Nugent appeal to identify people in historic picture

Nugent, a local charity, is appealing for help in identifying people featured in an historic photo taken in Liverpool in the 1970s.

The rare photo, which the charity uncovered on a recent visit to the Catholic Pictoral archives, shows a large group of children, young people and adults outside the Cathedral in Liverpool and was taken in 1976.

The group was gathered together for the photo opportunity to mark the end of their annual Good Shepherd Mass, and the picture also shows Archbishop Worlock thanking everyone for their support.

The Good Shepherd Appeal – which with its almost 110 year history is one of the longest running appeals of its kind in the UK – happens every Lent and has seen people across the North West raising millions of pounds over the years to help local charity Nugent to care for and support vulnerable people from across the area.

Normandie Wragg, CEO of Nugent, said: “Even though we are one of the oldest charities in Merseyside, having been providing care and support to thousands of people for 139 years, Nugent might not be a name many people immediately recognise. But, whenever we talk about The Good Shepherd Appeal, people instantly know what it is, and have such fond memories of taking part over the years – especially, when they were younger.

“This photo is wonderful as it captures a real moment in time, with so many happy faces, and, as we kick-start this year’s appeal, we’d love to find out more about the children featured, and their memories of taking part in The Good Shepherd over the years too.

“We’d love local people to have a look and let us know if they recognise anyone, or, indeed, if they also have any memories or photos from times they’ve participated in The Good Shepherd Appeal over the years as well.

“As we approach our 140th birthday next year, it would be fantastic to capture some of these fond memories from so many people’s childhoods so we can build up even more of a picture of the history of this iconic Merseyside appeal.”

The Nugent team, when first scrutinising the photo, were also amazed to find that one of the children pictured in 1976 was actually 12-year-old Marie Reynolds, from Childwall who has worked at Nugent for more than 30 years, and is currently employed as Caritas manager.

In an unusual twist of fate, Marie, who is pictured with her friend Anne Casey, also previously led the charity’s fundraising team, including managing the running of the Good Shepherd Appeal.

Marie Reynolds said: “What a surprise to see Anne and I on the old photo. We were both at Notre Dame Everton Valley High School and were representing our school at the Mass. I have lots of happy memories of fundraising for the Good Shepherd appeal and it’s great to be still part of it.

“Seeing the impact the appeal has on local people and the difference the donations continue to make is remarkable.”

Marie and Anne have remained close friends, and Anne, a parishioner of St Oswald and St Sebastian, is also a lifelong supporter of Nugent and runs a Faith in Action youth group which raised funds for Nugent last year.

• Do you know someone in the photo, or have you got any memories of taking part in the Good Shepherd Appeal over the years or at school? Please get in touch with the Nugent team by emailing fundraising@wearenugent.org or find them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter by searching wearenugent, or using #NugentGS.