Two families have been reunited after 30 years, thanks to an article and letter published in the Falmouth Packet.

Michelle Penver-Esposito, whose grandparents owned Howard’s Army and Navy Stores in Falmouth town centre, moved to America in 1965, and wrote a letter to the newspaper before a family trip to the UK in September.

Ann Richards, whose parents had joined the business, saw the letter and wrote to Michelle, and the two arranged to meet during the trip.

It was the first time in 30 years that Michelle’s mother, Ann Howard-Zaitz, had returned to Falmouth, and the first ever visit to the town for her son and daughter-in-law.

Michelle said: “My son David and his wife Stephanie loved Cornwall and want to go back again and just stay in Falmouth. Only next time it will be with my grandchild – Stephanie was pregnant on this trip.”

The reunion included the four Richards sisters, Ann, Cynthia, Margaret and Bunty, who all worked in the Howard’s shop, Ann’s fiancé Tony, her daughter Nicki and son-in-law Vaughn, and their daughter.

Michelle said: “After so many years both families had added a generation or two. It was wonderful to see everyone, and to be so welcomed. We are all looking forward to the time when the Richards family will be able to visit us here in Florida so we can take them to see Mickey.

Michelle said she was saddened that other friends of her mother, Bill and Madeleine Berks, had not been able to see them on this visit, as they had also written a letter in response to the Packet piece, but she hoped they could meet up in the future.

Falmouth Packet: