In a heartwarming display of friendship and nostalgia, four lifelong friends have recreated a cherished photo taken over 50 years ago on a vacation in Torquay, Devon, in 1972. The iconic image, captured in their youth, symbolized not just a moment in time, but a bond that has withstood the tests of time, love, and life’s many challenges. Today, the picture stands as a testament to their enduring friendship, as they celebrate their 70th birthdays by revisiting the past and reliving their shared memories.
A Snapshot of Youth: Four Friends, One Iconic Photo
The original photo, taken on a sunny day in Torquay, shows four young women—Marion Bamforth, Sue Morris, Carol Ansbro, and Mary Helliwell—walking arm in arm along a beach promenade. Their smiles, laughter, and carefree expressions capture the essence of youthful joy and adventure. Wearing mini skirts and flip-flops, they exude the spirit of the 1970s, with a 1960s Ford Corsair casually parked in the background.
For these four women, the image represents more than just a fun day at the beach. It symbolizes a bond forged in youth, as they embarked on an unforgettable vacation in the coastal town of Torquay, part of their shared journey through life.
Recreating the Magic: A 50-Year Friendship Revisited
Fast forward to 2024, and these four women, now in their 70s, remain as close as ever. Despite their busy lives—raising families, building careers, and navigating the ups and downs of adulthood—they’ve never let go of the memories made during their youth. To celebrate their milestone birthdays, they decided to return to Torquay to recreate their iconic photo from 1972.
Courtesy Sue Morris
As Sue Morris, the unofficial archivist of the group, explains, “We always said we’d go back to Torquay one day, and with turning 70, it seemed like the perfect opportunity.” However, there was one major hurdle—dressing in outfits reminiscent of their teenage years.
“I don’t wear skirts or dresses anymore,” says Marion Bamforth, recalling the difficulty in finding attire that would match their original outfits. But Sue’s enthusiasm eventually convinced everyone that it would be worth it. “It was a fun idea to recreate that special moment and mark our 70th birthdays in a unique way,” she adds.
The Challenge of Recreating a Moment in Time
To make the recreation as authentic as possible, the friends scoured thrift stores and online second-hand shops for clothes that resembled their teenage attire. However, there was one challenge: the trip was scheduled for late October, meaning they would have to brave the cooler weather while donning summer dresses and mini skirts.
As Carol Ansbro jokes, “It was going to be freezing, but we had to do it. It was worth it for the memories.” The group even found themselves in a public bathroom, changing into their outfits and making last-minute adjustments, like when Carol decided to “hack off the bottom” of her shirt to make it fit.
The results, however, were worth the effort. With the help of their friends Jane Brook and Carole Connell, who assisted in taking the recreation photo, the four friends successfully replicated the original shot—arms linked, smiles wide, and laughter filling the air.
An Emotional Moment: Looking Back and Looking Forward
When the recreated photo was unveiled, the women couldn’t help but feel emotional. The likeness to the original photo was uncanny, but more than that, it represented years of shared experiences, growth, and resilience.
“We were so pleased with how it turned out,” says Marion Bamforth. “It was emotional to see how we’ve changed, but also how much we’re still the same in some ways.”
Courtesy Sue Morris
“It was a reminder of all the things we’ve been through together,” adds Carol Ansbro. “The ups, the downs, the laughter, and the tears.”
The recreation was more than just a fun activity—it became a symbol of their enduring friendship and the love they share, even after all these years. The photo has since gone viral on social media, with people from around the world praising their bond and even deciding to recreate their own favorite memories with friends.
The Power of Friendship: Life’s Greatest Treasure
This reunion and the photo recreation not only highlight the deep connection these women share but also serve as a reminder of the importance of friendship throughout life. Despite the challenges they’ve faced—divorce, loss, and personal struggles—their bond has remained unshaken.
Sue Morris sums it up perfectly: “Make time for your friends. Even when life gets busy, don’t ever let go of those connections. You don’t know what tomorrow holds, so cherish the people who’ve been there for you through thick and thin.”
As the friends continue to stay connected via messaging apps and regular video calls, they eagerly plan their next adventure, a trip to Blackpool in January. Their message is clear: friendship, like a good photograph, only gets more precious with time.
Celebrating Lifelong Friendship Through Time
The story of Marion, Sue, Carol, and Mary is one of timeless friendship—a bond that transcends decades and remains a source of joy, laughter, and comfort. Their decision to recreate the iconic 1972 photo is a beautiful tribute to their enduring connection, proving that no matter how much time passes, true friendships are always worth celebrating.
Whether you’re inspired to reconnect with old friends or to relive cherished memories, this story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of friendship and the value of shared experiences.
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