For most administrative affairs Grasse
was Winifred's first point of call but visits to Cannes were necessary for some
matters of business, social events and a larger selection of shops. It is often
mentioned in her books. There was, for example, the incident in 'Trampled
Lilies' where Winifred was called to Cannes to explain a suspicious telegram
which nearly saw her accused of being a spy. On a number of occasions Winifred
attended functions at the famously impressive Carlton Hotel on the The Croisette,
(still one of the most impressive hotels in Cannes). She went with Sir John in
the early days and later attended functions to raise funds and support at the
start of WW II. On one occasion she was persuaded to accompany Elisabeth Starr
who refused to attend a function unless Winifred went. The Foyers des Soldats
de France were Elisabeth's baby but she hated functions and was not a social
person. The only item Winifred had to wear was a Greek tea gown of mauve and
pink chiffon, designed by Sir John after they were married in 1914 and totally
unsuitable. However, she decided that with a large crowd present no one would
notice what she wore!
As the war gathered pace 'Mademoiselle', (Elisabeth Starr),
became more and more involved and Winifred hardly saw her. She had an office located in the Carlton Hotel where she spent
most of
time working and organising volunteers for her Foyers de Soldats de France.
Here is a brief look at some of the places with which
she was probably familiar. The old town in Cannes is largely unchanged but the
area around The Palais, where the famous film festival is held, is of course
very different. Opposite though, between the sea front and Rue Felix Faure, is
an area where the residents have always played Petanque, in front of the lovely
band stand and old houses.
Sunny Bank Hospital
After a visit to friends and relatives in England in September 1933,
Winifred & John left Spilsill Court in Kent to return to Provence and enjoyed five days in the warm sunshine
of the south of France as the grapes ripened. On the sixth day John was
taken ill and after a series of misdiagnoses by several doctors
taken to Sunny Bank Hospital in Cannes with severe abdominal pains. His
usual doctor was away at the time. He died from peritonitis at the
hospital on September 22nd 1933 after an operation for appendicitis
performed too late.

SUNNY BANK Hospital in
Petit Juras, Cannes founded in 1893 as an Anglo/American Hospital. It
closed in 1997, after more than a century of service to English and
French-speaking patients, when the health authorities decreed that it no
longer met modern standards. The site was sold in 2002 and the buildings
demolished. Sir John Fortescue died at the hospital on the 22nd October
1933. For more information on Sunny Bank and to see some memorabilia visit
the Sunny Bank Association
Web Site.
Be ill in your own language!
Maureen Emerson, the author of
'Escape to Provence', has written a fascinating history of
the Sunny Bank Hospital. To read the article click
here.
The redeveloped site
in 2005 - an outside boundary wall is all that remains - a new residence
occupies the grounds
'Victoria' the new Sunny Bank Retirement Home,
Mouans-Sartoux, 2010 is now open.
Visit the Sunny Bank web site

'Victoria', Sunny Bank Retirement Home,
Mouans-Sartoux

'Victoria', Sunny Bank Retirement Home,
Mouans-Sartoux

'Victoria', Sunny Bank Retirement Home,
Mouans-Sartoux

'Victoria', Sunny Bank Retirement Home,
Mouans-Sartoux
Around Cannes

This bank at 1 Rue Louis Blanc was
formerly
J. Pachiandi, (Undertaker), and dealt with
Sir John's death
in 1933 ! |

The Carlton Hotel on the Croisette
where
the Fortescue's attended the
occasional function in the 1930's |

The Croisette sea front enjoying
perfect weather conditions |

The Mairie or Town Hall |

Fountain near end of Rue
Marechal Joffre |

Rue d'Antibes - the main shopping
street |

Sheltering from the November sun |

Lord Brougham stands guard |

Sheltering from the November sun |

Act of Remembrance 2006 |

Act of Remembrance 2006 with Dep Mayor |

Sunset over Cannes |

Sunset over Cannes |

Sunset over Cannes |

Sunset over Cannes |
The band stand
and pertanque area infront of the old houses on Rue Felix Faure -
opposite The Palais

The Carlton Hotel on The Croisette |
|

Picture -
Sunny Bank Associates -
P.Riley
|