Paignton brothers return from Australia to revive long-lost connections

Two brothers who were well known to Paignton in the 1960s are returning to Torbay and hoping to revive some long-lost connections.

Hotelier Mr Peter Hubert Syles Penfold ran several local hotels, starting with the Belvedere and later the Bramcote and the Cherry Tree Hotel.

Peter and his wife Barbra had three children; Janet, Paul and Nigel, who attended Curledge Street School in the 1950s. The Penfold family then packed everything up and migrated to Perth, Australia.

Each Penfold sibling has since had distinguished careers. Paul joined the Australian Navy while Nigel graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia, and qualified as a Chartered Accountant.

However, with the urge to return to their roots strongly pulling them back to England, both Nigel and Paul will be back in Paignton in late August. They have recently had their father’s photographs updated to digital format and will meet members of the Paignton Heritage Society to share their stories and memories at 2pm in Paignon’s Library Cafe on September 2 and all are welcome.

The two brothers added: “If you hear a couple of Australian accents in the streets, go up and say G’day, they will be pleased to re-make acquaintances in Paignton.”