A LOVINGLY-carved century-old box that fell into the hands of an 87-year-old woman from Hull will now become a family heir loom – thanks to Messenger readers.

Geraldine Winn had been gifted with a hand-crafted box from a friend several years ago and was surprised to discover that, in a secret drawer in the base, the words ‘A.Broadbent, Grafton Street, Altrincham 1914’ written in pencil.

Embossed on the box is ‘Muriel, From Father, 1914’. Since this discovery, Geraldine has gone to great lengths to reunite the box with the intended owner’s descendants but failed to track them down.

As well as putting a plea out through the Altrincham branch of ‘Streetlife’ and contacting schools in the area, Geraldine has sifted through records and contacted potential descendants through Facebook.

In a last ditch attempt to reunite the box with the family of Muriel – in particular her daughters Susan, Margaret, Elizabeth and Dorothy – Geraldine reached out to the Messenger.

Geraldine said that if the appeal failed, she would have no choice but to give the box to a charity shop as she was getting too old to carry on.

But her almost ten-year search has finally come to an end.

Childhood friends of the daughters got in touch with them after reading the article and Margaret, 79, travelled the 115-mile journey from her home in Warrington to meet Geraldine and collect the box.

“We started chatting the moment we met, like old friends. The more I think about it the more surreal it becomes in the nicest possible way,” said Geraldine.

“I know friends have thought me mad for trying to find the family but I just so wanted to and the joy Margaret expressed was wonderful. I had a wonderful Mum and I think perhaps that is what drove me on to keep trying.”

Muriel Broadbent married Edgar Winterbottom in Bucklow in the early ‘30s and their four daughters grew up in Altrincham, attended the Grammar School, had careers and married in the town before moving away.

Messenger Newspapers:

The family tree showing the relationship between Arthur (A Broadbent) and Muriel's four daughters Margaret, Dorothy, Susan and Elizabeth, and Liza

All are now grandmothers and Margaret is a great grandmother.

Elizabeth, now known as Liza Greaves, 70, said she vaguely remembers the box from her childhood.

She added: “My sisters and I are thrilled to be re-united with a piece of our mother’s history. The box is going around the UK so we can all have a look. The eldest sister Margaret spent a happy day with Geraldine, sharing war time memories and a very nice lunch.

“Margaret has since brought the box to next sister Dorothy in Luton, and from there it has gone to Margaret’s eldest daughter in London, who in turn will bring it to me in Sussex. “My sister Susan will have to wait to see it until she next gets over from Jersey.

“We are not yet sure where its final home will be, but we are very grateful for Geraldine’s search, and to the Messenger and old friends who saw the story for bringing us together.”