An apprentice was reunited with his 104-year-old teacher after more than 35 years - thanks to a post on Altrincham Today.
Last month we shared the news on our Facebook page that Denis Hilton, a resident at MHA Handsworth in Bowdon, had enjoyed a party at the home after turning 104.
The post received an incredible reaction - over 109,000 views and 2,500 reactions - with one of the many comments from John Brennan, who was taught upholstery by Denis in the 80s.
Denis taught John between 1982 to 1988 at Swain and Turners, on Upper Chorlton Road in Chorlton.
John was very keen to meet Denis and contacted the home.
Following a conversation with Denis’s nieces, activity coordinator Charlotte Fowkes arranged for the two to meet.
Alongside Denis’s niece, the pair spent an hour and a half chatting and walking in the garden.
Speaking after the visit, John said: “I worked with Denis for around six years before he retired.
“As a teacher and friend, he was fun, fair and well disciplined.
“He was always punctual and thanks to his teaching I decided to get my own shop and work in antique furniture.
“I did try to keep contact with Denis after he retired but lost his address.
“I am so happy I saw his birthday post on Facebook and hope to return to visit him again soon.”
Denis’s niece Karen added: “It's a compliment to Denis that John made contact and has made Denis feel valued.
“It was a part of his life that we were not aware of and has given us another topic of conversation.
“Upholstery was the only career he had, John was so good with Denis and there is this saying that upholsterers never die, they just recover.”
