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Valentine's Day: Ashford widow trying to find old Valentine she met while waiting for trains in Maidstone and West Malling

A Kent widow is on a mission to find her old Valentine from the 80s and 90s.

Jackie Foord, who was living in Bearsted, near Maidstone, at the time took to social media to track down a National Rail ticket officer she sparked a connection with more than two decades ago.

Jackie Foord is looking for her 1980s Valentines Graham Hill who sent her a card after their date
Jackie Foord is looking for her 1980s Valentines Graham Hill who sent her a card after their date
Jackie Foord is looking for her 1980s Valentines Graham Hill who sent her a card (54874342)
Jackie Foord is looking for her 1980s Valentines Graham Hill who sent her a card (54874342)

Jackie, whose husband Colin died 11 years ago after the pair enjoyed 10 years of marriage, is on the hunt for the rail worker she spent a wonderful date together with in Kent in 1989.

She said: "I would often talk to the British Rail - now National Rail - officers while waiting for my train.

"Some were more popular than others and were much friendlier, talkative and helped you at stations.

"A couple months down the line from when I started getting the train I went out with Graham Hill. He was on the early shift and waited for me to finish work.

"We went to Wye Village and the New Flying Horse Inn where we played pool and had a few drinks."

Jackie Foord is looking for her Valentine from the 80s
Jackie Foord is looking for her Valentine from the 80s

The pair went back to Graham's shared house and listened to music before he took Jackie back to Charing station to get the train home to Bearsted.

Jackie, now living in Ashford, added: "I wanted to see him again but was very shy and nervous.

"He sent me a Valentine's card but we lost touch and he changed the station he was working at.

"I was with Colin for 10 years when he suddenly passed away in my arms 11 years ago.

"I've had a few boyfriends on and off but nothing special to write home about."

Graham's card to Jackie read: "Jacqueline, perhaps we can try again sometime.

Maidstone East train station off Week Street, Maidstone.Picture: Martin Apps
Maidstone East train station off Week Street, Maidstone.Picture: Martin Apps

"With love from East's No. 1!"

The Maidstone woman joked she hopes Graham isn't married, before adding she spoke to her illusive Valentine Graham from July 1988 to 1989 when travelling on the Maidstone East line to West Malling and between July 1989 and August 1996 she between Maidstone East and Bearsted.

In her social media plea she said: "Do you or know anyone who worked in the ticket office/booking office of these train stations?"

If you are or know Graham you can contact us on messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk

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