Mystery message from 1960s teen - Do you know Janet?

NADV 1509071AM1 Nick Bland hidden message. Builder Nick Bland with the message he found on a wall after stripping the wallpaper. (1509071AM1)

Nick Bland moved into his new house and set about redecorating the hallway when he made the startling discovery hidden behind layers of wallpaper.

A message dating back to July 1960, including instructions to find hidden treasure had been written on the wall in the house.

In her message 16-year-old Janet Durance discusses her favourite singer, Cliff Richard, and her best subjects in school, English literature, English language, French, maths, physics, chemistry, biology and domestic science.

Mr Bland said he was surprised to find the message still in tact.

He said: “I have teenagers and myself and it makes you realise things never change.

“Teenagers still like to talk about their school grades, music and who their favourite bands are.”

Mr Bland is a builder by trade and over the years has left a few hidden messages here and there which will be discovered in the future.

He said: “It’s interesting to me because it is something I have done myself, signed a little initial and a date somewhere and from time to time I have left a newspaper which hopefully people will enjoy in years to come.”

He added: “It’s nice to find something like this.”

Mr Bland is now hoping to track down Janet Durance and find out if she is still living in the Harrogate area. She will be 71-years-old now and Mr Blanc said he would love to meet her and hear about her memories from her childhood home.

Do you know Janet? Email [email protected] or call 01423 707 506.

Janet’s Message

“My name is Janet Durance, I am 16 years old. I was born on the 27th April 1944. The date today is the 29th of July 1960. I am a fan of Cliff Richard, a rock & roll singer. I like horse riding and go to Woodwards riding stables in Spofforth. I got to Knaresborough Grammar School and have just taken my exams. I passed in six subjects. I have a brother of 11 years and a sister of 13 years. For treasure look under the grate in the the back bedroom where £6-7-2-1/2 is hidden.”

In todays money the treasure would have been worth £97, though Mr Bland said it had already been found.