She proudly wore it to carry a flagpole on Whit Walks from her then home in Salford to Manchester Cathedral. She recalls it with joy, tarnished by a deep hurt.
Two years later, on June 5 1969, Lynda's mother, Isabella Skelton, vanished in Crumpsall.
The Manchester Evening News can now reveal that, 54 years on, her disappearance is being investigated as a murder inquiry. One man has been interviewed under caution on suspicion of her murder but no one has been charged.
With black wavy hair, Isabella known as "Izzy", was petite, and always dressed in a neat, classic, way. She left behind three children Lynda, Stephen and Richard - and a husband, Lewis.
In 2019, after years of searching, Lynda went to Bury police station to report her mother officially missing.
Incredibly, between 1969 and 2019 there had been no investigation into Isabella's disappearance.
GMP would go on to conduct a 12-week forensic search of a property in the area. They dug down to the foundations, and excavated the cellar and the backyard after reports it had been concreted over after Isabella disappeared.
But nothing was found Lynda, 69, from Whitefield, visited the house during the search with her husband, Keith, and brother, Stephen. She will not give up her search for the truth.
She had never got the chance to say goodbye. When she got ready for school on that morning in 1969, Lynda recalls her father telling her words to the effect that her mother had gone away for work.
This story is from the December 17, 2023 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 17, 2023 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ronaldo hints at retirement - in two years
CRISTIANO Ronaldo says he has not set any plans for retirement but hinted it could come within the next two years.
Carsley's focus on getting job done
INTERIM England boss Lee Carsley is focused on getting the job done by sealing Nations League promotion with victory against the Republic of Ireland in his final match before handing over to Thomas Tuchel.
Selfish parking has driven me to despair
Wheelchair user tells of 'disgust'
Death threats made to medic
A WOMAN banged on the window and shouted death threats at a terrified paramedic who locked themselves in their car after she turned violent during an ugly row with a neighbour.
Street fight captured on CCTV
HORROR footage has shown the moment a fight involving masked thugs erupted on a residential street in Prestwich on Tuesday (November 12).
'He should have had to sit there in that courtroom'
Teenager allegedly sexually abused by man who took his own life speaks out on how she can now move forward.
Town's top cop taking on off-road bikes Interchange
New district Commander makes dealing with scourge one of his first priorites.
Funding for 600 new sustainable homes
MANCHESTER council leaders have approved further funding of £5.1m to advance four new developments by its own company This City to the planning submission stage.
Dad, 50, suffered a sore throat-two days later he died
Family tells of their complete shock and devastation
Demand doubled but we nearly had to close
Foodbank Humans MCR supports 400 families weekly across Manchester but has suffered due to a lack of funding