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IMPORTANT! Please read. Missing Gransnet member in France

(412 Posts)
whenim64 Wed 30-Oct-13 10:28:11

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.

Marelli Sat 02-Nov-13 12:57:58

Have emailed ESA, too.

grannyactivist Sat 02-Nov-13 13:02:07

Just got a reply from [email protected] asking for phone numbers for Heather or Fiona - please pm me asap if you have them anyone.

glassortwo Sat 02-Nov-13 13:05:52

I have emailed.

Grannylin Sat 02-Nov-13 13:10:19

jurawebtv.com/web-tv/tv-haut-jura.php?numemi=1942
Anyone done this one?

ffinnochio Sat 02-Nov-13 13:10:36

Link to the Editor of The Local - France's News in English

[email protected]

and Dan Macguill - Reporter

[email protected]

Please email

grannyactivist Sat 02-Nov-13 13:14:14

Just got a reply from [email protected] asking for phone numbers for Heather or Fiona - please pm me asap if you have them anyone.

JessM Sat 02-Nov-13 13:15:49

grannyactivist I will pass on the lead via FB to the family. OK?

grannyactivist Sat 02-Nov-13 13:18:49

Yes, Jess. Have pm'd Heather with Dan's email address, but don't know how much time she has to check her emails.

glassortwo Sat 02-Nov-13 13:19:08

emailed to both ffin

JessM Sat 02-Nov-13 13:19:33

Done ga your message is passed to the family.

Grannylin Sat 02-Nov-13 13:22:07

GA pmd you

GadaboutGran Sat 02-Nov-13 13:26:43

I've pmed a phone number to GA in case she hasn't got them yet.

grannyactivist Sat 02-Nov-13 13:27:25

Have passed on Heather/Mark's phone number, but please, please keep emailing. The number of people who are concerned becomes part of the story and gives it a higher profile.

glassortwo Sat 02-Nov-13 13:28:32

Just had this back from Dan MacGuill,

Hi Andrea,

Thanks for this.
I'm publishing an article at this very moment. We'll do everything we can to spread awareness among our expat readers in France.

Keep up your efforts,

Best wishes,

Dan

grrrranny Sat 02-Nov-13 13:29:40

emailed Jurawebtv

Agus Sat 02-Nov-13 13:33:38

Great stuff Glass

LaraGransnet (GNHQ) Sat 02-Nov-13 15:50:13

Been tweeted by The Local. article Here it is and they've done some good tweets.

GadaboutGran Sat 02-Nov-13 15:53:00

GA is so right. The UK media were hard to get going but now they have it will grow as they don't like to miss out. The story is on a lot of sites now. If nothing else click on Like on the Carol Sheridan Missing facebook page.
I've even done my first Tweet.

Elegran Sat 02-Nov-13 16:05:42

I'd a similar email to that, Glass It thanked me for my vigilance.

ffinnochio Sat 02-Nov-13 16:08:31

This from the ESA:

I've shared on Facebook and I have contacted the local newspaper with a link to a story about it I found online.

Her granddaughter contacted us last week, and I shared with the association president for distribution.

Marelli Sat 02-Nov-13 16:35:13

I had similar reply, ffinnochio, from an Amanda Callendrier. She asked if I knew exactly what the authorities were doing. I don't feel confident in telling her this, in case I make a mistake in what I say. Is there anything in particular I should remember to tell her?

ffinnochio Sat 02-Nov-13 16:49:50

Marelli Have pm-ed you.

Marelli Sat 02-Nov-13 16:55:47

Haven't received it yet, ffinnochio. I'll keep an eye open for it.

grannyactivist Sat 02-Nov-13 17:07:59

Thanked Dan @ The Local for his help and had encouraging email back. Amanda Callendrier already has the 'Missing' poster up on her FB page. Let's keep up the pressure granfriends. (*soop*'s term).

Marelli Sat 02-Nov-13 17:14:34

Received ffinnochio's pm ok. Thank you.