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.
granjura, I am so sorry.
At last some potential news, and it is so very helpful to read Granjura's informative post. I also assumed the police had been in before. If the car is confirmed, that will be such a step forward. Emailed, tweeted, followed, liked, prayed etc as have so many, many others.
Police went to location given and could not find the car. Info was given on a Forum,and the reliability could not be checked before passing to police. Totally deflated, I am so so sorry. Fiona has been informed.
Just logged on. Firstly, an enormous thank you to Granjura for all your invaluable help and secondly, please let this be Carol's car. I know we are all hoping, wishing, praying etc that this is the case and that we will have some news very soon
Great to see you back Granjura many many hugs.
I have a strange feeling that the search needs to be closer to home as greatnan always seemed to post about her planned adventures. I think she popped out on a 'trivial' errand.
Just back to catch up and the details coming out cry out that Carol was just following her average routine. Yes, she is on top of things, but would happily park herself on her sofa bed to read or listen to the radio, watch TV, leaving dishes in the sink amounts to a dish and pan that might be soaking along with a mug dropped in the bowl as she was leaving. It takes two minutes to tidy her apartment. I watched her do it!
The time of day she left has always indicated she was not far away, as she would want to be back before it started going dark. If she has parked up and gone for a walk, she would probably be in a two or three mile radius of the car. I do hope it's hers.
My thanks to Ganjura, too. Such practical and effective help, and near enough to turn up and berate them for inaction if they take their feet off the gas!
I didn't realise you were back on here Juragran and the page didn't refresh until after you'd posted so I didn't see that you'd already posted the info.
Lovely to see you back Granjura and thanks for the update. It seems to me that the key is to get the story on the 19/20 France3 news and in the Dauphiné Libéré. Will they do this do you think?
Will update as soon as we hear more.
I don't want to get your hopes up at this stage but there has been a possible unconfirmed as yet sighting of a car similar to Carol's in the area where she lives.
Fingers crossed we get some good news soon.
Good evening Gransnetters.
So glad to read that there is a possible lead on the car.
I wanted to relay mumsnetter bluebirdonmyshoulder's post for you here
"Taking a turn to bump.
Haven't read the whole thread so sorry if this has been thought of but does anyone know where else she's been lately? If there's any famous routes in that area (like the Haute Route or Wanderwege) is it possible she was doing it stage by stage and therefore looking at where she's been recently might give a clue as to where she might have been headed?
Just a thought."
As I thought it was a good line of thinking, possibly. I hope this car lead is solid though and the above is superflous.
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.
Oh please let it be Carol's car. Positive thoughts
Keeping Carol in my thoughts and hoping this sighting leads to good news.
Please God!
I'm not sure who is who Marelli but thought it was worth asking.
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.
Do you mean Elaine, kitty? Is Heather not Elaine's daughter?
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.
I think we all assumed when they said they'd checked the flat, that they'd entered it! How naive of us!
Great to see you granjura.
Has anyone contacted Greatnan's other daughter?
Thank you granjura
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
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.
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
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