29 August – Vivienne and Brian Simmonds

Today we’re off to visit my cousin Vivienne and her husband Brian. We leave Forest Row for a comfortable drive to Goring-by-Sea near Worthing. Having been this way when we went to Portslade, the initial part of the journey is simple, except I miss a turn at a tricky double roundabout near Lewes and have to double back. It’s a beautiful sunny morning, a deep blue sky with some white clouds chased by a strong breeze. As we pass Shoreham, from the A27 we have a spectacular view of the majestic Lancing College. It was at this school on 18 August 1942 that my father and the rest of Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal Regiment ate their last meal before descending to the beach at Shoreham and embarking for the landing at Dieppe the next morning. We follow Google directions and they bring us to Marine Parade, a road in Worthing that runs beside the sea. Johanne says that at some point we have to turn left. I don’t think so. The channel is on our left and the only place to turn in that direction appears to be a pier off in the distance. We begin to doubt our Google directions, considering some of the difficulty it’s given us. In spite of our reservations, Google takes us to South Avenue, a quiet, little street where my cousin Vivienne and her husband Brian live. Only one problem. Johanne can’t find the address. Not to worry. I can see Viv standing at the end of her driveway waiting our arrival. Silly us. We have the address. It’s September Cottage. There are no street numbers!
We receive a warm welcome from Brian & Viv. Once settled, they’re interested in our visit with Robin Wood. Johanne shows them the remarkable Baker Family Tree that Robin and his daughter Sandra created. They’re fascinated by the detail it provides, including information concerning their family, though I must correct an oversight (perhaps on our tree) when I next contact Robin. Viv isn’t listed in the publication! We spend much time talking about the Baker clan, particularly the colourful characters. We tell them about our other exploits since coming to Europe. After a delightful lunch, we’re back to discussions about the family. Viv & Brian bring out old photos. What amazing treasures.

I show Viv a photo I took at Robin’s of someone we believe to be Frank Harper, her mother’s first husband and the father of her sister Jenny and brother John. She has no recollection of him other than she was was told he looked like a famous actor.
According to Rodney Mitchell (see 27 Aug blog), his father Norman and Frank were great friends. Based on this information, we conclude the mystery man must be Frank Harper. If anyone following our blog can confirm or refute our assumption, please do in a comment.
After much more entertaining banter, the wonderful, relaxing day with distant but loved family members unfortunately comes to an end. We pose for several takes of a group photo before I can get the flash working. Brian has the same problem with his camera. Perhaps it’s a guy thing. We say goodbye and I promise to return soon.
The weather for the drive from Forest Row to Viv & Brian was excellent. However, while we were indoors enjoying our visit, things changed. The sky is a depressing grey and a cold driving wind blows in off the sea. The rain is chilling and we rush to get into our car. Definitely a bad hair day for Johanne & Viv.
The drive back is uneventful and I breeze through the tricky double roundabout with ease. Back at the Chequers, we sit by the bar, enjoy a light supper (fried calamari and greens / duck pate with chutney), a glass of Pinot Grigio and Johanne begins to download the POW list we received yesterday from the National Archives email link (120 individual files). If we don’t download our hard earned work, they disappear from the National Archives link after 7 days.
Tomorrow we’re going to the East Sussex Records Office in Lewes to try and find my grandfather Charles Tilden Baker’s gravesite.
Last year when we were in England we did an extensive search of Brighton, Haywards Heath, and Danehill cemeteries in East Sussex without any luck. Hopefully the Records Office will shed some light on the whereabouts of my elusive Grandfather.