It was my birthday when I saw the photograph in the paper. It was a huge surprise and I am very grateful to the gentleman that handed the photograph in, whoever he may be."

"I would like to thank him in person, when the Covid situation allows."

Ottenhof said she had no idea how the photo was misplaced, although in a clean-out she did donate some magazines and books to Hospice.

The photograph was taken in Wellington, where the family lived at the time. She said Don and Norm Roberts were both still alive, as was their sister Joy.