IMPORTANT! Please read. Missing Gransnet member in France

Spoke again to the superintendent at the police twice this morning. They have finally broken into Carol's flat, and found all the usual signs that she had onloy gone out for the day, and not for a longer trip. Washing up in the sink, food in the fridge, bedsettee unmade and ruffled. Previously they had gone to check the flat but not gone in- and had concluded that as the shutters were closed, she had gone away for a few days. I told them on Wednesday that Carol always closed the shutters when she went out on a walk or shopping trip, to save on heat- they were surprised, and began to take matters more seriously from then on.

They are now convinced at last that she did not go for a 'jolly' to clear head or whatever, without telling anybody. They asked me if I thought she might have recently become disorientated and suffered from memory loss- but I explained that When had recently visited, and commented on how confident a driver she is, how well she knows the area, and how 'switched on' she is- and totally with it.

Explained again that Carol does not normally park in official car parks or near main roads, but find small and wild country lanes to stop and then go off walking. Again, they were surprised, due to her age, and I insisted they need to pull all the stops to go and look in small country lanes and forestry lanes. Hunters, walkers, hikers, woodcutters, mountain bikers, alpine clubs- all have been solicited to keep an eye and 100 open, and to contact the police station in charge with any info- especially sightings of the car. Interpol has been contacted, and therefore Swiss and Italian Police are on the look out (as she lives close to both borders)- had a long chat this am with the local Swiss police, to keep them aware.

So tempted to go out myself and look in the area- but it is vast, and if the local police, mountain rescue and community who frequent such islolated lanes can't find the car... I am unlikely to do so either. Getting desperate and clutching at straws. Thanks for letting me back on GN for update.

granjura; is it usual for her not to do the washing up etc before going out? I had the impression that she kept on top of everything [living in such a small space[.

Much respect, Granjura, and it's good to see you back.

I echo janeainsworth's post

Agree with both Tegan and Jane

Good to know you are on the case granjura

Thanks Granjura

Thanks for all your hard work granjura-it needed someone to clarify everything

Thank you so much Granjura

I am so, so glad you are near at hand granjura to make them really aware. When I heard the first report that nothing was amiss I wondered, "How do they know" if they don't know the real person - too many assumptions get made. You can't help with the research but you are an invaluable consultant for them & hopefully keeping them on their toes. Keep up the great work.

It was all horribly real before this update but its even more-so know.

I was talking to my husband and he said if the lady was last seen at 1pm and presumably would have wanted to get home before dark she more than likely would not be going very far from home for her walk.

just came on for an update , before we go out to dinner with friends .
So very glad to see you back Granjura and all the valiant efforts you have made . you are truly a SUPERSTAR. Hope you stay with us !! xx

Just had a message from Fiona, Carol's daughter in Nelson. The latest development has really hit her as it shows Carol has not just gone off on an adventure. She says:
"I am overwhelmed with sadness. I can't look at the Gransnet posts anymore, because it is just too emotional for me but I know that everyone is doing all they can and I am so grateful to them all for all their love and support. Please pass on my thanks to them all, you have all been wonderful. xxxx

Fiona is meant to be moving this weekend to their dream home which Carol is so excited about & can't wait to visit. She's not surprisingly finding it hard to stay positive.

It sounds as if Greatnan might have left in a bit of a hurry which might also contribute to the likelihood of an accident as she is a careful driver. I do wish they had thought if letting themselves into the flat earlier by getting a key from the janitor who must have one. Dare I ask if foul play has been ruled out? Horrible thought, but did she leave alone? Is there any evidence in the flat as to whether it was indeed Sunday (e.g. a newspaper or similar?) or although the neighbour saw a car but did (s)he actually see Carol driving it? I'm afraid my imagination is now running away with me as so much seems to be out of character.
Granjura I am so pleased you are involved and able to cut through some of the red tape. Thank you

Thank you granjura

Great to see you granjura.

Has anyone contacted Greatnan's other daughter?

I think we all assumed when they said they'd checked the flat, that they'd entered it! How naive of us!

At the beginning, when her grandson-in-law emailed me, I thought that he had been able to access her computer in her flat. I'm not terribly up on tech- y things, though. Would he have been able to do this remotely? Sorry to seem a bit dim.

Do you mean Elaine, kitty? Is Heather not Elaine's daughter?

Just had a report via a Swiss Forum of a sighting of the car in a small lane just North of Habère. Police informed and searching hopefully now.

I am not religious at all, and neither is Carol, but please all pray in your very own way that this will at last lead to Carol- and her safe return.

I'm not sure who is who Marelli but thought it was worth asking.

Please God!

Keeping Carol in my thoughts and hoping this sighting leads to good news.

Oh please let it be Carol's car. Positive thoughts

kitty Carol's two daughters are Fiona, who lives in New Zealand with whom she has a very close and loving relationship, and Elaine who lives in England and from whom she is sadly estranged.