COUSINS Lynne and Dawn Orme are today hoping that Evening Star readers can help their quest to trace their family tree which may have exotic roots.The pair from Rednal in Birmingham, want to find out more about their grandmother's side of the family.

COUSINS Lynne and Dawn Orme are today hoping that Evening Star readers can help their quest to trace their family tree which may have exotic roots.

The pair from Rednal in Birmingham, want to find out more about their grandmother's side of the family. Her name was Vera Phillis Baker, and she married Frank Leonard Orme. Vera's parents were Charles Philip Baker and Marie Turner, who later became the wife of Percy Wicks and he had children too. Her siblings were Phillip, Raymond, Charlie, Sylvie, Dora, Daphne and Edna.

Lynne said: “We understand that Edna had a daughter Hilary who lived in Hollesley. We think her married name is Duval and she lived in Oak Hill. If Hilary, or any friend or relative has any information regarding any of the people mentioned, we would be very grateful.”

She added: “We've gone so far on our grandfather's side, but when it comes to Vera. and Marie who lived to be nearly 100, we are just stuck. There is a family story that Maria was an Italian jewess, and there's another story about marriage to a Russian prince – which were two a penny in those days! It's as though there's a big secret in the family and we can't find the key to unlock it. We'd love to know more.”

Lynne and Dawn can be contacted on 0121 453 5521.

Meanwhile, Norfolk woman Val Langley, nee Cross, is trying to trace Pauline Turner, Pauline Blizzard (nee Jefferies), and Pat Whitman, who she worked in Ipswich.

Val, who now lives at East Harling, said: “I worked at Ransome and Rapier with Pauline Turner from 1957-1963. She has a son called Damien, lived in Brunswick Road, has four older sisters, and a younger sister called Veronica. Turner is her maiden name.

Also at Ransome and Rapier was Pat Whitman (maiden name) who worked in the rates office in the early 1960s.

Val said: “Pat used to live on the Whitehouse estate and her sister is called Christine.

“I worked with Pauline Blizzard at Fisons Ltd in prince's Street in the mid 1960s to early 70s, and we worked on NCR accounting machines.”

Val can be contacted on 01953 717359.