Does anyone know how to write in press release format? If so, could be worth trying this...?
www.briefingwire.com
Good Morning Spring Bank Holiday Monday 25th May 2026
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Carol Sheridan, who we all know well as Greatnan, has gone missing in the French Alps, probably whilst out on one of her frequent mountain walks.
Carol lives in Habere Poche, in the Haute Savoie departemente about 20 miles from Lake Geneva. She is mad keen on hiking alone in the mountains, and will often take off in her car to find a remote mountain pass where she can walk and enjoy the amazing scenery.
On Saturday last, she was seen driving out of her car park by a neighbour, and she has not been sighted since. Police have made enquiries and advised she can be listed as a missing person this morning. Interpol, Wellington, New Zealand police and the French gendarmerie will cooperate in attempts to find Carol. (Her daughter lives in New Zealand)
Her daughter, Fiona Conyers, is coordinating a poster campaign, and local radio stations, the Mairie, people in the village, Commonwealth Office, British Embassy and several others have been notified. GNHQ have a copy of the poster and will try to assist.
Carol's mobile phone was active whilst she was missing, but is now showing 'call failed.' However, signals from it when it was active may help the search.
She drives a black Fiat Panda 4x4 reg: AZ 522 AP. she could be parked on a mountain pass, waiting for help to arrive if she has broken down. The walks she goes on are in very remote areas, but she does occasionally see other walkers and cyclists.
A group of Gransnetters has been busy over the last 36 hours, sharing information and supporting the family. A couple of fluent French speakers have emailed local radio stations, offered to speak to police and to give help with translations of information.
We are aware there are quite a few Gransnetters living in France and the Swiss borders. If you know of any walkers who will be in the French Alps today, please share this with them.
Finally, would you please avoid sending private pm message with your good wishes, as answering them will distract the involved Gransnet members from liaising and offering support to Carol's worried family. I know you lovely Gransnetters will understand, and we'll keep updating as we know more throughout the day.
Many thanks.
Does anyone know how to write in press release format? If so, could be worth trying this...?
www.briefingwire.com
Will do.
That would be great, please do & stress the importance of finding her car.
Once again if anyone can call any of the numbers listed it would be a great help - one thing I have learnt from this ordeal is how infrequently the French check their emails!
Here's a list of of Hiking Clubs in Greatnan's area:
haute-savoie.ffrandonnee.fr/1363/CDRPAssos/haute-savoie-comite-et-clubs.aspx
Would you like me to collate all info. + posters and email them, if it's not already been done.
We've got a member of mumsnet, fluffifox, spreading the word on a forum calked 'snowheads' which she posts on and which has some French ex-pats.
And a member called Empress who will try to contact Justine Roberts (founder of Mn) directly as her husband is the editor of Newsnight.
Just to keep you updated.
Family members are making travel arrangements to fly out to there from the UK, if not only to feel as though we are actually doing something!
There is a large distance to be covered however & I wonder if anybody knows of or can contact a local aviation association or helicopter that may be able to help locate Carol's car. It's a long shot as it is black & likely parked in or near forest, but may be worth a try?
Ditto glass
If thousands of us flood the BBC with emails they WILL recognise it as a story worth commenting on. Come on you regular posters and lurkers too - it takes two minutes and Carol would do it for you, I'm sure.
Good thinking, shysal.
Has anyone from GNHQ thought of ringing the Jeremy Vine Show on Radio 2 at 12 o'clock? It's live and they take phone calls throughout. It needs to be someone who is up to speed with what has been done so far.
BBC done & Local Liverpool radio Stations in case anyone is off on their travels to that area also friend who works at Manchester Airport has been made aware and taken FB details.
GreatGranddaughter Lara. Forgive me for asking, but is the family financially able to fund any travel and/or search expenses? If there are difficulties I am sure a collection can be set up to help. I am not sure how this could be done but hope somebody in the know would come forward.
I have too to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10631033
Which address did you use - important to have lots doing this so they take notice
I have Emailed BBC with posters and link to thread.
For more posters that may be helpful to circulate visit my facebook page as I have plenty: https://www.facebook.com/lara.conyers3
I have posted an update on communications with French police on the concerns & support thread for those who want to be kept in the loop on that side of things
Yes, it's been confirmed. Anno and I have both been in Carol's car.
Here is the car poster to share. As far as Greatnan's granddaughter, Lara, is aware this is what it looks like.
To those trying to contact the French Hiking Fed: I have just read that on Thursdays they are only open 1330-1730. Please try again at this time if you can, otherwise leaving a message is great!
Here is the thread I made directed to media types on mumsnet. Please add anything that I have missed, or if you are not a member of mn, I cam copy/paste from your posts here too if you want me to.
I've emailed my broadband supplier [AOL] with details, but I'm having to go out soon so won't see any replies. The address I used was for 'reporters only' any other channels would take forever.
Have emailed the BBC website.
Thank you Mishap, please share this story as much as you can, particularly with others in the area.
Unfortunately no official search party has been launched yet, we have several French contacts such as charities and the FO working to persuade the police to begin an official search as they have been reluctant to do so thus far with no crime having been committed.
Thanks for the Facebook links baubles and glassortwo. Just a reminder to try keep this thread clear for new info and suggestions to find her and put any good wishes on the other thread here.
Excellent idea from Psammy.
Here is the link to the form on the BBC website re possible stories of interest if you would like to submit a brief summary of what is occurring, of particular interest to the media may be how these forums have rallied together across the globe in the effort.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10725415
I am going to try and keep my efforts focused on contacting local businesses and communities that can bring immediate help/information. But I do agree that all publicity is good publicity so by all means, bombard them Gransnetters!
Hello Lara - I do know that the angloinfo site forums are well-frequented, so I do think that it would be well worthwhile to post something on the forum and also contact the administrators of the site. I am sure that someone has already done this, but if not I would be happy to do so, as I am registered with them.
Is there no official search party? - I am surprised that the police have not set this in train.
Good luck. x
Rang but got answer machine and left a message.
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