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