Family reunion is thanks to Adver
5:40pm Tuesday 24th January 2012 in Music By Flicky Harrison
WHEN T-Rex drummer Paul Fenton knew he was going to be playing a gig in Swindon, he thought it would be the perfect opportunity to reconnect with a cousin he had not seen in 60 years.
And after appealing for information in the Adver on Beverly Kershaw’s whereabouts, Beverly, who prefers to be known as Mark, got in touch after a family friend saw the story.
A family reunion is now planned before the drummer’s gig at MECA on Saturday.
“I would love to see him again,” said Paul, 66, who lives in Yorkshire.
“My music prowess comes from the Kershaw side, the brains too. My mum’s cousin was the leader of an orchestra.
“It is all thanks to the Adver that this has come about.”
Paul’s uncle, Tim Kershaw, moved to Swindon in the 1940s and the family in Yorkshire did not see them again due to the costs and transport difficulties.
“My father’s sisters joined the Land Army and they married southern gentlemen too,” said Paul.
Mark, 65, lived in Kent Road, Old Town, and worked for Swindon Council at the Civic Offices before training to become a teacher.
He left Swindon at 22 and became a lecturer at Worcester College of Technology and the University of Worcester.
His daughter Hannah is still in Swindon and followed her dad’s footsteps into teaching. She teaches at St Mary’s Primary School.
Mark’s other daughter Gemma lives in Royal Wootton Bassett and works at Dyson.
It was a friend of Mark’s wife, Rosemary, who saw the article about Paul in the Advertiser.
“It was quite by chance,” said Mark. “She rang up and we went on to the internet to read it. I couldn’t believe it was me.
“I have not had a lot to do with that side of the family. I knew I had a cousin who was a musician. I remember him in the band Christie.
“I was at university at the time and my friends were a bit snobby about it as it was a pop band. After that we lost track.
“I would like to meet him and chat.”
Mark’s father, Tim, died in 1977 and his mother, Barbara, passed away shortly before Christmas.
Mark is still a staunch Swindon Town fan and regularly travels to the town from his home to watch matches.
On Saturday, the family will meet up with Paul before the gig and stay to see him in action.
T-Rex are touring for the first time with the Boomtown Rats. Tickets cost £14, plus booking fee, from the website at: www.swindontickets.co.uk or by calling 01793 495527.
